I am home. I'm still not totally here in mind (damn jet lag) but I'm back on Australian soil. I headed off with my little sister, mum and dad one month ago for our first trip to South America.
Old dad turned 60 at the end of last year and the trip was his celebration. We had a fantastic time. We saw amazing things, ate delicious food (and some not so delicious), met wonderful people and explored a part of the world that none of us had ever been to.
I'm looking forward to sharing lots of stories and recipes with you over the next few weeks and re-paying the favour to my wonderful guest bloggers.
Coming home made me realise just how lucky we are to live in Australia. In the last 24 hours I've been like a kid looking at the world from a new light. I love that in Australia:
- I can walk down the street on my own and feel pretty safe
- I can drink the water straight from the tap
- I can see the blue sky
- I can walk down the street without stepping in doggy you-know-what or tripping over piles of rubbish (most of the time)
- I can buy fruit and veges and all variety of other foods and eat them (had a big market trip yesterday)
- It's so quiet. This morning jet lag had me up at 5.30am for the second morning in a row so I headed out for a run. Running along a main road there were hardly any cars. It was so peaceful.
- I can walk down the street and not have people try to sell me things.
- I can stop at traffic lights and not have people try to sell me things.
What do you love about Australia?
Ness [Six One and Then Some] says
Hi Claire, just came across your blog via Daring Cooks and decided to have a look around.
Those were the very same things I appreciated when I came home from South America, although it was probably being able to walk around with my wallet and phone in my hand and not have to worry about them being stolen was the big one. I'd love to go back, but there is no doubt that I will always come home!
Claire says
Welcome to Claire K Creations Ness! Not worrying about being mugged is very high on my list too. I love being able to walk to the shops with a bag strapped around me and holding onto it tight.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Welcome back Claire! There's so much to love about Australia-we really are the lucky country. And it's always after you come back from overseas that you get a newfound appreciation for it (well for me anyway!) :)
Claire says
Isn't it? It's like seeing it through a new set of eyes!
Glamorous Glutton says
Not being Australian I can't comment on that. But coming home is always good, welcome back. Somehow I missed the post about your Grandmother's birthday - she looks wonderful! GG
Claire says
Thanks GG! Yes it's always good to be home. Doesn't she?! She's fantastic!
Daisy@Nevertoosweet says
Welcome back :) I know how you feel, even though I've been in Hong Kong for the past 3 months and come back regularly and my family is here...Australia is still home to me ~
I love it for very similar reasons to you:
- It's safe
- People are friendly and generally happier (i think)
- We've got clean air and water
- We're able to make friends without worrying that they're trying to scam us into buying something or steal something from us
Seems like we're both true Aussies :P
Daisy@Nevertoosweet says
And Happy Birthday to your Dad :)
Claire says
Thanks!
Claire says
We are indeed. It's so strange... driving around my neighbourhood I keep thinking everyone must be away on holidays. Really it's just as quiet as usual.