Melbourne: This Time to Stay

In 2019, I wrote about traveling to Melbourne, for the first time ever. At that time, traveling from New Zealand to Australia was cheaper and easier than traveling within New Zealand itself. You could climb on a plane, be fed some tea and a biscuit, and then just WALK OFF THE PLANE! Crazy, right?
Who knew that in just a few short months the world would turn on its head? Airlines would go out of business, facial masks would be mandated and even leaving your house would need to be scheduled.

Now in 2021, Simone and I find ourselves in Melbourne, hoping to make this our home. Due to her work with MagiQ, moving over was incredibly easy for her. Pretty much pack up your desk in Napier and put it down in the Melbourne office. “Welcome to ‘Stryla, mate!”

Traveling has become something of a fanfare. Before we left, we had to make declarations that we have been in New Zealand for longer than 2 weeks. We were told to arrive at Auckland International Airport 3 hours before check-in closes. Which means we had to arrive at 4 AM! And it was the weirdest thing I think I have ever experienced. Even at 4 AM, I am used to the airport being a place of buzz with the general hum of human existence.

The Uber that dropped Simone and I off was the only car in the parking lot. Not another human about. All the entrances were barred and locked save one. Every single check-in desk was closed off, and only three desks were open. Simone and I quickly joined a queue of four others. It was quiet. It was eerie. The feeling is the same one I felt when I first went to the local store during our lockdown. A hushed, sombre, atmosphere. Suddenly you feel how the rest of the world must feel. And in New Zealand, we’d all but forgotten about the virus.

Below are some photos I captured of the airport showing the emptiness, the desolation. The last image is the path through duty free. All the shops are closed, the pathway made from plastic partitions, and not even a local radio station playing to provide solace. After the duty free, we passed by the McDonalds which looked hurriedly closed. A notice stuck to a chair perched on the counter read “Due to current events, McDonalds is closed for the next 48 hours”. The left-over cash up receipt read March 12th, 2020.

Arriving in Melbourne, we were funneled single file into the customs and immigration process. Having to show the declaration we filled out earlier in the week, we were then allowed to pass. This airport was no busier. Once we left the airport, a semblance of normality started to come back. Apart from having to wear facial masks in public places and on public transport, it seems almost as open as New Zealand is.

We’re currently staying with a host family while we get on our feet. Our first full day was filled with Church and then a Church Picnic. One way to meet a lot of new and friendly faces! But its good – the sooner we feel a part of the community the better for our mental health. After all, moving countries is one of the most stressful things a person can go through.

Now that we’re here, it’s time to start looking for work and a place to live. We’re hoping to find an apartment close to the city and experience big city life. From getting waffles at 2 AM to being able to walk to concerts, we’re going to embrace everything a big city has to offer. And I cannot wait! Not having to travel to concerts will be the biggest thing for me. Once they start happening again of course…

For now, we’re here and we’re going to be staying awhile. Hello Melbourne, the Dunkerleys have arrived. And this time, to stay.

And now, here are some photos from our first week. For more, check out my Instagram!