a photo from my very first trip to Australia, when I was your typical Canadian backpacker
Today I am so, so excited to be featured on one of my favourite blogs, A Cup of Jo. Joanna's lovely editor, Caroline, interviewed me about my experience of being a Canadian mother in Australia. When she sent over the first round of questions, I found myself writing an essay in response to each and every one. It was the first time I've ever sat down, reflected on and put into writing all of my thoughts on being an expat. I had so much to say, and I kept thinking, "I should write a book about this!" For now though, you can read my interview here.
And if you've found your way here via A Cup of Jo, welcome! I hope you can make yourself a cup of tea and stay a while.
p.s. As a disclaimer, I know that my experience does not speak for all expats in Australia, or even for all Canadian expats in Australia. I did my best to keep that in mind as I answered the questions, and also to keep in mind that while I have travelled throughout Australia, I have only ever lived in Sydney.
Loved reading your interview on Cup of Jo! I'm living in Calgary and when someone I don't know asks me how I am in greeting I always answer "not bad". You should write a book...I"ll buy it from Chapters/Indigo and pay a few more bucks for it than the neighbors to the south;)
ReplyDeleteHa, thank you Rhonda! You'll be the first to know if I write a book ;)
Deletep.s. I always found it so annoying that we had to pay more for books, CD's etc in Canada. And then you would drive 2 hours south and everyone was cheaper. Argh.
I read your feature on Joanna's blog and now find myself going through all your past posts!
ReplyDeleteI am moving to Sydney this September, so was so great to read about your experience there. I am doing as much research as I can before moving, but I know that once I get there that's when it'll hit me I've got a new home!
You have such beautiful pictures on your blog, and your daughter Clementine is oh so cute!
{Teffy's Perks} X
I thought your interview was great, Gaby, and was so excited to see you featured on one of my favourite series.
ReplyDeleteI squealed with joy when I realised you had been featured on A Cup of Jo! I am in love with her motherhood around the world series. So exciting and a great interview Gaby. Having lived in Australia all my life I don't know what it is like to be an expat but I think you summed up life as a parent in Australia really well.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much :) I'm glad you think so x
Deletehow exciting! i'm going to check it out asap :)
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www.kerryjune.com
I read every word!!! I need to live in Australia now!!!!! ;)
ReplyDeletethank you so much, gaby!!! it was such a pleasure to feature you, and caroline and i keep talking about how nice you seem and how we wish we all lived closer:) thank you again!
ReplyDeleteI whole hardly enjoyed reading the interview, as a Canadian myself I always wanted to live overseas it's lovely read the point of view from a actual Canadian expat! I learnt a lot.
ReplyDeleteI'm here via Cup of Jo and am pouring through your lovely blog (with a cup of ginger tea by my side.)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I've been drinking so much ginger tea lately, to soothe a sore throat and help kick this cold I have x
DeleteI pulled up Cup of Jo this morning and thought...wait, I know here (well through the blog at least), congrats, what an honor to be featured!
ReplyDeleteHi Gaby! this must be my first time commenting here...love your blog and this series on A Cup of Jo is one of my all time favourites! So interesting getting to know all kinds of small and big cultural differencies. Aino xx
ReplyDeleteI am a fellow Canadian currently raising little ones in Australia (in Canberra), and I felt like I was reading a lot of my own thoughts in your answers. Great read!
ReplyDeleteHiya from QLD! I am an Expat from America now living with my partner and his 4 year old daughter. I am not yet a mother myself, but I really want to tell you how much I enjoyed your sincerity in your guest post as well as reading your blog. I am looking forward to reading it every week!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! It's amazing how many of us American/Canadian expats there are here in Australia. I wonder if it has something to do with the weather… ;)
DeleteI love the motherhood abroad series on Cup of Jo and your interview was wonderful! As an American expat in Europe, I love hearing how others make new countries and cultures their home. Looking forward to following your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm here from Cup of Jo, too. I loved what you had to say and look forward to reading your blog, too! Mine is http://startclosein.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteGreat Interview Gabs!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nessa :)
DeleteLOVED your interview on a cup of jo!!!!! :)
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