Ark of the Covenant?

And I thought that the ark of the covenant was stored in a warehouse in America. This photo taken was in the crypt of Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance.

Looking forward and looking back

As I write this, I am sitting aboard QANTAS flight 619 to Melbourne. This is the first leg of my little adventure. I have taken the good advice of my section manager at QR, Tony Jensen, and purchased a scotch and coke to consume as I contemplate where I'm heading and all that I've left behind.

But I'm getting a little of myself. It's been almost a week since my last post, and for the good reason that I've hardly had a minute to myself in that time. On Sunday it was Paniyiri, Brisbane's annual Greek festival. Paul and I headed down there for lunch. Thankfully the crowds weren't as bad as they have been in the past. Both Kerby (that's Paul) and I have been obsessed with haloumi cheese for about the last eighteen months. So you can imagine my delight in discovering the deal of the day: three slabs of haoumi for $5. It was slightly undercooked, but still delicious.

It was a day of catching up with people, which was great for me because it was the last chance for a while. I'd tentatively arranged to meet up with with my maternal grandfather, although we hadn't actually set a time or place. It was funny when I ran into him. He said he'd been waiting at that table for me for two hours. He hasn't entered the mobile age, so I'm not sure how I was supposed to know he was there! In spite of the mix-up he was full of spirits, and offered me some helpful advice. Firstly, he wanted me to know that London has a different climate to Australia. Secondly, I shouldn't trust anyone on my trip. No-one at all. And thirdly, if I get sick I must go to a doctor straight away, and not let it worsen. With all of the FUD, I didn't want to scare him by mentioning that I'll arrive in New York on July 4. Oh, he also mentioned that there is a large Cypriot community in London, and should I go to a Cypriot club and ever run into a Maria Angelikis (yes Mum, I know that's not how it's spelled), then I should pass on my grandfather's contact details. Very funny.

Later that day I caught up with my aunt Nikki and her two children. It was a lot of fun wandering around the sideshow alley part of the Panyiri. I have some great photos which I'll eventually post.

The rest of the week was non-stop. My life has been ruled by lists (a moving list, a change of address list, packing lists etc etc) for the last six weeks, and yet this week was still the most stressful. I probably didn't have to do half the things on my list (eg visit my contracting agency to return a gift - more on that later), but a lot of stuff (eg changing mobile plans) seemed easier to do now rather than later. Oh yeah, I also went to the dentist. That's because I've seen enough Mike Leigh films to be scared by English dentistry practices.

Some of my work colleagues will already know about the box of Mrs Fields cookies that my contracting agent, Mary, dropped by on Thursday of last week. While every gift is thoughtful, I was a little perturbed that Candle Australia had decided to recognise seven years of service with a $5 box of cookies. Mary specifically said that she didn't want to give me anything because I'm going away. It only mildly annoyed me at the time. But as everyone I told described it as a slap in the face, I felt it only fair to provide some "feedback" to Candle. I met with Alison, the state manager, on Wednesday. She said it was entirely a misunderstanding on my part. Apparently, Mary has been giving the cookies to everyone (which still doesn't explain what she said on the day). Alison insisted on giving me a proper gift despite my protestations that I truly wanted nothing. Mind you, it's not like they haven't benefited from my time at QR. By my calculations they pocketed in excerss of $140,000. Still, even if it is all a case of mistake or oversight, the whole thing stinks. Especially given how Candle has so generously treated other departing contractors. I'm probably expecting too much though. After all, this is the company that failed to renegotiate my contract before the end date.

Anyway back to the present. While the airplane was taxiing, I thought of one of my Uncle Mosko's sayings. We always get what we want, we just don't always like what we get. The last twenty-four hours have been as stressful and emotional as they were exciting. As those close to me know, I planned to undertake this trip in 1999 or 2000, but was unable to for a variety of reasons. So by travelling overseas I am very much getting something that I've wanted for so many years now. But part of that deal is also temporarily leaving behind those that I love so dearly including Mum, Dad, Katheine, my grandparents (one of whom worried she may not be here when I get back), and my friends, but especially Paul. Even if I am only away for a few months, it is going to be extremely difficult suddenly not seeing someone whose love and company I have enjoyed on a daily basis for four years. But, as I keep remindig myself, it's the right decision for now. And I've got an excitig few weeks ahead of me.

I guess that's what Tony means by looking forward while also looking back.