Nine Years in Australia
A tale of a love story, mixed with the realisation of living in a foreign country, seasonal shifts, the strengthening of your roots and the power your story holds.
Today marks a very special day. It has been 9 years since I packed up with all my belongings and set off on my journey to Australia, ready to start a life with the man of my dreams.
Over the past year, as my children have grown to the ages of 4 and 6, I've come to realise the unique experience of being an English mother with English roots and heritage while raising my two young Australian children down under. The truth is, the events of 2020 served as a reminder for me, and I'm sure many of you can relate, that I couldn't simply hop on a plane to my motherland in times of emergency, or make my yearly trip to England and Europe to reconnect with my family and soak in all things quintessentially English, that I need to keep my cup full!
When I made the decision to emigrate to Australia at the age of 24, Ben and my parents shared a light hearted agreement: "You can move, but only if we get to see you at least once a year!" They understood that I was embarking on a permanent journey to settle in Australia.
A little story…
I can vividly recall being 12 years old and developing a fascination with the idea of living in Australia. It appeared as a distant paradise, surrounded by a few tropical islands, and accessible mainly to those with relatives or adventurous backpackers like my sister. Everything about it felt foreign to me, from the white sandy beaches to the charming weatherboard coastal houses, the tropical climates, longer and sunnier days, year-round BBQs, and the effortlessly cool and laid-back Aussie accents of the surfers. This lifestyle seemed like an eternal vacation, and when I finally set foot in Australia for the first time in 2012 to meet Ben's family, my initial perception was confirmed. Australians truly were "living the dream," as the saying goes.
As many of you know my story, I grew up in the English countryside, surrounded by picturesque landscapes of rolling green hills, hay bales serving as our playground, a sprawling orchard, and vegetable gardens. Houses and Cottages with Ancient walls and fireplaces that had stood for 500 years was all I knew. With the luxury of experiencing all four seasons and having Europe right on our doorstep for weekend getaways. England was a world apart from Australia.
I always had a strong sense that my ultimate home would be in another country, a somewhat amusing thought, but I had a clear plan that extended far beyond the tranquil English countryside. After attending design school and temporarily pausing my studies (which I eventually resumed and completed) I ventured out on my own at the age of 18. I embarked on a journey by joining a crew on a super yacht, setting sail across the world as a stewardess. This adventure allowed me to connect with people from various corners of the globe, including meeting Ben on an island in the eastern Caribbean Sea, Guadeloupe.
Caribbean in 2009
I have a deep appreciation for the comforts of a safe and cosy space to rest my head, which is why the idea of backpacking, camping and hostels was of no interest to me, I preferred the security of a cute little cabin on a boat that I could call home. I also have a genuine passion for culture, history, continuous learning, and creating new experiences. It's worth noting that along with marrying a sailor, that sailing and traveling were part of my heritage, with ancestors boasting the status of Admirals. And a treasure trove of childhood stories and memorabilia that adorned my home as I grew up, all of which have deep ties to my family and relatives. Travelling and foreign lands were in my blood!
Following our yachting experiences, Ben and I devised a plan. I returned to London to complete my schooling, while he headed back to Australia to pursue his dream job. After enduring nearly 1.5 years of a long-distance relationship, marked by multiple meet-ups in Indonesia, Australia, and the UK, we reached a point where the emotional toll became too overwhelming. The heartache was undeniable, and we knew that we had to be together.
Interestingly, there wasn't even a discussion about where we would live; the path ahead was remarkably clear to me!
In a romantic gesture, Ben proposed to me in the serene English countryside just two weeks before we were scheduled to depart for Australia to begin our life together.
The moment I arrived in Australia to begin my life and home with Ben.
As we saved for our first home and navigated the rental phase, I worked as a visual merchandiser during the day and importing and selling Moroccan rugs during evenings and weekends. My innate passion for curating a home with pieces from various corners of the world, each with its unique story, had been a part of me for as long as I could remember!
Pictured with my Moroccan rugs living my first week in Australia.
From the outset, I was determined to infuse a touch of England and travels into our Australian abode, a goal that is clearly evident in our current home. My personal style is not particularly an Australian aesthetic, yet I've wholeheartedly embraced the Australian lifestyle and surroundings, allowing them to subtly influence the ambiance of our home and merge it with my English roots.
However, In the recent phases of my life, I've encountered a series of significant shifts and revelations. This period marked the transition into motherhood with my children beginning school and pre-school, signalling the end of the toddler phase and ushering in a new chapter where I've been in the process of redefining my personal identity. It has led me to cultivate new friendships and expand beyond my comfort zone in my business endeavours, embracing opportunities that were once only distant dreams!
The years of 2020-2023 left a profound impact with its losses, feelings of confinement, and a deep yearning for English culture, history, and family. Flying across the world for the first time to visit friends without children, and the significant milestone of embarking into my 30’s became pivotal moments too. At 30 I began my journey to focus on my health, healing past wounds, shedding what no longer served me, and actively striving to become a healthier, lighter, and happier version of myself.
Somewhere within the narrative of these chapters, I felt a sense of detachment from my motherland, the rich tapestry of English history, culture, architecture, family, and those childhood friends, who are rare and irreplaceable. Along with being fully immersed in the journey of raising a family, renovating our home, and building a business. Somehow my roots felt lost.
For the first time in my life, I found myself dialling my mum's number, and through my tears, I said, "You know, it's like I've just realised something, for the first time—I actually live in Australia." Her response was a knowing nod, as she said, "I know, darling. I thought this day would come..."
I'm not referring to the idea of moving back to the UK— Far from that! More of a "pinch me, this is actually my reality" kind of moment. I live in Australia, yet I'm not Australian, my roots are not from here, and my children’s will be. A bitter sweet moment, a huge realisation but one that I wouldn’t change for the world. Ben and I have always shared a vision of traveling with our children, and indeed, we've started early with my eldest, who already at the age of 6 is on her second passport. We've consistently emphasised the importance of our kids experiencing my English roots and integrating them into their own identities, which we've actively pursued and will continue to do so. But something hit home for me, that my kids native country is in fact Australia.
For those of you who have emigrated to a foreign land for love, I know you can relate. You have two homes, with your heart belonging where your loved ones are, but your motherland will always be your native country and part of your soul.
I now recognise that although enjoying every step of the journey, for years I was in ‘fast pace mode’. Initially it felt like a sense of sorrow when I learnt this, but then I came to realise that this is actually a blessing—a chance to learn and grow, slow down, and prioritise peace and more intention throughout my life and for my family.
This newfound realisation was a chance for me to reconnect with myself and who I was. It has also significantly bolstered my confidence to progress in my roles as a creative business owner, designer and stylist, allowing me to further refine and amplify my unique style and my story. While our home authentically mirrors both mine and Ben's roots, experiences, and travels, it has become increasingly clear to me that I want express this identity even more boldly!! Like I always share online, your home is a reflection of you, your story, and it will always keep evolving with you as you grow and learn!
As I reflect on my 9 years of living in Australia, I've learned many things. That cultures, values and traditions can merge and will continue to overtime as we grow. I’ve also learnt that you really do need to wear sunscreen everyday of the year and even on your hands! (not for sunburn, but for ageing, I’m not kidding.) Never work in the garden without a hat. That there are many creatures great and small that are unfamiliar to me, and forever will be, but are native to my children. The sun will bleach your clothes on the washing line if left out for too long, and always hang them from the tales or your black tees will look like a zebra. (again, i’m serious haha) That certain fabrics and materials on decor just don’t work in this climate with direct light through windows! I have learnt the importance of building a supportive community of friends and ‘family’, and that it takes time. That nine years living here, Australia and all its beauty is still new and exciting.
If I could offer anyone emigrating to a foreign land advice, especially for the introverts like myself, I would tell you to step outside your comfort zone, it's important, although scary, to explore new interests, join groups that align with your preferences, and seize opportunities as they come your way. Just say, YES! Embrace your roots and differences, allowing them to merge with your new life. It takes time, but it's a rewarding journey. Your home is where your heart is, and your unique story is worth cherishing. I am truly merging and embracing my roots, traditions, values, and style with my Australian lifestyle more than ever in this new season!!
I felt compelled to share this story with you today, after all, instagram all began as a creative outlet for me to share the story of our home and helping those to love where they live!
Thank you for listening and being part of the journey.
Maddy
Recent Posts
Follow Maddy Evennett
