Looking back on 2014 and ahead to 2015

KAT SAYS

Wow, I couldn't believe it when I saw the date of our last blog - May 2014! Since then, a lot has happened. Amongst other things, we're now very close to celebrating the two-year anniversary of our arrival in Geraldton (February 6, 2015).

Our little puppy Cindy is not small  anymore (well, she never was all that small anyway) and has grown into a solid, strong, healthy, happy and confident dog. It's an amazing feeling when we come home and she's the first to come to the door and greet us like she hasn't seen us for a year or so - these moments are very special.

"Little Cindy"

Grown up Cindy

We've also discovered a bit more about Cindy's family background. We'd never really known her history so we just assumed she was a mix of a few different breeds, but as it turns out, it looks like her breed has a particular name and it's called "Bull Arab. Here's a picture from the web. Believe it or not, this is not Cindy!

Australian "Bull Arab" dog

Looking back to December 2013 - Rob was just about to start his new contract job with the City and I started taking on some short term contracts. In the second quarter, I was offered a great opportunity to be part of the Australian Government funded program - Digital Enterprise (DE) which is run by Pollinators Inc (a member based social enterprise) in Geraldton. This program enabled me to put to use my presenting, training skills, marketing knowledge and photography.

"Do what you love and the money will come!" - Anonymous.  I can't agree more.

My contract will expire in March 2015 and I'm not certain what I'll be doing after that. On the other hand, I'm certain that my new learning about the region and local businesses will spark some ideas about my next adventure. There are a lot of opportunities lying around .. you just need to reach for them.

Sand dunes in Drummond Cove

In September, we managed to take some time off and head back to Europe for a short holiday in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. We spent a few days at my parents' house in Brno (the capital city of the Moravia region), caught up with my cousins in Cejkovice (wine region) and Bratislava (the capital city of Slovakia).  Then, we spent a couple of days in my mom's birth city, Cierny Balog (central Slovakia) which played an important role during WW II, as one of the centres of the anti-Nazi Slovak National Uprising. .

Stulrajterovci

Rob on the steam train in Cierny Balog

A few beautifully groomed Slovakian cows

Kat's parents

During the first part of my holiday, I went to Prague where I met a great Photographer Bryan Peterson. For a few years, I was trying to do one of his photography workshop, but it just wasn't happening until September 2014.

Finally, I went to Prague and met Bryan in one of his workshops. I absolutely loved every minute of this time - it felt like, I learned to see things that I wasn't aware of.  If you like photography and want to learn more about this visual art, you can check Bryan's workshops schedule for 2015 or get one of his book. Be prepared to learn how much is there to learn … a fascinating journey that will be challenging your mind for long time.

Creative shutter speed 1/4sec

Kat with a hat .. can't decide which one to buy

Train in Bubny, Prague

Last year, we had a few friends in Geraldton. Now, we're surrounded by many friends that have common interests. We feel pretty settled and hope to be a part of many exciting projects in this region. However, we always find time to catch up with our old friends in Europe, the east coast or America. So, let's try to re-connect over this Christmas break! We'd love to hear from you.

Looking back, it was pretty good year! 

ROB SAYS:

All good fun! Still loving Geraldton. Working sometimes; sometimes not. A bit tougher here to keep finding consistent work but it does eventually come and have had an opportunity to be involved in some fascinating work over the past year, including creating the City's Central Business District Redevelopment Strategy and putting together a program to make Geraldton "Recreational Vehicle Friendly". Both were approved unanimously by Councillors.

Next step is a role with the MidWest Development Commission (State Government) working on the Digital and Communications Strategy for the Regional Blueprint project.

Summer's here, the weather is spectacular and of course, the wind is blowing. 

Reflecting on time before I MADE THE PLEDGE

Today (May 20, 2014), I made the pledge and became an Australian Citizen. This day provided me with an opportunity to reflect on my last seventeen years since I landed for the first time in the Dream Land of many people -- Australia (July 17, 1997).

My parents -- Marienka and Zdenek

Why Australia? Well, it was actually meant to be Canada -- where I could be close to great ski slopes as often as possible. However, I came across for an opportunity to study English for 6 months in Sydney. What did I know about Australia? NOTHING. 

First of all, I wasn't very excited about this move. OMG, those Aussies with a weird accent who actually think, they don't have any accent and the most annoying thing was that they could not understand me! It was so bad that I couldn't even ask for a white coffee in McDonalds without pointing on the menu.

It goes without saying; my biggest hurdle was a massive language barrier. Consequently, I was limited with my job choices. However, I was pretty stubborn and didn't give up easily and dealt with those challenges as they came.

Three years later, (after some humbling experiences working in the hospitality and food industry) I was somehow still in Australia and (finally) had a job back in the commercial environment. This was for me a big achievement as I couldn't imagine this would ever have happened on this continent. I was able to speak and write fluently (making a lot of mistakes along the way) and people around me somehow accepted my imperfections.

 

A partial Brown Dogs's team

During this time, I met the Brown Dogs -- a great group of triathletes that used to meet for training three times per week. This was massive step forward for me as I was suddenly surrounded by people with very precise language skills and ability to argue anything -- you have to love these people. 

What could I do? Not much so, I was back to my "silent" communication at a dinner table. My best solution, how I could remain in this group, was to get on with Triathlon and so, I could fit in with those people. I had a great time as prior to my time with Brown Dogs, I was used doing solo sports. Triathlon introduced me to a team sport as I was doing a few team races. I can tell you, I hated "getting up" early in the morning and going in "cold" water for swims .. just the thought gives me shivers!

Sri Chinmoy -- Canberra

In 2007, I made a decision to remain in Australia -- for good. I bought a property in Mosman. My parents were proud of me and scared at the same time as I was the first person in our family who took on a mortgage. Well, it was scary -- I can still remember having butterflies in my stomach when I was writing a cheque with a BIG deposit. I handed it over and then I was dreaming about starving to death being able to pay for my property. However, I had a great feeling as well -- I was a property owner.

A year later, my life change as I met my Prince Charming (as my friend Dita describes her man) -- ROB. He made me feel myself, no baggage no hidden agenda - what you see what you get. Rob was and is very supportive of me in every single way and everything that I decided to do. I think, everybody deserves a partner like this. No day goes by when I'd not feel grateful for having ROB in my life. I know many of you would agree with me as Rob is also a great friend and supporter to many of you. He's a keeper. 

Rob

Things change sometimes for good and sometimes for bad. Last year in February, we moved out from Sydney to the Wild West of Australia -- Geraldton. For the first half year, I wasn't certain about our relocation – it wasn’t without its challenges of resettling, missing our old friends, learning the local “ropes”, navigating the local politics, etc, but now that we’ve made some great new friends and things are feeling a bit more settled,  now I'm certain it was for better times. 

Even though, it had some challenges to start with we're now settled and surrounded by many nice people. We also see many new opportunities coming our way in the near future.

Today, I made the pledge and I feel proud of my determination to "make it" in Australia. On this special day, I feel that I should say THANK YOU to all people who were on this journey with me – my parents, Livka and Andrew, Anezka (R.I. P. my dear friend), Brown Dogs and my sweet girlfriend Cherelle, Laura and David, Kate and Jack, Kerry de Waal, my co-workers in Haymarket Media and the great Dee Why crew, Denise and the extraordinary team of people in AudioClinic, Jill Flusemann and my bestest friend and partner ROB. Without you, it would have been much harder -- I feel very lucky to know you all.

Kat

The hidden gem in the Shire of Greenough - Ecostays

A couple of weeks ago, we spent the weekend in the heart of Central Greenough (Western Australia) at "Ecostays".

A M A Z I N G !

How did we find this magical place? 

Ecostays is owned by Andrea and Fish, our friends we had met in Geraldton. They invited us to stay in one of the two accommodations facilities located on their property.  40 acres of bushland with nothing between your accommodation and beach except your private view of the sea!

Ecostays is located between Geraldton (24km) and Dongara (32km) and it's the most idyllic destination for people who appreciate peace, privacy and natural beauty.

Click here for the High Definition YouTube Version

The bedroom --360 degree view 

Fully equipped living room and kitchen 

Facilities: one bedroom with queen size bed, (REALLY great bed in fact!)  luxury sheets and towels; fully equipped kitchen; one bathroom; washing machine; air conditioner; digital TV; mini hi-fi with iPod adaptor; patios with outdoor table and chairs (overlooking the ocean) 

Magnificent sunset at your own private beach

Private ocean view from your front yard 

What can you do here? Enjoy watching the most beautiful sunset you've ever seen, from your bedroom or from the private picnic area at the beach, shared with:

NO ONE. All yours!

Alternatively, you can indulge yourself in sea kayaking, fishing, or play Frisbee golf on a 9-hole course. No need to drive anywhere - it's all at your doorstep! 

For more information about the Ecostays resort check their Facebook page. Call Andrea on 0428 038 593 or Fish on 0401 622 157 re cost and bookings. 

Andrea & Fish

New family member - Cindy

In Geraldton, EVERYONE has a dog (or two). EVERYONE.

Feeling a bit left out, last month, we met and decided to adopt Miss Cindy--a very sweet and VERY cute, eight month-old puppy who we found at Geraldton Dog Rescue -- our local dog shelter.

Cindy loves long walks/runs along the beach or just chilling out staring at the water

Cindy is a mixed-breed pup. We think Kelpie and English Pointer. She's even-tempered, gentle, friendly, (could possibly lick you to death) and happy being part of the family. She's athletic and very affectionate towards absolutely everyone as well as other dogs. On the other hand, she likes to sleep a lot (lucky Cindy) anywhere and mainly near one of us.  However, she doesn't get too close as she likes to be ready to stand up when one of us moves. It looks like she's on "the hunt" all the time.

What did we know about a dog adoption? One BIG nothing. I had thought we wanted a dog so let's have a dog and I was pretty certain that we can do all the fundamental stuff including feeding, walking and occasional playing with her. How little we'd known about all the other things and responsibilities that come with having a dog--training, bonding and giving up our Sunday morning sleep in.

Cindy is a fast learner and within a couple of weeks, she learned to sit, and stay on command (well, for a few seconds anyway...)  However, she still needs to learn to stay for an extended period of time. The big one we're still struggling with is "separation anxiety". As long as one of us is around, no probs. As soon as she's alone, panic.  We even started doing Voice-Over recording and so far, it's the only thing that can calm her down for an hour or two.

In the past, I heard a lot of sad and happy stories from our friends with dogs. I'm realising now that I've never fully understood what they were talking about. After having Cindy for a week or so, I have a much better understanding what our friends were talking about, in particular because we  almost lost her after leaving her on her own for the first time.

What happened? One day, we left her outside for a couple of hours in our backyard. This area is  fenced with a 2-meter high metal fence. However, Cindy decided to jump over the fence and find us in the big world. Luckily, she's didn't get a chance to get lost as we found her shortly afterwards - anxious and crying. This event taught us a lesson as we realised that her Kelpie's heritage enables her to jump 2 - 3 meters high!

I somehow think that there is still much more that we need to learn about our new family member and also how to train her properly so, she won't repeat this event again .. fingers crossed.

Digging deep down .. and nothing there 

What do you want Kat with that iPhone? 

Rob has now two girls to look after

I'm certain that there will be more news that we'd like to share with you until then we'll keep you up dated with some pics on Facebook.

Who could resist this face?

First camping weekend in WA

CAMPING! 

Ahhhh! FINALLY. Last weekend we went on our first camping trip since our arrival in WA. 

Only a bit more than an hour's drive north of here there's a little sign by the side of the highway to Kalbarri just before a National Park pointing to a dirt road that says "Wagoe Chalets" beside a bit of odd scupture with a quad bike and a reindeer.  Did a bit of Googling and discovered it's a little spot used mostly by fisherman on holidays from Perth. 

http://www.wagoe.com.au/

This is so different than what we're used to seeing around NSW. If you haven't been on the West coast of Australia before, you might want to know that the Kalbarri NP is one of the most spectacular parts of the Western Australia. 

On the way, you pass the beautiful Hutt Lagoon "Pink Lake"
  (sorry, but we didn't actually take this picture, but found it on someone else's blog! (jagjourney)

 Kalbarri NP - Z-Bend lookout

In particular, we love the Murchison River gorges that is located in the NP. These gorges have been developed over millions years to its current dramatic look - colorful landscape that is formed from layers of sandstone cliffs. A good thing is that you can walk around and get down to one of the Murchinson River bank. However, you need to leave very early in the morning as it might not be a good idea to stay in the gorge in the middle of the day as you can  suffer from heat stroke any other times .. as it happened to me previously. Further, you might encounter any number of unwelcome inhabitants crossing your path...

Murchison River gorge

As this was our first camping trip, we decided to take it easy, and spend all weekend chilling out. Believe it or not, Rob didn't even take his kiting/surfing gear! But, he did have two fishing rods with him .. and he caught a fish. 

We stayed in the Wagoe Chalets (we'd call them shacks) and camping area. This place is located on the top of the hill and it's quite exposed to the wind .. which were privileged to experience on Saturday night. Luckily, the owned had erected a number of windbreaks to set up tents behind to keep your tent from getting blown off the hill. YES, it's really windy in WA most of the time in summer!

 Chalet or shack ...?

 Wheat field ready for harvesting

One of 200 bird species 

On Sunday morning, we drove down to Wagoe beach.Even more beautiful than any other beach I've seen so far in Australia. It actually felt like we were in a paradise! White sand, turquoise water, empty beaches! Like Hyams beach near Jervis Bay but many times larger! WOW. As per the size - think of the Stockton beach (near Port Stephens, NSW)  and multiply that space (40km) by two!

Rob fishing from Red Bluff - Kalbarri

 At Wagoe Beach. This is an 11kg Mulloway with two
fisherman from Perth who came up for the weekend

"Chalets"

Quad bikes

Lucky Bay, about a 15km drive down the beach from the Chalets

Lucky me relaxing at Lucky Bay

Our trusty Prado. Goes anywhere and takes us to lots of magical places!

On the way back, we drove via the Chapman Valley region that offers much more scenic landscape than if we're driving via NW Coastal Highway. This area has a few olive farms,  a winery, the Lavender Valley farm, and covered in wildflowers. 

View from the Lavender Valley farm

All in all, GREAT weekend. Still much to be explored in the region so many more trips will be required. And all so close to home!