Over the last couple of weeks exciting things have happened during the home stretch of my time in Perth. Of course the best moments always happen to develop as you are about to leave a place behind which overwrites the downtime and challenges throughout any experience in a foreign place. Typically in my international and even national experiences where I have moved to a new place not knowing anyone, the boredom quickly was overruled by new friendships, exciting exploration of the new area and involvement in extracurricular activities like sports, church, etc.
In Perth, it was a bit restrictive as I struggled with the down time and I found it extremely difficult to meet new people outside the research group while exploring much of the surrounding areas as a car was often necessary to do so. The Aussies at first disappointed me as I didn’t find many to be hospitable which really was an unpleasant surprise (especially considering all the friendly and exuberantly social Aussies I had encountered in my travels through Europe and South America), however, sticking it out to the end resulted in an array of new friendships which allows for exciting future visits to Perth and/or Australia.
In all, during the last couple weeks, things shaped out very nicely and my lovely roommate took me to some of her favorite spots in rain, shine, summer or winter to cap off an awesome 7 weeks working in Perth. I also had the chance to have a nice farewell lunch with my coworkers and high tea with my supervisors the last day on the job. These activities have resulted in a potential interest to possibly find a way back there for work or play in the near future as a lot of things are yet to be figured out
1. I experienced my first (and then second) Australian Sunday Session (an exciting way to end your week and start a new one). It all makes sense as to why the young people are specifically not the most religious folk as they spend their Sunday afternoons soaking up the sun, reminiscing the weekend and enjoying friendly company over cocktails during the day. Typically people start around noon or so and stick around until 10pm when most bars/pubs call it a day. The three spots I was able to experience include,
a. Cottesloe Hotel
b. Ocean Beach Hotel
c. The Brisbane
2. Witnessed multiple sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Talk about one of the most picturesque, breathtaking views as the vibrant red/orange sunshine crashes into the Indian Ocean. A remarkable view to witness.
3. Got an Australian/European frohawk/American blended haircut
4. Saw the sunset/city of lights come alive from Kings Park (the highest point in Perth)
*sunset over the indian ocean off the coast of perth
*take 2
*take 3 (yes i took this photo and yes its real and no its not a fake backdrop)
*take 4
*city of Perth from high ground at Kings Park (by night)
*gumtrees
Surprisingly I often misperceived international traveling as this fantasy world of absorbing new cultures, meeting the most interesting people that typically have a lot in common (common travels, open minds to exploring new cultures, social, friendly, passionate about travel, etc), socializing and a bit of partying with typically more play than work. Perth was exactly the opposite which fully challenged me to find happiness in the daily adventures I made as a work routine was quickly developed. The inherit nature of a ‘routine’ just has a negative connotation of boredom and no fun, where even being in a foreign country might not necessarily solve that problem or provide enough distractions away from the work place- as was the case in Perth at least the first month. I have learned to appreciate my life for what it is, my family and my friendships the most with finding/balancing a quality job that truly challenges me as a person and intellectually otherwise, it would be a miserable 30 years of work without those. This is probably one of the most rewarding international experiences, battles within myself and learning experiences as I begin to brainstorm what in the world will be in store for my in the near future, especially with graduation in the foreseeable future!
