Melbourne to Mo'orea.

We're back, baby!

We’re back in Mo’orea after a 2 month trip to Melbourne. It’s always jarring being away and then getting back; everything seems different and the same at the same time. Everything is brighter, hotter, greener, more colourful. It’s a glorious attack on eyes that are sore and dry after two flights and barely any sleep.

Living out of a suitcase always makes me appreciate having my stuff around me again. Socialising a lot with family and friends in Melbourne makes me appreciate the chill pace once I’m back in Mo’orea.

Here are some things that I love about both of my homes.

Things that Melbourne does better (in no particular order):

• Asian food

• Pubs

• Variety of fruits and vegetables

• Non-alcoholic alcohol

• Eucalyptus trees

• Colourful birds

• Takeaway food

• Playgrounds

• Public transport

• Package delivery

• Coffee

• Taste of the tap water

Unlike Melbourne, I can’t find good dumplings ANYWHERE in Mo’orea.

Things that Mo’orea does better (in no particular order):

• Beaches

• Sun

• Fresh fish

• Tropical fruits

• Friendliness of strangers

• Snorkelling

• Sunsets and sunrises

• Marine life

• Hibiscus flowers

• Ferries

• Side of the road small businesses

• Bees

…what now?

I’m always at a bit of a loss coming back after a long trip. I tend to forget how I normally fill my days.

This morning, I sat and sketched some cosmos flowers picked from the garden over a coffee. We are swimming in avocados, so I ate some with Vegemite on bread made by my mother-in-law. Later I might go for a swim in the lagoon.

Slowly, life goes back to normal. Eventually it’ll feel like we never left!

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