Everyday issues of an expat

Being an expat is not all about the good times and new adventures. What you would never think or worry about is the everyday life, which would take up most of your time in a foreign country.

Before your arrival you will be dealing with your destination's bureaucracy. I knew that moving to Australia couldn't possibly be worse than Italy's university system, so this point didn't personally stress me too much. On the other hand, I still don't know which is the right way to pack. But these are things you will be informed about, or skills you will acquire with time and experience. If you are a normal human being without an emotional break-down luggage related, of course.

What you would never think or worry about is the everyday life. How could you? Having no idea of what the new place would be like. More specifically: how far is the supermarket, where is the bus stop, how many trams will you have to take daily, setting up a phone, bank account, chances of rain, spiders, and so on. A huge role is played by the people you will meet, the surroundings to your apartment, and the general atmosphere that can either make you feel welcome or judged.

Before this expat experience I lived in a small town where anywhere you went, rest assured, you would meet someone you know. Or someone who knows you would see you, which sounds slightly more creepy. Going on holiday meant that I could finally forget about shame and just let my true self shine through without asking myself "What if somebody sees me like this?!". Over the top clothes and make-up, because that's how we roll, especially when in London. Trying to be a little bit more posh in Paris. But when it comes to Berlin, the priority goes to comfort, or to warmth if your destination is Prague in winter.

Being an expat In Australia means I am not a tourist. My small town experience tells me that I shouldn't be wearing a zebra onesie at the take-away *cough cough*, and that I should look decent at all times, in case someone sees me. 
At the same time I almost don't know anyone here. The few friends I have won't likely be in my same grocery shop at the exact moment I am balancing yoghurt and oatmeal in one arm and discounted tea in the other. Also, Melbourne is a big city with lots of different people, places to see, and strange things. Not quite like my hometown, where there are literally two streets.

So why am I still so concerned with looking decent while running everyday errands? My mountain background strikes again. First there was the junk food issue, now this. I wonder what's next?


Image: via