Welcome to Brisbane!

Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital where I began my stay Down Under.

So it’s my second night in Australia and I’ve just spent 6 hours in the hospital. WELCOME! Right? Long story short, a pre-existing condition and my long travels may have caused a blood clot to form in my lung but what has been most fascinating about all of this is what I have learned about this trip and, more importantly myself. I will share both of these epiphanies with you in due time. Yes, this is unfortunate and a bit scary but, all things considered, my second day in Australia has been quite a unique and eye opening experience.

Upon my arrival, I experienced a phenomenon known as culture shock quite immediately. None of my electrical devices worked, I became aware of all of the things I forgot and I really missed my loved ones back home. I also noticed a growing pain in my side, which is the reason for my hospital stint down under. I’ve traveled internationally before when I was in high school so I thought this would be the proverbial “piece of cake”.  I was frustrated that everyone seemed to be accepting this change so well and I couldn’t get with the groove. Then it occurred to me that this was the farthest I’d ever really gone from home. I finally got to tell people back home that I was here and maybe I just needed some food and some sleep in me and all will be well.

Fast forward to the next day. We were to go to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which was AWESOME! We got to see a multitude of animals including the Dingo, a wombat, and tons of koalas! 

A female on a man-made Eucalyptus tree area at the Lone Pin Koala Sanctuary

Unfortunately, all of this was still over shadowed by the fact all of these outside influences which were mostly superficial but my health was something that I could not ignore. I had to go through multiple tests that involved hours at the hospital but I actually learned a lot about the Australian people from being there. First of all, I learned that they are an extremely friendly heap of people. Most of the people that I encountered were incredibly friendly. It took a little getting used to because, in my experience, they don’t exactly go out of there way to help you but when they give you their attention everyone kept there focus on you. It wasn’t like in America where people laud multi-tasking even when they are interacting with other humans. I was also surprised that I haven’t been discriminated once for being a foreigner and not automatically knowing the customs of Aussie culture. I’ve asked people what the proper word for something is or how exactly you respond to “G’day mate” and they’ve just given  me the answers without being completely annoyed at my ignorance and it felt really nice when I was in such a vulnerable situation.

I am also really thankful for this country’s medical attitude toward it’s patients. Though there were a fair share of logistical hiccups, I was seen without much question of insurance. It felt like my health mattered first and I really attribute that to the beauty of medicare, which is a socially funded form of health care in Australia that ensures that everyone receives proper medical attention, regardless of economic stature. In the end, I’m alright but I honestly think that the road could have been A LOT bumpier.

This may have been a bit of a tangent from climate change but it has been a big part of my first couple of days here. Expect more beauty and culture as we go on. G’day! Hope you had a great Memorial Day. Not a thing here, obviously, but I try to stay connected where I can.