I prepared for the border control, sharks and an unknown future. I felt like I was very well prepared when I moved to Australia. I did some research and I went over every scenario in my head. But here's seven things I didn't see coming.
The loneliness
I spend a lot of time alone here in Australia. I’ve only been here for a short time and I know I’ll get some friends here eventually. I just want them now! I’m an extremely outgoing and social introvert. Not too many people know that I’m actually introverted. I love my alone time and I enjoy my own company a bit too much.
But I miss having a group of friends. The very different time zones are making it difficult to talk to friends and family back in Norway. When I can talk they're all at work, and when they can talk, I’m sleeping. I found myself alone in a restaurant, looking around and being a bit envious of all the tables with two or more girlfriends laughing and eating together.
When you've just become single all can you see is happy couples. Well, all I see is girls having fun together. Everywhere!
I miss my friends back home and there has been plenty of moments where I enjoyed a view and thought “oh, my friend should’ve been here to see this” I also miss my parents and grandmother so much.
Near death experiences every day
So, they drive on the opposite side of the road here. Every time I cross the road I look the wrong way and I start walking.
Hostile bugs
I prepared for sharks, spiders and snakes. They are seriously nowhere to be found! M.I.A. and gone with the wind. I’ve seen one spider that I though was huge, 
But what I didn’t prepare for was the cockroaches. They are everywhere. I think the roaches that live close to my house have special skills. They can jump, dance, fly, swim, break glass, open jars and read! I seriously think they’re reading my diary. I’m not scared of them, I just don’t like them very much because I think they are dirty. They are nocturnal, and I usually go to bed around 9. That means that they are having a house party in my crib when I’m sleeping. I don’t like the thought of them crawling over my face at night. I try to keep my mouth closed. When I go for a walk in the dark I hear an occasional crunchy sound under my shoes, and I know what it is. The ones on the streets are seriously the size of hamsters on steroids. The ones that are inside my house are small, but still very annoying.
Becoming homeless
I had a place lined up for me to live in, in Byron Bay. Long story short, the place was not suited to live in. So I ended up living in an expensive hotel and an even more expensive Airbnb. I couldn’t sleep much because I always worried about where I’d go the next day. I moved to Manly, a Sydney suburb instead of being homeless in Byron Bay.
Different constellations
Stupid as I am, it didn’t cross my mind that I would see other stars and constellations now that I live in the southern hemisphere. I sat down next to 
The overwhelming feeling of freedom
I feel so free. The fact that a friend could talk me in to moving to another city within minutes and 12 hours later I was there, is amazing! I love that I own just enough to fill a suitcase. I could pack up my entire apartment and leave it within five minutes. I also sold anything of significance back in Norway. I have no commitments anywhere in the world right now. How great is that? I don't even have any bills. (I pay rent and I have a prepaid phone plan.) I know this sounds hippie, but I really think my possessions were owning me, instead of me owning them.
Becoming even more independent
I've always been very independent. When I was a kid, all I wanted was to grow up as soon as possible.
I now feel like I don't need anything or anyone. Not sure if I think it's a good or bad thing. Time will tell.
If you're dreaming about moving to another city or country, just do it. It's very easy:
1. Apply for a visa if necessary
2. Buy the ticket
3. Pack your stuff
4. Get on the plane
Susanne