Strangers in a strange land
March 18th 2010 10:51
I find Australians generally friendly and accommodating. They normally try to include. But it is hard when the conversation, as is normal anywhere, features so many references to the happenings of contemporary history.
It is a problem for us newcomers.
Personally, I have some advantages. I was born in Australia and lived here most of my life. I left in 1991 for a bit of an adventure, and stayed away for 16 years. I have been back now for almost three years, but there is this huge gap in my understanding of recent Australian culture.
I am constantly being found out. I have been back for almost three years but there are still many times that I find myself mystified by references to people or TV shows or events, the essential trivia with which the fabric of a community is sewn.
It can be hard for me. I can only imagine how hard it must be for the real newcomers, those who have hopes of a better life in this place, but who must first face the bombardment of the mysteries of its fabric.
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