“Adelaide
On a plane
Far from the United States
Of LA
Dropping in from outer space
Takes a day…”
-Ben Folds - “Adelaide”
Tomorrow is the day. The last leg of our trip, the longest and probably the most painful. Orlando to L.A. to Sydney to Adelaide. We’ve managed to avoid, and I’m knocking madly on wood, the horrifying stomach contents ejecting virus that’s been making the round of my family. So if all goes well we’ll at least be healthy for the 30 plus hour trip Down Under.
Pretty much all the anxiety that I should have been plagued with for the last six months has blown in like a hurricane in the last few hours. I’m having sporadic minor panic attacks. This move seems vastly more permanent than the move to Oxford a few years ago. I know that there are flights from Australia as well as to, but I also know that I don’t have another intercontinental move in me. If I’m being honest, I’m not sure I have this one in me.
I haven’t a clue what to expect when we finally stagger off the plane in Adelaide. I know that Dr. O’C’s mum has found us a house in a place called Happy Valley. That’s got to be a good sign.
Internet access could be sketchy for a while, thus there may be a bit of radio silence here at chrisdellavedova.com. That being the case, I’d like to leave you with something to listen to - here’s my traveling to Oz playlist. Just click and enjoy:
MP3: The Pogues - “South Australia”
MP3: The Beatles & Rolf Harris - “Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport”
MP3: Warren Zevon - “Mr. Bad Example”
MP3: Larsen & Furious Jane - “Australia”
MP3: Townes Van Zandt - “A Song For”
14 responses so far ↓
1 Nichole // Apr 22, 2008 at 3:11 am
I’m so sad that we didn’t get to see you this trip. But as you said, there are flights from as well as to Australia. I’d love to visit Happy Valley (or wherever you might go from there).
We’ll be thinking of you three.
2 Lara // Apr 22, 2008 at 3:20 am
Hope the trip goes well, and you are back here before long. You’ll be missed.
3 Jessica K // Apr 22, 2008 at 3:24 am
I hope everything goes well. I admire how brave you are setting off for the other side of the world (especially with a baby)!
How could you go wrong moving into Happy Valley?
Jessica K’s last blog post..His name is…
4 Jamie // Apr 22, 2008 at 3:25 am
Happy Valley, ha-ha, that is what we call Provo here in Utah (which a doctor friend told me has the highest per capita use of anti-depressants in the U.S.)
Seriously, you will do fine.
5 arizaphale // Apr 22, 2008 at 9:27 am
That Ben Folds song is hilarious, and perfect! Himself has just given me a lesson in music history. Who knew that BF was married to an Adelaide girl and used to live here????
Seriously though, I know exactly where you’re coming from (and going to coincidentally) and I well remember the enormity of the decision to switch continents. Half way between Tokyo and Melbourne I started to cry and couldn’t stop. Welcome to a new chapter in your life. And of course you have plenty of intercontinental moves in you yet. Just give yourself time to get over this one.
arizaphale’s last blog post..School is Looming Already
6 Alex // Apr 22, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I really wish we had been able to meet up when you guys were here–but regardless, I hope you guys have a fantastic voyage (please refer to the Coolio song) and I wish you all the best. We will definitely be thinking of you guys!
Alex’s last blog post..How to waste about 20 minutes
7 Nathan B. // Apr 22, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Good luck…I’ll be thinking of you when I watch the new episode of Lost this Thursday!
8 Jenelle // Apr 22, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Best of luck on your travels and making Oz your new home!
9 courtney // Apr 22, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Happy Valley? That sounds promising! Good luck on the trip and let us know when you’re there safely. (Whoa. What am I, your mom?)
courtney’s last blog post..We Were On A Break
10 Maggie, dammit // Apr 22, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Thinking of you and wishing you happy travels, and the quieting of the flutter in your heart. Everything will be OK.
Maggie, dammit’s last blog post..Just another dead kid to remember on my runs *(updated at bottom)*
11 CDV // Apr 22, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Hi from the Orlando Departure lounge and thanks for all your kind words! So far, so good. Still rapping ferociously on wood.
12 Chris T // Apr 23, 2008 at 12:25 am
Best of luck to you three from us three!
Chris, Andrea and Ray
13 Not Afraid To Use It // Apr 23, 2008 at 3:19 am
We’re knocking for you, too. Sending tons of P&PT until we see you up and running on your blog again.
Not Afraid To Use It’s last blog post..The Tattoo I’ve Yet To Get
14 Bobbie // Apr 23, 2008 at 5:15 am
Let me add my wishes for a safe and painless journey — as painless as a 30 hour air trip can possibly be! Bon voyage.
Bobbie’s last blog post..Crinoids - Also Known As Feather Stars
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