It’s been a busy first couple of weeks in Australia! From walking among kangaroos at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to impromptu beach visits in the Gold Coast to fireworks by the river at Riverfire in Brisbane, I can say there hasn’t been a dull moment since touching down (under).
One of my biggest takeaways about this experience so far: make sure that wherever you stay, you’re close to a bus stop or a train station. Ubers aren’t excessively expensive, but the $25 you would spend in an Uber compared to the current 0.50 cent fares via public transit can make a huge difference (especially because food here isn’t exactly cheap, and I’d rather spend any leftover money on lattés please and thank you).
Another piece of advice would be to shove away your shame and embarrassment for until you’re back in Canada. For one, Aussies aren’t afraid of anything. For two, if anyone ever questions you, just say you’re Canadian and you’ll be met with instant warmth. While we were staying on Bondi Beach, we borrowed surfboards and hit the water without any prior lessons or wetsuits. Were we freezing? Yes. Did we wipeout (more than once)? You bet. To us, we were a little underprepared and maybe a little irrational. To the Australians around us, we were fearless Canadians (I think). It’s the perfect situation, so take advantage of it.
All in all, what I’ve learned over the first two weeks is that you’re going to make the most of it if you live in the moment (and also live near a train/bus station), you’re unafraid to try new things, and you buy that cheetah print Budgy Smuggler if that’s truly what catches your eye.
Here’s to seeing more of beautiful Australia!