Three thousand kilometres. That is how far we will be moving in the New Year, from tropical Cairns to temperate Melbourne. The truth though, is that it seems a lot further given the massive changes to our lifestyle that the move will entail. For the better part of ten years, my husband and I have lived in the tropics; Darwin, East Timor, Thursday Island and Cairns. Our boys are tropical kids, rejecting shoes, and swimming up to three times a day. My professional career has been defined by our regional location. The reasons we have chosen to move back to my hometown of Melbourne are complex but it is a journey we are making seeking a more integrated life – with family, friends and community. Although I know the move is right it is nonetheless tinged with ambivalence at leaving beautiful North Queensland.
Cairn’s free public lagoon pool on the Esplanade
So, as I pack up our home (a Queenslander of course), still burdened by the ills of pregnancy and heavy with pregnancy in the way only those who do pregnancy badly will understand, I look to our future in Melbourne. I hope that we find what we are seeking in Melbourne – support from family and friends as we raise our kids, a faith community and opportunities for service. I also look forward to exploring the best of Melbourne for families with young kids, to exploring Victoria’s gold fields and snow-fields and to fantastic ethnic cuisine, soon as a family of 5 with a brand new bub. Proximity to Sydney, Tasmania, South Australia a well-serviced international airport are all a bonus.
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Best of luck with the move!
Thanks Lisa. Moving is definitely one of my least favourite things to do.
Good luck with the move and the rest of your pregnancy! I was always one of those pregnant women who got so large people thought I was having triplets. After spending years having family just a few hours away, it’s been quite an adjustment to move overseas with nobody for support. I will welcome it so much when we move back.
Oh Michele – I keep being asked whether I am sure I’m not having twins, I haven’t been asked about triplets yet – I think it would send me to tears. When are you moving back?
Good luck with the packing! It does not sound fun what with everything else. The kids are certainly going to find it strange at first (as will you all, I guess) but I’m sure they’ll adapt. Best of luck with a smoothish transition for them there.
Thanks. We move south in summer so hopefully it will ease the transition for us all.
So sad you are leaving but look forward to exploring new kid friendly places with you x
Hi Kristina. We are sad to leave you guys too. I think we should go to the snow together next winter.