What you learn living abroad

Had a conversation with a fellow expat a few days ago that made me think about what I have learned while living in Australia. Yes I have experienced a new culture(even if it isn't all that different), and yes I have enjoyed the much more laid back lifestyle. However I feel like living abroad, especially when young and single, makes you evaluate what you want to do with your life and then go get it. It is moving completely away from your comfort zone and support network. At least for me the first few lonely months and some of the subsequent isolation as an outsider that can be felt made me at least really evaluate my life. And I know that I am not the only one who has felt this way. I know a few guys who have used their time in Aus as a springboard into chasing their dream. Exactly what I intend to do myself in the coming months.

My brother once told me he thinks everyone should live abroad. And while I don't agree with the catch all breadth of the statement, I agree with the sentiment. I think it is an opportunity that more people, especially while young, need to entertain. Get outside of your comfort zone. Sure it sucks and is scary. But man it makes you take a second and think about what you really want out of life and not continue down the "easy what is expected of you" road that many find themselves on. I know that when it comes to an end shortly that I will look back fondly on my time here in Perth. Not just because of the friends I made, the experiences I've had, or the stories I can tell, but also because it has set me on a path I have talked about pursuing for a few years now, and am making happen. Something I'm not sure would have happened, or at least as soon, had I stayed home.

That and sausage rolls are freaking delicious. Seriously America get on that stuff. Not that we need another high fat snack.

G'Day Mate

There are many well know Aussieisms. D'day mate is the universal Aussie saying. No worries is another famous one. There are less well known ones though. Faridinkum, any number of the shortened words they use such as arvo, brekkie, sunnies, or any other word. I've even heard Facebook called facie recently. The Aussies while speaking English speak a brand that is unique to them, and really can't be fully understood until it is experienced.

Being immersed in this different language I had to make a decision about my approach to it. Would I actively resist it, and continue to use the American sayings and words that I grew up with. Would I intentionally adopt these new words and start calling people mate instead of man. Or would I go with the lazy route of not thinking about it at all and simply see what happens. I decided to go the first way. I have very intentionally avoided using any Aussie phrases into my speech, other than 1-2 words I have consciously adopted. I know other expats who have gone whole hog adopting Aussie sayings, even to altering how they pronounce certain words to be more Australian.

I find my approach as a way to continue to assert my identity, especially as an American. Others talk Aussie to try and embrace and assimilate into their new culture. Neither is better I believe, just personal taste. And hell if just about everyone in this country will immediately identify me as American, than why not embrace it and celebrate my Americaness. God knows I miss real bbq and a corrupt relationship between amateur athletics and tertiary education back home. Talking the way I do helps remind of these things.