Why are you moving?

Matt was offered a position in his company’s Melbourne office. We’ve been to Melbourne twice and loved it, so this seems like an incredible opportunity to see more of the world before our joints get too creaky. We estimate that Matt’s project in Australia will last 3-5 years.

When are you leaving?

End of March with Matt’s planned start date of April 2, 2024.

What about your dogs?

We are trying to bring them! Importing animals to Australia is not easy because Australia does not have rabies—and they obviously don’t want it. The process takes at least seven months, is very expensive, and requires a lot of paperwork done absolutely correctly. Assuming both girls stay healthy enough to travel, and we do everything that the Australian government wants us to do, they will join us after a 10-day quarantine following their arrival in Melbourne. We hope to have them fly to Australia on a special charter that allows companion animals to fly in the cabin (as opposed to the cargo hold). More updates on that probably on the way.

How often will you send newsletters?

No idea. I am very inconsistent with creative follow-through, but there should be a lot to write about???

How long is the flight?

It totally depends on where you’re coming from and how many stops you have, etc. As of early 2024, the most convenient flight from Madison is Madison to Dallas to Melbourne. With a four-hour layover in Dallas and an 18-hour flight from Dallas to Melbourne, the whole thing takes over 24 hours. Other flights take longer with more layovers in places like New Zealand, Hawaii, and Fiji. If you live on the east coast, you also have the option to fly east with layovers in places like Qatar or Singapore.

What about your house?

We love our house and don’t plan to sell it. We’re working with a management company to rent out and take care of our house while we’re gone. We already have tenants!

Emily, what will you do?

Writing a newsletter and website isn’t enough for you?! I hope to find meaningful volunteer or paid work—ideally in a library or somewhere else that settles my bleeding heart. Perhaps I will turn into a koala, who knows?.

Will you come home at all?

Yes! We anticipate coming home at least 1-2 times a year. AND we would love to have visitors. We hope to have at least one spare room to host guests, so please let us know how we can help you plan a visit to sunny Australia.

How will you find housing?

Matt’s company offers temporary housing and support to help us find permanent housing upon arrival. Like many cities around the world, Melbourne is experiencing a housing crisis and apartment hunting is competitive and expensive. It may take us a while to find something that will be a good long-term fit for us, but we’re both excited to explore a new housing market. Reach out directly if you need our current address.

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