A love letter to Melbourne
I have now lived in 3 countries. My family moved into different condominiums 6 times in Singapore over the span of our 8-year stay.
I lived for 5 years in a rented apartment in the heart of Melbourne during my time in University. But prior to that, I resided in a student hostel and then a family friend’s place. And when I moved out of my apartment, my family, friends and titos and titas took me in like one of their own. Once I returned to the Philippines, I found myself in a quarantine hotel for 10 more days before I could even reach my childhood home.
One can imagine that my sense of home is convoluted at best. I often feel like a pilgrim seeking refuge, never quite satisfied with my settlement because of my innate desire to wander. Maybe it’s a restlessness I don’t yet know how to satiate.
Now that I am back to my motherland, I thought it apt to write a sweet farewell (temporary!) to the place I called home for many years: Melbourne.
Dear Melbourne,
Where do I begin? You met a 17-year old seeking thrill and adventure back in 2015. It was the beginning of one of the greatest stories of my life. I apologise it has taken me so long to write. I have been struggling to synthesise the words that can capture my time with you perfectly yet succinctly. Truthfully, I did not want to leave you. There was a thought, yes, but I was never ready to make the decision. Fast-forward to the end of 2020, after a whirlwind year, I came to discern that it was the best option. And so, I took a giant leap—perhaps the biggest one in my life so far.
Don’t worry, I’m doing quite well. New friendships have been made, older friendships have been rekindled. Time with my parents is something that I do not take for granted. I get to bake and cook everyday and also get woken up by roosters crowing at 4am in the morning. Nonetheless, it’s still nothing compared to the construction work you greeted me with beside my bedroom window!
I miss the chilly nights, the long walks along Southbank and the Yarra River. The Saturday trips to the Queen Victoria Market will be stamped in my mind. I crave the scrumptious Greek boreks and even more so the refreshing matcha lattes. I remember waking up early on weekends to quickly run to the market in time for the croissants to come out of the oven. Partnered with a piping hot matcha latte and I’m sold. The butter chicken from QV will always be something I crave but eating gelato from Pidapipo on a cold Winter day will always be one of my favourite memories. The list of things I will miss (and already do!) are endless but the bookstores lined with books and incredible brunch places will always have a place in my heart.
I miss being able to stop by St. Francis Church to go on a date with Jesus. You helped bring me so much closer to Christ. If there is only one thing I can thank you for, it’s for satisfying the desire for me to pursue and journey intentionally and authentically with the Author of my life. I remember the many times I have cried out of joy and sadness inside the numerous churches you house. St. Augustine’s and St. Patrick’s have been frequent destinations and believe me when I say that St Mary’s Church, by the Our Lady of Fatima’s statue is my favourite spot. There, I encountered God in the simplest and smallest of things. I learnt that God’s love was magnanimous but it was not just reserved for the grandeur.
You introduced me to people, places, experiences and more that I probably would not have been able to. You led me to communities and friends that have and continue to change my life. There, I ran my first 15k and half-marathon. I also touched my first ever snow! I learnt how to pay my bills, clean my apartment, enjoy chores and care for myself. You taught me that it’s okay to do nothing and to simply bask in your presence. I got hired for my first ever job at KFC and subsequently returned to work for the school I studied in. You taught me resilience and grace and helped me push through with 4 years of University and college.
You taught me that being alone does not mean being lonely. In the most unlikely of places, you introduced me to friends when I needed it the most. You helped nurture dreams in my heart and opened up doors for me because you assured me that there, I could do anything.
When I met Martin, I began to see you with brand new eyes. Every nook and cranny became a place I wanted to bring him to. Every person I met became someone I wanted to introduce. Every restaurant or cafe became a place to go on dates in. Every church became one that I hoped we could pray together in. I often pictured walking down Swanston St with him or visiting the museums and bookstores that I love. While these may not happen any time soon, I am hopeful because I know that you will always be there to warmly welcome me—us—home. I look forward to bringing him with me next time. I know he is excited to taste your coffee.
It is true what they say: the days are long but the years are short. These are words I often repeat in my mind. I am extremely grateful for the blessing to have lived in your quaint city. It is an experience I will never forget. I always say that Singapore was instrumental in my formation as a teenager. However, you were key to my growth as a young adult. As cliched as it is, I truly would not be the woman I am now if not for the opportunities and experiences you gave me. Having lived there for almost 7 years, I’m affirmed that God truly plants us where He knows we can best grow in. God meets us where we are and there, I truly did encounter God. Words are insufficient to demonstrate my gratitude to God, for placing me there and to my parents, for trusting in God’s plan for me. You are a reminder that adventure truly is out there and it is ours for the taking.
Winnie the Pooh said it best:
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
So long, farewell, to you my friend
Goodbye, for now, until we meet again
With my love,
Cel
