Happy 'Straya Day - Reflections of an Expat
Coming from the land downunder, I'm consistently trying to find my feet in this northern land I now reside. Like many immigrants, with each passing day, I find myself more and more at home in my new country. I actually enjoy living with four distinct weathered seasons. Yes, the cold and snow has grown on me, although I probably agree with many Canadians when I say, I'll never get used to freezing rain. I am building a centre of friends, loved ones and colleagues here and I'm proud that I've come this far, largely on my own. I've put so much of myself and my energy into creating a home base over here. Although sometimes hard to admit, it's certainly the journey I belong in right now.
Having said that, I went back to Australia for three wonderful weeks over the holidays. Largely centered in Melbourne with my family and friends, I explored the city and surrounds with my husband - as a tourist. Almost three years had passed since my last stint in my homeland and I found a lot of familiarities healing, the only way home can be. The subtle pace of change meant that I wasn't completely on top of everything, but always in my element. Yes, it was amazing to smell the lemon gum in the air, to breathe in the ocean breeze, to spend time laughing (and drinking) with old friends and family, to watch lorikeets dancing across the twilight sky and to feel the strong Aussie sun on my skin (remembering to remain sunsmart). While winter, in true Canadian fashion, politely knocked on the door here in Toronto, I was enjoying the things I was most nostalgic for.
I'm one of many Australians who travelled to far off lands (yes, Australia is far from many places), I'm one of many who've chosen to settle for the time being in one of those countries. It's truly part of Australian culture to go with life and follow the journey it takes you on. Having been back there recently, I've reinvigorated myself with some of the more discerning parts of my upbringing.
- Find the hilarity in life. In my youth I learned to laugh. I think I had forgotten how easy it is to find a strange or uncomfortable situation funny. Even when tragedy strikes, there's always an ironic lesson that you can't help but laugh out loud at. In all their wisdom my mob re-taught me this over the last few weeks. Thank you!!
- Eat, Drink, and then eat and drink some more. There is nothing more important than sharing a morning coffee, an afternoon beer, a long barbecue, or a few g&t's with those you love. Being on holidays allowed us to do this everyday. I remember I even used to do that most days even when I was both working full time and a student - I always found the time for a long boozy 'working' lunch a thermos of tea in the park with a mate, or a glass of wine with my family meal. I say again, that there's nothing more important than taking this time. In Toronto the fast pace of life doesn't often allow for this. I'm looking forward taking the time to share this my new rationale with friends and family here.
- Your people remain your home, no matter what distance lies between. It had been a long time since I'd seen most of my family and friends. The ease and comfort with them after our reunion was just that. Easy and comfortable. This is what I've missed the most since moving away, and what I relished in while I was back. It's belonging to a group of friends where you don't have to explain anything and you're accepted. It's the love of an extended family where each day in the lifelong journey together is a celebration. Even after so long, it felt like old times. It felt right. In some regards, it felt like I hadn't even left. I hadn't forgotten what it felt like to be a part of those communities, but I do admit I was worried about what time apart had done to those relationships. If the changes over the last few years in all our lives didn't change that feeling, I know that it will always remain.
Although three weeks went by so fast I learned that even while I build a life over here, I don't need to say goodbye to my life over there. I truly am from the lucky country.
