12 months into my Australian adventure and thought I’d share my reflections on what it’s been like vs expectations.
Context, I’m a mid 40s female, european Caucasian who has lived and worked in Europe, UK, USA, Asia and the Middle East.
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Australia is a racist country
This is the number one thing that people told me. The image most people gave me was violent racists running around terrorising people.
This is just not true at all. Australia in my experience is easily the least racist place I’ve ever lived. By a long way.
2. There are dangerous animals everywhere
This one is kind of true, we live close to the city in Sydney and there is much wildlife. Birds, possums, other things that dig up my lawn, hordes of insects. Some reptiles.
Nothing dangerous or threatening though. I quite like all the bird calls in the morning and the kids love how many animals exist just in our garden.
3. Australians are laid back.
Again, just not true. In terms of work Australia is second only to the USA in terms of horrible work life balance.
People work hard. Long, long hours and weekends is expected (I work in corporate).
Things that Europeans would riot over are normal here.
4. Australia is expensive.
Yes!!! I knew houses and cars were but everyday items like groceries, wow!
I’ll edit some more soon, what do you all think?