As my teeth sink into a pear and stilton sandwich and beautiful English countryside passes by the window next to me I lean back and relax to a soundtrack of my choosing on my iPod. I’m on a train from London, heading home to Liverpool for what will be the final time.
In little more than two weeks I will leave my apartment, surrender the keys to the landlady and say goodbye to the place I’ve called home for so long. After nearly eleven years there I’m moving on, but if home is where the heart is then a little piece of my heart will remain at my old apartment, with its quirky kitchen, living room that looks out onto an large maple tree, and red bedroom with the sloping ceiling. Leaving will be hard because I’ve very much enjoyed living there, but it’s time for a change, for a new adventure, a new chapter in the ongoing story that I otherwise know as my every day life.
The next chapter will begin some eleven thousand miles away in Melbourne, Australia. After a brief visit to Singapore I’ll touch down on the other side of the world on December 9th at the start of what I hope will be a glorious southern hemisphere summer. I’m not emigrating, merely relocating for a year or so, trying out life from a different angle, like taking a walk in a new pair of shoes.
I’ll grant you, this is far from the usual way of moving home. It’s not the ordinary and responsible route that’s well lit and complete with good signage and safety nets. It is a little crazy, and maybe even slightly daring and absurd in equal measure too. But what were my options? Find another place not far from where I live now, somewhere a little bigger perhaps, with more room for stuff that I don’t really need?
I could have stayed at the apartment, after all the rent was cheap and there really was no pressing need to move. But in my heart I felt it was time for a change. The routine was comfortable, but in that comfort time began to fly by almost unnoticed, just like the scenery passing me by right now on this train as it hurries to Liverpool reducing towns and villages to little more than a blur.
When I’m on trains I like to look out of the window and enjoy the ride. I have the same outlook in life too. But you know how it is, sometimes things get in the way and you become so busy going though life that you forget to pay attention and enjoy it, to sit back and take a moment to savour the wonder, beauty, and sheer madness of it all.
On the whole I think I do a pretty good job of savoring the moments, of looking out of the window and enjoying the ride. Like everyone though, my days are often carved out of routine and familiarities, things that ordinarily pass me by. But as much as we all need it to some extent, routine can lull us into a false sense of security while it robs us of the only diminishing commodity we’re all heavily invested in.. time.
So I’m taking a chance, giving up my apartment, throwing the routine to the wind and heading into the unknown. From December 6th the road ahead is completely uncharted and utterly unknown. That’s both exciting and terrifying at the same time, and as my days now fill up with ‘lasts’ that often feel a little sad, I know that ahead of me there will be many exciting ‘firsts.’
In preparation for the move I’ve been slowly clearing out my apartment, delving into the back of cupboards and evaluating what to give up and what to keep. That’s been an interesting process and I’ve appreciated the opportunity to look at everything around me and assess the value of things that otherwise had no reason to be questioned in their place.
Why do I have so many coffee mugs, so many disposable razors, old T-shirts, paper clips, and USB cables? Did I really need all those herbs and spices that I never used? And while my whisky collection is small, what’s the point of collecting these bottles only to never open them? I’m saving them for special occasions I tell myself, but really, how drunk do I need to be when those occasions come?
It’s been an education in moderation, in needs verses desire, worth verses want, and useful verses useless. Strip away the Ikea furniture, the plants and the plug-in entertainment, and what do I have left? What do any of us?
In this process each item now has to earn its place in a box that will be stored. It has to answer a simple question; what purpose does this serve? Maybe it’s practical, maybe it’s sentimental, either way it has to assert its place in my life and my future.
So why Australia, and why now? The answer is simple. It’s all about timing. Things are good right now, in fact they’re great. But the truth is I’m so happy and so comfortable that there was a danger that I might sit down in this comfort and never get back up.
I can easily afford my life, my travels, and everything I enjoy. There is essentially no challenge, and while that might be good in many respects, the fact is we only grow when we’re challenged, and I need a new challenge.
Australia seems like a fun place, it’s interesting and it’s been somewhere I’ve wanted to get to know for years. Yes, it’s possible that moving there for a year might be a terrible idea. I could theoretically burn through my savings and seriously damage my business by going ‘virtual’ with my customers. That’s a risk, but it’s surely a risk worth taking?
Maybe I sound like I’m trying to convince myself, and in some respects I suppose I might be, after all I’m happy and comfortable right now so the rational thing to do would be to stay in this place where everything is safe.
However, for me at least, life is about the stories along the way, and there are no great stories to be found in beating the same rhythm on the same drum until you’re too old to beat it anymore. I know it’s a cliche, but life really is about the journey, not the destination.
I’m not far from Liverpool now as the train pulls into Runcorn station. We’re right on schedule as commuters step on and off the carriages. There was a time when I would make this journey on a regular basis, bridging the gap between my old life in the South of England with my then new life in the North West. Since then I’ve taken to using the car more, electing instead for the convenience of my own timetable rather than that of any rail operator. Today has been a treat though, a last train ride home, and one I wanted to appreciate.
The sun is setting outside as the train slowly pulls into Liverpool. It’s the end of the line here so I need to pack up my things and catch another train. For the moment thought I’m still sitting in my seat just looking out of the window as we approach the city which looks quite beautiful in silhouette against the autumn evening sky.
It’s been an enjoyable ride, but this part of my journey is coming to and end.
Wrote the following comment on Nov 26, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Northern Boy done good! Well done mate!
Wrote the following comment on Nov 26, 2010 at 9:24 pm
A great read Simon. Good luck down under. I like your style, outlook and attitude. You’ll go far…. literally ;o)
Wrote the following comment on Nov 26, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Simon, Hi. :)
Clive just posted a link to your blog and I’m so pleased he did. It reads like a novel and I’m caught up in it. More please, so I’m going to subscribe. I can’t wait to hear your continuing story.
Wrote the following comment on Nov 27, 2010 at 2:04 am
This sounds so wonderful to me. To have the ability, and the sheer bravery to do this is amazing. I hope you’ll be regularly writing about your experiences because I have a feeling it will make a good read!
Good luck Simon
Wrote the following comment on Nov 27, 2010 at 7:44 am
This – the way that effortless craft a post like this out of the most humble subject matter – was what inspired me to start writing again. Good luck Bro’ – take care.
Wrote the following comment on Nov 27, 2010 at 7:44 am
simon, i’m doing exactly the same thing, for the same reasons; but to India. my sister did it; she’s in Perth WA now n living the life. good luck.
Wrote the following comment on Nov 27, 2010 at 10:22 am
Good for you Simon! Better to climb or shake the tree than simply wait for the fruit to fall, right.
Wrote the following comment on Nov 27, 2010 at 11:46 am
Hi mate, Thanks to Jim I’ve read this post. You know I’ve always considered you a talented guy. I’m sure you’ll do great things down there in Australia.
Somwhow I envy you for taking the courage to break your habits and thus changing life so much. My life has been changing recently, small steps towards a better life. Lots to do.
Rock Australia!
Your friend, Mika
Wrote the following comment on Nov 27, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Good luck in Australia Simon. I’m sure you will have great fun and a great time.
Maybe it’s time I subscribed to the blog again :-)
Wrote the following comment on Nov 27, 2010 at 4:29 pm
how exciting, simon! i did the same thing by going to france for a while. australia sounds like a dream. it’s great to follow along via your blog. can’t wait to read your future posts.
Wrote the following comment on Nov 28, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Simon,
The very best of luck with the adventure!
I just wanted to thank you for over 10 years of good quality friendship, which I sincerely hope will continue despite the distance, obviously I understand and accept your apologies for the ‘lads’ gatherings in advance!
Take care mate, see you soon (on Skype!)
Jp
Wrote the following comment on Nov 28, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Isn’t Australia where England used to send its criminals and other unsavory types, and isn’t it ironic that now it is a place that in some respects is more desirable to live than England, that is if you like fair weather, sand, and sunny beaches, which, I think you do.
I can’t help but think that time in Australia is going to totally make it impossible for people to place you by your accent. It will be as if you are a culture of one bearing the marks in your voice of all the places you been. Actually, after the stint in Australia, you should go to Texas for a season, and then you should go to India for a little while, and get a part time job in a call center, and really screw with people’s minds.
Seriously though, may God bless you greatly in this chapter of your life.
Wrote the following comment on Nov 29, 2010 at 1:15 am
Hey simon. so glad you are finally doing this! i’d wish you luck, but what is it you say “i was born lucky” – yes you were! ;) x
Wrote the following comment on Nov 29, 2010 at 1:54 am
I have no doubt that you will find adventure in Australia and share your journey with those of us whose lives are more mundane; so that we can continue to live vicariously through you. As always, thank you for that! I wonder if you’ll write with an Aussie accent? Jus’ wondering! I’ll stay posted to find out!
Wrote the following comment on Nov 29, 2010 at 4:03 am
Simon,
Good luck in Australia. I’m doing something similar. I’m living in Canada for a year doing a work abroad program. It’s been an interesting and enlightening change for me. And while Canada isn’t 11,000 miles away from my home, and I have other, more personal reasons for being here too, I’m still 3500 miles away from my family and the life I knew. I agree, change is necessary, as it really forces us to think about our lives and reevaluate. I really hope that you find the degree of change that you’re looking for in Australia, and I’m looking forward to reading your adventures.
Wrote the following comment on Nov 29, 2010 at 9:46 am
I read this post this evening on train home and feel you will be happy in your deciding.
There is an old Japanese proverb that says “To wait for luck is like waiting for death.”
Wrote the following comment on Nov 29, 2010 at 11:04 am
I’m not going to wish you luck matey, you don’t need it. Taking a risk like this is more my style than yours, but I envy you my friend. Although you deny it, I can’t imagine you’ll be back here for anything more than a visit, the world is just too big and exciting for you to return here. Over the coming years, I look forward to visiting you in whichever far flung part of the world you settle in.
Enjoy the ride mate, switching the headlights off occasionally certainly makes life interesting. Go find new stories :-)
Wrote the following comment on Nov 29, 2010 at 5:54 pm
You do write quite beautifully Simon. The end of the line in Liverpool indeed. Many fond memories I bet. Good luck with the relocation and I do hope you’ll continue to write from ‘down under.’
Wrote the following comment on Nov 29, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Traveling is style there I see Simon. First class, you extravagant bugger you! Lucky you getting to escape all this awful freezing weather too! I’m sure you’ll have a great time out there.
Wrote the following comment on Nov 29, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Hey Simon, you kept this plan quiet didn’t you! Good luck chick, I am sure that great things will happen for you, they always do. xx
Wrote the following comment on Nov 30, 2010 at 3:20 am
aMzG!!! You so brave this is good. I think you find good times and happy in Aussie! Hope see picture surfing Simon :)))
LUV-N-LUKZ CHAAAAA!!!!!!!
Wrote the following comment on Dec 3, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Wow Simon ~ Good for you! Your friends and readers will miss you but also look forward to hearing about your new adventures, for adventures they will be. ALL the very best for your next chapter in life ~ we all know you will make the best of this. I did the same a few years ago (to Africa). NO regrets and plenty of good memories. Take it easy Simon and safe journey ~
Wrote the following comment on Dec 4, 2010 at 5:18 am
So I was starting to get worried about you cause I haven’t heard from you in a while and then I didn’t get a response from my last email so I figured I better read your blog to see if I could get any info. Yep I read it! ;-) I’m so glad for you that you are on your way and I’m super bummed we won’t also be making it there more sooner than later. We’ve got catching up to do! Happy Travels.
Wrote the following comment on Dec 4, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Thanks everyone for your best wishes and kind messages. I’m sitting at the airport at this very moment with less than an hour to go before I fly. It’s been a hectic last few days of packing up my stuff and moving out. The first time I’ll have to sit back and relax will be on the plane.
The adventure starts now!