Going through the whole migration process I have found, you go through loads of different stages. Mine started off as 'I cannot wait to leave the UK', to being frantic about 'making it to Oz', money worries, right down to the sheer panic of the thought of being refused. They all boiled back down to a strong dislike of the UK.

Then reading the comments on this site about 'rose tinted specs syndrome', I wondered if there was a right or wrong way to be feeling in this stressful process. In the past 2 months I have had a fair bit happen to me. I have nearly lost my mum, I have been the victim of identity fraud and my money stolen, I have had my phone line tapped into and calls made. Tempted to blame it on 'the damn UK', I thought to myself that crap happens and it can stick anywhere. Distance no object, bad luck it knows no prejudice.

So with the trauma of mum being ill, I slowly began to re-think my views on the UK, whilst still keeping my dream firmly within my sights.

The other week I was at Lambeth embankment on business and as I glanced up I spotted the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Lots of boats sailed slowly down the Thames. I had seen it a hundred times if not more, but this time I really saw it.

Staring round at all the old buildings, the history, the sun shining, the tacky souvenir shops at the bridge, I grabbed my mobile phone and called the one person I pour my feelings to - my Mum. 'Mum, I'm looking at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, I have never noticed how beautiful London is!' I said to her in an excited voice.
'Thats taken you long enough' mum replied.

Taking a last glance at the huge clock that sees in every new year for the UK, I wished I had brought my camera.
Totally fascinated with my new found love of this sometimes very hostile capital, I got the bus to Waterloo station.

Passing the London Eye, I marveled at the huge thing going round slowly, the people waiting their turn, some with Union Jacks, some with families, but all of them wanting their own perfect view of London.

I watched the VE day celebrations on TV, I really wish that I had gone to see it live in London instead of watching it on TV. Seeing those proud war vets choking with emotion, standing there to every song sang by todays stars, their war medals hanging on their jackets. The crowd waving their Union Jacks, I still cannot believe I watched this as it's something I wouldn't normally see. When Dame Vera came on the stage and those old soldiers fought back the tears and stood up as she greeted them, something quite suddenly hit me.

I no longer dislike the UK. I am ready to emigrate to Australia as that is my ambition, my vision and where I see my future.

I have discovered that I love London, warts and all. I love our Jubilee, although I am not a Royalist, I cannot wait for the next Coronation.

Our history is so incredible, I can't believe we are contributing to it in our own small way. Its a comforting thought to think that instead of leaving a country I dislike, I'm leaving the country I love, to move to a country I must learn about.

So the day I get my visa, will be the second proudest day of my life.
The first was when I discovered that Britain really is Great.