See Ya Australia

We were restless on the eve of our move, our bodies filled with nervous energy. We were more anxious about the looming adventure than we were excited; the price we pay for being over-thinkers. As we tucked in to our last Australian supper (vegetables and salmon of course), I learned that my Dad was no longer able to see us off at the airport. Instead, we arranged to meet in the early hours of the following morning to hand over some personal items.

We spent many hours fretting over luggage weight limitations and packing dilemmas and didn't hit the hay until after midnight. At 2am, we woke to see my Dad and although a brief meet, I'm pleased I was able to give him one last hug.

My alarm woke me again at 4:30am. I wasn't at all rested, in fact I felt like I barely shut my eyes! Aaron woke soon after me and we strolled down to our favourite local coffee shop for our last Australian meal. Aaron was feeling unwell from lack of sleep but I was bouncing with energy. I was leaping out of my skin. This is it!

Time crept by and we headed back to the hotel to meet our taxi. We piled our four suitcases into the cab and as we drove away I said silent goodbyes to the streets we've come to know so well. While the drive to the airport is brief, our driver told tales of his regular clients and travel knowledge, before wishing us well with our journey.

For once we were early, so we stood by some rather eccentric New Zealand statues nearby our check-in station. Chris came to say farewell and I was flattered he took the time to do so. He handed me a small parcel and told me to open it once we pass security. We joked about it containing illegal substances; he laughed in that way that often leaves me unsure if he's being sarcastic or shady. His intentions are sometimes hard to read, but that's what makes this guy fascinating.

After some luggage tag errors, we checked in and headed towards the departures gate. We grab a few photos together before saying goodbye. We'll be seeing him again somewhere along our travels, I'm sure of it. We passed through security, then spent some time on our phones saying our final farewells to friends and family. Chris' gift is a book on Mandarin with a little letter enclosed inside. I'll miss that kid.

It's not too long before we're due to board and our wait time seems to go in a blink. We discussed the significance of what we were about to do but it was almost too difficult to fathom. It's all quite surreal. We took our seats on the plane and bid farewell as we raced down the tarmac and off Australian soil.

Looking out the window, we dipped left and right as we circled over the city. This pretty river city has been our home for over six years now; it's strange to be leaving it, yet we know that leaving is the best thing we will ever do. Already we've learned so much.

After a comfortable three hour flight we arrived in Aukland. As we disembarked the plane, we were greeted with the most gentle air I've ever experienced. I said to Aaron that if we don't enjoy Canada, we'll have to move to New Zealand. I'll take that soft, light atmosphere over Brisbane's heavy humidity any day.

We joined an excessively long queue and slowly shuffled our way through the airport's International exchange security. I noticed a few girls from our flight from Brisbane will be continuing on with us to Vancouver.

Eventually, we head through to the food court where we learned that our connecting flight was delayed. We selected some seemingly average food to nibble on and were surprised to taste fresh and vibrant flavours. I don't normally enjoy cucumber but even this was exceptional. New Zealand as a plan B seems to be growing in significance!

Tired, we bickered over silly empty arguments and I almost cry over the ridiculousness of it all. We needed a proper feed and some solid sleep but it'll be days before this will become a reality. Aaron enveloped me in a cuddle as we overlooked a rather spectacular golden sunset.

As the night fell, we boarded our next flight and before we knew it, we were waving goodbye to Aukland. This time we were blessed with window seats and a spare seat beside us. Looking out the window, I was mesmerized by the beauty of the sparkling city beneath us. I soaked in the sight for as long as I could until the lights had all but faded into the distance.

I told Aaron that it was one of the most beautiful sights I'd ever seen. Aaron clarified; most beautiful - aside from himself. Despite his cheekiness, Aaron could not be more right. To be sharing this experience with him is the best thing of all. x