I officially moved to the Gold Coast on 10.11.2025 after five months traveling around Australia, doing FIFO work, and trying to save some money. The past months have been a whirlwind, and honestly, I’m still figuring out where I am and what I’m doing.

Here’s a rough timeline of the last few months:

1st week: Landed in Adelaide and stayed at Laura’s house.

2nd week: Relocation and road trip to the Gold Coast, plus auditions.

3 weeks: Working in Brisbane (plus birthday in Sydney).

3 weeks: Working in Adelaide (plus got married there!).

A few days: In the Gold Coast with Carmel.

7 weeks: Working in Darwin, always sick! 

2 weeks: Vacation with Carmel in Cairns and with her family.

3 weeks: Working and house-sitting at Laura’s house in Adelaide.

5 days: Away for Carmel’s birthday on Heron Island.

Finally: Here in the Gold Coast on the 10th on November 

1st week: Auditions plus working two nights.

2nd week: Honestly, just exhausted and trying to organize my life.

It’s been a lot to process, but now I’m ready to settle, recharge, and figure out my next steps.

First week from 10.11.25 to 17.11.25

( Pic Nic at the Spit for our anniversary, Gold Coast ) 

After heron island that we landed on Sunday night in Brissie stoped at McDonald for a quick dinner on the way back home and then went to sleep late like 11 pm.

Monday started with a 10 am breast scan, followed by grocery shopping and a quick Taco Bell lunch. Later, we headed to Harbor Town for Carmel’s Italian lesson before coming home to finally relax and unwind for the rest of the day. Tuesday began early with the excitement of opening SHEIN and Temu Christmas boxes, then off to the gym. Lunch was back at home before a 3 pm appointment at Lauren Lashes Boutique. The evening brought a mix of work and fun with an 8:30 pm audition at Hollywood, wrapped up with Gong Cha bubble tea. Wednesday morning started quietly with a walk by the lake, though it turned emotional as Carmel and I had a fight. I went to the gym afterward, waiting for her in the car, and much of the day was spent discussing and trying to work things out. By 5:30 pm we shared a picnic for our anniversary at The Spit, overlooking the sunset—it was truly magical and a perfect moment to balance the tension of the day. Thursday carried the aftermath of our argument, with a morning spent trying to solve problems. I went for a solo walk by the lake, had lunch, and took a nap while Carmel went to work. Later, I headed to work myself at 8:30 pm, staying at Players until 4 am. Friday was a slower start with a late wake-up and lunch, followed by a sweet trip with Carmel to pick up some chocolates. The evening was quiet and low-key, spent at home dealing with photos and relaxing together. Saturday was productive in the morning, working on my CV and organising pictures. In the afternoon, we ran to Kmart for Teglia and I made lasagne while calling Maria. The evening was cozy and unexpected—Carmel had planned to go to work but stayed home, so we watched Deck the Halls together and enjoyed a quiet night in. Sunday started with the gym and lunch, then we spent the afternoon resting and napping, saving energy for our evening shifts. I went to work at Hollywood from 8:30 pm to 3:30 am while Carmel worked later, making it a long but fulfilling end to the week.

Second week from 17.11.25 to 24.11.25

( Sunset by the ocean, Gold Coast ) 

Monday started slowly, with a long, lazy morning that felt perfect for sleeping in. Later, we took a DiDi to pick up the car from the mechanic and then collected groceries before heading home. In the evening, we went to the beach to watch the sunset, soaking in the golden light before returning home to cook a steak, curl up with The Christmas Chronicles, and turn in early for the night. Tuesday began with a gym session, followed by a quick trip to Kmart. Lunch was lasagne at home, and the afternoon was relaxed while I worked on photos. In the evening, we went to Burleigh Pavilion at 5:30 to meet Carmel, Maria, and Jayson for dinner, finishing the night back at home. On Wednesday, the morning started again with the gym, and then we headed out to Pacific Fair. We met up with Carmel, Maria, and Jayson and had lunch at Betty’s Burgers. Later, back home, I continued working on photos and managed a small nap before the evening. Thursday was a full day at home spent updating my CV and organising photos. In the evening, we went out to see my friend Mercedes, enjoying some time together. Friday was a quiet day spent by the pool, soaking in the sun. Later, we met Carmel for chocolate before returning home to watch another Christmas movie together in the evening. Saturday morning began with Starbucks, and then it was back home with Carmel for a cosy Christmas movie. In the evening, I called my mum to catch up and share a few laughs. Sunday started with Starbucks once again, followed by lunch at home with Carmel. After getting ready, we went to Freghete for dinner with Carmel and her Italian classmates while Erika sang, ending the week with good food, music, and warm company.

Third week  from 24.11 to the 01.12.25

( Curtis Falls, Mount Tambourine ) 

On Monday, I woke up early and went to Starbucks to work on a few things—my CV, photos, and other bits I needed to sort out. After that, I headed home for lunch with Carmel, and in the evening we made steak with corn and watched Christmas movies together. On Tuesday, we got up early again and decided to explore Mount Tamborine. We visited Cedar Creek Falls first, then Curtis Falls, and had a picnic lunch. We had to leave because Carmel had her chiro appointment, and while she was there I went to the beach to relax. Later on, we browsed a few supermarkets, ended up in Surfers for an ice cream, and even picked up an advent calendar. On Wednesday, we started the day early as Carmel took the car to the mechanic. After lunch, we went back to pick it up and then drove to Surfers, where I tried to stop by Randstad but it was closed. We grabbed another ice cream at Messina and spent the evening relaxing at home. On Thursday, I went to the gym in the morning and then had an interview with an accounting firm, which didn’t go as well as I hoped. Around noon, I had my psychologist appointment, and later Carmel went to work while I stayed home alone for the rest of the day. On Friday, I woke up early again, went to the gym, then stopped at Starbucks before heading home for lunch with Carmel. Since the weather was beautiful, we spent the afternoon at the beach, and I had a quiet evening at home, going to bed early. On Saturday, I had breakfast, went to the gym, and then spent some time at home sending out CVs. I had lunch with Carmel, and afterwards we went to Kmart to look for a Christmas tree. The rest of the day was spent chilling at home, doing more CV work, and cleaning my room in the evening. On Sunday, I finally slept in and woke up around 11 after struggling to fall asleep the night before. I spent the morning chilling by the pool until it started raining, so Carmel and I went inside for lunch. Later, I took a walk around the lake while she napped. We had dinner together, I called my mum, and then headed to bed.

Recap: 

These past three weeks have been intense in their own way.

During the first week, I was trying to catch up on everything I hadn’t done in ages financial tasks, medical appointments, getting back into the gym routine, and simply enjoying being with Carmel on the Gold Coast. I even worked two nights because I didn’t want to give up dancing; at the time, I really believed I could manage both.

The second week felt much smoother. I was more organised, and Carmel and I argued less. We caught up with Maria and Jayson, and I also met up with Mercedes. On Sunday, Carmel and I met up for a pizza night with her Italian classmates, which made me feel more alive and connected again. I worked on my CV, started contacting agencies, sent out applications on Seek, and spent time at the gym and at Starbucks for better Wi-Fi and air-con.

By the third week, I felt much more focused. I went to the gym consistently and kept my Starbucks routine too. Early in the week, Carmel and I explored Tamborine Mountain, and we went to the beach several times as well thanks to the nicer weather. I wrote a cover letter and applied for lots of government roles. I also decided to let go of dancing for now and made a plan to return in January if I still haven’t found a job by then.

Fourth week from 01.12 to 08.12.2025

( Advent calendar, Varsity lakes ) 

The first day of December kicked off with a productive morning at Starbucks in hand while sending out a few CVs and updating some pictures, followed by a quick grocery run to Coles. Lunch with Carmel set a cozy tone for the day. With her Italian lesson canceled, we decided to make the most of the afternoon and went to pick out our Christmas tree in Tweed Heads. We found it through a random lady on Marketplace, and yes it was perfect! It even came with matching flowers and self-lighting features. By evening, our tree was up, sparkling with decorations around the house that we had picked up on SHEIN and Temu a delightful way to kick off the holiday season. Tuesday was all about movement and adventure. After a morning gym session, we embarked on a spontaneous day trip to Byron Bay. Since Carmel had never been, we made sure to hit all the highlights: a beachside picnic, a hike to the lighthouse, and then a stop in the city for ice cream at Frankie’s Gelato Naturale. We capped the day with a stunning sunset before driving back home.

Wednesday was a slower, more relaxed day. The morning was spent running errands, followed by a cozy lunch at home. In the afternoon, we went Christmas shopping to make sure our festive spirit was fully stocked. By evening, we enjoyed a peaceful walk by the lake together—a perfect, calm end to the day. Thursday began with Carmel off to work while I focused on sending CVs in the morning. When she returned, we hit the gym together around noon and then called it an early night sometimes rest is just as important as adventure. Friday felt like a mini adventure. After our usual gym session and lunch, Carmel’s shift got canceled, so we seized the chance to relax by the pool. Later, we drove up to Brisbane to catch up with Laura and Chris at Joey’s for a casual aperitif. We strolled around South Bank afterward, exploring the Christmas markets and sipping bubble tea—a charming way to welcome the weekend. Saturday was a mix of errands and quiet moments. While Carmel worked, I spent the day sending CVs and contacting agencies. In the evening, I took a walk by the river while chatting with Chiara before heading home to wait for Carmel so we could enjoy dinner and an early night together. Sunday started with the gym and a slow morning. After lunch with Carmel, she went back to sleep, but later called me while I was walking by the lake her shift had been canceled! We decided to seize the opportunity and went out to the Local for two Aperol spritzes and oysters and then back home early to sleep.

Fifth week from 08.12 to 15.12.2025

( Elf movie by the beach on Surfers Paradise ) 

Monday started with an interview at Australia Probiotics. After that, I went to Officeworks, then grabbed Taco Bell for lunch. Later, we stopped by Harbour Town to buy fruit and vegetables, and I also picked up a Christmas present for Carmel while she was having her Italian lesson with Erika in a coffee shop. We headed home afterward, I went for a quiet walk by the lake, and we went to sleep early together.

Tuesday was a full day. We woke up and went to the gym, then I worked on my driving licence papers. I went back home for lunch before heading to Carmel’s physio appointment. While she was there, I waited and got ready for an interview. After that, we went to Harbour Town to exchange her Christmas gift. I had another interview, followed by a stop at Robina, and then we finally headed home. We spent some time by the pool, had a shower, and later enjoyed dinner together while watching Cena di Natale.

Wednesday started early with a gym session. Carmel and I grabbed a Slurpee and relaxed by the pool. Later, I attempted an interview and then cooked. After a nap, the mood shifted, and we ended up arguing for most of the evening. Carmel went to work, and I stayed home to unwind.

Thursday began with the gym, followed by a stop at Starbucks. At 1 pm, I had an interview for a room attendant position with an agency, and later at 3 pm, I attended a call centre interview. After that, I returned home and went swimming with Carmel to relax. We showered and spent the rest of the evening chilling and enjoying a quiet night at home together.

Friday was slower. I woke up and went to Starbucks, then to Aldi. I went back home for lunch with Carmel and spent the rest of the day quietly chilling while she went to work.

Saturday started with a gym session. Afterward, I spent time by the pool updating CVs, then had lunch with Carmel. Later, we went to the beach for a Slurpee and then headed to Surfers Paradise for a movie on the beach. We watched Elf and enjoyed the fireworks — it was my first time watching a movie on the beach, and it was amazing. The night continued with a visit to The Island for a drink, but it was too crowded, so we moved on to Nando’s for a relaxed dinner.

Sunday began with a visit to the HOTA markets, which was really nice. After coming home, we had lunch, and I studied a bit for an interview the following week. Later, we watched Red One, took a nap, and finished the day quietly, relaxing together.

Recap 4 weeks at home job seeking:

I spent four weeks at home trying to settle back into a routine. I went to the gym, worked on my CV, sent out applications, did interviews, and organised photos. I really wanted to regain some structure after months of travelling.

Then my hard drive broke down, and I completely freaked out. I’m still waiting for it to be repaired.

In a way, it reminded me of February 2025 this month, when I had to do the same thing slow down, rest, and reset. Back then, it felt necessary and surprisingly nice. This time, though, the waiting dragged on and I started to feel lazy and unmotivated.

Still, things are turning around. Next week I’m going back to work, and I’ve also landed a job as a cleaner. It feels good to be moving again. After four weeks of waiting, I’m genuinely positive and happy to get back into work.

Sixth week from the 15.12 to 22.12.2025

( Sono Lumo, Brisbane )

Monday started with an early gym session, followed by heading back home to get ready for an interview for my first government job as a cleaner at Coomera High School. After that, I slowed things down and spent some time by the pool. When Carmel came back from getting her lashes done, we went to Bunnings together. Later in the day, I did a bit of writing and cooked. Once Carmel left for work, I adjusted the window to make the room darker and ended the day with some much-needed sleep. Tuesday was quiet and productive. I spent the day by the pool updating my CV and sending out a few job applications. In the afternoon, I took a nap so I would be rested for work in the evening. Wednesday was slow and restful. I slept through most of the morning, then we went to Coles to buy some prosciutto. We ate something when we got back and rested again. In the evening, I headed out to work once more. Thursday felt relaxed and unhurried. I woke up around midday and spent time by the pool, then had lunch with Carmel. We bought Christmas presents for her family and shipped them off. Carmel went to sleep afterward, and I went for a peaceful walk by the lake. Later, she went to work, I cleaned the room, and then went to sleep. Friday began with another gym session. After that, I stopped at Big W for petrol and then headed home. I had lunch with Carmel in the afternoon, and later we went for a walk by the river. In the evening, we watched a Santa Claus movie together and went to sleep. Saturday started early with lashes at 8 am. And then our house mates left so we could be home alone for Christmas during those 10 days and properly celebrated it as a first time couple together with a proper Italian – Australian fusion menu. Afterward, I went home, had lunch with Carmel, and took a nap. In the evening, we drove up to Brisbane for an aperitif at Mr Percival, followed by dinner at Felons. At 9:15 pm, we watched the Sono Lumo light show before making our way back home around midnight. Sunday was gentle and cozy. I woke up early while Carmel went to the gym and I stayed home. Later, we went shopping. At 1 pm, we built gingerbread houses for the first time together at QT on the Gold Coast. We then went to Enzo’s in Carrara for an Italian aperitif, and ended the day back home with a sauna, a swim, and sleep.

Seventh week from the 22.12 to 29.12 

( Xmas eve with Carmel, enjoy Natale Down Under ) 

The past week was a mix of work, unexpected plans, and a quiet but meaningful Christmas spent far from home.

After four weeks of effort, I finally landed a job with AHS as a room attendant, starting on Monday at RACV. The timing was a little frustrating, as I had imagined a calm Christmas week at home with just Carmel since our flatmates were away, but sometimes plans change. After work, Carmel picked me up and we headed to Fellons in Brisbane to catch up with Daniela and Milos, my friends from Italy who had just arrived in Australia. It was really nice to see them again, share a drink, and catch up after so long. After that, we went home and straight to sleep. Tuesday was another early shift at RACV, finishing at 2 pm. We did the Christmas groceries and got home completely exhausted. I tried to start cooking something for Christmas, but my energy disappeared quickly, so I ended up just relaxing and going to bed early. On Wednesday, after work, Carmel picked me up at 2 pm. We went home, had lunch, and took a nap before heading out to watch the Christmas lights around the Gold Coast. Apparently, it is a big Australian tradition, especially for kids, but I absolutely loved it. In the evening, we had our big Christmas Eve dinner at home, just the two of us, with an Italian – Australian menu. Thursday was Christmas Day. We woke up slowly, had breakfast, took a few photos, and exchanged presents. Later, we went to the beach and it was so crowded but after a bit the rain started to came in, then came back home for lunch with prawns while watching Home Alone as rain fell outside. It felt cozy and surreal. In the afternoon after the movie, we called our families back home, then had dinner, took a few more photos, and went to sleep feeling grateful. On Friday, after breakfast, we went to Harbour Town to exchange a Christmas gift. Then we headed to Helensvale to meet Daniela and Milos again, picking them up from the station and taking them to see a van they were interested in. After that, we went to Surfers Paradise for an ice cream at Messina and a beer at Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, before heading home for dinner. It was just me and Carmel, continuing our Christmas down under and taking a few more photos to remember it.

Saturday started quietly. Carmel went to the gym while I stayed home because my back was hurting badly. We watched an Italian movie during lunch while finishing the leftovers, then had a nap. Later, despite my sore back, we went for a short walk. In the evening, we stayed in and watched Emily in Paris the 27 was just a designated day to rest. 

Sunday was slow and relaxed. Carmel went to the gym in the morning, and later we went to Pacific Fair trying to find a nice dress for New Year’s Eve, without much luck. We tried Grill’d for lunch, and in the evening we worked for Uber Eats and spent the night working before going to bed.

Eight week from the 29.12 to the 5.01.2026

( NYE at La Luna Beach Club, Gold Coast ) 

Monday started early, with Carmel and I heading out together to do Uber Eats deliveries. Around midday, we tried to get my hard disk repaired, but the place was closed, or maybe we just couldn’t find it. Either way, it didn’t work out. We went back home for a nap, and in the evening we planned to keep working, but things didn’t go as expected. We had an argument, so I went for a walk by the lake on my own to clear my head. Later, we went to sleep. On Tuesday, we woke up early and went to Harbour Town to buy vegetables and fruit. From there, we started Ubering again. We worked pretty much all day, with just a lunch break at home before heading back out. In the evening, when we returned home, we found our housemates back earlier than expected. That surprised and upset us, especially because it made us feel like they didn’t trust us. We tried to relax by watching Emily in Paris before going to sleep. Wednesday was another busy morning of Uber deliveries. We came back home for lunch and a nap, then got ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Mare Restaurant at Beach Club La Luna. It was a beautiful evening with a very good dinner and a great atmosphere. We really enjoyed welcoming the new year together, just the two of us. I didn’t drink, so I drove us home safely, and we got back around 2 am. Thursday we felt a bit tired from the night before, but we still woke up and spent the morning Ubering. After heading home, we attended two property inspections at midday. We had decided it was time to leave our current place and find a space just for ourselves. After the inspections, we went back to Ubering again before finally heading to sleep. On Friday morning, we went to an inspection in Surfers Paradise to see a studio, then went back home. Around midday, Daniela and Milos got a bit lost, so we went to pick them up in Tweed Heads. We stopped at the Dog and Parrot pub in Robina, had a drink, and chatted for a while before dropping them off at Varsity Lakes station so they could head back to Brisbane. In the evening, Carmel and I went back to Ubering. Saturday started with an inspection at 10 am in Ashmore. After that, Carmel and I worked Uber Eats again, stopping for lunch at Nando’s in Robina and a Yo-Chi for dessert. We spent most of the day Ubering and had an early night at home, watching the horror movie I Know What You Did Last Summer before going to sleep. Sunday was a bit slower. We went to the gym together in the morning, then headed to Broadbeach to check out another apartment, even though we had already decided to take the studio we saw on Friday. After the inspection, we got another Yo-Chi, then went home for lunch and a nap. In the evening, I headed out to work.

It was a week full of long days, shared goals, and small moments in between, slowly building toward a fresh start and a place we could finally call our own.