Farewell Perth, Hello Melbourne...

After talking about it for a few years, I finally did it! I packed up my life in Perth (less a few things here and there), and drove across the Nullabor to Melbourne to start afresh. Why? Well, my usual response to that would be "Why (the hell) not?" (Only those of you who remember my one appearance in a female fashion magazine in Malaysia will get the "the hell" joke, in which case, none of you would remember so that’s OK… hahaha)

Ever since I visited Melbourne for the first time in the winter of 2003, I have always been in love with it. It's the only city in Australia that I keep returning to over and over again. I have some wonderful family here (no offence Joshua, I love you too but not quite Sydney!), the coffee is always (OK, OFTEN!) perfect, and the selection of international cuisines simply delectable and affordable. It certainly helps that Melbourne is also the cultural hub of Australia with an abundance of galleries, theatres, museums, live music venues and comedy clubs to whet the appetite for every art enthusiasts.

Despite all the great things going on in Melbourne, the decision to relocate to Melboure has been one of the hardest and most painstaking I have had to make in a long time. I never thought it would be so hard to leave Perth, but after six and half years living in the world’s most remote city, I found myself clinging to my life in Perth. Nevermind that friends (who aren’t from Perth) have often teased about how Perth wasn’t quite Australia, or raised eyebrows when I refer to Perth as a city. Sure, Perth’s a little quirky and a bit of a ‘kampung’ (village), but hey, have you visited ADELAIDE?? Hahaha…

Jokes aside, Perth has been home to me for the last six and half years. There are just so many things I love about Perth, like the many parks and the South Perth foreshore, breakfasts by the beach on weekends, coffee and cake at Point Walter, a day trip to Swan Valley for wine, cheese and chocolate, and free barbeque spots all over the city. More than these are the people I have come to know and love over the years living in Perth. I have been really blessed to have some amazing friends through church, work and other acquaintances; people who have touched my life in so many ways, shared some amazing moments and experiences with, and most of all, put up with me! LOL...

So why move anyway? Well, I guess it was time for a change, for new beginnings and life experiences. Change is an important aspect in life because it keeps it fresh and exciting. I figured that life was too short to live in one place, and there are so many amazing things to do. For someone who gets bored quite easily, I just felt it was time for a change of environments.

Yes, change can sometimes be stressful but what’s important is to keep things in perspective and look at the big picture. Of course I’ve freaked out a few times prior to making the move, and still do from time to time now. And I think that’s pretty normal for anyone getting out of his or her comfort zones and starting anew. Moving away from familiar territory also helps us appreciate what we had or have, and gives us the opportunity to start again.

Driving across the Nullabor alone for a week gave me a lot of time to reflect on my life in Perth; to count my blessing, acknowledge past mistakes, and make some resolutions for a ‘new’ life in a new city. While I miss my friends (and life) in Perth very much, I am thrilled at the prospects of what life has to offer me in Melbourne. A change in career, a new hobby, a fresh start.

It’s been almost 2 weeks since I arrived in Melbourne. I have sent over 2o job applications and still haven’t secured a single job interview. Still, I am hopeful and keeping my chin up. Yes, I am a little scared and uncomfortable but freaking out isn’t going to do anything. Worst case scenario, I pack up and head back west to my old job and life… which isn’t bad at all. But for now, I’m trying to enjoy the ride and learn to let go of my securities and embrace all Melbourne has to offer me…