We made a big decision in January. We decided to leave Australia. It was both an extremely easy and an extremely difficult decision to make. Easy because it was clearly the best thing for us, but it was difficult to say goodbye to the hopes and dreams we brought with us to Australia, not to mention the special people we had met, and the places we'd enjoyed so much. Shami had to give up a wonderful job and decline a fellowship he had worked very hard for. But we were tired of struggling on and on by ourselves. In Ithaca we would be close to family, and Oliver would be eligible for a top notch Early Intervention program without having to worry about residency status. Yes, it was a very easy and a very difficult decision.
Before we left, we managed to get out for a few "last hurrahs" ...
We finally managed to go to the Sydney Aquarium, and we all enjoyed the fish.
Though we put on our smiles, it was sad to say goodbye to the Botanic Gardens, and especially to the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Some of the hardest things to say goodbye to were all the wonderful places we used to explore on our daily walks. We enjoyed so many strolls by the water on the Bay Run, and through Callan park and the grounds of the abandoned Rozelle Psychiatric Hospital.
Goodbye Callan park, and goodbye stray cats.
Goodbye Bay Run, and Iron Cove Bridge.
The easiest thing to say goodbye to was Sydney Children's Hospital!
And we will always remember fondly sitting our deck, and enjoying the view and that wonderful Sydney weather.
Goodbye Darling Street and goodbye to the Rozelle market.
I haven't mentioned the many people we had to say goodbye to. Too many to acknowledge here, but hopefully later. It is always the most difficult to say goodbye to friends.
