Two Years Ago

This month two years ago, we took a journey into the unknown.  With suitcases containing what was left of our worldly possessions we boarded a plane with great anticipation. A flight 1600 kilometres across the sea brought us to our new island home. At the time it was impossible to imagine how life would be different. We couldn't foresee what opportunities were headed our way!

Sitting on the plane I was filled with feelings of trepidation and excitement. It was upsetting to be leaving family and friends behind, but I was comforted by the promise of new friendships. Stepping off the plane onto the tarmac, we were greeted by a group expecting our arrival.  We felt at ease from the moment we saw their friendly faces and waving arms!

Once we'd settled into our new house, I found the truth is it doesn't matter where you reside, the daily grind is the same; there's always washing to keep up with, groceries to buy, meals to cook, appointments to keep, floors to clean, bills to pay. But somehow, for us at least, getting though the menial stuff is so much easier to deal with when the air is clear and bright, the breeze cool, the sunsets gobsmackingly out-of-this-world and the view of green trees and valleys breathtakingly beautiful.  Truly, it's THAT beautiful here!

At a moments notice we can find ourselves ankle deep in the warm golden sands of one of the prettiest beaches in the world. Just a quick drive in the car and we can find ourselves walking through rainforest searching for birds and bizarre fungi, or at the top of a mountain looking down at the whole island and the sea beyond (hoping to glimpse a whale).  After a big day out and about, we can cook dinner, serve it up and jump in the car carrying our plate in one hand and our cutlery in the other to eat down by the sea. If we feel the urge for an impromptu fishing trip we can be down to the pier, our lines dangling in the sea, in the blink of an eye.

We LOVE how our world has shrunk.  Everything is close! Getting anywhere is simple. The biggest drive we do is to Anson Bay and that takes all of 10 minutes (well OK...12 minutes!). Ducking to the shops is a cinch. There are no traffic lights to be found. There's no such thing as peak hour traffic or road rage. We can always get parking. We don't have to lock our car or be fussed about it's age and condition. There aren't too many flash cars to be seen here. My kids can run through the streets without shoes on and nobody cares whether your clothes are fashionable. With every trip we bump into people we know, there's always a friendly face or a wave.  It's a simpler life.

Yes, two years on, we couldn't be happier and without doubt I can say that coming to live here was the right move for us! Certainly residing in such an isolated place has its drawbacks, I'd have to admit that. But those negative aspects are FAR outweighed by the positives.

Who knows how much longer we can take advantage of this wonderful lifestyle - best we appreciate Every. Single. Day!

The very first photo I took Of Emily Bay taken the day after we arrived - and Harry's first swim (Check out the crowds!!!!!!! Ah....another reason why we love this place so much!)