A year ago I was in Adelaide....

Gosh has it really been nearly 6 months since I last posted?! Time flies when, um, you don't post on your blog.....

I thought it was a good time to perhaps reflect on last year, as it is now just over a year since I left to start the first day of the rest of my life in Adelaide.

Life has been interesting these last few months since my return to the UK. I've been given a thorough health check by the NHS, seen first hand the impacts of some of the "efficiency savings" being made by the coalition government in this country, navigated the benefits system as a jobseeker, found a job, found another job and am still managing to follow my dreams I hope (health pending).

For those of you who don't know, I was flown home as a medical emergency from Australia back in August 2011, suspected of having lupus and not really so mobile. It was all rather a worrying time, and in some respects it still is, but it's not as scary as when I was 10,000 miles away.

When I first came home I was able to completely rest without having to worry about a thing, which was rather good. I spent a lot of time catching up with friends I hadn't seen for months, and being spoilt by them and my family. I navigated the NHS having a whole host of tests to discover if it was something rather serious. Pleased to say that everything came back relatively ok, with just some wear and tear on one of my back discs to report and my blood was back to normal come mid September - not showing any of the nasty things it had before.

Being in a non life threatening condition made it slightly more difficult to find out exactly was causing all my problems. I was fairly proactive about things however, pushing my doctor to take the next steps. I can see how some people can get into a cycle of long term sick leave based on this experience though! If you don't push your doctor then you can easily get stuck in a cycle of chronic pain not getting anywhere fast and thus not able to get better any time soon.

I used my savings to see an osteopath in the 15 weeks it took to see an NHS physiotherapist. This helped get me much more mobile in the beginning (many, many thanks to Rebecca Thorby at http://www.norwichosteopathicclinic.co.uk/main.php ). And importantly it was also great to find someone in the UK who listened to my past medical problems and made 2 + 2 = 4. Rebecca, and more recently Carol the NHS physiotherapist, have identified that my current problems are down to the osteochondritis in my ankle which has plagued me since I was 17. It's weird to think I said to a few people that part of the reason I was doing the whole living/ working abroad thing now because I didn't think my body would be able to do it in a few years. Annoying that it actually happened.....and earlier than I thought it would. I still don't know what it was upsetting the inflammatory markers in my blood, and I haven't been feeling so great again the last few weeks so am pleased to be seeing the specialist at the hospital again on Wednesday.

Coming home really was a very good idea after all.

I ended up on job seekers allowance for a couple of weeks. Signing on was a time consuming process and I had to spend a silly amount of time proving I had the right to reside in the UK. I know they have to do all the checks these days, but it took much more time than was necessary. I thought the support provided by the Job Centre was great, had I needed it.

I got a little part time job up the road for a number of weeks back in October, which finished in December. This was great for easing me back into things. And in January I started a local authority job again - it's 3 days a week, and not the responsibilities I had before, which is perfectly manageable for me at the moment. It's rather nice as I feel like I'm achieving things and my working week is over on a Wednesday afternoon. I can also fit in physiotherapy and things around my work this way. And concentrate on my photos.

The plan for my return was always to do something with my photography. I am not letting this go, although at the moment it's difficult as I can't manage to use all my gear. My back just can't cope using my big zoom lens for long. This is more than a little frustrating and quite heartbreaking for me at times as I had my mind set on it all. Because of my 'gear restrictions' I can't currently do weddings, which is annoying as I've been asked to do at least 4. Rather than get too upset though, I've used it to give my photography contacts some work, and am now concentrating on the things I CAN do. I have been able to shoot some music photos which is always nice. A few gigs here and there, some shots for the artwork accompanying songs from Imogen Heap's new album, and doing the artwork for the exciting album from East Anglian artist Damian Ulysses. This keeps me inspired. I also have some exciting things in prospect with my friend Alex.

I'm going to be working hard on my business planning over the coming weeks, as on 1st April I become a sole trader as Alexandra Bone Photography.  Officially launching as a little business! Wish me luck.

So here we are a year on.

Isn't it strange how life turns out completely differently to how you thought it might? I don't have any regrets though. How can I?

I didn't know things would turn out this way. And I also got so much out of the past 12 months. I found out so much about myself. I experienced living and working in another country. I spent time with friends in another country. I made new friends in another country and enjoy catching up with them from afar. I found out how much my friends in this country mean to me, and how much I mean to them. I pushed my own limits - and I survived! This was all so worth doing. And coming home I returned to new responsibilities - on 31st January I became an Auntie to Elliott. This is a great thing to be! And brings a whole new chapter to my life giving a whole new perspective on things. A new little person to be there for.

I am now working within my new limits. I can't do what I used to do, and I don't know when or if I'll be able to do what I used to do. But I remain hopeful.

Who knows what the future holds? This is daunting and exciting in equal measures. I'm going to try my hardest to make sure Alexandra Bone Photography is a success. And I'm also going to do what I can to keep as mobile as possible, although I know the future isn't looking so rosy on that front at the moment. As someone once said, it could always be worse.

And that is very true.

I'll update you all again soon. Until then.....

Hello from England....

Hello dear readers.

I have returned to sunny England!

In the end it all happened rather quickly. Too quickly really as I didn't have much time to sort out all the things I needed to. But by that point I really didn't care to be honest....I knew I just needed to be home.

I have actually been home a week and a half now. I got some test results back from the doctors in Adelaide and my travel insurers flew me out as a medical emergency on Saturday 6th. My travel folks have been amazing. I didn't have to worry about a thing you know, it was all arranged for me. Good travel insurance is worth its weight in gold, it really is....

So the whole coming home thing was not a surprise to anyone who has been reading my blog a while, right? Things weren't really going to plan were they?

I have experienced a whole range of emotions about it. Incredible sadness that I couldn't do what I wanted to do. Frustration that my body has let me down. Sadness to leave some good friends I both made and already knew in Adelaide. Happiness and joy to see those familiar to me back home who have been so supportive and lovely. Relief to find an NHS. Tiredness - a whole lot of tiredness. Quite a bit of apprehension about what might happen next too....

But you know, as with most things in life, there are things I would never have experienced if this hadn't happened! Two words. BUSINESS CLASS!!!

Oh yes. I was incredibly fortunate in that I was flown back business class to the UK. And boy what a whole different world that was! After a world class send off in Adelaide (drinks with my lovely ex colleagues at Adelaide City Council, and good friends, followed by dinner with my housemate and more friends) I got to travel world class home with Singapore Airlines.

There are several differences between economy class and business class. I shall outline some of them:

Business Class lounge - Adelaide airport

• Use of the business lounge. Full of big comfy squishy chairs, fridges full of all the drinks you could ever wish for, fresh tea and coffee, sandwiches, fruit, snacks, magazines, newspapers, wifi..... All free!  
• No queues - no more scrum to your seat. In fact you are personally escorted.

Starter of smoked salmon

Mains of beef noodles. Amazing!

• Seats the size of a small country - particulary on the airbus, where I felt like a 6 year old in a giant armchair
• EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME!!! You are addressed personally for your entire flight.
• Bollinger before take off
• Food that comes on proper plates with proper knives and forks that actually resembles FOOD. And it tastes great. And you can have Bollinger with it. And more Bollinger. And any other drinks you want. ....when you want it
• Snacks whenever you want. And they are more like little a la carte dinners
• A nice LCD screen to watch films on
• Proper noise cancelling headphones!
• You can lay down properly...on the airbus you even get a fold out bed with duvet and pillow
• Freshly squeezed orange juice in the 'morning'
• Proper nice coffee
• Instead of crap airplane socks, you get little booties to keep your feet warm

I was treated so well. I had assistance booked for me through both Singapore and Heathrow, and that meant all the staff knew who I was when I was in the airport lounge and kept me fully updated on my journey and gave me all the help I needed. Shame I felt crap and couldn't take advantage of all the yummy food. Though you'll be pleased to know I did manage one glass of Bollinger! And I was so grateful that I could lay down during the flight.

An experience I won't forget (and will probably never have again!).

Little fluffy clouds

So what next?

Well first I need to find out what's happening with my body, as still not sure what is really going on.

I had some more tests done as soon as I got back, and today got the results of those. My blood has come back positive for 'inflammatory markers' again, with one test showing I have 7 times the normal levels in my blood.

Next I have to go back to the hospital to see a rheumatologist, which I'm hoping won't take too long as still rather restricted in what I can do, and they are hesitant about treating my pain with anything much until then. Hopefully, the rheumatologist can pinpoint exactly what the problem is - and then it can be treated. This would be a good stage to get to, as let's be honest, the last month in particular I've felt right rough!

Until then, I'm going to take it a bit easy, and decide what I want to do next in life, in the wake of things not going entirely to plan and with some new limitations. I'm open to suggestions of new careers by the way! I would welcome any help in finding myself a new direction to take.....

I'm also going to spend some good times with folks back in England soaking up the last of the summer,

I will probably keep on blogging, as I'm sure its going to be a whole new journey from here on in. Not quite the journey I had planned, but one that is sure to be eventful given the current economic times here. You can follow if you like! And if you're not interested, then you don't have to read it do you?

So I will sign out for now.

But before I go I would just like to say I am eternally grateful to those in Adelaide who helped me so much whilst I was there, and made what turned into a bad situation so much better. Adelaide should be proud to have such lovely folks as you residing there. I won't forget you. x

Rolex wall clock. Singapore.

Thunderstorms approaching Singapore

Far North of Australia

Jumbo to Singapore

Airbus to London - sunrise

Coffee at 3.30am

Seats are 4 across in business class on the airbus

My little taste of luxury

Cross Road....

Cross Road is actually just a short distance from where I live. It's quite apt as a name for this blog post. Because it's exactly where I am in so many ways.

This whole blog is becoming a boring blog. It has one constant subject, and it's not the subject I wanted it to be. It's not about fun adventures. It's about a problem that just isn't going away. It's a broken record. Worse still, it's like the Celine Dion of broken records too. For this I am very sorry.

So I really do find myself at a Cross Roads. Unfortunately my back has deteriorated again since we last met. And although incredibly fortunate to have secured another week's work with Adelaide City Council - that really does come to an end tomorrow. I have been very lucky to have had the great colleagues I've had there - they have been so very understanding of the whole thing. And they have really kept me going too - such a great bunch of folks (they took me out for lunch today, and we're doing it again tomorrow!) I've also been very fortunate that my journey to walk is literally door to door on the bus. But yes, with unemployment looming, limitations of what I can do for a job like this, and no prospect of actually being able to go anywhere as planned in my current condition, my options are appearing pretty limited indeed right now.

I have contacted my travel insurers about my back now. They have been really good and supportive so far. More supportive than my back, that's for sure...

Through my work, I was also recommended a really good doctors surgery and they are a completely different end of the scale to the diabolical doctor I last saw. Everyone from the receptionist to the doctors themselves are really welcoming, kind and generally great - with good advice to get a Pom struggling to comprehend the health system through it all with minimal costs. So that's been really good. But I'm not really that much closer to finding out what's going on at the moment. I'm currently awaiting some more test results. In the meantime I can't walk very far again, and I am finding everything all rather uncomfortable.

So yes. That's all rather fun isn't it?

Between you and me, this really isn't turning into the journey I hoped it would be. I've been trying very hard to make it work - to get better and to a point where I can make something of coming to the other side of the world. But it just isn't happening. This makes me rather sad indeed.

On a big positive note though, friends from home are in Adelaide on Wednesday, so am looking forward to a catch up. I think by then, I perhaps will know what's happening and where I might be next.

And just to lighten things up a bit more - you should definitely all watch THIS

A time of uncertainty.....

So the last couple of weeks have been interesting. It's been a time of uncertainty and in some ways also a time of regression.

After several really good weeks working with the Council here, my placement is due to come to an end this week. This has been playing on my mind, as with no work and no income, I'd not want to be sticking around Adelaide for too long. It's a nice place, don't get me wrong, but my back woes have meant I've had plenty of time sitting around already and I don't want to do any more of that! So this last week I've been doing a lot of thinking about what I might do.

I have spoken to my work agency, and there isn't much around at the moment. It's been the end of the tax year here, and it seems a lot of companies aren't employing at the moment. Of course I'm also a bit limited to what I can do because of my back.

It's very frustrating that the back is still determining a lot of things I do. A couple of weeks ago it was feeeling really good, but unfortunately this last week or so, it's been quite bad again. I think I tweaked it dashing to get out of a massive rain shower, and since then it's not been too happy. I think it may be because I'm not doing enough exercise, so have upped the amount of walking I'm doing, and am making sure I do lots of stretches. I think this is working, and I'm not panicking like I did when I first injured it, but it's still quite stressful. I really miss the NHS right now! Luckily I still have a good supply of diazepam, and a low dose of that has kept things under control this last week. I've not taken any the last couple of days again, so hoping this can continue and it means things are getting better. I just have to find that balance of doing enough, but not too much.

So yes, the work situation was also playing on my mind, and I was thinking I might have to move on in the next couple of weeks. To be honest, I don't want to do that, as I want to see the Spring break here in Adelaide. I want some warmth after the cold and rain we've been having.

It was looking increasingly like I may well be moving on, but this week I have started a new job! One of the people I have been working with at the council also does market research, and offered me a position there. It's casual, and very flexible, but will see me through whilst nothing else is on the horizon. For this I am very grateful. I worked Thursday and Friday night after my council job doing my training and then my first proper shift. It's all telephone work at the moment but there might be opportunities to do face to face work and when I have done 50 hours, the pay goes up. So we'll see how that all goes. It's sure going to be an interesting experience and I've met some really great characters working there.

On the social side I've been out a couple of times doing fun things. I did a movie quiz with my Adelaide folks a few weeks back which was good. Then I went to kareoke with my friend MyKal a couple of Friday's ago – that was ace. Then went to an amazing Rubiks cube party at Emma and Tim's place where I dressed hideously. Last night I found myself at the Opera – 'La Sonnambula' which was something different. Really nice to see the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and State Opera Chorus in action, and a couple of great opera voices in Emma Matthews and Aldo Di Toro. 

 

Tonight I found out that I will have to stay in Adelaide a while longer whatever – I didn't realise but my driving licence expires in September! This means I can't hire a car without renewing it, so I'll be awaiting the forms from England so I can do all that and then hopefully continue my journey as planned.Of course, it won't be quite as planned (I'm still not sure if my back will hold out) but I'll do what I can. These extra weeks in one place will allow me to at least build my strength up a bit. Fingers crossed.

Yesterday I went out and took photos for the first time in just over 2 months. I wasn't sure whether to do it as my back was still a bit tender, but I did and survived just about. I am sore today, but am hopeful I'll survive! You can see the results here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexandrabone/sets/72157627087641311/

I've been feeling really homesick at times the last few weeks – I think it's because I'm nearing the longest time I've been away in one stretch. It will be 5 months away next week – the longest I was away last time was just over 5 months.

 

Another part of me is really proud I've managed to stay out here too though – especially with all my back issues. It would have been really easy to just come home, and in many ways it still would be, But I don't want to give up on it all just yet. Even if I'm not having the experiences I expected, I'm still learning things every day and having some good experiences.

So the current plan is to stay here another couple of months, and then move on. As usual it depends on a number of things. One thing's for sure – I know I should be here at least another month.

You great galah...

So here is the promised update to my blog.

Today probably isn't the best day to be updating my blog, as I'm having one of those days where I'm asking lots of those irritating life questions that pop up every so often on this trip. “Why am I here? What am I doing? Where is this going?” etc etc. And thoughts drift to places closer to home and what I might do when I return. I know, I shouldn't be thinking about that yet, but the realistic part of me also thinks maybe I should – particularly with what's been going on the last month!

Let's get the back part out of the way now, as it is a bit boring and tedious. Particularly for me. I'm now

in my 7^th week of having a bad back. At the moment it is a lot better than it was, but it's still far from ok and it does stop me from doing things. I still have to carefully plan journeys so I don't walk too far, including trips to the shops as I still can't carry much either.

I'm finding out more about what my back does and doesn't like me doing too.

It doesn't like me getting cold.

It doesn't like me racing to get the bus before it leaves the stop.

It doesn't like hoovering much.

It doesn't like me sitting too much.

It doesn't like me getting worried and fed up either, and soon tells me if I need to cheer up.

It does like stretches and warmth though, and short bursts of walking. And a relaxed attitude. And shit loads of drugs when it's having a bad day. It's a bad influence on me, my back. 

More importantly it doesn't mind me doing office work, which is a big plus as it means for the last two weeks I've been a full time employee again and I've been able to get some money in, which means my journey can continue a bit longer.

It is true to say I have at various points considered cutting my travels short, as for a while I couldn't do anything much or see a point when I could do anything much. Whilst I am improving though, and I am improving slowly, I can see a future in my travels where I might be able to do a few things. Perhaps not in the way I first thought, a little less energetic for starters - but still able to do them. I will just ignore all the clunking, creaking and crunching of my bones for now and see what happens.....

Before I was back at work, life consisted of a few weeks of stretching, terrible day time tv and short walks. This gave me quite some time to think about life in Australia.

The adverts over here are hilarious. They make me belly laugh on average at least once a day.

Sometimes because they are just so bad it is untrue – for those in the UK think local radio adverts but with video and jingles that are far, far worse. Yes that is possible.

Then there are the things we could never get away with back home because they allude to things that are slightly naughty or are particularly clever in their humour. I love these adverts.

Then occasionally they drop things in which really make you stop in your tracks. For example today, there was an advert for Rivers. Again for the benefit of those in the UK, Rivers seems to me to be a bit like the QD of Australian shops. On the advert today they announced that kiddie shagga's were $12.

“WHAT?” I said. If it hadn't been for the fact there were photos of shoes, I would have thought there was a raging trade in paedophiles in Australia. Apparently shagga's are some form of footwear, it was just an unfortunate turn of phrase. Or maybe my mind is just far from innocent. Who knows.....

On my days off and the various walks around the park I also thought a lot about my favourite creatures I see in Adelaide. I have come to the conclusion that I like the following flying creatures best.

Galah's

Galahs – these birds are just clowns. I have studied them in the park a lot. I always know when it's going to rain when they all start screeching. I think I mentioned before that when it rains they all lark around. They will swing off the telephone wires like acrobats, squabbling with each other and generally making a lot of noise. Then after the rain stops they like to go and totter around the park down the road. The walk of a galah is also very funny, they totter along until they see something which takes their fancy, and then they bury their heads in the grass to snatch some morsel or other. When they find food, they go along like little mowers, heads to the ground the whole time, but with a watchful eye on the other inhabitants of the park.

Magpies – These are the birds that make the lovely warbling melody in the morning over here in Australia. A real little sing song quite different to all the song birds back home. It makes people here laugh when I say it's the bird you always hear on Neighbours – but it's true! You do! I miss the sound of the magpie when I am not in Australia.

Rosella in a tree not impressed at me taking a snap

Rosellas – these crazy little parrots whizz across the sky, most normally found in pairs or occasionally in a squabbling threesome. They make lots of row when you stand underneath whatever tree they are sitting in. I love the many colours they come in, and the novelty of parrots whizzing around the sky never wears off.

Pelicans – I've only seen one pelican since I've been here, but it does remind me of being young. The first time I saw pelican's was when we went on a family holiday to Disney World in Florida when I was about 8. Whenever I see one, I also can't help but think of the best holiday of my younger years. Pelicans are great with their big snapping wobbling beaks.

Blackbirds – I really appreciate hearing the occasional blackbird here in Australia. They have then just as they do back home, and the chip-chip-chip noise of one being startled is kind of comforting sometimes.

Now, I have also found the people of Adelaide to be most friendly. They do call Adelaide the city that feels like a country town. I am tempted to agree. Although Adelaide has a population of around a million people, it has really kept that friendly feeling to it. Having been to all the major cities except for Canberra, Adelaide seems on the face of it one of the friendliest. I know I have spent a bit more time here than the others, but even during the earliest days, people were willing to chat to you. It seems like there is a real sense of community here. Perhaps my work has opened my eyes to it a bit more, but it is something I am certainly aware of. I'm sure all of this does exist in all the other cities, it just takes a while longer to find it perhaps? So yes, Adelaide, take that as a compliment please.

Victoria Square - Adelaide

The last week or so I've been able to get out and socialise which has been fun. On Friday night I found myself in the Cork Wine Cafe on Gouger Street. I sampled some nice wines, my favourite being the “Some Young Punks” cabernet sauvignon. Would you believe I found them serving St George's distillery English whisky? You couldn't actually get hold of it back home, even if you lived 5 miles up the road, yet they have a bottle in Adelaide. I'm led to believe it is just the one bottle, and at $12 a shot they are doing well from it. I didn't taste, I think I am going to do a tour of the distillery when I get back to Norfolk. It may even lead to a photo blog perhaps?

Talking of photos things are a bit quiet on that front, mainly because I can't carry my camera gear at the moment. I did make it out on Saturday with my camera and one lens, but I'm far from able to carry everything. A bit annoying, but sure I'll get there in the end. Of course when I do take some more photos I'll let you know.

Well tomorrow is the start of another working week. I can't tell you how much longer I will be here in Adelaide at the moment. I know I have work for another couple of weeks at least, and am hopeful I may find something else based on the glowing reviews I seem to be getting, though I've heard there are not many jobs around here at the moment.

I guess the worst that can happen is I have to move on in say a month's time. Depending on how well the back is, I might do a bit of travel here, but if not it will be on to New Zealand. I will of course keep you posted.....

Thanks for reading, as always.

Not another blog post about the back!?!.....

Well it could be worse! It could be about my front.....

I have not posted a blog in nearly a month, and didn't want you to think I'd succumbed to my injuries. I am still here. And I'm still standing. In the words of Elton John. Not that I like to quote him too much, but it's better than quoting Bono isn't it.

Anyway, this is just a little blog, a teaser perhaps, as I plan to do a full update in the next few days. Hopefully I can muster some wit and humour to make the last month sound mildly interesting. I have been able to spend many days pondering life in Australia, and so shall attempt to share some thoughts on this as well.

I look forward to catching up with you soon then, dear reader.

Until then.......

Bye bye Betty!

So I decided to sell Betty the bike today. It was a hard decision, but I just don't think I'll get the use out of her now, and I need some money whilst I'm not working. She looks like she will be going to an awesome home though so that is good.

Still not much improvement on things since the beginning of the week, and having a couple of days of complete rest (except for many stretches!) to see what happens as walking was making things feel uncomfortable if I went further than a few hundred metres.

I did make it out to Heath's barby on Friday night which was ace. Heath has just finished his apprenticeship (did I spell that right o grammar police?) and provided a very fine spread for all the guests. Was wonderful to be out of the house and be amongst friends - it does the world of good at the moment. Also had a sneaky pint at the pub with Mykal last night after my massage therapy. Am a bit sore today from my massage which was rather painful. Turns out I have tight glutes, so I am quite literally a tight arse. Cue an avalanche of jokes.....

So until next time, when I hope I'll be less of a tight arse and much more mobile.....