I've been in Melbourne for a week now and still do not know when I'm going home. Last weekend I booked a flight home last minute and I remember saying "they won't cancel any flights this week, maybe after the 1st of April or next week but surely not within 5 days" and so things were fine and my friends left on Monday, trying to get to Queensland before more states shut their borders (which they did but my friends made it in time!). And within 24 hours of me booking my flight and watching news all day, it still didn't feel certain. And so, right before I went to bed, I Googled Etihad flights and guess what, they just announced that all flights going through Abu Dhabi would be suspended starting midnight on Wednesday (into Thursday). And so that meant that my flight scheduled to leave on that Friday, not even 48hours after the suspension would start, would also get cancelled.
I told my family that it would probably be cancelled, after I already told them I had a flight and my sister send me a link of a news article that had just been published to register for repratiation flights organized by the Dutch government. I did not register right away because things could still change. Emirates had suspended all their flights earlier and within 24hours changed it back because so many countries had asked them to, but only to change it again 48hours later. And so I wanted to wait until it was certain. I registered the next day when it was onfirmed, agreeing to pay €900 (oef..).
And then the morning after, I received a text from them that Qatar was still flying from here to Amsterdam and so first I checked that I could still book a flight on my own after registering and agreeing to pay the fee and I could and so I tried and tried and tried for hours to get through but I kept getting an undefined error on the last step. And so I stopped trying, for a minute I gave up. In that minute, that moment, I felt like I had no more options left, I just couldn't see a way out. Unless of course I wanted to spend €1500 or more but with the Etihad flight still in my name, I just couldn't. It took me so much effort to book that Etihad flight, because it was more than my return flight for this trip, I mean heck, it was almost as much as my first car!! I also just could not risk having another, would be my 3rd, flight and days away, meaning it could get cancelled again. It almost felt like the world, that I traveled with joy and passion, turned against me. Yes, I had a moment of weakness, making it a tough day.
I had already shared with people, with family, that I was flying home friday, but then I wasn't and I tried and tried and tried and nothing. And with the news about the repratiation flights, more and more friends asked me how I was, where I was, etc. Holland was waking up and I also had to tell my mom the bad news. And not only that but that I had no answers to anything, all I could tell her was that I still had a roof over my head and that I was healthy. And all my mom wanted was to have me home, like yesterday, and so telling her was tough. I didn't want her to worry, but I could't make this story any prettier, even though I of course told her all would be fine :-).
And it was nice that so many people cared and tried to help. Even work told me they will try and help out! And hearing that from my manager at that point when I felt what I felt, it was such a relieve, not that I know for sure that they can, but it was good to give my mom some good news, that there are people out there trying to help me and easing her mind, eased my mind as well.
And so the feeling soon passed and with that, I got up the next day, full of energy, walked to Aldi (15min) and came across a few Asian supermarkets and felt like I might as well get to know the neighborhood and what's where. Aldi had a line outside so that it wouldn't have too many people inside at the same time. I was in within 10minutes though and there was still plenty of everything and I took my time, thinking of what to buy and use my money wisely (which most people know, is one of my skills haha). I did however have to buy a small box of Corona's, it's been the thing I've had almost every day in Oz, so I had to. Unfortunately it didn't fit in the 2nd bag I brought and so I had to carry it with one hand or on my arm or on my shoulder. Since it was a 15minute walk, I changed positions and sides a few times :-). It was a good work out! And so the settling in began.
I joined a Whatsapp group with people stuck in Australia (thanks to a friend), it's almost group therapy haha. Not that we all share sad stories or anything! I didn't want to join at first as I am not a big fan of groupchats but I figured, what the hell, I can always leave. And it has actually been rather nice, I get really good information on what's going on and am able to help others with information that I have. Some of it, I research, giving me something to do....you know, when I'm not busy watching shows or doing Sudoku's or taking naps ;-). Or cooking! I love that I'm able to cook here! Oh yeah, so I'm staying in a hostel but I have a private room...with two windows next to eachother, that can sort of open, a tv, a table and a chair, -a water cooker-, and a private bathroom. Oh and a double bed of course. And I thought about moving to a dorm because it's much cheaper and they spread people out as much as they can only allowing 2-3people max in a dorm. But the other day when I was sitting at my table in front of my window, doing a puzzle and drinking tea (I know, how corny!!), I realized that I can not give up this room. It's the last bit of feeling as if I am 'on holiday'. And so, I will stay in here for as long as I can...hoping it won't last for more than 2 weeks.
And yeah, so after I had 'that moment' the day before, I accepted that I might be here for a while, be it days or weeks, and that my holiday is mostly over. And so I adapted and I'm settling into new routines, I'm mostly in my room though with the occassional trip to the supermarket. I look back on an amazing trip and am so happy that I got to do and see all that I did! All that was left, is Indonesia and I know that I will still do that in the future and all is well.
So, in short;
22nd; booked flight home, had my last night and beer (Corona) with my friends.
23rd; friends left early in the morning, I stayed, having a flight booked and all....at night, I read that flight would be cancelled, idiot.
24th; confirmed by Etihad that flight indeed would be cancelled, registered for Dutch repatriation flights, asked creditcard company to get money back from the flight (still waiting if I can), looked for flights home
25th; tough day, but ended with a good night sleep
26th; accepted that I might be here for a while and adapted.
27th; Google reminded me to leave for the airport to catch my flight...that was cancelled. Keep up Google, idiot.
Cheers,
T
Ps; Last night I couldn't sleep, I took a long nap in the afternoon...I wrote this blog 'Settling in' because I thought I was going to be here for a while..I then checked tickets again but was afraid to book and doubted for hours if I should or shouldn't book for tuesday..but I decided it was to big of a risk...8am, closed my eyes, alright one last look; 1 seat available, when? TODAY!!! Doubt...can I, should I?! Book!! Book!! Boook!!! Two hours later I was on my way to the airport and checked in...I still have no idea what happened and anything can still go wrong...but I'm here, at the airport and we'll see what the next 30 hours will bring...! At least I'm not alone and for the first time, I don't mind being surrounded by other Dutchies!
Ps 2; Sunday 29th of March- I'm home (since 1130am). I unpacked, organized my stuff, went through my mail, went to Aldi, had lunch, took a shower, played records...and I'm bored already haha. Going to the office tomorrow to pick up my laptop and go back to work (from home)! Btw, thanks for the groceries mom! She came to greet me at the station, as a surprise, put the bag on the floor and moved away, social distancing haha great 5 minutes though!
The week started off great, flew to Melbourne and was picked up by a good friend from back home. We had planned this Great Ocean Road - road trip for a while now and were both pretty excited!
We ended up doing 5 nights during our road trip and 2 more in Melbourne where we met another friend. The road trip was fun and very quiet. We didn't see a lot of people, supermarkets were pretty full, except for pasta and toiletpaper. To be fair though, we passed mostly small towns and no big cities. Our accomodations were mostly away from the towns or hidden. We stayed in a huge 'cabin in the woods' once with kangaroos next door, slept in an old Melbourne train and I had my first air bnb experience!
As far as sightseeing went, we saw a lot on our first full day! I had planned most of it, mostly at the start. There was 'less' to see at the end and more so more time to take it easy! We saw all we needed to see, had a few great beach walks and fantastic weather!!! One of the most memorable moments was when we went to the Kenneth River area and drove up the road to look for wild koalas, it was so fun to do!! Another moment I won't forget was that we watched a Christmas movie (The Grinch - animated version) in that cabin in the woods with 30 degrees outside and Corona exploding everywhere.
Speaking of Corona, we hardly noticed anything whilst on the Great Ocean Road. We had such a relaxing time. But we watched the news every day, read up on the situation in Holland, were texted and called by friends and family from back home and my family in Oz and our friend in Melbourne. We could hardly believe all of this was going on and the only Corona we dealt with was the bottles of Corona we drank each day. I did however started contacting my manager in coming back early and looking into flights. Indonesia was a no go and so was Thailand, and with talk of borders closing within Australia, I had no where to go, so I might as well go back home, work and finish my trip another time. I said I would book something once back in Melbourne.
And then shit hit the fence very quickly...we came back to Melbourne and stayed at a hostel outside the city centre. There was news about the virus every single day and borders did start closing. I booked a ticket, one that was less than €1000, with 1 layover and would take less than 30 hours to lower the risk of getting stuck somewhere. The flight was suppose to be on friday 27th of March. I didn't hear anything on the news and decided to Google for it and found out ALL flights going to Abu Dhabi got suspended from the 25th of March for at least 14days.
Right after I read and shared the news with my family at home, my sister send me news that the Dutch government is working hard to get people home asap (and after that, another 10 people send me the same message). Costs €900, bam. It's all such a waste of time and money, but I feel like there's nothing else I can do anymore. Either be stuck here (and here is not Australia, but the hostel in Melbourne and Melbourne went in to lock down yesterday) or go home and at least work. Oh and my friends left for Queensland by car last monday, before they close their borders as well (they just announced they're doing that this thursday, it's one of the last States to close it's borders).
And so, there it is. The end of my trip, not by choice and spending a fortune waiting and getting home. But I went for a walk today (and yes, away from people), looked up to the blue skies. Little bits of freedom that still excists and make me smile. I had a fantastic time these last 10weeks and all that is left is Indonesia with my friend and my mom, but I'm sure we can do that some other time. So all that's left to do, is register for a flight back home and wait for a date....
State of mind; all good :-). Thanks for traveling with me through my words and pictures! I hope you enjoyed it, I know I did!
Cheers,
T.
I am flying to Perth tomorrow and will be greeted by family at the airport!! Family I met for the first time about 6years ago! I'm super excited to see them again!!
Again, I was able to get 3seats all to myself and so I sat next to the window. Definitely a change of scenery, I looked out of the window and saw red desserts. And this time I wasn't only excited about the usual; the landing, visiting another country, another destination, starting another adventure but also felt excited in knowing that someone would be waiting for me at arrivals, which is rare and special :). And for it to be family, was a bonus!
I was sure that I would be stopped at customs as I checked 'yes' on a few items, but after asking me what I was declaring, I was good to go! And there they were, 3 happy faces welcoming me back!
We sang Disney songs on the 2hour ride home and I saw kangaroos hopping around! It was funny, I kept looking at the tree tops on that ride home looking for wildlife because that's what I did in Borneo. Anyways, it was good to be back! I was also happy to see the dogs again, my love Kayla and lelijkerd (as I call him haha, name is Echo). And after not drinking for about 6weeks, I couldn't avoid it here hihi. I think I drank for all days except 2! And mostly coronabeers, they were on sale (cartons) :-)!
And that was probably due to the virus. After a few days the corona madness started here. It's been on the news every day, toilet paper was selling out and Australians needed to prepare, get ready. It was quite an experience, cases in Holland also quickly increased. Not a day went by without corona news, nor corona beers haha, I think we had more corona beers than toilet paper at some point! And I even got a carton (24bottles) on the bike once after I came back from the beach. Never again...it was exhausting, hot, humid and so on my way back I figured that I deserved a beer or 24. Took so much effort though to get them home haha and they were all gone after that night haha!
But enough about corona, it's funny how quick I got used to things. I was watching an American show one night and thought; Why is he driving on that side (right)? Because they drive on the other side here (left) haha. Also went to the beach a few times which was so nice, there was nobody else there! I didn't go in though as on my first beach visit a girl came out with her hand over her eye asking for something with aloe vera because she was just stung by a jelly fish!!
I also met another cousin for the first time, over drinks of course, which was nice! And it was just fun to be around family again! And to get a hug everyday. One of my cousins kids said you need 8 a day and she gave me one in the morning and one at night. And sometimes more! There was a box of sparkles on the outside table and I lit a few one evening saying; every day deserves a bit of sparkle and they were mine during my visit!
But it's time to move in and I am flying to Melbourne to meet one of my buddies from back home for a Great Ocean roadtrip!!
Cheers,
T.
