Source
r/sydney•
goodintent

So bloody happy to be home

I've just woken up because of jetlag and can hear kookaburras squawking and have come out and sat on the balcony to enjoy the back garden.

I know the case numbers here are concerning and I know it's not the best of times but it's been three years since I've been gone, two years of which I was locked out of the country while my dad was going through cancer, and I'm just so, so fucking happy to be home and with him and together celebrating the holiday season.

I made it. He made it. I'm so grateful.

Happy Boxing Day!!

Posted Dec 25, 2021, 7:29 PM UTC

1.1K94
Aneurine•

Welcome home. Sorry you were locked out. Glad you're both ok.

I was locked in and family weren't able to be here even from interstate to help during what was the worst, most medically traumatizing year for my husband/daughter. Then I wasn't able to see my dad when he was hospitalised O/S. My grandma died. Couldnt go to her interstate funeral.

Also just grateful to be alive rn and to have been lucky to have had a small but joyful Xmas with my husband and daughter.

137
terragni_66•

welcome home

how's the serenity ?

91
s3_gunzel#sydneytrainschallenge: 16:22:50 | Resident I Like Trains Guy•

He's going straight to the pool room.

16
Malcolm_TurnbullPM•

What movies did you watch?

3
level3ninja•

Which one did you watch first?

1
dujles•

May the borders never close again.

I'm due back in 3 days myself after 3.5 years now.

59
RamBas_6085•

Hope you come back home soon mate, but if you see comments on social media calling borders to be shut you can blame people like them.

Travel safe my friend.

10
Brittainicus•

Shutting borders now is definitely to late. Might as well get everyone in now.

7
Zebidee•

It's absolutely crazy that European countries with 50-100k daily local cases are implementing border restrictions.

What exactly are they keeping out??

11
RamBas_6085•

People getting vaxxed an yet cases are skyrocketing?...doesn't make sense does it?

1
goodintentOP•

Safe travels! And I challenge you not to have a lil cheeky cry when you hit the tarmac ;)

7
Ted_RidLa Nina is cool.•

I love the sound of kookies in the morning.

Welcome back, and all the best to your old man.

43
ari_reyne•

I'm partial to a magpie warble myself. My first day back home after 2 years overseas, I teared up when I heard the maggies warbling in the morning. Kookies are great too though!

24
Reetniap•

Those magpie warbles are transcendent.

14
Jammb•

Me too! That's the sound of Australia for me.

3
goodintentOP•

It's unmatched in terms of nostalgic noises! Thank you :)

6
cricketbutts•

Locked out 2 years, coming home in 23 days!! (if the airport stays open). It's been dreadful. So incredibly happy for everyone who has made it home!

36
harbourbarberLane Comb•

Welcome home.

30
nakkaz•

Nice one mate. Had my last trip back to Oz cut short when COVID hit. Was 5 years since I’d been back and I really miss being there. Not sure when we’ll be able to get back again. 100% with you on that feeling waking up to the sound of home. It’s the best. Glad to hear your Dad pulled through too.

19
crystalyzex•

I arrived back earlier in the week having been away from family since 2018. Can totally relate to this feeling. Waking up hearing the birds is so soothing and I’ve been so happy to see family again. Enjoy! 🥰

16
ChripyLloins•

As someone who was also locked out (only for a year) and has recently returned, I totally agree-nothing quite like home! Happy Boxing Day!

14
legrandinquisitor666•

Locking you and all the other Australians out was a damn violation of human rights in my book.

12
goodintentOP•

I've never felt as angry at the Australian government as I have during the last two years. Friends of mine in the UK were so dismayed when I explained the situation. I never thought I'd be in a situation where I was barred from entering...my own country.

3
slasher_14•

Don't forget the government also threatened people with jail if they returned from India.

3
OldSpiceSmellsNice•

I thought citizens were still allowed to return to Australia during the pandemic? I only know we couldn’t leave. My friend hasn’t seen her family overseas in about 3 years.

0
dujles•

'Allowed' but in practical terms the arrival cap was ~2650 for all States during Delta, plus Howard Springs.

Flights from many destinations simply didn't exist. From Europe bookings were full out to announced flights in March 2022 until NSW opened.

Family of 4 here in Ireland. We looked and could only get business class tickets if we were desperate. Total over $45000. So sure, we were still allowed to return...

4
OldSpiceSmellsNice•

Thanks for answering instead of those who downvoted. I didn’t know the full details. Yeah, that’s difficult.

2
Johnny_Deppthcharge•

It smells like home :) welcome back!

10
lfotofilter•

I'm back as well. Spent 3 hours this morning waiting in a line of cars to get a PCR test. In France that would take 15 minutes, including the walk to and from my house.

This pandemic has been going for 2 years now, it's not as though we haven't had time to plan for this. How is our government so pathetic.

10
traceysayshello•

Welcome home!!

9
feckinhellno•

Welcome back! I hope your dad is doing better x

8
[deleted]•

[deleted]

8
a-pisces-with-cancer•

Sounds like you got a really good present this year. Welcome home and all the best to your father.

7
whyhellomrplow•

Feel you mate, was in the USA since 2019. Locked out because of this Covid bullshit. Glad to have you back.

6
stoicmonk69•

Welcome Back to Australia! ;)

5
WhateverKr1•

Glad you made it. Take care.

5
fishpaste4u•

Wow what a journey of discovery and heartfelt trauma. Your gratitude is earned , enjoy every peaceful moment with your dad! Welcome home

5