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| Jacaranda bloom in spring |
Before I decided to pursue my
study in Australia, I practically just knew basic information about this
world’s largest island (though some may say that Greenland should be the
largest island). Not to mention my knowledge about Brisbane, I even pronounced
it wrong. Nonetheless, Alhamdulillah I manage to come here and truth be told, I
did not have any particular expectation. Maybe due to my age, I am more relaxed
and prepared to accept what might come especially should anything unpleasant
occur.
I think the beginning of my
surprise was during my first bus ride to school. I was really shocked when the
bus driver greeted me, “Hello lady” the moment I hopped onto the bus. I was so
used to being oblivious and minding my own business that the mere idea of someone
took the effort to talk a stranger like me seemed insane.
But another incident that took
place in school was more interesting. Still in my first week, I just got back
from a class and my mind was occupied with many errands to be done, thus I
hardly took notice of anyone around. All of a sudden, I heard someone called a
few times, “Hello, hello” from my back. I turned around and I saw a guy looked
at me eagerly waiting for my response. Turned out I did not realize he greeted
me, and yet he still anticipated my response. I thought the bus driver was out
of his mind, but this guy was way crazier. At least that was what I thought at
that time; however I finally enjoy this simple yet sweet gesture that lightens
up my mood each day.
Besides trying to adapt to this
'awkward' friendliness, I am also having a hard time understanding the
Australian accent, especially when it is spoken in fast pace. If possible I
would like to avoid even phone conversations; I'd rather resort to email. For
all I know they sound like they speak another whole new language. I dread
repeating “sorry” and “I beg your pardon” over and over again. Unfortunately
there was one time that I had to settle an urgent matter with the Students
Services Centre of my university (Queensland University of Technology). As the
new semester had just started, there were so many students lining up to be
served at centre's office. Waiting was not an attractive option for me since I
got other things to do as well at that moment. I went back to my office and
looked up the email address of the person in charge. In turn I found out that
chat support service is provided! It was so convenient and I managed to settle
the matter just through online conversation. As the Australians would say it,
Ace! But still, I take note that I should get familiar with Australian accent as
soon as possible.
On a positive note, I lost weight
since I came here thanks to at least two kilometres walk almost every day
compared to my driving routine back home. Costly transport fee turns out to be
a blessing in disguise. However, I still get abashed as I watch in admiration
at the Australian elders who still take time to walk daily. Some of them even
walk by pass me and I could just hold my embarrassment of being overtaken by an
elder.
Nevertheless, nothing could beat
one memorable dramatic incident that happened about two months after I arrived
here. During the stormy season in early February this year, out of panic I
bought huge amount of groceries for emergency preparation and ended up unable
to carry them all at once. I had to leave my backpack filled with groceries at
the bus stop while carrying another load to a friend’s place nearby. It felt
like a split second but when I returned my backpack was gone. I had taken my
phone, purse and ID cards with me but I forgot to grab my home and office keys.
I was on the verge of tears but still managed to recollect myself to ask people
nearby in the midst of heavy windy rains. Sadly no one seemed to have any idea
who took the backpack. Frustrated, I just wandered within the bus stop vicinity
without knowing what else to do other than reporting to the cops. The chance of
getting my stuffs backs seemed so slim. While muttering prayers and walking
back and forth aimlessly, suddenly I heard honking sound from a car heading
towards me. I thought I was in the way so I stepped aside. Instead, the driver
opened the window, and right beside him on the passenger’s seat is my backpack,
safe and sound!
He enquired whether the backpack
belongs to me and I must say he looked like an angel from above, at least to my
eyes. All I could remember I thanked him profusely while holding back tears and
I did ask what his name is though I forget it already. He offered me a ride
home yet I refused him politely since a friend’s place is just nearby. To this
day I never met him again or maybe I could not recognize him anymore. The
incident certainly shines in my memory and keeps me optimistic on encountering
what may come throughout my journey here. Undoubtedly, I have a long way to go
but I am definitely catching up mate!
By: Nur Idawati Md Enzai
