Christmas In Summer and Other Reasons Why It’s Great To Live In Australia

This morning, on my way to work, I realized once more how much I am in love with this country. Unexpectedly, the M91 to Punchbowl, was not just operating as an ordinary M91. It was a "CHRISTMAS BUS". Beautifully decorated with Christmas garlands, a Christmas tree and baubles. And although I dislike comparing, the first thing that came into my mind was: “We would never have this in India.” Isn't that sad? Just to watch people getting on the bus on every stop, smiling, laughing and wishing the bus driver a Merry Christmas made me feel incredible happy and thankful.

And then I thought about a lot of other things that make Australia worthwhile place to live. Here are just a few, but my favorite out of many reasons why Australia is the "Lucky Country"

CHRISTMAS BBQ

There is nothing better than a sunny Christmas Day and having a Veg BBQ on the beach! Bring on the vegetables, corns, paneer and mushrooms and take the Esky down to the beach for an Aussie Christmas Day with friends and family. I have to say, I am still not sure about decorating Christmas trees when there are plenty of palm trees available. The traditional fir belongs to the snow and somehow looks lost in between all those tropical palm trees. Also new for most Indians is the feeling of wearing a Santa hat combined with shorts and thongs. Amazing.

WONDERFUL WEATHER FOR AUSTRALIANS

There is a reason why most Australia’s population lives on the coast: mild weather pretty much all-year round. If anyone like surfing or going to the beach, then they can able to do it as much as they want to. Or go running. Or kayaking. Or biking. Or whatever they want, and not required to cover up as much (and as many layers) as we would need to wear in the Indian/European winter. But most of us Indians, dont love this summer due to high humid during peak afternoon till 6 pm. We sweat a lot. 

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. White sand, pristine water, good surf is what you will get in a lot of places all around the country. Not surprising that Australia has claimed the “beach culture” as its own. Surf labels, sports, music and lifestyles revolve around the beaches of OZ. Even snorkeling on beaches like Shelly alongside a big city like Sydney, we can see amazing fish. Not to mention the Great Barrier Reef – the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem.

FERRY EXPERIENCE

For 155 years, the Ferry has been the classic Sydney adventure. Today, Ferry journeys of discovery are made by Sydney Ferry. Indeed, no trip to Sydney would be complete without clambering aboard one of the yellow ferries that ply their trade much as they have for the past century-and-a-half. More that 14 million people cross Sydney Harbor by Ferry every year, chugging out from the main hub of Circular Quay to head west up the Parramatta river, north on the legendary voyage to Manly or east to Watson Bay. It's a well-known fact that when Sydneysiders want to drink and dine in Balmain, shop in Double Bay, sightsee at Toronga Zoo or camp convict-style at Cockatoo Island, Ferry is the only way to fly. 

All up, there are 28 Sydney ferries connecting Sydneysiders with 29 Ferry wharves across 37km of Harbour. All offer spectacular views and plenty of room on deck to soak up what is arguably the cheapest, coolest and most quintessential Sydney experience of all.

PARRAMATTA MY HOME

Sydney’s greater west is the fastest growing area in all Australia. And little wonder – Parramatta is a thriving maelstrom of eat streets, art galleries, theatres and band venues, old and new bars and, increasingly, major festivals drawing huge crowds. We can see most of Indians prefer living in this suburb. I too live in this suburb.  

THE DIVERSITY OF WILDLIFE

Does anybody know that there are more kangaroos than humans in Australia? Isn’t that gorgeous? There are so many cute Aussie Animals. But my favourite one is the wombat and Koala. They are damn cute and chubby. One important thing to mention that here in Australia people eat Kangaroo. So if you are not a vegetarian, then you’ll probably love a kangaroo burger.

Australia is paradise for every outdoor person. Everywhere we go there is another beautiful place to see and explore.

THONGS

Pretty much "ALL YEAR LONG". My feet are loving it. Casualness is central to Australia’s sense of national identity and the thong is a symbol of that. 

So, unless we hate sunshine, sand and lovely people, Australia is a pretty good choice for a place to live.