I’ve had these pictures sitting in draft for months and I’ve changed this blog post topic now for the 3rd time. I haven’t written a blog post in months for a few reasons. Let’s catch up.
My job has now full steamed ahead. I’m back in a 9-5 and dreaming of better days. My job luckily offers me the ability to be completely home-based and some travel every now and then. Work travel of course is not as free and light as normal travel but the change in scenery and location is a nice reprieve. On account of having no annual leave banked up right now, travels are being put on the back burner.
Recently, I flew to New Zealand for work. It was a quick 2 day work trip with 2 days of travel days to get there and back. It was the first time that I flew international with only hand luggage! I felt so lost- checking in at the kiosk but then just walking through to security. I liked not having to wait for my bags and just rolling past out the exit feeling smug. The downside was that on the way back, I spotted some Whittaker’s chocolate (a New Zealand specialty) at the airport and couldn’t buy any due to the weight of my bag. My handbag was already stuffed full with some Cookietime cookies. I’ll have to wait to the next trip.
George St, Sydney
I’ve been battling some shoulder pain in the past year or so which has nice actually settled a lot after some regular physiotherapy and constant exercises. I’m not sure how the shoulder pain was caused but maybe the luggage pulling and hurling from mid last year did something to it. You know how these aches and pains start, they never go away. So I’ve been told anyway.
A while back I posted about reverse culture shock and how difficult it was to reintegrate back into my ‘old’ life. I’ll explore this further in another post. I think I’ve settled back now but I don’t think I’ll ever feel reintegrated. I see life here through somewhat unfamiliar eyes. And that’s ok.
I decided to take some photos on my camera this day. How bad is it that the first thing that comes to mind is that the photos feel retro? These photos also feel…..empty or cold? Not the usual photos I like to take. Perhaps it was just what I was feeling that day or this is actually how the city is. Maybe I’ll try again another day and see what I find.
I hope you’re well. Until next day!
Lingo in Transit 
Thanks for the life update! Sounds like things are stable with a new job that has the perk of travel! Reverse culture shock is real, and while we eventually get used to being back at home, it’ll never be the same as it once was. Hope the job and life back in Australia is making you happy and fulfilled! 🙂
It’s nice to hear that it’ll never be the same- that’s comforting. On the fence about if I’m happy and fulfilled!
I’m firmly convinced that visiting other countries and experiencing other cultures do affect your views and lifestyle forever. Even if your holidays are far, far away, you could start researching and planning now. And look for different cultural experiences at home .. they await you!
Great tips Therese. Not sure why but I’m not even in the mood to plan any trips. Maybe I’m in my nesting era.
I’m glad the new job is stabilising and it’s great you had a bit of a change of scene with work. I hope you can bank up some annual leave days soon – it’s a crazy notion for me here in the UK as no banking is needed; we just start with 30 days annual leave plus 8 days bank holiday and can go whenever we like!
Omg, I didn’t know that you just get it all upfront. That’s actually a lot of leave too- I’m jealous!
It really does take time to readjust but each day gets better. Try and get out with some friends and explore a new part of town that you have never been to before.
I’m trying very hard to keep exploring!
Oh the feeling of coming back “home” after being away for a while is such a strange one! Usually the place looks exactly how you’ve left it and it seems like you have changed so much that it is difficult to go back to your previous life and routines.Take it easy on yourself and hopefully you will slowly readjust!
Exactly! It’s weird.