Jen asked me (in a real letter) whether I was happy here in Sydney--since she couldn't tell from this blog. Admittedly, I have been rather vague about it. There were a couple weeks when I was sad to be here. I could understand why so many expat Americans I met were basically talking about their time here in Sydney as if it were a jail sentence (just one more year, and then we're outta here). I felt the same.
It's funny because when I talk with most non-Americans, they love it here. A lot of them talk about the weather. But, since I grew up in Southern California, on the coast, where it is sunny almost every day, and typically not too hot nor too cold, I am not particularly impressed by the weather here. Then again, the people who love the weather are from Russia and Germany.
But I think what makes non-Americans love it here is simply how different Australia is from their home country. And maybe that's why it's hard to love it here as an American. It's not different enough.
Fede and I got into an argument about this. He couldn't understand why I liked to point out the differences between the US and Australia. For him, he expects things to be different. For some reason, it bugs him that I am surprised by the differences. He doesn't understand what the big deal is.
For me, I like to think about the differences. In so many ways, the US and Australia are similar--and it's the differences that make things interesting.
Then again, it is because Australia is so similar that you feel like you could be in the US, that make some of the differences annoying. For example, I cannot easily sell my textbooks online. All of the sites I've found are US based. I sometimes have a really hard time finding places that sell the things that I'm looking for. I do a web search--and even though I type in "Sydney" and search on google.com.au--I often can't find what I'm looking for. And if I do find it, everything is much more expensive here.
But, there are some great things about Sydney too. It is multi-cultural. People are really friendly. When you're lucky, the food is awesome. (We've had some very disappointing meals.) And generally, the city has a great vibe. I think the worst thing about it is that it is really far from the rest of the world. And ultimately, that is what makes me sad. I miss my friends and family. And they feel really far away.
7 comments:
you'll have Kelvin there soon though!
Yes! I can't wait for the newlyweds to get here. To be a true geek, I feel like calling them 273. ;)
Fede should move to the San Francisco office. We miss you too!!!!!
Sallie - I remember feeling SO far away in 1997. I would call and it was a totally different time of day and the news didn't cover anything I cared about (baseball at the time...) and there wasn't internet. But in any case, I'm glad the weather is going to cool down and that you have a chance to explore the coast and the city a bit more. Don't worry, as you know, we miss you very much too.
miss you too! it does seem like worlds away but i know you will be keeping yourself busy soaking up all of Sydney, whether positive or not so positive. it's hard not to compare, but in the end, it'll be a valuable experience nonetheless.
Everyone--Thanks for your encouragement. I know this is a great opportunity. Just sometimes I get a bit sad.
Sometimes I feel that way about FL, and I haven't moved to another continent... or even another coast! So yeah, I understand. Hang in there. Maybe it will get easier for you? It did for me.
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