What I Love about Melbourne

It's been 2 months since I arrived in Melbourne and I'm still survived!

Aside from annoying and hard time I experienced here, many things I love (in terms of living experience), so far, that I wanna discuss here. Living in Melbourne is quite different from living in my home country, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Let's Start!

1. Air Quality

Omg, I can see clear blue sky in Melbourne! It's very beautiful when it shows skylines. Even though smoke from the bushfires cause the air foggy, it only happens somedays. By the time I was writing this article, the air quality in Melbourne is identified as "Good" (23, based on PM 2.5) - it's good to be outside. I am so happy to be able to breath the fresh air and see many birds everywhere that embellish the scenery.

In Jakarta, the air quality is "Unhealthy" (117, based on PM 2.5), so you may imagine how contrast the condition is compared to Melbourne. I could not see blue sky anymore everyday even in the early morning. I had to wear mask to prevent pollution from enermous numbers of transportation in Jakarta.

2. Friendly Locals

Suprisingly, most people here are very friendly and helpful. Whenever we ask help from other people, they really help us. I mean, for example, when I asked a bulding location, instead of explaining the direction only, the person bring me to the building. I got many helps from local people which I cannot mention all here. This kindness really boost my mood and I feel like living in my home country.

3. Mobility Access

I can easily reach one place easily by available public transportations. All public tranportations (train, tram, bus) are managed under Public Transportation Victoria (PTV). Unlike Indonesia, all areas are accesible with the public transportations so people do not need to worry when they do not have private transportation. In addition, PTV will notify people when the trains are going to be off due to maintenance, and they will provide bus replacement (although we nspend longer time to travel). This shows that PTV really concerns its passengers' convenience.

Also, if we are pedestrians and cyclists, we are the kings! hahaha Unlike Jakarta, pedestrians and cyclists are prioritised here. Drivers will stop their transportation and let us crossing the road when there is no traffic lights. I feel safe when I am walking or cycling here.

4. Tourist Attractions

Both Jakarta and Melbourne have interesting tourist attractions, but I like more the tourism management in Melbourne than in Jakarta. Places like museums and galleries have proper visitors flow and guides, well-maintained masterpieces, clean and neat. This vibe makes the visitors comfortable and satisfied. I never enjoy visiting galleries, but when I visited The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia art gallery, I focused on some masterpieces there for a long time. I could easily follow the direction and finish the visit with satisfaction.

5. Fresh Produce

I can get fresh vegetables and fruits here! Potato, carrots, asian vegetables, kiwi, apple, etc. are all very great. Their taste is somehow different from ones from Indonesia. For instance, carrot and kiwi in Australia is swetter than Indonesia. I can even save the vegetables and fruits for some weeks ahead in a fridge. I love to cook even more with Australian produce.

All in all, I was thankful that I can manage the cultural shock and homesick because of those four points mentioned. Wish me luck, peeps! :)

#SharingGood #LivingatMelbourne