Saturday 8 June 2019

Six Things I Love About Adelaide





It has been two years since our move to Adelaide. I strongly believe that it takes you up to a minimum of 2 years to understand a new place. So, if you are new here and things do not make sense... don't worry they eventually will and if you have been here two years and things still do not make sense, do not worry - just know that it is absolutely normal to take time when you migrate. 

But, in all honesty, Adelaide is a great place to start your life as a new immigrant. Migration comes with its set of issues and while job and income are one of the major concerns but, quality of life, security, a strong community, ease of movement and peace of mind are also very important factors. In Adelaide, you can tick off many boxes. I might have found myself struggling harder in a fast-paced city trying to find an identity and stability compared to the ease with which my husband and I were accepted by Adelaide, in fact, South Australia. 

We have come a long way in these two years and I can now say that it feels home. 

Here are six things that make Adelaide a good choice:

1.  Everything is close by in Adelaide. Close not Closed:  

You do not need elaborate plans to see what to do in Adelaide on any given day. You can simply get up and see the city or the beach or the hills or the gardens or meet your friends or dine out. Everything is at a max 30 minutes from each other making it possible to do a lot in one day. Also, it makes it a lot more fun to just get up and have a spontaneous fun-filled day. 

Back in December, we visited five beaches in one day. Where else can you find such joy? 

No, you don’t need to answer this. 



2. You can never get lost in Adelaide: 

I believe that you CAN drive in Adelaide without a GPS! I don't but, I believe you can! Adelaide is very easy to navigate. Also, there are plenty of public transport options especially in the city and some of them are free. 

While driving taking a wrong route does not put you in an instant panic mode... it just adds a few minutes to your destination but, you can easily be back on the right route within minutes. 



3. Festivals, Fringe, Feasts: 

Adelaide is called the city of festivals and out of twelve months, it keeps itself busy for nine months with one or the other festival. Adelaide also holds the best Fringe festival in the whole of Australia. You will be amazed how for a month the city comes to life and there is music, food, drama, art every single night. 

Adelaide is also home to some amazing food options and I especially love the variety of food that you get here. Thai, Chinese, Lebanese, Pakistani, Indian, Spanish, Italian, Greek - you name it and we have it. 



4. Everyone knows Everyone: 

No, I am not talking about my own community... now I know a lot of locals too that know a co-worker or a friend through the chain of 'friend of a friend.' Let's not get into how close you are as a small community but, there is absolutely no chance for you to live an anonymous life here. If you want to see how 'Six Degrees of Separation' works, come to Adelaide! it is less than six degrees here.

This creates a very strong sense of community and it is amazing how people watch out for each other and also come together to help one another. 

5. Adelaide has an addictive calm and relaxing lifestyle: 

You will never be able to appreciate this until you experience it. Adelaide is refreshingly laid back. You will find yourself being able to step back from hustle and bustle and enjoy the serenity this city offers. In the beginning, I almost felt guilty for having time on my hands to do something for myself because the notion 'fast-paced, busy life is good' was deeply rooted in my mind. 

But, two years later I know what a blessing it is to be able to indulge myself in fun activities around the city when I want to and withdraw myself from the chaos as and when I please to enjoy some 'me time'.



6. Warm and friendly Adelaidains: 

I can spend days without talking to anyone. I am that kind of an introvert who prefers messages and emails over phone calls with people I know, let alone strangers. In my current job, I have to talk to customers and clients. For me, this is the most challenging part of my job. But, thanks to the warm people of Adelaide, I am getting quite comfortable with striking a conversation with complete strangers. I certainly know that it has more to do with polite and friendly people of Adelaide and absolutely nothing to do with my ability to do small talk - that perhaps doesn't even exist. 

Adelaide is diverse when it comes to cultures and diversity is pretty much evenly spread out when it comes to residential areas. It just creates more tolerance and harmony. 

I often ask myself if I made the right decision to land in Adelaide as a new migrant...

..... Most days my answer is YES! 

Am I completely settled? No, but I know I am getting there... 

Happy two years to us! 



7 comments:

  1. Worth reading 💜💜💜

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amazing article. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on SA. Kinda on the same boat here.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Having read this I believed it was really informative.

    I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this content together.

    I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount
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    ReplyDelete
  4. This blog was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something which helped me.
    Appreciate it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tks for shearing..
    Like to moved Adelaide with my Family..

    ReplyDelete