Around September of 2014 I started to massively stress. Although I wanted to stay in Australia, my visa wouldn’t allow it. I managed to find myself a job after a few, very stressful, weeks. A condition on my acceptance was a period of leave to head home for Christmas, so goodbye Melbourne.
I was so excited to be heading back, such anticipation; I was heading home for Christmas! It had been a year to the day since I had last seen my parents in Vietnam and, almost, 18 months since seeing the rest of my family as well as the new addition - my nephew Matthew.
First stop on my trip to the UK was the country I loved so dearly every second I was there, Japan!
Last time I was here I had my fortune told at a temple, I received the worst fortune - so bad it told me to stop everything I was doing, I was going to get sick, I should leave my job, I should not travel, I should live in status-quo. I interpreted the last fortune as a delayed re-telling of the last few months prior to leaving the UK on my big adventure but nevertheless I thought I’d see if my luck had improved.
Woohoo, good fortune! The tides had turned and I’m on the up. Time to celebrate with my favorite things: Takoyaki (octopus in batter covered in dried tuna flakes).
Sushi train.
Katsu Kare Don with Fukujinzuke (panko crumbed pork with curry sauce, rice and pickles).
And just taking in the city, trying to see the few things I missed last time and revisiting the places I was fond of, and trying not to feel too cold in the 5 degree temperatures.
Sadly I only had two days and most the parks and museums are closed on Monday’s and everything runs shorter hours on Sunday so I missed out on a lot of fun.
By the time I made it home I felt I had had a nice holiday from work and broke up a tiring 26 hour flight. I was greeted by a beautiful sunlit city and my parents who I’d missed so very, very much.
Again, time was spent with family, friends and food. Although I was gone for a month, it didn’t feel long enough.
Christmas day was magical, to spend the time with the people so far from my new life that I miss and care for so dearly and the village and home where I grew up.
Taking a walk around the local area I suddenly felt so disconnected; most was the same, a few childhood memories forever gone like the fields of blackberries cut away and no more for future generations; and the bakery, pubs, restaurants, and railway station drastically changed or closed; my closest childhood friends now with kids. I noticed besides family and friends few things remained that didn’t leave me feeling like a tourist in my own country.
It was a long trip, a short trip, a cold trip, a sunny trip. Before I knew it I was back in the sky bound for Hong Kong.
A chance to see my girlfriend in the city she grew up in and be given the local tour.
I really enjoy Hong Kong. It’s a city with beautiful parks and food on every corner.
But another short two day stop and I was heading back to Melbourne, summer, work and my new/old life.
I’m writing this a year late, but it’s good looking back and reflecting. Maybe I’m getting myself into a similar situation now. I’m heading home again in a few weeks time, and I’m also contemplating wanting to get my permanent residence. I do miss home, I miss my family so much it hurts at times. I miss the connections that feel so distant and how with each day I feel some vanish and others wear down. I’m enjoying my time in Australia, it’s not a sad thing, there’s the damn inevitable change happening and I’m enjoying the ride.
Once again, photos on Flickr.
Much love, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2015.