Coming to Australia

Looking round at my leaving do, I was grateful I was sober (only because I was 5 months pregnant at the time) and not the sobbing drunken mess which I predictably would have been. In fact my (Aussie) husband said I probably wouldn’t have been so ‘level headed’ and be able to leave the UK at all. You see it’s a hard decision to make – from the long slog of applying for a visa, to packing up a life and then saying all those teary goodbyes.

But off I went and arrived for good in Australia over a year ago. Many people have asked me if it’s very different living here than in ole Blighty. These are my main observations:

The food

It’s fresh, creative and varied here. Just in my local suburb – there are over 25 restaurants and cafés with a wide choice of cuisines. I also love a good BBQ and I think it’s genius that you can use public ones for free in parks and by the beaches. My main gripe is that I still can’t find a decent curry house for a cheeky takeaway.

The TV

Ads are shown every 8-10 minutes during a programme, then before the last 2 minutes of it ending which is probably the most frustrating way ever to watch something. In the UK there’s a few ads every 15 minutes – much easier to plan snacks and cups of tea.

The sport

I used to think it was just my husband that was sport fanatic, but I have found that everyone I have met in Australia are obsessed with sport. It’s a way of life here, which is great. I’m now a big AFL fan despite my team (go Saints!) being a constant disappointment.

The crazy weather

When extreme temperatures like 40 degrees one day and the 15 the next, it never fails to amaze me. Although, I am English – we love chatting about the weather!

The pubs

The one thing I really miss is an English pub. The pubs are all called hotels here for some reason and can’t quite get that cosy home-away-from-home feel you get in the UK. I’m used to them now – they’re just different – but give me a Saturday arvo in an English pub watching the footy (sorry soccer) over a couple of drinks any day!

The beach

Living so close to the beach is as good as I thought it would be. Coming from central London, I rarely saw a beach. Now I smile every time I see it as I come out of my house. And I will never get bored of those sunsets!

If you have moved to another country or state join in the conversation and let us know your observations.

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