This has definitely not been a typical Australian summer.
It’s been hot, it’s been cold. Sunny, then rainy — very much like my last relationship, haha.
The only constant? My skin getting darker by the day.
You know how in Germany, in grade three, you do your swimmers — your Seepferdchen — and mostly learn breaststroke and backstroke? Living in Australia has made me realize how different that is. Here, kids grow up learning freestyle — the Australian crawl — from a very young age.
And I honestly think that should be the norm. Because relearning how to swim at twenty-five is a humbling experience. Yes, that’s exactly what I did. I bought goggles and became a regular at The Entrance Baths, swimming laps like a determined beginner.
And let me tell you — it is exhausting. I’d much rather run ten kilometres than swim one.
But I’ve grown to love it. It’s peaceful and demanding at the same time. You have to focus on everything: breathing, turning your head at the right moment, remembering your legs. There’s no space for overthinking. It’s good cardio and perfect for days when it’s too hot to function outside. So yes — once I’m back in Germany, I’ll keep swimming.
As Dory would say: “Just keep swimming.”
Another first recently: filing my first car insurance claim — because I backed into another car. Easily one of my least favourite moments here.
I was coming home late from dinner and, while parking, wasn’t quite focused enough. It could have been avoided. What made it worse? It happened right in front of the house I was living in — and it was Denise and Ian’s son-in-law’s car.
Not my proudest moment.
Luckily, everything was sorted quickly. Allianz was efficient and helpful, and everyone handled it far more calmly than I probably deserved. He had planned to drive home to what he calls “butt-fuck nowhere” — about nine hours north of Forresters Beach — but thanks to me, his fiancée Abbey had to wait an extra week for him. (Please excuse my swearing. That’s just what the Aussies call a town in the middle of nowhere – a town nobody has ever heard of.)
The ironic part? You wouldn’t even know Betty was involved if you looked at her. So yes — you should’ve seen the other guy.
Lesson learned. I’ll be paying even more attention from now on.
Especially because in three days, I’m picking up some very important cargo from the airport.
My parents are coming Down Under.
I’m beyond excited. On Wednesday at seven in the evening, I’ll be waiting at arrivals. It’s their first time in Australia — another pair of first timers — and I can’t wait to show them around. I hope we make the absolute most of our three weeks together. I am slightly curious how my mum will cope with the birds, but we’ll deal with that when the time comes.
And shortly after they fly home, I will too.
I’ve booked my return flight.
I know some of you might wonder why I’m not squeezing in more travel — South-East Asia, New Zealand, the whole backpacker checklist. And I understand the question. But I’m a little tired of travelling alone. I miss my family. I want overdue time with them — especially my nephews.
Extending my stay would also mean more paperwork, more visa logistics, extending my licence, insurance, and paying plenty of additional fees — all for just a few extra weeks. It doesn’t feel necessary.
Knowing I have close friends here reassures me this isn’t goodbye forever. Travelling will always be part of my life. But right now, going home feels right.
I’ll land in Berlin on April 30th around lunchtime — exactly one year after arriving in Australia.
There’s still time, though. After Svenni and Naschi head home, I have a few more weeks to explore. One goal is snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef — let’s see if I can make that happen. And I want to soak up as much time with friends as possible. Because who knows when we’ll all be in the same place again.
And then — a new chapter.Any recommendations?
For now, my days are filled with catching up with friends, cliff jumping, hiking through rivers, swallowing far too much ocean water while practising the Australian crawl, and slowly picking up a few Australian habits. Only the good ones, of course.
Very slow. Very relaxed. Exactly what I need.
And yes — I’m still working, don’t worry. On a normal summer workday, I start sweating at seven in the morning and only stop once I make it into an air-conditioned house. So in that sense, I’m actually quite glad this hasn’t been a “typical” Australian summer.
Everything about my travels with Svenni and Naschi in the next chapter.
So long — stay tuned, my dears.
marie louise travels 