Daniel and I have long dreamed of living and working abroad for a while – and now the dream has finally come true. We've moved to Melbourne, Australia as our first stop, and time will tell where our next destination will be.
We’re excited about all the experiences ahead and will regularly upload videos, photos, and thoughts from our journey. So feel free to follow along here ☺
Best regards from Daniel and Sara
Until we meet again
Then it was Monday, August 26, 2024. A date that seemed so distant when, almost two years ago, we decided to start saving for a long trip. Time is a tricky thing, but suddenly we had said goodbye to everyone we care about, packed up our apartment, and had our last beer on the couch. Then we were standing in the airport with two heavy suitcases, surrounded by our beloved families. A huge victory. But also bittersweet.
One last hug, a ‘kartfoffel mad’, and 21 hours in the air ahead.
Chapter 2
Hello
Australia
We’ve traveled 16,000 km southeast and now find ourselves in Australia, more specifically in Melbourne. Melbourne is home to 5.2 million people, almost as many as in all of Denmark. Pretty wild.
The first couple of weeks have been spent exploring the city, soaking in the atmosphere, and tasting local specialties. We’re especially enjoying their great beer deals, delicious coffee, and banana bread.
Melbourne is made up of several different neighborhoods, each with its own unique personality. The CBD has its life together and enjoys playing golf on the weekends. St. Kilda is a colorful and impulsive character who often has saltwater in its hair. South Yarra definitely prefers yoga tights and orders a flat white on the way to work.
Chapter 3
First kangaroo
So we went on a trip to Werribee Gorge State Park. Our first Australian hike. It was wonderful to get a bit out of the city and truly experience the bush. We chose to hike the Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, which is 10 km long. A route for the brave in a beautiful natural area. We climbed a bit on the rocks, saw two kangaroos, and met our first Dane. Oh, and yes, Daniel also saw a snake.
Chapter 4
Thanks for
the coffee
Melbourne is known as 'The Coffee Capital.' Thirty tons of coffee beans are imported every day – that’s equivalent to 3 million cups of coffee. It’s rumored that Australians invented the Flat White and Long Black. Or maybe it was act Zealand. Anyhow, when it comes to coffee, the Melburnians definitely know what they’re doing.
Both Daniel and I enjoy coffee and have invested in a Sage machine, also known as the spaceship. We’ve watched YouTube videos on how to froth the perfect milk, but even though practice makes perfect in theory, we’ve never quite mastered the steamer.
So, it was a perfect opportunity to take a barista course in the very heart of the coffee capital. After 7 hours and countless cups of coffee, I was pretty high on caffeine. But in a good way. What a craft! Thanks to my coffee buddy, Martin.
Chapter 5
Botanic on
the agenda
The alarm goes off at 5:20. I need to catch a train at 6:30 to Westerfold Manor Native Garden, where I’ve signed up as a volunteer. When I arrive, I see a woman walking around with a wheelbarrow. It’s Pat from England, and she’s in charge of the garden. I’ll be helping to plant native Australian plants, so Pat shows me how to do it: first dig, then plant, water, and finally mulch (which means covering the soil with organic material).
Later in the morning, Graham shows up. He’s a friendly guy and offers lemon cookies. After the tea break, Pat eagerly tells me about the garden’s species and gives me a guided tour. She explains that one of the garden's goals is to create a space for butterflies. Luckily, we spot a beautiful orange one. What a magical day!
Chapter 6
A beautiful melody
"I play the piano myself, but nothing compared to the students here. They are phenomenal," the man next to me says.
At the end of the semester, students from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music are invited to compete for the chance to perform as a soloist with the University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the University of Melbourne Wind Symphony, or one of the other conservatorium ensembles. An audition that is public.
The lights dim, and the music begins. The man next to me closes his eyes and immerses himself in the music.