Uluru and trouble

As everywhere else Australia has its fair share of social problems. Here is an article about the elders in Central Australia threatening to close Uluru (or Ayers Rock as it was formerly known)to tourists as a protest over government interventions in Aboriginal communities in an effort to tackle addiction, widespread child abuse and other social ills. It would be a shame if tourists could no longer see the big rock and it would of course harm the Australian tourism industry.

Derwent River

This is one of my favourite pictures, taken from a little cruiser in Hobart harbour a few years ago. I just love how waves and the lines of the bridge interact with the hazy hills in the distance. I loved Tasmania with its ancient silent forests. Hobart was an interesting place. I don't think I could live there but it has some nice features.

Banks

Just opened my Aussie bank account. It's amazing what you can do online without actually being in the country. It was very easy to set up. I also found out that apparently Australian banks charge you a monthly amount just for the privilege of having an account with them. That's a new one on me, I have to say. But, when in Rome, obviously. When I get to Sydney all I need to do is produce myself at my branch of choice and I will be off and running. It's funny counting down to the off, it's very exciting as well as a bit scary. Oh well. I'm sure all will be well. 'She'll be right'..

Apply yourself, young man!

Just spotted another library assistant vacancy, this time at Sydney University, which is the place I am trying to get in to so that would be good. It's only part-time and fixed-term at that, so by no means ideal but I'll go for it none-the-less. You've got to be in it to win it, right?

Shipping

Not quite sure how to ship my belongs over to Oz yet. I won't be taking any furniture or large items, after all it's just me who's going. I will want my books and films on DVD so I will have to make a start with selecting which ones I will want to ship over. I hate the fact that my wife and I will be doing the cliche chore of dividing up our CDs and DVDs. In the end, a separation is a great leveller.

Long Reef

Long Reef, North of Sydney, a spectacular headland and series of cliffs. When I was there, a few years ago, the weather was blustery and a tad chilly, although the skies were filled with the most amazing cloud formations.

Reason for leaving

Okay then, the reason I am leaving England for Sydney is that my marriage has ended and I will be single again soon. So, that's a nice mixed bag of turmoil, feelings and anxiety to deal with, I'm sure you'll agree. I'll be alright. I've always been a survivor and have had to deal with a fair number of scrapes and tight spots. What can I say? Life is a prankster, that much I have learnt.

Just when you think you have it all Fate rears its ominous head and hits you for six. I've had a really good life here in Bristol over the past eight years, but perhaps the cliche is true that all good things must come to an end. I always refused to believe that but recent events have altered my scope significantly.

Applications

Put through another job application over the weekend. It's a position with the Australian Police Federation. We'll see. One thing that helps is that these days you can easily apply for jobs online or through email. That certainly makes things easier. Fingers crossed once again.

I'm going through ups and downs and no small measure of trepidation at times. I know that going to Australia is the right thing to do but it is also a leap into the unknown. After all, I'm leaving behind a very comfortable life here in England. But sometimes in life you just need to take a chance. I have realised a while ago that you regret the things you haven't done more than the things you have done. Fingers crossed?