A Love letter to Australia

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Dear Australia,

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Wow can you believe its been seven years! Where has the time gone? Oh wait, let me tell you. My  first arrival date was December 17, 2017 and I knew then things would never be the same. My first and only share house experience in Sydney was at the famous, Hibernian House. 501 started off my many adventures and great friendships. It’s a place that is very rough on the outside but its charm and charism can and will win us all over time and time again. I shared many memories and some great homemade Italian meals obviously, not made by me made but where I did most of the eating. This place provided me friendships and a steady place to lay my head as I figured out this Work Holiday Visa (485). I was definitely sad when I had to depart unexpected due to my mother illness, but I wouldn’t change my mom’s last seven weeks because we got a chance to say everything and nothing was left unsaid. And it is in this period where my mother gave me her blessings to go back to Australia and continue that life that I wanted for myself and that she wanted for me.

 

Returning back at the start of 2019, I was already changed man. This change and passion for life has been sparked within me and will forever be my default as tomorrow is never granted. One should die with memories not with dreams! Starting my masters program on the (500 student visa) was one of the hardest things I've ever done thus far in life especially after my mothers death. To be honest, I did not do so well my first semester but it is because of this failure that I kicked it into high gear and actually ended up doing a double degree program. In 2022, I felt my mothers presence when I graduated from Macquarie University with a Master of International Relations and a Master of Management. My Tree of Life, right side rib tattoo says, ‘Once my mother lived for me, and now I live for her’ and in this single moment it was never more true! I knew all of the scarifies she made as a single mother and this quote was something that I asked of her to write because I knew that one day this would be transposed onto my body. And on graduation day “WE” achieved our dreams. 

 

My time in Sydney is very special to me because of the close friendships that were developed, my flatmate who kept me sane during covid, my university mates, some awesome beach hangs, nights of on Oxford street, my relationships, and don’t forget Zaddy. You all are special to me in your own unique way.

 

In March 2022 I moved to Melbourne for love, post Mardi Gras of course. This man showed me how to build a home and what one should value. I now understand the life lessons that he was trying to convey to me but at that time I did not know it but I do now. Melbourne is rich in COFFEE, life, art, culture and this permeating city that is always just on the cusp! 

 

Melbs, babes, my love, you have also changed me. I know that my chosen family, ALL OF YOU, are my ride or dies! I met some of you on my first weekend in Melbourne and was introduced to the others via a special group, Melanated in Melbourne. My family has grown by marriages, a new class, and a title I hold dear, Fairy God-Father. Without each and everyone of you playing your part the last two and half years would not have be kick-ass. 

 

To my lovers and friends, Paint It By Dip It (Nisa), my SatSesh boys, my besties, work colleagues through trauma bonding and my parties boys each one of you are near and dear. You will always have my heart and know that I’m always down for a good time or a mirror or toilet-selfie! 

 

It’s been hard to say good bye over the last few weeks. I’ve done a tour just like in North America, to see some special mates in Adelaide and Sydney because I could not leave the country with a quick meal, shower, and hug at your homes. It’s been one-on-one catch-ups, and a three day birthday event complete with a family dinner, an amazing birthday party at Evil Thoughts bar in Brunswick, and a Southside Sunday sesh - momma’s tired and needs a rest but not just yet. I have had to pack up the apartment, sell my things, ship them overseas, and all while still making new friends - which is what Melbourne is great for, a boy doesn’t want to leave. Know that this in not goodbye but I’ll see you soon. 

 

Here a  few photos that capture all of this and more plus my much needed rest in Bali as I make my way to my final destination, Lyon France. Stay tuned for what’s to come next. 

 

xx