2 years in Australia

At exactly two years ago, I landed in Australia for the very first time! That means so much more than living in a different country for me. It means living apart from my family for the first time, plus, living and sharing and learning with my lovely boyfriend every day of these two wonderful years and counting.

I remember just like it was yesterday…

The 13 hour flight from Buenos Aires (Argentina) to Sydney (after taken two other flights from Brazil to Argentina) was the worst part of the trip. My limited English speaking skills could not avoid the worst seat that someone can take: the middle one.  It was uncomfortable after two hours, imagine about 13 or so. For me it was also really annoying to ask the person beside me (many, many times) to give me way, so I could get out of there. That flight was just a nightmare.

At meal time, I couldn’t understand much further than chicken or beef, so the sides were always a surprise for me. And I was in shock with the fact they do not put ice cubes on your Coke. Why don’t they do that? Coke needs ice!

I arrived in Sydney truly happy, wasted from the flight, but happy. But… (there’s always a but), my flight was 2 hours late. What I didn’t know was that people were able to check information about the flights online. So I thought Dan (now my fiancé) would have to wait for a long time for me at the airport and I didn’t want it to happen. So I looked desperatly for a public phone. It was late in the night, and there was no one in the airport but the other passengers. I didn’t have much time till my flight to Melbourne, and I couldn’t find a phone anywhere.

On my way to the departure room, I heard someone saying “Melbourne”, so I gave them a friendly smile and tried to speak with them. Don’t ask me in which English I spoke to them, because I don’t even remember, but they lent me a phone to call Dan. For me, that was the most kind action in the world! I did not expect that someone would lend me their own mobile.

So I could finally hear a known voice after up to 30 hours travelling and be sure I would be in good hands in a couple of hours. Thank Goodness! Finally I met Dan at Melbourne’s airport. I had never been that tired. And I won’t ever forget my first words: “I will never travel to Melbourne again. It’s a bloody long way”! 

Looking back, I’ve learnt so many different things in these two years. Writing them down in a list, looks like this:

1. English. I’m still improving my English, and I intend to always do my  best to improve it even more.

2. Cook. When I left Brazil I didn’t even know how to cook rice. And we don’t have a rice cooker machine there.

3. Live with the boyfriend. Which is the easiest thing ever, because he’s just lovely and we have so much fun together.

4. New outfit style. As Melbourne has 9 months of winter, I had to learn how to protect me from it. #exaggerating (I’ve gotten used to it now, not truly happy, but used to it).

5. The cold weather. I’ve written here that I actually started to love the cold weather of Melbourne. I DO NOT exactly feel like this right now, because I just came from a wonderful summer in Brazil plus I also enjoyed the rest of summer here.  So I’m already feeling cold once again, and I’m already suffering with the fact that spring will only come in October or so… Oh my dear God!

6. Use public transport really often. In my home town, Brasilia, Brazil, everyone has a car.

7. Drive in the opposite side. That was the most confusing thing. And you can read a bit more about it here. <- that is a funny post!

8. Marketing. I finished a Diploma of Marketing last November. Which gave me a wider comprehension of Communication.

9. Craft. First of all, I learnt how to hold a needle. Then I learnt with my Brazilian friends here in Melbourne many, many things.

10. Wine. I started drinking wine here because Australian wine is good, cheap and there are many options.

Well I reckon this is an infinite list. I’ve learnt so many things about everything. And I believe we are always learning. That’s my goal, learn everyday!

Despite what I’ve said, I have already came back twice since my first time. Now I can say that I’m pretty used to it. As long as my way of living here stays happy like this, I will be always happy to come back to Melbourne.

Happy 2 years in Australia for me and for everyone involved!!