Life Down Under
Brisbane 2011
by Heloise de Durand
An Australian Experience
I applied for the Australian exchange to practice my English but also to discover a new country and culture. I realised it was a great opportunity that I could not pass by.
My exchange family welcomed me very warmly and made me feel like I was a part of their family. My exchange sister, Victoria’s great-grandparents had immigrated to Australia from Greece. As well as discovering Australia, I had the chance to learn about the Greek Community. I went to a Greek Orthodox Church and had dinner in a Greek restaurant.
Victoria’s father is a great rugby fan. He took us to a rugby match. Only they didn’t play the most commonly known rugby. In Australia the Rugby League is very famous; it’s played with 13 players per team. I enjoyed it a lot. It wasn’t at all like a rugby match in France or England. Every time a player scored, pom-pom girls would do a big dance and a horse would gallop around the field. When the home-playing team arrived fireworks were set.
Sadly, Victoria’s grandfather died. I attended my first funeral, it was in a Greek orthodox church and the service was in ancient Greek. It was very beautiful even though I didn’t understand much of it. Since it was quite classical, Victoria’s mother kindly bought me a long black dress, which I still have.
Thanks to this journey I have not only learned about Australia but I also had the chance to live a very human experience.
Dernière modification le 07-10-11 par
