Officially A Month in Canberra

The title is really self-explanatory. But just to reemphasise my excitement, yeee I have officially been in Canberra for a month and surviving.

One of the first things we do in Canberra as AAS recipients is to attend Introductory Academic Program (IAP) course that last for over a month. In IAP there is one activity that really validates the whole blogging thing that I used to do in my undergrad, and that’s the reflective journal that we are assigned to do every single day of the course. Unlike my unworthy blogs, now were are given prompts for each reflection.

This is not part of the assignment. But I feel like doing my old routine again. So, this is my reflective journal for my first month in Canberra.

#1 The bush city

Geographically speaking, Canberra is situated in the middle of bushes. Everyone can see this very clearly from the top of Mt. Ainslie. That being said, I am far from disappointed by this fact. Yes, Canberra is not as vibrant as Sidney or Melbourne, in fact it is very very quiet, but hey, I have everything that I need here. I like the fact that the city has so many suburbs and they are all very well equipped with schools, parks, shops and etc., And I am here to study, so this should be the best place to study, right? Less distraction, more time to focus on studying.

#2 Call me by my first name

One of the things we learn in IAP class is about power distance or people’s relationship to authority. Here in Australia people do not address their bosses, teachers, or any superiors with “a title” that will uplift their status. They simply call them by their first name. Coming from Indonesia, this required a big adjustment for me. I will never imagine this happening in Indonesia.

#3 Taping is paying

When you are at the shop and would like to check out using debit card, you won’t be required to input your pin. You simply tap your debit card and it is done. Of course I am paranoid and worried if my card get stolen and anybody can just use it because it shops won’t need any pin. But I am  gonna try to live by it.

#4 Are Kangaroo and Koala all burnt?

I have been here for a month and I have only seen kangaroo two times. I thought they were everywhere. Many they were. Has the bushfire impacted their existence?

#5 Thinking of deleting your facebook? Wait until come to Oz.

Facebook is still a big thing in Australia, or to be exact at ANU. All the clubs and social media groups happen on facebook. So, unfortunately I have to use my FB again. And, I just knew this magical site called marketplace where people sell or give up their old stuffs like furniture, bag, or even electronics and it’s on facebook too. I am telling you, I have got so many freebies through this platform.

#6 Gumtree

Just like marketplace, gumtree is a real savior. I got my bed for free and the family who gave me my queen bed were such an angel, they even delivered it right to my bedroom.

#7 No sustainability bullshit  

Having worked in the area of sustainability, I could say that Indonesian level of commitment to sustainability is still in the bullshit level. Meaning that, yes many NGOs and CSOs advocate for it and really really do real job about it, but the active role from the government is left at the bare minimum. All ministries talk about it in many of their events, but I don’t see anything done in the community level. My argument could be baseless and I am really glad to be proven wrong. But, last time I checked, I have not seen garbage can in housing complexes with different labels (compost, recycle, etc). Here (you have all the right to say: It’s unfair to compare two countries) you have: 1, free filtered water installed in all areas of the city which makes bringing tumbler really worth it. 2, In addition to the normal waste containers, they also have a special container for electronic waste. Brilliant, right? 3, Majority of the people if not all are well educated on sustainability matter. So yeah, no sustainability bullshit.

#8 Preloveds or secondhand stuffs are not garbage

In Canberra if you want to find cheap but okay quality clothes or furnitures, just go to Vinnies and Greenshed. They are all over the city and it’s good for the environment. Plus, you can minimise your spending.

This is just my first month. List is definitely going to get longer.

(first draft, need to check it again for misspelling and etc. My fingers have a habit of not coordinating my thoughts)