Australia Actually: melbourne

Feb 28, 2015- Rolling with Change.

by Chelseawroteit - 2:52 AM

I've been home in Calgary for a solid month now! It's amazing and weird to look at instagram and find things that I did in Melbourne to be "13 weeks ago". I brought a print of melbourne CBD and it's hanging right next to my door, and yes I taped it there so I could pretend that was gonna be my view outside the window. I miss Melbourne for so many reasons, but the biggest one would probably be because I felt so free when I was living there. It was the same happiness that I got when I traveled to korea alone. I just love immersing myself in different cultures, and i'm the happiest when I live in the heart of the city-- especially one that's abundant in fashion, good food and scenery.

I've been following fashion blogger Chloe Ting for a few months now, and last night I watched her newest video.. I felt a huge pinch in my chest and a knot in my belly just seeing the suburbs in melbourne again (where she's based!). She went to the south melbourne market with her friend, the market which was literally only a few blocks from where we used to live but we never had the chance to visit! *facepalm* Another one that Jesse and I regret not going to was Brighton beach. There were so many things that we didn't get to do because we got caught up in the daily grind.

Chloe Ting's video:

I think I saw her on the tram. I'm 90% sure it was her!!! What a coincidence..

I was really depressed for the first two weeks of being back home because i've had to adjust to so many things all at once. I knew this was gonna happen, but it didn't really make it any easier. The biggest difference is probably not living with Jesse-- my buddy, my boyfriend, the person who didn't leave my sight for over 9 months was suddenly living across the city from me. Just 3 weeks ago I was swimming in the ocean somewhere in australia... my brain can't even reconcile that difference.

And so did my immune system. In the 3 weeks that i've been back, i've gone to the emergency department twice and have gotten sick for a week. Yikes! Talk about being out of sorts, hey? Don't worry, it's not serious... just a severe allergic reaction to an unknown source. haha. Since then, i've taken measures to get myself in a healthier place, starting with naturopathic medicine. It was the first time i've had a cold & flu and didn't pop a single tylenol or benylin, and I kicked it in 5 days. All the while, I went on with my life and I didn't let it bog me down. I've realized that getting over a disease doesn't just require physical effort, but you really have to think about how you're dealing with it emotionally and spiritually. I believe to some extent that our "problems" can manifest themselves through ailments and other imbalances in our lives.

I can't stress about my situation any longer. I can't cry about settling back into this so-called reality, because the reality is that I have SO MUCH going for me. I just need to remember what i'm here for. I've come up with a follow-up 5 to 10 year plan (in true chelsea fashion!) and I can't wait to see those dreams turn into reality. Australia took 4 years to actualize, and it was so amaaaazing and worth it! I know now that it's somewhere that I could move into and settle down in-- which was the whole point of the trip.

As for soul searching, I think i've finally decided on what to do with my career, and i'm pretty happy about it. Matter of fact-- I just turned in my application!

Here are some pics i've taken since getting back:

w Alexa, my niece

bibimbap @ Anju

jenn & I finally reunite!

XOXO,

Chelsea

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My Impressions on Melbourne

by Chelseawroteit - 5:06 AM

DISCLAIMER- The city where I last lived in (Calgary) is my point of reference regarding this topic. My impression of Melbourne is influenced by my experience of living in another multicultural city in Canada.

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I remember approaching one of the managers at a supermarket here to ask for a job. He was a tall, burly guy. He immediately sized me up and judging by the look on his face; didn’t like what he saw. The same supermarket encourages young australians to apply and start a career there (also advertised on tv).

I remember getting stared and cursed at (under his breath) by a “bogan” (in canadian terms: redneck), which I now recognize because of the many normal australians that i’ve met hahaha. But back then, I didn’t know better.

Our host during our first week ever in Melbourne (mind you, he was probably 80 years old) said that he didn’t feel too bad for the indian hate crimes that happened a few years ago because [I paraphrase] “they had it coming” and apparently they have attitude problems. I know that he is entitled to his own opinion, but damn… just because someone acts and talks in a way that irritates the sh*t out of you does NOT grant you permission to beat the sh*t out of them.

One time, Jesse and I were walking home at night. A car passed by and someone belted out his favourite chinese slur for us to hear.

Just the other day someone in a limo yelled out to a running asian guy: “Run, b*tch!”.

I’ve been approached probably three times by complete strangers asking:

"Excuse me, do you know where the chinese embassy is around here?" (middle-aged woman in business attire)

"I hope you don’t mind me asking, but are you Vietnamese? I have a friend that looks exactly like you!" (customer at work)

"Sorry.. are you Burmese? I have a friend who looks just like you.. I could even show you a picture!" (brazilian exchange student)

First of all, that’s inappropriate. Second of all, are you seriously giving me a good dose of “all asians look alike”? Third of all, is this some sick trend on picking up asian girls?

As the months passed, my impression of australia drastically changed. My attitude also changed. I started accepting and embracing my insecurity of being a “minority”. I forced myself to speak up and be friendly to people at work, and especially to strangers. What I discovered, after pushing myself to go out there and drop the prejudices that i’ve formed through my horrible first impression of Australia, was a good one.

Australians are among the coolest, most outspoken, strong-minded, creative, disciplined, AND good-looking people that i’ve ever met. Obviously, if left unchecked, that could easily turn into a recipe for arrogance and/or a dismal attitude. I’ve met the good and the bad, and it’s safe to say that the good outweigh the bad.

Like how we attended a fully-packed concert venue and people consciously respected other’s personal space and paid attention to the artist playing in front of them. 95% of the time, my view was perfect because no one took their phone out to take pictures or a video. These people appreciated what was right in front of them more than what went through the camera lens.

Customer service here is AMAZING. Most efficient service i’ve ever experienced. Waiting times— slayed.

Majority of the people are friendly and chatty. I’ve honestly had good conversations on a few of my 5-10 minute tram rides, while waiting for the train, during a train ride, with customers at work, and even the bank where I get change from.

My favourite conversation was with a cute old Kiwi lady. We probably chatted on the train for a good 30 minutes. I even remember her name: Velda. I told her that I was on my way to a job interview. Bless her heart, she offered me some words of encouragement and advice— and tips on where to hang out in Melbourne. LOL!

If I had a dollar each time I saw an Asian-Australian couple, I would have enough to buy an iphone 6. hahaha.

I LOVE melbourne. Humorous, stylish, slightly racist melbourne. As they say, “Love is not a one way street”. That’s the lesson I learned, being a little fish in a big pond. You gotta love the challenge and embrace the change. Step out of your world and venture into another. You might just call it a second home.