Exiting the USA
A new home
Searching
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.