Goodbye, Riviera

I was supposed to have said goodbye to my apartment 2 days ago, after it was cleaned and we moved out. 

However, I couldn't resist temptation and went back into the apartment one last time today. 

To say goodbye. To kiss the floor that held me, to look at the roof that covered me. For the last 11 years. The first and only place I owned in my life so far. 

So I went inside one last time, as I went on my way to handover my keys.

It was so emotional walking out of the apartment without my keys.

Like a part of me is gone. Missing.

It goes against my intuition. To walk through self-locking doors without being able to get back it.

Being locked out.

It's final.

This apartment will soon be someone else's. In 2 more days.

And it is time for me to say goodbye and move on.

So here goes.

"Dear Unit 48, thank you for being my first home. 

You have sheltered me and my family for the last 11 years, and I had many, many good memories under your roof. 

Thank you for looking after me all this time, allowing me to rest and have my own space.

Thank you for giving me the space to study, cook, sleep, shower, play the piano. 

You will always be my first home and I will remember you.

I hope your new owners take good care of you."

Thank you.

I will say hello when I am nearby and I hope you will remember me. 

Wish me luck in my search for my new home.

Maybe one day, if the fates will have it, we will meet again.

But until then, take care. I love you. 

Below are some pictures that I took to help me freeze this moment in time, to remember my last few moments with this apartment.

Looping through these switchbacks to start my run or end my run, which was my daily mental struggle at the end going uphill.

The switchbacks, looking upwards as I finish my run, often just hanging on till I get to the top.

View of the grass field, verandah and Amora hotel and the apartment block in the park right outside the apartment. 

I treasured having this nice, green space that was accessible and soothing to look at.

Me shutting my front door for the 3rd last time (it was supposed to be my last but I couldn't resist temptation and went back in 2 more times)

The bottom of the switchback

Roderick and me in the apartment after everything is moved out and cleaned.

Heading towards the section of the trail where I smell the eucalyptus trees, the trees that remind me of home when I've been away.

The driveway where I can look up and see my apartment

The view when I look right from the balcony of my apartment. I used to sit out here for breakfast and lunch in the summer, having my coffee. Not as much as I should have but now I wished I decorated it better so I could have enjoyed it more.

The summer nights barbecuing on my weber with my Brother and having dinner outside with my family.

My bedroom. 

My ensuite. 

All the showers I took in here, the times I dressed for work in the morning. All the nice soothing showers that helped me collect my thoughts and wash the day away. 

The water pressure was great

The main bathroom - this is where I would shower after I run as the laundry was inside.

The living room and kitchen

Where my upright piano used to sit. 

All the times spent relaxing in this space. Cooking, eating, chatting with friends.

The view outside from my living room, looking at the guests walking along in Amora hotel, or snooping at the people (and dogs) walking past in the drive way. 

Hearing all the bird chirping away, especially in Spring, acting as my alarm clock in the mornings. I really treasured that, it was the best thing to wake up to.

The view of my apartment, looking up from the driveway. I used to be able to see the tree and the plants and see who is home. When I rented it out, I would come past and look inside to see my past life.

The view of my balcony

The study nook in my bedroom, where I studied for my exams and spent a great deal of time, looking out the window procrastinating instead of studying. 

Remember how I used to have a bamboo plant on my desk, and the ikea frame and desk.

Another view of the living room, looking at the kitchen area, where I cooked many, many meals and ate many of them. 

The view from the other end of the balcony, looking into the study or 2nd bedroom, where mum would sleep in for the months that she visits.