My trip so far being back at home as been amazing. I have been here a week so far and it feels like I never left. It always amazes me how you can be away for so long (20 months since my last visit) and yet you can slip right back into life here. Some observations since being back is not a lot has changed other than Melbourne is much more expensive in London for certain things, mainly food.
Meeting my cousin from America for the first time in my life was absolutely amazing. It was like we (my family) had known her for so many years, she fit so easily with the rest of us, yet it was the first time we had met her. My grandmothers 90th was extremely memorable for me for many reasons. It was great to have all my family in the one space. For the first time since my 21st birthday I had all my siblings and my parents in the one space. For the first time in my life I got a photo of my three brothers and one sister. That made me feel ultra special. It is hard when you have divorced parents and siblings for second marriages, all living in different states etc but on this night having them all there celebrating my nan's 90th birthday was truly a special moment for me. As soon as I saw my mum, sister, their respective partners and my brother all arrive, I instantly started crying. I was so embarrassed I had to drag my sister outside and sit in my brothers car till I could compose myself again. Very emotional.
Of course whilst I have been on my holiday I have thoroughly enjoyed catching up with my nearest and dearest. When I sent out my calender to all my friends, they thought I was mad but also knew it was very me to be so organised (a skill that I have been blessed with from my mother). The calender was the best idea as I am booked in to see all my friends over the 3 weeks that I am here.
You could say so far I am having a blast, I especially love that I can train in the mornings before catching up with people for lunch and dinner. I managed to find a squad for swimming training and my personal trainer was able to get me a great deal at the gym so I can train there as well as outdoors.
Well this is the first instalment of my first week. Keep smiling.
xx