I was going to do the obligatory post about New Year’s resolutions (I’ve been thinking about my goals for the year all weekend), but instead I thought I’d be different and share some pictures from my recent soujourn to Australia.
It dawned on me as I was boarding the plane the other day that it’s been precisely two years since I arrived on the shores of Ol’ Blighty, bulging suitcases in hand. It hasn’t always been easy re-establishing a life here, but I don’t regret my decision for one moment and will continue to live here as long as I see it as a wonderful adventure.
But I’m forever asked why I would want to leave a place like Australia, where the beaches are sandy, the climes warm and the people relaxed and friendly. To be honest, when I lived in Australia I took the weather and the beaches for granted and would hardly ever go, instead preferring to laze under a leafy tree by the river, go for walks in the National Park close to my house, or sit al fresco at tiny, sundrenched cafes. But after not having seen one for 2 years, it was all I wanted to do. I suddenly realised how much I had missed the scorching sun, and the relaxed lifestyle that comes with 15 hours of balmy sunshine a day.
So here is a glimpse of the other half of me; of the place I’ve left behind. It’s so strange to think that just a few days ago I was eating gelato at the beach with dear friends, and now I’m swaddled in several layers in front of the heater in Cambridge.
Collecting seashells. It’s true what they say; if you hold one against your ear, you can hear the sound of the ocean. The whitest, fluffiest sand – warm beneath bare feet. The feel of the blue, blue salty ocean – cool against sundrenched skin.
Walks on the windy jetty, men with weathered complexions fishing off the sides. The sound of seagulls and children playing. The desire to eat nothing but proper gelato (all but impossible to find in the UK) and mangoes so succulent their juice runs down your arms.
The smell of seasalt, sunscreen, frangipanis and mangoes. As the sun sets, we move to an ocean-front cafe for a shared plate of seafood or wood-oven pizza, a glass of wine or an affogato.
What do you love about the way of life that comes with endless summery days? Have you ever taken a place for granted and not realised until you left?
Love, Miss B xx
Stunning photos, I would absolutely love to visit Australia.
Beautifully put Briony. I have really started to evaluate where I want to be in 12mths time as this year will mark 4 years since I left (I vowed 5 years max). I’ve read quite a few expat stories and they all say the same…we don’t leave Australia because it’s an awful place to live, in fact it’s the total opposite. We leave because of the lure of adventure and the dream of living in Europe. You always hear Australian expats saying “I’ll go home eventually” but making that decision becomes harder each year you are away. And yes, definitely need a London catch-up. Let me know when you’re next visiting for the day! De x
It looks like an amazing place, and so warm!! I would luv to visit Australia one day.
I love Australia and have always wondered the same thing: Why would you live anywhere else. I mean I kinda get it in a way that London is London and all that… But still, specially in harsh winters as this one, I would take Australia over anything! 🙂
M
It does sound amazing, I could almost picture myself there as I read your description. Glad you had a great time x
You are not only a great writer, but a great photographer too! I love your photos!
p.s. chanel beige does come in a small 2.5 oz size 🙂
You say it so well.. I think I do take it for granted here. Ever since I was a little girl I would say that I was going to get out and live somewhere else, that I hated it in Australia, that it wasn’t right for me. But to be honest, I am rather fond of it – the heat, the sun, the ocean, the lifestyle. I love that sun-drenched, carefree thing. I love eating outside and walking everywhere. I’m going to miss it if I move overseas – which I still want to do.
I’m glad that you enjoyed the beaches and oceans when you were in Australia. Now it’s my turn to enjoy green pastures and all that when i come to europe 🙂
X
I really miss summer days but I also like Winter (except the rain).
The flower is beautiful.
Kisses
Teresa
We often take the beauty of Paris for granted as well- it’s the nature of living in countries that other people can only fantasize about! Glad you enjoyed your beachy New Year – wishing you the best in 2011!
So lovely. Happy new years! x hivennn.
Aw! These pictures are really cool! I would love to visit Australia someday seems to be a very interesting place.
x
funny because i am the reverse.. im from the states but moved to australia a few years ago. i always get aussies asking me WHY i would leave new york for their country and i sometimes think they dont realize how good they have it! i mean of course i miss NYC and will move back there eventually, but australia is magical, isnt it?
x
http://theindulgent.blogspot.com/
beautiful pictures! i love the one of the texture in the water. so jealous you got to spend your holidays by the beach 😉
Yes, absolutely. I didn’t start to appreciate my hometown before I moved to London.
Your “about you” summary almost describes me to a T. Blogging is my escape from the real world and I get to fantasize about the beautiful things I would buy, do and see if I had unlimited funds! I am new to your blog and I love it! I’m now a follower.
The Cheeky Cafe
I only discovered your blog last week and have spent spare moments since reading through every post! It’s a lovely read and is providing blissful escapism at work! xx
I totally understand what you mean about taking a place for granted and not realizing it until you’re no longer there. I’m wasting away in Cambridge wishing I was back in Colorado eating Mexican food, cross-country skiing at 12,000 feet and chilling with my friends. In the meantime I’ll try and make the best of Cambridge so maybe I’ll miss it whenever I leave to another new home.
I really want to go see Australia!
Seems like u had a fabulous time back in Australia! I gott say, your photos are just soooo lovely and i would die to be there right now, i cant stand the cold weather over here! I especially love your shot of the seashell and flower in your hand, and gelato on the beach? OMG…..luxury treats in life:D
I totally know what u mean about one moment you’re enjoying yourself in another place and next thing you know, you’re back home back to old routines. I always feel that way when i come back from a fab vacay. Anyhow, hope you get settled back in the UK in no time and most importantlu, stay warm! MAybe drink a hot choco rite now? ahhhhh..lol
Also, i’ve nominately you for the stylish blogger award for blatant reasons! lol So feel free to drop by my blog and read up on it! Plus, u get to know a little bit more about me…AGAIN! lol…..
Cinz
http://cinzee.wordpress.com
Your words makes want to pack up my bags and immediately board on a plane to Australia. Sunny days at the beach are far, far away from me 🙁
It’s not fair to show us these beautiful pictures of beach & sun when it’s freezing cold in NYC 😉 As I hear more and more about Australia, it’s becoming one of these places I must visit. What a shame it’s so far away!
Lovely pictures!
-Samantha
Wow that was such a great post – I’m so glad that I’ve stumbled across your blog! x
Oh wow, what a lovely post – your photographs (and words!) are beautiful. How lovely to have the best of both worlds.
I moved from my home town of Bournemouth to live in London last year; it’s been an amazing experience, I love it, I just miss home. Silly, really… it’s only 2 hours away! x
Ahh what a gorgeous post B! So true the things you take for granted. I remember coming home to Sydney after living in Japan for a year and absolutely loving the feeling of placing my feet back on home soil. And I love that pic of you-you look like Lily Allen! 😀
Hi!Amazing pics! I hope to become BRAVA like you!
xxx
G.
What BEAUTIFUL photos: this is so my eye. And the way you put it together. It’s a shame you couldn’t come, I’d have loved to have met you. We were actually talking about that, on the bus from the train to the place: how incredible that this many women were either unemployed (i.e. freelance) or otherwise able to take off work or school to go.
Well, NEXT time. Thank you for stopping by and for leaving such a sweet comment. I want to read this properly again but just going by the photos, I can tell we’re on the same page.
What lovely pictures. Perfect for daydreaming during the cold, snowy NYC winter. I’ve just moved to Manhattan from London, for my own adventure, so I’m very interested to read your post…
Ooh, I hope your New York adventure is all that you’d hoped and more! Do let me know how it all goes.
B xx
Lovely post, if you get a spare moment check out my blog. X
I’m stunned! These pictures are so light, sunny and perfect! Just what I need to see in the middle of the cold winter or North America. 🙂
Wow. so wonderful to hear everyone saying such nice things about my country that jetty looks suspiciously like Glenelg in Adelaide but I’m probably mistaken, would be very excited if it was?! I guess like everyone (the Parisians, New Yorkers) we simply live in another’s tourist destination! X
Hi Ellie, the first picture is actually Grange Beach jetty (always one of the loveliest, unspoiled beaches to visit in Adelaide), and the second is Henley Beach. And yes, make sure you enjoy all that sunshine!
B xx
Lovely pictures! I totally agree, it’s always when we’re in a different land that we realise how much goodness back home was and how we always took it for granted! I miss it so much now! But perhaps it was a process to make me appreciate it more now.