When we moved into our new place and unpacked, we realised you can actually fit quite a lot into four suitcases. Most of the bulk was clothes, which have no filled the drawers and the clothing racks in our bedroom. But there are a few things from home that I brought with me, perhaps non-essentials but things I wanted to have close. A few books, a few letters and photographs, that sort of thing.

After the weekend’s furniture assembly we were able to fully unpack. And that meant Glen could bring out a little surprise he’d had stashed away. I sat down to my new desk and looked to my left to see a little plastic figurine of Edgar Allan Poe standing next to my laptop.

The figurine was one of five famous authors that had been given to me by my friend Sophie about five or so years ago. I’d kept them at work until it came time to leave and then took them home. I was sure I’d put them in a box to pack away until we returned but Glen had squirrelled them into his bag.

I only noticed the Poe character, thinking that was the only one Glen had brought, but then he said something like, “So you haven’t seen the rest?”

It took me about a day to find them. Sitting on the windows, as clear as day. I obviously did a “boy look”.

It’s nice to have something from home about the place…though I’m sure the eyes follow me across the room.

As for the rest of today, I’ve been down to the markets to buy chicken and steak for the freezer so Glen can cook while I’m away. I also went to the gym and had the whole place to myself. And I bought a printer/scanner. Absolutely thrilling stuff.

I did get to walk around outside with my big colour wheel umbrella though (Glen’s got one too), which prompted a man on the bus to talk to me. He spoke very, very quietly so I could barely understand what he was saying. I did happen to catch what sounded like “rugby”, “soccer” and “Aussie rules” but it may as well have been gibberish.