Settled?

 Usually, after six months somewhere, you'd assume settling in would come easy. Well, I think I'm finally there...

What determines "settled?" Is it being able to walk out of your house, have that coffee and not worry about still moving stuff from your old place? Is it being able to meet up with friends and have a beer? Walk the park, or the streets, and actually know the way home?

Well, I think I'm somewhere in the midst of all of this. In some ways, this week's blog almost could've been called "high's & low's" too.

10% better every week

The saying goes, "search for that 1% improvement", wether it's daily or weekly, but honestly I have to say - and maybe it's lifes way of giving the blog content - that ever since I wrote the first word, every week has got better and better, even despite challenges.

After being told my finger wound was infected (don't worry, no pictures attached}, I knew the next week was going to be a bit of a pain in the ass. Struck off work for at least a week, given a course of antibiotics, and as it goes, more temptations to go for beers - which of course I resisted...

The week started with bad news, I don't like time off work too much, sometimes it makes me think too much. Gives me time to procrastinate. I did my best though: coffee with mates, did some work I needed to do on my laptop that is long overdue, breakfast out - in general, just relaxed and made something off my days off. Living in the City now, literally just a short walk into the thick of it, just makes life so much easier. When I lived 30-40 mins from the city, I'd actually sit inside and overthink days off. Before you know it, I'd spent 5-6 hours just in my room before work, come home, sleep, and repeat. It's unhealthy.

Location...

City life

You might recall my walk from Bondi to Coogee around three/four weeks ago? That was the moment I realised I had to move. Yes, 30 mins into the city isn't much, but it was an inconvenience. I'm only in Australia for a short time, why not save that 30 minutes a day? Why not be nearer the beach? Why not be nearer the pubs & clubs, and opportunities for long weekends?

I pay $15 a week more. One problem I have with a sharehouse is the cleaning/drying facilities for clothes, but that is a small price to pay for living closer to everything. The beach bus stops at the top of my road for gods sake, I think $6 in coins and an extra hour of waiting around for washing is worth it...

Friday night. I'm pacing my room, bored. It's about 9:30pm. Popped some clothes on, and wandered into the City. "My Hero" - Paramore - blasting in my headphones. It was somewhat a sombre night, I didn't feel sad so to speak, just a bit in my head. Christmas coming up, I just miss family. I miss home. And my dog. Miss her a lot.

I grabbed some ice cream, Gellatisimo had a cookie dough ice cream. Two scoops. Sat by the opera house, and just had a think about everything, when I got a message. "Come out? Bars?" - that one text kickstarted probably the best weekend in Sydney, or even Australia, that I've had.

I got home at 11am Saturday morning. Then, out again. Home at 7am Sunday. Later that day? Out again. Some wicked pubs and clubs, time spent with people I now consider good mates. Being made to feel welcome, that warming feeling, I can't really put into words how grateful I feel.

Moving to a big city is hard. You might do it, or maybe you already have. Just don't think over it too much. Build your foundations, find that job, and budget appropriately. I can't speak for full-time life in Australia, but for a traveller, that's my recommendation. 

It's strange to think I've been out more times in one weekend than in the entire last six months, and while nights out aren't the only fun you have in Australia, I've set the precedent. This place is awesome.

The story of this week then? Rotten finger, antibiotics, beers, music, no sleep, and new friends.

This weeks take-away

What I took away this week? Honestly, just that it will work out.

I'm an outgoing person. Struggling to make friends isn't a problem I've had before. I think what this week has taught me is that sometimes just saying 'yes' and not worrying about how, or when something is going to happen is important. You're on the trip of a lifetime, immensely privileged to be able to do this, why not just be random? Go on that 'side quest'? Enjoy myself?

Within reason obviously. Always have to be responsible. I still need to turn up for work, pay rent, provide for myself, all that stuff. But rather than worry about money too much, or who I can go out with, I'm just going to 'send it', you know, have fun.

I'm still nursing the hangover from the weekend to be honest, the blog was a bit late because of that, I'll admit. It's been an awesome week.

Every Tuesday, lunchtime UK time. See you next week.

Oh, and just a quick one - Merry Christmas! This time of the year, it’s all about loving and taking care of people. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to have people take care of you, remember how lucky you are and treasure it. Remember to reach out to those who may not be as fortunate, let’s make Christmas loved for everyone.

Jamie x