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17Apr 10

What to Expect in Australia

G’day mates! Howzit going?

The following links certainly helped us prepare for our trip downunder but since our arrival in Brisbane, we are constantly learning more about our new home.

Still, these resources are great for planning, finding out the requirements for entry and learning a little more about our destination.

Wall art at the arrival’s terminal with colloquial, Australian sayings and anything Australian in general.

Wherever you plan on going, learn as much as you can about that country so that the culture shock isn’t too great. It’s enough that you’re going to be a stranger in a new land, you shouldn’t put more stress on yourself by being ignorant about local customs and laws, political climate, religions, and general way of life.

Granted, Brisbane has hardly been a culture shock but there are certain nuances that remind me that I am no longer at home in Toronto. Even though things like shops and restaurants look familiar, they have their own Australian uniqueness. For example, McDonald’s is nicknamed Maccas while back in Toronto, I would have called it McD’s (mak dees).

What have been some of the differences unique to your hometown or places you’ve travelled to?

Until next time strangers, sprinkle hearts!

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12Apr 10

So Close to Brisbane

G’day mates! Howzit going?

The past few articles have been about our journey to Brisbane and now that we are here, I have been able to write these up. It won’t be much longer until you are all caught up with more about how it is actually being in Brisbane.

Here are a few photos of us nearly in Brisbane. Jason and I were filled with anxious anticipation.


Our first Australian sunrise.


My contemplative darling watching over the rising sun, the beginning of a new and wonderful adventure. Yes, yes, insert more cheese! I love you hunny bunny.


Err, I told Jason that if you were going to angle the horizon to be artsy it should be more exaggerated and boy, did he ever angle that baby.

OK, well since you can’t wait or I’m just as impatient as you, I’ll catch you up. Jason’s eagerly started working and I’m clearly on my path to becoming Betty Draper. More on that later, see I can be a tease too!

Until next time, sprinkle hearts!

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11Apr 10

Research Before Making the Trip

G’day mates! Howzit going?

Going to Australia is one of the biggest steps Jason and I have ever taken in our lives. But before taking on anything major the both of us usually like to be prepared, in this case researching comprehensively about what it will take to make this trip possible. Besides a lot of money?

Close up of a topical map of Australia, centered on Brisbane.

As Canadians travelling to Australia – a fellow member of the Commonwealth, we hope to avoid a lot of the hassles that horror travel stories are made of. And that is why, it was very important to us to be as informed as possible to cover all our bases. The following links have helped us immensely in preparing ourselves to what’s to come and will hopefully help you as well.

Preparations while in Canada:

After all that research, it was time for some action:

  1. Make sure our passports are valid for a minimum of 6 months of our return date to Canada
  2. Obtain the proper Visas – the Working Holiday Visa allows me  to work in Australia
  3. Buy plane tickets
  4. Continue saving money
  5. Get super anxious until departure!

By researching and planning this trip as thoroughly as possible, it has given the both of us a peace of mind.  Especially when either of us have one of those moments of panic where you feel like you don’t know what the heck you’re doing. It’s good to refer back to these plans and move forward with the attitude that whatever may come, we are ready to take on this challenge together.

Until next time, sprinkle hearts!

Ooh, our first comment!
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