My first step outside the Melbourne Airport was an excited one. I was immediately welcomed by the nice cooling weather. The temperature I've checked that morning when I arrived was supposed to be around 10 degree celsius. While back in Singapore, I was trying to imagine how cold that would be. I mean, the coldest place I have been was Genting. Haha.. I'm so pathetic. I have never seen snow in my life too! So well, I was afraid that I will not be able to take the cold temperature.

Well, we have about 16 days in Melbourne this trip. We are blessed to have a nice place to stay in this 16 days - Ugin's elder sister's(Eileen) place

This trip was not like the usual holiday trip where you rush to places you want to visit rightaway. Rather, we were strolling by some shops at our own sweet time. The first meal we had there was MacDonald's. It wasn't expensive. They have those $2 burgers and you can add $1 for fries or drinks. And the chicken fillet is so juicy. I find Singapore's McChicken alittle dry tho. We then went to the groceries to get some daily stuff that we may need. TIM TAM is so cheap there! We immediately bought several of that with no hesitation.

We visited a few places. Philip Island to watch the little penguins with our friend, Craig. Steam train, science centre, Victoria Market etc. We also visited Eileen's friend at their house. The house is lovely and huge! Yes, HUGE! They have their own garden where they plant all sorts of flowers, fruits and veg. Have you even seen how a cauliflower plant looks like? I had. Love strawberries? The host showing us around the house pluck off strawberry from his garden and said 'Wash it and try it. It's sweet'. And true enough, it was! We chatted, and they knew our plan of wanting to migrate over. The very first reaction was 'Yes, you should COME'. People there were relaxed. Lifestyle there is what we wanted.

We rented a car to travel around. Car rental is very affordable and cars there are relatively cheap too. I mean if you want me to compare with Singapore cars. I understand the fact that Singapore has little area and thus, they have to control the price of cars in Singapore. (But didn't they know more immigrants would also mean more cars?) Anyway, you can get a second hand car from $8000 to $15000. A relatively good one. That amount is the total amount of the car by the way, not upfront or deposit. Few days in Melbourne and I am already falling in love with the place. 

And yes, how can I forget this one. We went to Planet Shakers! GOSH!!! I still remember the first thing I told God was 'Thank you God for bringing me here. and please, I want to be back here again soon!' Amen.

We definitely wanted Melbourne to be our home. And yes, it's time to do all the administrative work when we return to Singapore!

This wasn't the easiest decision. It involves leaving the loved ones and friends, and leaving to another country living our life there. I must say, there are mixed feelings. 

The first idea came with a voice one morning when I woke up. The word 'Migrate' was so clearly shown in my head. Stuff happened and we are struggling to get things right. We are not running away from the problems that we are facing. Rather, we see ourselves wanting to be independent. Having a family in Singapore is just too commercial. I mean, unless you are really rich. It's almost impossible to spend quality time with your kids. After a long stressful day at work, the moment when you reach home and finish all the house chores, you just want to sit down and rest. Energy left for the kid is so minimal. Is there even enough energy to even sit down with them for an hour? Or sitting down with them to help them with their homework? 

I am now a working mum, and I work from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. And no, starting work at 9am is on paper. I have to reach office to print the report and have it sent out BEFORE 9am. So practically, I have to leave house before 7.30am everyday (before my boy wakes up) for work. And finishing work at 6pm is also on paper only. Most days I don't get to leave the office on time. When I left at 6pm, I am considered to have left work EARLY. So usually I only get to leave the office at 6.30pm earliest. By the time I reach home, have dinner and showered, it is almost 8pm. My boy sleeps around 10 to 10.30pm, so there's only about 2 hours with him. And most times, I lost patience with him as I was already feeling terribly tired from the day's work. And I hear you, weekends! Yes, there are weekends where you have family time together. But wait, everyone else are doing the same too. Meaning the number of families living in Singapore would be at the malls/ playgrounds or park. And if you want to join in the 'fun', you will have to do it the Singaporean way - QUEUE.

Education, Medical, Housing..... It's impossible for us. Yes, we aren't rich. Getting sick in Singapore feels like it's our fault for not taking care of our body and in return, we are being 'penalized' with expensive medical bills. HELLO THERE! Who on earth LOVES being sick or WANTS to be sick? 

So this is it. We decided we will leave Singapore. Not just for us, but for our future.