After the sicknesses that plagued my last trips to Oz, it was time for the perfect one. I got on the plane… completely healthy. I arrived in Melbourne, completely healthy. And damn was it a good feeling.
I’d been a little more hesitant about going this year I was off by myself again, and the guilt and sadness at leaving my 3-year old behind was a little more intense. Last year he barely noticed my absence. This year, he was well aware. He didn’t mind me going, because he got to stay home with Papa. But at the same time he wanted to come with me, because he didn’t want to miss out on ice cream.
In the end, (probably not surprisingly, cause I’m not the favourite) he wasn’t too fussed that I was gone. And while he understood I wasn’t there, he didn’t really understand the concept of how long I wasn’t there.
I still find winter in Austria far too long. Those brittle, frozen mornings when the short walk from the car to daycare is enough to set your teeth chattering; the shrugging on and off of coats, beanies, scarves and gloves. It’s just a bit much, for a bit too long. Perhaps it feels even longer when I know I’ve got a month in a warm climate coming up.
But there I was, in Australia again. And what did I do? I caught up with friends and family. I enjoyed the sun. I swam in the sea and in some of my favourite Melbourne pools. I ran on the beach and walked the coastal track above it. I tried to really enjoy the downtime. The pure bliss of having nothing to do. Of waking up and taking a walk or run on the beach. Of an unhurried breakfast. Reading a book outside on the banana lounge with no planned end point. Joining my parents on their daily coffee run and its mandatory sweet treat. Having lunch made for me. Having fruit cut up for me. Being constantly asked if I wanted a cup of tea. It was true delight.
There was enough time for a family trip up to Albury to stay with my bro, which was awesome. Who knows when we’ll all be together again. I ate ALL THE FOOD: Chinese banquet, meat pies, fish’n’chips, mum’s homemade muesli, crumpets, raison toast, big breakfasts, roast lamb and dim sims. It was indulgent. It was luxurious.
And four weeks was a good, long time. It was enough. I was ready to come home.
And then…
…well, you’ll have to wait for the next installment.
an aussie in austria 