“I’ve been to cities that never close down. From New York, to Rome, and old London town. But no matter how far or how wide I roam. I still call Australia home.
I’m always travelling, I love being free. And so I keep leaving the sun and the sea. But my heart lies waiting over the foam. I still call Australia home.”
– Peter Allen
I cried for weeks on end after moving back to Australia from my 14 month stint in the U.S. last year. I hated being back home – it almost seemed like the end of my world. If I had my way, I would still be living in sunny Orlando, Florida and working at the happiest place on earth.
Despite this, truth be told, I’m a proud little Aussie. I love my country but more specifically, my city – its beauty, its people and its rich culture and heritage. No matter where I am in this world and wherever it may be that my path will take me in life, I always find comfort in knowing I am Australian and that I can call the luckiest country in the world, home.
We are a land of new opportunity. A land of religious and political freedom. A land of thriving economy, education and health and a land of which its people enjoy an excellent standard of lifestyle and living.
True to patriotic form, Australia Day was spent outdoors with good company, a glass of wine (although most prefer beer), a killer BBQ and a delicious Pavlova for dessert! Nothing screams Australia Day more than a few snags, hamburgers and steaks on the barbie!
Given that I’m feeling quite patriotic this evening and considering that I’m never home for more than 10 months at a time, I leave you with one of my favourite Aussie songs and possibly one of the best tourism Australia ads ever produced by Qantas. This ad gets me every time! This one kicks all the post 1998 remakes in the butt…
What do you do to celebrate your countries special day?
Oh, I loved this ad! I totally remember it.
I loved Australia Day because it totally reminded me of July 4th on every level. So in a way, it was like being at home, only on the opposite end of the year.
Rebecca recently posted…New Zealand – Dunedin
Ah, Rebecca, I know exactly what you mean! I spent 4th of July in the US last year and it reminded me so much of Australia Day, it was great! I did think the Americans were that little bit more patriotic than the Aussies though!
You seem to be such a funny girl! You should come to Brazil! 😀
Haha, thanks Caroline, I try. I have a few Brazilian friends back in the U.S. and they tell me how much fun Brazil is, I really want to go there. Might hit up South America next year 🙂
I know what you mean about how you felt after returning home. I think that it took me being abroad again for a longer period to really appreciate the U.S., that said, I never stopped appreciating Independence Day!
I was in Australia (Cairns, I think) for July 4, 2009 and I was sad to go about it just like any other day. This year in Florence there was a huge party and it was so much fun!
To me, celebrating the 4th is about the lake, BBQ , beer and friends! Sounds a lot like your Australia Day! 🙂 I hope to experience Australia Day for myself next year! I’m glad you had a great time!
Annie recently posted…I am like soo not THAT girl!
Annie, I know what you mean… I spent Australia Day of 2010 in Florida and although there were quite a few Aussie’s around, we all had different work schedules and didn’t get around to celebrating it… it was kinda sad, not to mention the fact that we had to work that day too!
If you’re in Australia next year, hit me up… given I haven’t eloped with a hot American boy by then and scored myself a green card 😉 hahaha.
I been visiting the US and Europe a lot and really enjoyed it but not as much I enjoyed the Gold Coast in Australia. The food and celebrations are so so nice and I really had a lot of fun.