The dangers of long distance expatism
Returning to Australia after so many years living abroad, it’s surprisingly easy to get yourself into trouble. You forget about how tightly regulated a free country like Australia actually is, compared to the personal freedoms (some might say lawlessness) you’ve enjoyed in communist states like Vietnam or Muslim dictatorships like the Maldives.
I’ve forgotten some of the basic rules of being Australian, so now I’m always worried that I’m doing something wrong. I’m worried that I’m going to be fined for jaywalking, I go to organic produce markets and I hold onto my coffee cup because I’m scared of putting it in the wrong bin, and I haven’t been behind the wheel of a car for the past two weeks.
I walked past a police station last week with an open bottle of beer in one hand and a bottle of vodka in the other. The police didn’t even blink an eye, but I kept asking my Dad if we were going to be arrested.
I’ve known Glenn and partner Caitlin since my stint in Vietnam. They’ve scored the ultimate in jobs – a year in the Maldives.
When I’m down here it really helps to see the nice beaches and blue skies that is their new working environment.
Naah not really – I’m jealous as hell.
Glen, Caitlin – I’ll stop leaving grumpy messages on Flickr and Facebook soon.
Have a great time.
October 14, 2008 at 10:23 am
OMG, we’ve made it onto the ‘our man’ blog!!! (Well, I kinda dragged in on Glenn’s coattails)
I love your grumpy messages Steve, good to remember those who don’t have it so good in this life
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It’s not in any way near similar to your experience, but you will be pleased to know that here on Khuludufushi, while the beaches are still beautiful and the sea is still crystal clear, there really are no fresh vegetables except for cabbage and onions and the kettle in the office doesn’t work!
Come visit man!
October 14, 2008 at 11:29 am
yeah – you really made it now.
You have a kettle? In our office? Wow. Even in my house I only have a gas burner and a pan and muddy orange water.
Would love to come visit – but if that is the extent of the food I might think again. Right now my perfect vacation would be a food court in a shopping mall.
I’d like to work there too one day. But the post after next. Next time it’s big city work again.
Thanks for stopping by and keep up the good work on the blog.