Great Expectations
Today Lib turned to me and asked is Australia what you imagined it would be like? And in my typical manner I replied with a meh I guess so. A really insightful answer I know.
So now having thought about it a bit longer lets attempt to give it a proper answer. In order to answer the question I’ve realised I need to acknowledge what I wanted Australia to be like and what preconceived perceptions I had of what it would be like. Sitting at home and seeing videos on TikTok of people in Australia it looked like sun, beaches and beer. 3 things I was thoroughly looking forward to. I also heard so much about the quality of life and the work/life balance and how different it was. I hoped this would be true. After slaving away in a job at home I wanted to get away from a 9-5 and go and live life a little. Throw myself into new things, visit new places, meet new people and make new memories. On the internet, like most things only the good side is shown. I saw a few videos of people who hated it and couldn’t find a job or accommodation and for them Australia was like a worst nightmare. I’m pleased to say a month in, it hasn’t been a nightmare and despite a few ups and downs I’m loving it.
I think it’s fair to say it has surpassed what I expected it to be. I dreamt of living the ‘Aussie dream’, 5 minutes from the beach, amazing views and everything else you see in the movies. But quickly realised that’s what everyone wants making it very hard to get. Nevertheless, determined to live this dream I’ve managed to find a house 5 minutes walk from the beach and a job not too far away. My 2 Sundays living in the new place have been a dream. A short run along the beachfront before jumping in the sea, grabbing a coffee and pastry and watching the world go by. Hard to beat and something that I’m intent on making the most of while I can.
The culture in Perth is also one that makes you feel very welcomed and has meant that calling this home for the foreseeable future has come around far quicker than I imagined. The customary G’day on a morning stroll or chat with someone while waiting at the lights makes the whole place feel very relaxed and that is something which I love. And then you have the food and drink, despite it being more expensive than I realised the views on offer while you sip a cold schooner quickly push those thoughts to the back of your mind. And the abundance of cuisines and options on the food front due to the various influences means you can pretty much have whatever you want! I’m yet to try a famous Chicken Parmi but it is on the to do list.
Cam and Lib With Us 