Tales from My Aussie Odyssey

My family and I embarked on a journey to visit my sister in Australia and soak up the Aussie vibes from Sydney to Adelaide and everywhere in between. Our itinerary was diverse, featuring a 10-day road trip that took us from Canberra to Adelaide, then to Melbourne, and finally back to Sydney. When the family chaos became too much to handle (love you, fam!), I embarked on solo day trips that were equal parts exhilarating and enlightening. And, oh, the cousins! We met a plethora of Aussie relatives. It was like a family reunion on steroids, with beer and barbeque in the backyard. Now that I've returned home, I find myself reflecting on my observations, which are purely based on my cross-sectional perspective across cities, people, and connections I made in over a month. This article is only the essence of what I've absorbed and internalized from my journey.

The Great Road Trip

I can gladly say that we covered more ground than a herd of migrating emus. And let me tell you, the sights of the road trip weren't that great until the Great Ocean Drive. We made sure to pause at every jetty, apostles, and beach along the way because a road trip isn't complete until we've snapped a billion photos, recorded TikToks, maybe even hopped on a few video calls, filmed some vlogs, shed a tear or two, relieved ourselves a bit, indulged in some drinks, and of course, snacked to our heart's content. The sights of the coastal drive were amazing. I can confirm that I saw at least two dozen marsupial sign boards in the inland drive and witnessed none of them! It's understandable why we missed out on seeing the iconic Australian wildlife considering we were on the road only during the day and the roos are supposedly spotted at dawn or dusk.

Adventures in the Urban Jungle

The graffiti lanes in Melbourne represented a profound sense of liberation to me. The changing weekly artwork on the walls reflected the limitless creativity and individuality of the city dwellers. Apart from these designated graffiti zones, I couldn't overlook graffiti in unexpected locations such as tunnels, train tracks, ceilings, and fences adjacent to the tracks. While strategically chosen to ensure visibility, particularly for commuters on trains, opting for such locations may not be the wisest thing to do, or so a non-artistic person like myself would think.

The most exotic experience for me was undoubtedly trying a camel burger and savoring the cheesy sweet dessert called Kanafa at the Ramadan festival in Lakemba. On the other hand, the most bizarre moment occurred during my solo trip to The Rocks when I found myself pretending to enjoy a bitter Negroni, completely aware of what I had ordered, and still did it because, well, YOLO.

Reflections and Revelations

It's impossible not to be impressed by the genuine warmth and kindness that radiate from Australians. Strangers readily offer a helping hand and engage in friendly conversations without hesitation. Navigating and traveling alone in Australia is remarkably easier due to the nature of its people. Their courtesy goes above and beyond, reflecting a societal mindfulness that is both inspiring and humbling. The efficiency of their systems and the courtesy in their culture redefine how smoothly society can function. Queues flow seamlessly, bureaucracy is streamlined, and interactions are marked by a level of consideration that goes beyond mere politeness. In Australia, taking the time to appreciate others isn't just a nicety—it's a way of life.

I think the kindness and niceness of Australians are deeply rooted in the happiness they experience. With a smooth, efficient system and few daily disruptions, there's less stress over minor inconveniences. This likely contributes to their considerate nature towards others. Experiencing the excellent quality of public services in Australia, especially the public transportation, made me momentarily forget the significant contributions Australians make through taxes and the hefty fines imposed for traffic violations.

And as for their penchant for photography, let me tell you—strangers in Australia can capture better shots than anyone you know! They take the time to capture your best shot, offering to retake if needed, and kindly checking if you're satisfied with their photography.

During my countless trips to Westfield and evening strolls in the parks, I found solace in bonding with locals, whether it be over our mutual appreciation for my dyed hair or Easter sales. In these interactions, I felt safe and embraced a newfound perspective on empathy. I'm also grateful that the culture of leaving home at 18 isn't that common in Australia, as it gave me the opportunity to reconnect with my cousins. I recognize the privilege I have in being able to travel to different cities and be warmly welcomed by so many people.

So here's to the bitter Negroni, the kangaroo encounters yet to come, the cousins I reconnected with, and the endless road ahead. Until next time, Australia—cheers!