QUEENS ROAD ​

Saturday 7 May 2022

After leaving the hotel, Queens Road became our next stop-a new chapter in our Melbourne life. It felt like the start of something more permanent, more grounded. The location was perfect for commuting to my office, and public transport connections were convenient. But shopping? That was another story. Grocery trips took far longer than expected, and we quickly realised how dependent we were on Uber and public transport during those first months.

Looking back, we were desperate to leave the hotel and move into a place we could call home. In our rush, we didn't think to check for practicalities like nearby shops or amenities. Yet, despite these small inconveniences, Queens Road felt like a step forward. It was our first move-the first step toward settling in-and for that, it was good.

Settling In ​

Of course, not everything was perfect. There were property issues we hadn't anticipated. Some were temporary, like a leaky faucet or a squeaky door, while others were persistent, quietly reminding us of the compromises we had made. But none of that overshadowed the joy of finally having a place to call our own.

The boys loved it. They quickly made themselves at home, filling the house with laughter and energy. For them, Queens Road wasn't about the commute or the shopping; it was about the backyard and nearby Fawkner Park. Having a backyard in the middle of a big city was a treasure we hadn't expected. It became their playground, a space for them to be free and carefree.

The Backyard and Beyond ​

That backyard was more than just a patch of grass; it was a sanctuary. The boys spent hours there, playing games, chasing each other, and discovering the joys of outdoor life in the heart of a bustling city. When they weren't in the backyard, we'd head to Fawkner Park, just a short walk away. The park became a second home, offering wide-open spaces for them to run and explore.

Another unexpected delight was the stunning flying foxes we began to notice in the evenings. These large bats, gliding gracefully through the twilight sky, felt almost magical. For the boys, spotting them became an evening ritual-a chance to marvel at nature even amidst the urban sprawl. It was a reminder that even in a big city, there was always something wild and wonderful to discover.

For us, these small moments made the challenges worthwhile. Watching our children thrive in a city so far from where we started reminded us why we made this move in the first place. Melbourne wasn't just about skyscrapers and traffic; it was about finding spaces where life could happen, where our family could grow.

Lessons Learned ​

Queens Road taught us a lot. It showed us the importance of planning, of thinking beyond the immediate and considering the practicalities of daily life. But it also taught us to embrace imperfection, to find joy in the little things, and to appreciate the journey we were on. It wasn't perfect, but it was ours, and that made all the difference.