Australia.
The land down under, where beautiful beaches are around every corner, kangaroos hop about, and business managers go surfing before work, it is pretty much impossible to not fall in love with Australia! My four months spent in Australia were absolutely amazing, it forever will be one of my favorite countries that I have visited, and will always have a special place in my heart.
When I found Courtney’s blog all about her life in Australia it was like revisiting Australia all over again! From cuddling with Kola’s to hiking along the beautiful beaches in Australia I am just loving Courtney’s blog and I know you all will be too after meeting her!
Welcome to Courtney from Alkeks Abroad!
Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging when we moved to Australia. I knew that people were going to be curious about what we were doing over here and I didn’t want to blow up Facebook with pictures and updates all the time. It wasn’t until several months in that I realized there was such a large expat blogger community.
What does your average day in Australia look like?
That’s easy- we are both creatures of habit so our schedule is pretty set. Travis kicks me out of the bed around 5 to go to the gym, I whine and procrastinate for the first 15 minutes and then give in and we sleepwalk next door. If I get a call to substitute teach then I get ready and go to whatever school it is from 9-3. I am glad school starts so late here because it gives me time to drink coffee, read blogs and do my bible study all before work. If I don’t get called then I spend the morning doing blog things or working on products for my Teachers Pay Teachers store and then usually meet Travis for lunch. In the afternoons I run errands or go to the pool if it’s sunny. I have to be home by 4:30 to watch Ellen though. Then we cook dinner, watch our shows and go to bed before 10pm. We are really exciting, I promise.
I love food, any Australian dishes that everyone who visits must try?
An Aussie staple for breakfast (or brekky as they call it here) is avocado on sourdough bread. Top it with a poached egg and halloumi and you’ve got yourself a delicious meal. Brekky is a pretty big deal here and I am not complaining.
Australia is one of my favorite places I have visited. There are so many beautiful places in Australia! Do you have any spots in Australia that you love?
That is a really tough because honestly everywhere in Australia is soooo pretty. I really love the Coogee-Bondi walk in Sydney and Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays.
Being an expat is a roller coaster of a lifestyle. What do you enjoy the most about being an expat and what do you find the most difficult?
I love feeling like every weekend is a chance to explore somewhere new, even if we are just staying in town. The hardest part is being away from all of our friends and family, especially around holidays.
Any embarrassing moments you have had while living abroad?
Trying to pump gas by myself was an adventure. I had no idea how to open the cap so I had to bust out my owner’s manual. Also, you pump your gas then pay but I tried to go in and pay first. The gas station attendant was looking at me like I was nuts when I told him I wanted $30 of gas. I just hung my head in shame and bought some gummy worms.
What is your favorite destination and your least favorite destination that you have traveled to?
Favorite… that’s tough. My husband teases me that I say I love everywhere. Wandering the streets of Rome eating gelato is one of my favorite memories, so that will be my answer for today.
My least favorite was Aberdeen, Scotland. I went with my family when my dad was working there in 2009. It was cold, rainy and dark when we were there. All I remember is that I was wearing Toms and they got all wet and gave me a blister, so I had to buy cheap, ugly tennis shoes and I was very upset about that. Clearly, not my finest moment. I’m less moody now and know how to pack better, so I would love to go back and give it another chance.
Where is on your travel bucket list?
Greece- ever since the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie I have been dying to go. I am about to start a Go Fund Me page so I can afford to go. Australia to Europe airfare is no joke. Also, I am joking about the Go Fund Me page (or am I?).
What is your favorite post you have written recently?
I did two Home Sweet Brisbane posts, one giving a tour of our neighborhood and the other of our apartment. It was so fun getting to show people where we live and what we see on a daily basis. I always love seeing other people’s home tours so I figured other readers are just as curious.
Anything exciting coming up soon you want to share with us?
We are currently in the planning stages for a trip to Southeast Asia in the upcoming months. Hopefully I will have more concrete plans soon… Oh and we are going to New Zealand in June!
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New Zealand! I will definitely be checking in for those posts! Thanks to Courtney for hanging out on my blog today. Start your weekend off with some pretty Australia pictures and head over and say hi!