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Exiting the USA

A new home

Searching

A person standing on a sidewalk near a body of water

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Julia and I set out early, the excitement of a new adventure thrumming in our veins. St Kilda was our first stop. The seaside suburb welcomed us with open arms, its vibrant energy contagious. We strolled along the famous Esplanade, the breeze carrying the salty tang of the sea.

Luna Park's smiling face and Acland Street's bustling cafes and bakeries greeted us. We can’t wait to indulge in some of the best vegan pastries.

As the day waned, we wandered to the St Kilda Pier where young people overflowed soaking up the sun and diving into the blue waters. We can’t wait to return to watch the sunset, and the penguins make their evening appearance. We returned to our temporary lodgings with hearts full and minds buzzing with possibilities.

A person in a hat and sunglasses standing in front of a body of water

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The next morning, we ventured to the Docklands. The modern skyline and waterfront views offered a stark contrast to St Kilda's bohemian vibe. We explored the vibrant precinct, marveling at the art installations and sleek architecture.

The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel loomed over us giving people a bird's-eye view of the city, a panorama that I am sure took their breath away. We spent time wandering through the Docklands Park, its green spaces providing a serene respite from the urban hustle.

Dinner was at one of the many waterfront restaurants, where we enjoyed vegan food and watched the lights reflect off the water. As we sat there, the idea of calling this dynamic place home began to take root in our minds.

A paper with a movie ticket in front of a stage

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The next day of exploration took us to the suburbs around the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. The lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere were a stark contrast to the urban landscapes we'd explored. We meandered through the Royal Botanic Gardens, taking in the diverse flora and fauna.

Each suburb had its own charm. South Yarra's chic boutiques and cafes offered a stylish appeal, while the quiet, tree-lined streets of Toorak exuded an air of understated elegance. Richmond's vibrant, multicultural vibe was also hard to resist.

We stopped by the Ornamental Lake, the serene setting giving us time to reflect on our journey. Each place we'd visited had its own unique allure, and the decision was far from easy.

A path with bushes and water in the background

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As we wrapped up our exploration, we felt a sense of clarity. St Kilda's vibrant energy, Docklands' modern appeal, and the suburban serenity around the Botanic Gardens each offered something special. While the choice of our new home remained open, we knew that wherever we settled, it would be in a place that resonated with our hearts.

The journey had not just been about finding a new home; it had been about discovering the soul of Melbourne and how it mirrored our own aspirations. We felt fortunate to be on this adventure together, with the promise of new beginnings on the horizon.

Family and friends

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The sun continued its steady march across the cobalt sky, casting a familiar warmth over the land. Julia and I arrived in Frankston, greeted first by Lawrie. His embrace was strong, and his laughter filled the air, a balm for weary souls. The day slipped away in a blur of shared stories and familial comfort.

The next morning, the sun rose on a new visit. John and Di met us with open arms, their presence bringing a serene calm. We talked in the dappled light of their garden, the conversations deep and meaningful, as old memories mingled with new hopes.

Another day dawned, and this time, we reunited with Paul and Vanesa. Their youthful energy breathed life into the day, and together, we ventured into the heart of the bush. The path beneath our feet crunched softly, the air filled with the scent of eucalyptus and the symphony of distant kookaburras.

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Kangaroos and wallabies moved gracefully through the underbrush, their presence a testament to the wild beauty of the land. The sun's warmth seeped into our skin as we walked, finding a deep contentment in the untamed world around us. Our voices blended with the sounds of the bush, sharing thoughts and dreams in quiet tones.

Each day brought its own rhythm, its own story. In the end, it was the simple moments that bound us together—the quiet walks, the shared laughter, and the untamed spirit of the land reflecting our own hearts. Julia and I now understood the raw beauty of such a time, the strength we drew from each other, and the wild allure of a land that mirrored our own souls.

Kangaroo kangaroos in a forest

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I came to America with hope so bright, Dreams in my heart, reaching new heights. But now I leave, with sorrow deep, Disappointed, these memories I want to release.

Gunfire's echo, a memory cast away, White supremacy fades to gray, Misogyny's grip, let it cease, In unity, find lasting peace.

Xenophobia, a memory lost, Homophobia's shadow tossed, Build a future, bright and free, Where hate and fear are history.

America, now a chapter closed, In my heart, a new path posed, A lesson learned, I move ahead, Towards a future where love, inclusion, and understanding spread.



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