Settling

Since I arrived here, almost everyone I've met has understandably asked 'how are you finding it here?', or words to that effect. And of course my general reply is along the lines of 'it's great, I really like it so far!'
This is true, but of course I've had some more thoughts than just 'it's good', or 'it's nice'. And so I thought I'd share them here. 

If anyone who reads this has visited Melbourne or Australia I'd love to know your thoughts on it too...

One of the first things that struck me when I ventured into the city was just how friendly everyone was, in all the cafes, shops, no matter what. In places I've been in Europe people have commented on how polite the English are, but in fact I think we might appear slightly rude to Australians; the English way is definitely polite, but it can also be slightly brusque and abrupt and doesn't have the same warmth that I've felt here. Maybe I'm being naive in my newly-arrived state, but I genuinely think that when shop assistants ask how you are they really care about the answer, and they're so willing to give you a hand finding something. Of course this makes the customer happier and more inclined to purchase, but it does make parting with cash a little less painful!

Something I've noticed more out in the suburbs is just the vast distances between places. People take up more space here. Not literally, but in how they live; almost all suburban houses are detached with a big front and back garden, even quite close to the city, so there are perhaps four people living in the same space that could accommodate ten in separate houses in England, or more in high rise flats.

My previous experiences of foreign countries have all been European, where although a lot of people speak English, it isn't their native or first language. So here, to hear English all the time and hardly ever anything else (until I venture into the Italian/Greek quarters) is comforting, but adds to that internal conundrum in my brain; am I at home or abroad?

That question was particularly pertinent during the first few days. I was exhausted from jet lag, and not quite sure what to make of everything. It felt strange to be travelling for two days only to re-emerge somewhere that didn't look too alien, where I understood the language, where cars drive on the left and where the people surrounding me are my family, who definitely dear resemblance to those I know at home.

At the moment, I feel like I have the best of both worlds...I have comfort in those that I'm living with and the general feel of the place, but there is still at least one thing a day that's new to me. A good balance of homeliness and newness.



Photos clickable for sources