Day 913

Sunday 06 Mar 2016

Day 913.

913 days.

913 days since I began a journey that had changed my life in so many ways.

I took a job in Australia and moved my life to the other side of the world.

I lived in Sydney in the beautiful Rushcutters Bay; in Brisbane in the charming Newstead; in Melbourne in a gorgeous home in South Yarra; and in Perth in one of my favorite places I’ve ever lived, North Fremantle.

I worked on a beautiful show that changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in Australia.

I set out to do a photo a day while living in Australia and although it wasn’t always easy, and I fell behind many (many, many) times, I did stick to it and accomplished it.

I became a better photographer with my little Canon M and fixed lens in bag pretty much 24/7.

I met some amazing people who enriched my life in more ways then they will ever know.

I have more inside jokes, sayings and catch phrases that I will say to people randomly who have no idea what the heck I’m talking about.

I got out of my comfort zone and lived the expat life down under.

And, most importantly, I met the most amazing man who makes me a better person every day we’re together. To my life partner Tim – I love you so very much and I am so excited for what the future holds for us.

And on that note, we bid goodbye to Australia. We leave this morning, together, Tim and I, for a four month journey throughout Asia and then to begin our lives together in New York on July 1. Randy Down Under is finished, but our new blog is now up and going. If you’re interested in following along, please subscribe on the page or just check it out from time to time.

http://www.elevenoverfour.com

We’re doing eleven Asian countries over four months. We are doing this for ourselves to document – a blog/journal/blournal – but also to share with family, friends and whoever stumbles our way.

To Australia I say thank you. Thank you for making me who I am today.

It’s with a tear in my eye and a glass of champagne in my hand that I say adieu.

[And, yes, I took forever to write this post. I wasn’t sure how to say goodbye, but it is from a balcony in the countryside of Japan that I finally write these final words…]

It’s not good bye, but so long for now Australia.

xo