MELBOURNE ​

Saturday 7 May 2022

This is our first love! A love so deep that we'd live and die here. Even now, it feels surreal to think that we're actually in Melbourne. I've traveled a lot over the years, seen countless cities and cultures, but bringing your entire family to a place changes everything. It's no longer about exploration; it's about planting roots, about imagining a future in a city that once felt like a distant dream.

When we first arrived, Melbourne seemed gigantic. The skyscrapers stretched endlessly upward, as if touching the clouds, while the streets bustled with traffic, people, and an energy that was almost overwhelming. Helicopters hovered above, part of the city's busy rhythm, and yet, for us, they were a stark reminder of where we had come from. Having spent nearly a month in Ukraine before our departure, the sound of a helicopter or jet overhead wasn't comforting; it was terrifying. But here, it was different. Slowly, we began to see them as symbols of normalcy rather than fear-a shift that was both strange and healing.

I remember trying to catch up with my parents over the phone during those first few days. They had decided to stay in Ukraine, a choice that weighed heavily on my heart. As I sat in the comfort of our hotel room, trying to describe Melbourne's beauty and vastness, I couldn't shake the guilt. My words faltered, not because the city didn't inspire me, but because my thoughts were with them, worrying about their safety and the uncertainty they faced.

Our first home in Melbourne was the Marriott Hotel, generously arranged by my company. It was a place of luxury that felt almost surreal given the chaos we had just left behind. The room was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the city skyline. That first night, we couldn't tear ourselves away from the window. The city lights twinkled like stars, each one representing a life, a story, a possibility. For hours, we sat there, soaking in the scene, overwhelmed by the contrast between where we were and where we had been.

But it wasn't just the view that captivated us; it was the life within those lights. The streets below were alive with movement, filled with people going about their lives-walking, laughing, rushing. It was a rhythm so different from the one we had known, and yet, it invited us to become part of it. There was something comforting in that vibrancy, in the way the city seemed to pulse with energy and opportunity.

Adjusting to Melbourne's pace wasn't easy. The noise, the crowds, and the constant motion took some getting used to. For our children, it was an adventure. They marveled at the trams, pointed excitedly at the skyscrapers, and adapted far more quickly than we did. For us, every day was a mix of awe and exhaustion as we tried to find our place in this new world. Looking back, those first weeks in Melbourne were a whirlwind of emotions. There was gratitude for the safety we had found, awe at the beauty of the city, and a lingering sadness for what we had left behind. But more than anything, there was hope. Hope that this city, with its towering buildings and dazzling lights, could become our home.

Melbourne wasn't just a city for us; it was a new beginning. It was a place that challenged us to grow, to adapt, and to dream again. And as we sat by that hotel window on our first night, staring at the lights that seemed to stretch endlessly into the horizon, we knew we had found something special. This wasn't just a place to live; it was a place to love.