Home, memories and the future

Visiting Adelaide in February re-affirmed my desire to reconnect with the city

I went back to Australia for two weeks in February. I needed to get out of the UK. The grey, cold and dark weather — coupled with neverending Brexit politics a temporary escape was needed. My health had also not been good in Janaury and the whole month had been a struggle,my physical health problems kicking on to impact my mental health. So I boarded a flight on a cold February morning, to arrive in Adelaide in 34 degree heat just 22 hours later.

The trip was meant to be relaxing and it was. The whole time I was in Adelaide I destressed. Other than missing my partner back in the UK I have to be honest, I didn’t miss anything else at all.

I spent time exploring old haunts, assessing the city and lifestyle again through a new prism of work opportunities, something I haven’t done in a long time. For the first time in a long time my line of line would enable me to transfer some work to Australia without too many problems.

It felt good exploring memories, seeing how I felt about different places and different experiences. I managed to build some work connections to that I hope can be cultivated and open up new opportunties over the coming months and years. I would be good to spend more time in the city over the coming years. As you get older you think more about where the future lies and how you should spend your time and I know for me, Adelaide needs to be a big part of that.

The pub where my dad proposed to my mum — she laughed it off at first, didn’t think he was serious! Currently closed for refurbishment

West Beach on a stormy afternoon in Adelaide

Our family home — looks different now with a new fence and less trees — it looks smaller somehow — or may be I am just bigger?!

Our old neighbours place undergoing extensive rennovations — my childhood home is to the left

We grew up with tennis courts a stones throw from our house — you would think I’d be better at tennis! This was a great place to play and explore — a real outdoor lifestyle growing up

It has been over 22 years since Dad passed

Adelaide University, where I did my undergraduate degree — lots of expansion and building over the last 20 years. This new atrium is a great meeting space and place to work

Mud — my mum’s horse in the Adelaide Hills. It is her escape, her place of freedom.

The home of my aussie rules football club — South Adelaide Panthers — not the most successful team in the state but is my team for life. One day we may win another premiership — it has been 54 years and counting.