I moved to Australia during the pandemic. It was a tough decision, but a necessary one. When COVID-19 began, my job also ended. Everything in my life seemed to come to a standstill. I was living in my small apartment in California without a plan in sight. As usual, I stayed home and did a lot of reading. I also made Quarantine Pizza, and handmade pasta, and didn’t see many people. I decided to move to Australia to join my partner and close the loop as we had been dating long-distance for many years.
Packing up my life, saying goodbye to friends, and moving on was challenging. I never let go of my ties to the people I love in the Bay Area. I miss them, but I am learning how to be here, even if the adjustment is a little bumpy. Interrupted Messenger chats don’t help.