The past week or so, I have been adjusting, adapting, and improvising. I didn't waste any time getting down to the beach or in the ocean (even though it's "winter"), but the rest of it has been a lot of work! I've been learning new words (at least 15 every day, I'd guess), resetting my temperature and distance guesstimates for the Metric system, memorizing a new public transit network, trying to say my vowels differently, and, oh, yeah, starting a new job. The best part is that I haven't even had a run-in with a car by looking the wrong way when I cross the street!
I've noticed that I'm tired in the same way I was when I studied abroad in Paris - it takes extra energy for basic things, like conversation, or trying to figure out where I'm going. If I were just here on a vacation, I know it wouldn't take such effort. However, since I'm trying to assimilate and commit these differences and changes to memory as I go, it's a lot like being in a classroom all day - *a lot* of learning to do! At the end of most days, my tired brain just shuts off and can't absorb any more.
The good news is that I've done this move-to-a-foreign-country thing before, so I've got a stash of tips and tricks to help me through. I've been watching a lot of Australian TV to help me get ahold of the accent and vocab, reading the local news online so I can keep up with conversation, and testing my Metric guessing skills whenever I get a chance. I think the scariest thing is trying not to make a fool of myself in the workplace. With different slang and prepositions, I'm always second-guessing myself and learning new things! I'm also doing my best to hang out with my housemates, Mark and Suzy. (I'm staying with them temporarily till I figure out where I want to/can afford to live.) Learn by doing! It is frustrating, though, to have learn things all over from the beginning. Sometimes I feel as helpless as an infant, having to constantly ask for help for even the simplest things. I'm sure this is compounded by starting a new life and a new job all in the same short week. :) The most challenging thing of all is starting my social life over and having to build a new support system from the ground up. I'm making good progress, but I've still got a ways to go. All things in due time! (This is what I have to tell myself many times every day - patience, patience.)
This weekend, I am enjoying lunch at my boss' house, and I will be making my debut in the weekend social scene... I'm not entirely sure what it will entail, but I'm going to hang on for the ride!
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2 comments:
Good luck with all your "Indoctrination" efforts down under :) I've never been able to get an Australian accent down before, though I've done my best at imitating. Sounds like you're really enjoying yourself down there. Keep on keepin' on!
I think I'd be anxious about trying to adopt a new ENGLISH accent. I'd feel like I was butchering it for no reason. With a foreign language, at least I'd be less likely to realize just how bad my accent was. LOL.
As for the vocab...yeah, I know they have a whole different set of words down there. My sister used to love Mary Kate and Ashley, so I've sat through parts of probably everything they were in, to a certain point, and one of the movies (or part of it) took place in Australia. Can't remember what it was, though. Oh, I think it was called Our Lips Are Sealed. Wow, how did I remember that? Haha.
Anyway, good luck with that, Mace! Have a good weekend. I finally had a day off today, for the first time in ten days. It's been awful. Oh well. Only five more work days left for me before I quit so I can get ready for my own move!
TTFN!
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