“What was your ‘Oh my God, I’m in Australia’ moment?” Heather asked me as we stood juxtaposed between Sydney’s biggest icons: the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. I didn’t know how to say that I hadn’t had one yet.
Sure, I knew I was here, but Sydney is exactly how I expected it to be. I might not be fluent in Australian English, but I can get by. I’ve met some great fellow American expats who offered words of wisdom. I’ve talked to my family nearly every day on Skype. In all honesty, I don’t feel that far away.
Driving over the ANZAC bridge listening to Colbie Caillat felt like driving to the beach in Charleston. I might have my Australia moment watching the sun set at Uluru or snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. But maybe not. I love that Australia doesn’t seem so foreign to me. It’s comforting. But that doesn’t mean you’ll see me spreading Vegemite on my toast anytime soon. I’m still a Southern girl at heart.
You’ll have a bunch of those moments.
I had my first one on my first day while looking our at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from near Mrs. Macquarie’s chair. The second picture taken on my trip was of me with those two Australian icons in the background. I’ve always used it as the picture on the main page of my website (www.eriksmith.com).
The second moment was while driving in Tasmania, and a Kangaroo bounced along in front of the car. I didn’t come close to hitting it, I was just amazed at how at home that animal would have been a deer and where I was now, it was a kangaroo.
Safe travels.
Funny, I can’t get on with Vegemite either! You’re looking well and happy in Sydney! I’m happy for you but bummed that I won’t be making it to Australia anytime soon to meet you.
Me too but I’m sure we will see each other some day!
Perfect post on WHY Australia is so much like America…and it’s not a bad thing!!!
Do you need me to mail you some grits? Then you WILL feel right at home. Love you as always!
YES PLEASE! And Firefly sweet tea lemonade and Cholula hot sauce! Hahaha
Try the cheesymite scroll at Bakers Delight – theaussienomadngoy me started :-)
If you have that moment later, I want to know!
Uh oh sounds dangerous. I will see what I can do. Hope you’re having a good road trip! Let me know when you’re headed to Perth and I will look for a JetStar flight!