The Love Story Part 6 - The Sydney Arrival

-

As diffused morning rays filter through my bedroom window, I stretch luxuriously, prise my eyes open and swipe my phone awake. I smile contentedly as I am greeted with a cheery,

"Good morning, Nina. Sleep well?

He will arrive today.

I caress the space beside me. The time zone difference has been excruciating. It will be a relief to have him here waking up by my side. Sleep has evaded me often over the past seven months. I was restless thinking about what he was up to and only truly relaxed when I knew he was asleep. I caught myself glancing at my watch, calculating the time difference, pondering his whereabouts. Right now, he should be on the train into London to meet his daughter for breakfast at Dishoom or, this afternoon he'll be with his brothers bellowing expletives at a Charlton game. It's a tribal thing.

The author of my anxiety was the disbelief that this love at first sight fairytale was actually playing out. This fantastical adventure was indeed happening to me. Would I finally realise the love I had so desired but that had somehow eluded me? Will my charming Englishman help me realise the deep connection for which I had so longed?

I desperately want everything to be perfect. By now, I have moved into a spacious, modern apartment nestled in a quiet corner of a North Shore Sydney suburb. The double terrace doors provide a window into the glorious Australian bushland where the sun rises through the eucalypts to a cacophony of birdlife. It will make the perfect love nest.

I have taken a term off teaching, shut down my photo studio and notified my clients that I am taking a few months off. I am so confident in the success of our relationship that I discreetly apply for British citizenship. It gives me options.

After months of anticipation, today is the day.

I dress in a carefully selected summery outfit, white shorts and a sky-coloured halter top that nicely set off my blue eyes. Feeling like a human-sized ball of twisted tension poised to unravel, I'm not quite sure how I drove to the airport.

Waiting. Waiting.

Is that him? No. Will I remember what he looks like? Of course! How could I forget his tall sleek body, his gently receding hair, his knowing eyes, and his soft smile?

And there he is...

My heart just about stopped. A bolt of realisation shot right through me. I gasp. Beaming a smile as large as I could manage, I race to him and embrace his beautiful self with all the strength and love I have in me.

He is actually here.

He returns the hug. Nervously. Excitedly. It's happening. It is actually happening.

Back at my apartment, I am nervous but allow him to be my guide. He jumps into the shower and leaves the door open so I get my first glimpse of his nakedness. I unrobe in the bathroom across from him and tentatively wash. I know he is watching me.


A ladies bum with a mans hands on it

We make our way into the bedroom. As our naked skin touches for the first time, electricity runs through me. Heat builds as intense arousal begins to take over my body. Kissing and touching as I'd imagined it all this time. 

Then, our lovemaking becomes urgent and chaotic. We tussle about, this way and that. He begins to get a frustrated look on his face. He goes limp. It's not happening for him.

Suddenly he stops.

We slump into the pillows. He holds my hand. His face perplexed. "Nina, can we just be friends?" 

Of all the scenarios that played out in my head, this was not one of them. Not the first night. Not like this. What should I do now? 


The story continues here...

Read from the beginning here..

 

THE AUTHOR

As it does, life took a devastating sideways turn for me. With fierce determination, I quit my teaching job, shut down my photography business, packed up my apartment, hired an agent and rented it out on Airbnb, bought a ticket to London and embarked on an adventure of discovery, both about the world and myself. I’ve learned a great deal about people, places and myself. I’m happy that you are here for the ride. Nina x


Where you can find my work...
I will be documenting my travels through photography on Facebook and Instagram. Prints will also be available on my website. If you are interested in following along, here are some of my sites.

Facebook Group - FINDING NINA ADVENTURE
Sharing daily adventures from my travels including discoveries about myself and the people around me 

Blog - MY CURIOUS CAMERA
An in-depth look at places I've visited with plenty of travel information from Ireland, France, UK, Iceland and who knows where next.  

Website - MY CURIOUS CAMERA
Where you can purchase signed, framed limited edition prints of my work.

Website - NINA BEILBY PHOTOGRAPHY
My professional work as a portrait photographer

Comments

Sue said…
This is unbelievable!!!!!!!!
23 September 2022 at 16:48
Nina Beilby said…
I know. Sadly though, it's true and gets even more heartbreaking.😭
24 September 2022 at 01:17
Anonymous said…
My favourite chapter yet! What a read! keep em coming (poor turn of phrase 🤣).
Xx
26 September 2022 at 06:04
Nina Beilby said…
Already writing the next one.
Ha ha. 😂 Too funny.
26 September 2022 at 20:04
Post a Comment

Don't Miss A Thing...

* indicates required

Previous Posts

Cambodian kids bring tears of joy! - Our visit to a remote school in Thailand

-
Image
Steps With Hope Desperately in need of funds to continue their support of this little school in Thailand, Founder of  Steps With Hope , Jen Spoor, hosted a Mother's Day High Tea. After her presentation, I said to Jen, "if you want to make a bigger impact, you need better photos".   So that was that and I committed to visiting the school on their next trip.   Meet The Kids If you're like us, you will want to meet the kids right away. There are about 70 children currently attending the school with three classes starting at Kindergarten age.  These children come from poor Khmer families, remnants of a recovering population that has endured one of the darkest times times in its history.  Around 3 million people slaughtered and many more terrorized by the Khmer Rouge has left a devastated people still clawing its way back to normality.  Families reside in makeshift huts just over the border in Cambodia. The children walk across the Khlong Hat borde
Read more

New Plymouth, New Zealand - Just Like Oregon, USA

-
Image
As I approach my upcoming New Zealand trip, I find myself reminiscing about our last little adventure.  Our travels led us from Cambridge on the North Island, South West to New Plymouth by way of Lake Taupo. The imposing Mount Taranaki  volcano and the quaintness of the seaside buildings, reminded us immediately of Oregon, USA .  It was like having Mt Hood and Cannon Beach all in one place. Of course, just add the super friendly New Zealander's and you have the perfect little get away. The State Hotel , an absolutely gorgeous quaint boutique hotel on Devon Street right in the heart of New Plymouth was our home for the next two nights. The Common Sitting room in The State Hotel, Devon Street, New Plymouth Hallway to our room, State Hotel The entrance to The State Hotel and our bedroom .  We found the perfect little Vegan/Vegetarian restaurant for dinner, Loving Hut , just down the street from the hotel. The food was not only fabulous but extremely
Read more

Family of Six Photographed in West Linn - Family Portrait

-
Image
What a fabulous family and wonderful children, each with their unique outstanding personality made for a fun afternoon of  shooting. This family have an avid appreciation of photography so I had to keep on my toes and come up with some different ideas as well as add in a few more traditional ones. Clearly at ease with each other, the family fell into poses very naturally. I suppose because we were in their home, this added to their comfort.
Read more

The Love Story Part 13 - The New Woman

-
Image
  As the train weaves its way through the vast green, undulating hills of Kent, I feel a mild flurry of anticipation. He has planned two days of adventure for us and after all of this time, I am finally granted a glimpse into his brave new world; his new apartment with recently acquired furniture and décor, the print of mine of our Tongariro Crossing that he had framed, his new sporty car, his local shops and pubs and the walking trails he takes each day. Anxiety reeks. He opens the door with cautious hesitation, and I see that he is nervous. “It’s not as nice as yours”. He says   We spend the morning wandering through the historical Knole, and its surroundings, an ancient woodland home to fallow and silka deer. Then a stroll through Shoreham, a quaint unaltered village where cobblestoned streets and crooked old cottages ooze tall tales of Tudor escapades and Shakesperean drollery; and finally a brisk walk around Sevenoaks Nature Reserve, a former quarry now a wildlife conservation are
Read more

Clown Doctors -The Children's Hospital, Westmead

-
Image
  My son was a patient at The Children's Hospital  at Westmead. First at 8 months of age when his kidney failed and then at 10 months when they removed it. It was a difficult time for us all.  Visiting again, this time as a volunteer photographer, I had to confront the crockpot of intense anxiety and other emotions that envelop you as a parent. But more revealing was having to face the children. The head hanging to their chest and pain glazed eyes, head tilted with a curious expression. "Why does this hurt mummy?" On this visit, however, the intensity was quickly dissolved by the pure joy brought to the faces of these young patients by the highly skilled and very funny clown doctors. What a wonderful gift! Whether finishing a round of chemotherapy or waiting for a kidney transplant, every child was able to find a smile for the clown doctors. Each bedside visit was pure delight. In addition, I witnessed momentary relief among the visiting family. As Gr
Read more

Sydney Harbour from Quay Restaurant

-
Image
Quay Restaurant is situated at the Ocean Liner terminal in Sydney Harbour. After dinner we went for a stroll upstairs and out onto the deck. The view is outstanding. I can understand why so many functions are held here. Old Sydney Town has some pretty buildings.
Read more

Emily Johnson Models

-
Image
What a great time we had today for Emily's first shoot. We worked on images that might go in her portfolio if she decides that she may give modelling a try. First we did all natural shots. Emily is not wearing any makeup except for a little black drama under her eyes. Then we dressed her up with full makeup and hair... What do you think?
Read more

Profile Portrait, Drama Therapy & Play time in The Studio

-
Image
Amanda is a Dramatherapist currently based in Sydney but shortly making the move to Darwin. She was in need of a profile portrait for her soon to be revamped website. At the end of the portrait session we decided that it was time for some Dramatherapy! Following success in the UK, USA & other countries, Dramatherapy supports people in connecting with the playful part of themselves in an environment free from judgement. Clients are invited to connect through movement, voice, improvisation, role, character and story meanwhile promoting therapeutic results in addition to psychological healing, insight , growth and well-being. Playing With Spirit specifically explores the connections between the Sesame Approach and the culture of the Indigenous Australian people so the move to Darwin will be entirely amazing for Amanda and look forward to hearing about her results... If you would like to contact Amanda, here website is Playing with Spirit .  Nina Beilby is a pr
Read more

Portrait of a Muscian - Danny May

-
Image
It was an honor for me to photograph Danny. I really respect his artistic skill and he is such a nice guy as well! We first met at the Marist College production of Copacabana. I photographed the show and Danny was first trumpet! My son played second trumpet next to Danny which was an amazing experience for him. He was actually introduced to me as "Australia's Best Trumpeter!! You can see some of the images from the show here . Danny is out and about playing  Jazz in Sydney .  You can also see some of his mean jazz skills on this youtube clip! The quality isn't great so you will just have to buy a ticket and go see him perform!!
Read more

The Love Story Part 14 - The Paris Prince

-
Image
  Ah, Paris. The romance of Paris is not about romantic love. It’s the art it exudes in all its forms - paintings, sculpture, architecture. It’s in the history that seeps from its walls. The stories that echo in its chandeliered foyers. The appreciation of beauty. The leisurely pace. The love of living. What better way to celebrate Paris and all its beauty than through photography? I am very fortunate to have my great friend J, a fellow photographer, here living in the very heart of Paris, just a moment's walk from The Arc de Triomphe. We spend each day walking and photographing and sometimes just being tourists visiting iconic spots, and partaking in the great Parisian pastime of shopping for clothes, which J is surprisingly good at. We traverse the city scouting its best locations, where we shoot from bridges and great landmarks; the Eifel Tower at sunset, and the Louvre at sunrise. Pont Alexandre III Pont Alexandre III and all of its gold-gilded glory is the chosen location for
Read more