Adelaide from a Newcomer's Point of View

by - 9:14 PM

We've been in Adelaide, Australia for approximately 4 months now. And I've made it a point to reflect from time to time by writing in my journal. I'm so grateful for all the blessings and prayers that have already been answered. Indeed, God is good. But I'll save the deep thoughts for my journal and share with you random thoughts about Adelaide, Australia from this newbie's point of view.
  • Words/Vocabulary. Although I've already known the common words with different meanings from what some parts of the world are used to, I realized that most of my international friends didn't understand a whole lot of them. Like:
 Nickers - Underwear
Jumper - Sweater
Flannel - Face towel
Serviet - Napkin/tissue
Trolley - Push cart
Lift - Elevator 
Chips - Fries
  • Malls and most establishments close at 5 pm. Originally from a country where malls are huge and close at 9-11 PM and even have midnight or 24 hour sales, I really wondered, what is there to do after 5?? It gets frustrating especially when you need something from the mall after 5 PM but you get used to it. Thankfully, a lot of restaurants stay open past 5. 

  • Patronize Australia. I have to say, my shoppaholic eyes did not recognize the majority of the brands here. Apparently, Australia is big on patronizing their own products and minimize entry of imported brands. Genius move for their local industry, really. Coming to love all things Aussie now!
  • Authentic food from different cuisines. Because of how multi-cultural Adelaide is, there is also a good selection of restaurants that specialize in food from different countries. Originally being from Cebu, Philippines, I am an absolute food lover who used to dine out every week. I didn't really expect to have too many options here but surprise, surprise. I found out that Chinese food and Indian food (and so on) taste way more authentic and delicious here simply because the people cooking them are really from those countries.
  • Right hand drive. I've been driving using a left hand drive vehicle for almost 10 years and I am just not ready to drive on the streets here. I'll need a little bit more time..
  • How ya going? "Hi! How are you/how ya going?" is a common form of greeting and I still get too lazy having to answer "Good. How are you?" when you know the person's going to simply say, "Good, thanks" too. Which brings me to my next thought..
  • People are really nice and honest! While in most places, you can have valid trust issues and assume that people can/will cause harm to you, it's the opposite here. Basically, you assume that people are nice and honest unless proven otherwise. Of course you still find people who are exceptions, but being nice seems to be the norm here. And that's a really good thing.
  • Grow old with you. I literally see old couples holding hands every single day. At the mall, at the bus stop, in the hospital. I watch them and I see that they're still so happy and in love - and that they're the best of friends. They say Adelaide is where old people choose to retire. And I can see why. It's calm, clean and life is well-paced here. And since I have the person I'm going to grow old with, maybe we'll grow old here too. ;)
On me: Top and jeans- Forever 21, boots - Call It Spring, Jacket - Lyla & Co x Big W

On him: Jumper - Basic, Shirt - H&M, Jeans - Levi's, Shoes - Nike Flyknit Chukka
Always,
Jeanne


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81 comments

  1. Seems like your having a lovely time in Australia, I really admire you!
    I hope to visit some day *_* Your outfit is really cool, absolutely adore that white top!

    Kisses from Hungary xo
    Csenge | Csenge's Point

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    1. I went to Australia in 2010 for a people to people trip and had a blast! The people there ARE really nice and would always strike up a conversation with you. I loved this one store that was in most malls but I literally can't remember the name of it for the life of me (It started with a C ???) Anyway! Australia is beautiful and I would love to go back one day :)
      Olivia | Her Name Was Celebration

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  2. Awesome images cool outfit you guys look great.

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  3. Aww how fun!!! It's funny how going somewhere new can totally change our point of view on things! :)
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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    1. It' so cute when old people holding hands! It makes me dreaming of my hubby and me at that age... weird.. I know! Haha! Jeanne, I'm in love with you bomber jacket and the combat boots! Great contrast to that feminine top! You're such a lovely couple! ;-))
      Following you on bloglovin! <3

      xxx Ira
      JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN

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  4. Hope you're having a lovely time in Aussie :D I love the lingo terms you've taught me to use Hahah we use knickers in England too to refer to undies! and a few of the other ones you mentioned

    Serene | I Am Serene L

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  5. Hope you're having a lovely time in Aussie :D I love the lingo terms you've taught me to use Hahah we use knickers in England too to refer to undies! and a few of the other ones you mentioned

    Serene | I Am Serene L

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  6. You look so cool and relaxed with your outfit ^_^

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  7. I loved reading this reflection! Sometimes when you live a long time in one place, you don't realize what newcomers have to adjust to. I've always wanted to visit Australia too!

    Angelina Is

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  8. This seems like such nice and sweet place worth visit. If only it wouldn't be so far :/
    I love the ''dictionary'' you aded, it's fun to read how many words we can use for one item.

    d'stars
    *d'stars*

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  9. I really like your outfit!

    http://industrialbarbie.blogspot.com/

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  10. I love your top. Pretty! :)

    IG: @shairangelique

    Have a nice day! :)

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

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  11. Hi Jeanne! Love your combat boots <3
    Have a great day!

    Come check my latest post :)
    www.marissaabigail.blogspot.com

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  12. That top and jacket are super cute! Lovely photos :)

    xx -n
    Naomi in Wonderland

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  13. Wow, I've never been to Australia but it's so cool that you have such a handle on some of the culture there! Enough to make a beginners guide :)
    Brooke | brookewrote

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  14. Lovely pictures Xxx

    itsjustwinnie.blogspot.co.uk/

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  15. Great casual outfit! I love the top, especially its color!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  16. Thanks for your comment on my blog and thanks for sharing these thoughts! I always find it intersting how strangers see certain places :)
    xx
    Larissa
    http://cenestquedelachance.blogspot.de/

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  17. I love reading about different countries's cultural differences. My cousin lives in Aussie and whenever she visits we have a little giggle about our language gap. You look darling in the couple picture.

    ~ xo Sheree
    http://poshclassymom.com
    IG: @poshclassymom

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  18. Glad you are enjoying Australia! I have been to a few different countries (although not many) and I have to agree that Australians are the friendliest bunch! :) Plus I do love buying local and Australian where I can - makes sense as I want to ensure that my baby has a job locally when he grows up, and it's better for the environment! :)

    Away From The Blue

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  19. Looks like Adelaide is treating you right/! :D

    www.jhanzey.net

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  20. Ooh, the last part of the list sounds amazing; old couples make me so happy. Glad you're enjoying Australia! I have relatives from Australia, and whenever they come to visit, their slang just stumps me hahaha

    May x • THE MAYDENbloglovin'

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  21. adelaide sounds like a great place and you look adorable! love the top!
    love, liz
    stylewich.com

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  22. I'd love to visit Australia, and it's so lovely to hear that everyone is so nice. Sounds perfect!

    Lucy x- Yellowicing

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  23. I love your jacket and boots. c: And I followed you. :)

    -Jannette | MERESSE

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  24. I don't think I could ever get used to driving on the left side!

    COOCOO FOR COCO

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  25. fabulous look, great style
    I wish you an happy day
    see my new post
    <<< fashion blogger Pamela Soluri >>>
    kiss

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  26. Beautiful photos, that shirt is too cute :)

    RedLip&Love

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  27. Haha this girl I know in London asked for "pants" at a store and got sent to the panties section lol. So funny how different English is in different parts of the world. But in the US we also say "Hi, how are you?" as a greeting, what do they say in other places??

    Gina
    Pink Wings

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  28. All in all, Adelaide seems quite appealing to me! ☺ Only most shops closing at 5pm is a slight downer ^.^''

    http://la-fille-lumineuse.blogspot.de/

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  29. es todo precioso, me gusta mucho, voy a mirar en internet

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  30. my friend was just there for work - this is a great post :) but hey, mall closing at 5?? that's no fun :P

    theleeday.com

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  31. Adelaide sounds like a lovely place although I don't think I would get used to shops closing at 5!

    Sarah | sarahanne14.blogspot.com

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  32. Thank you for sharing some of your impressions of Australia!
    I never had the chance to go but really, really want to and after reading your post I want to go even more :)
    I'm glad you're so happy there! <3

    Micky♡
    http://princessfromjupiter.blogspot.com

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  33. 5 pm is so early. Love your vocab- similar to UK one. Great outfit
    Mrsinlondon blog | Travel | Lifestyle | London

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  34. great casual look, my dear and great tip on Australia
    was wondering what are Australians doing after 5 o'clock....
    happy week-end
    http://www.theitalianglam.com/

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  35. Learning local slang is definitely one of my favorite things to do when in a new place :) It sounds like you're having a great time in Adelaide and I'm glad! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's

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  36. beautiful outfit!!

    http://modernastrega.blogspot.com.ar/

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  37. Gorgeous outfit! I hear that greeting a lot from New Zealanders as well. :)

    Jenn
    The Pink Lemonade Girl

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  38. I think exactly the same. The spaces are with a distinct and dynamic with a mark of personality. :D

    Love your jacket <3

    InstagramFacebook Oficial PageMiguel Gouveia / Blog Pieces Of Me :D

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  39. What a lovely round up and how nice about the retired romantic couples. We have left hand drive in the UK, so it took me time to get used to driving on the right when I lived in France

    Suze | LuxuryColumnist

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  40. I had no idea before moving your 'malls' were even open occasionally for 24 hours when sales were on - that's incredible! Here in the UK, the 5pm closing time also applies. I hope you're settling in well :)

    ps. you look beautiful!

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice

    x

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  41. such a great look

    http://carrieslifestyle.wordpress.com
    Posts online about Vienna, Provence, Buenos Aires....

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  42. Adelaide looks a nice place to growth old with your partner, maybe with the shops open a bit more it could be really perfect ;)!

    My last post: Dressed up

    Shopping Girls

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  43. I've only been to Adelaide once for couple of days with no sight-seeing. Would love to visit again some day :D

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  44. Awesomepictures my dear, cool outfit :D

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  45. I've worked with Australians and they are all really nice people!
    Very interesting post, glad that you're having such a nice time there!

    Tanya
    www.StripesNVibes.com
    BlogLovin

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  46. I never been to Australia
    but from what I read over your blog
    I wanna pay a visit a day
    I love to be surrounded with good people :D
    MY-Emily

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  47. It seems a really marvelous place. I want one day visit it. Kisses from Italy and thank you for stopping at my blog,
    Eni

    http://eniwherefashion.blogspot.it

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  48. Great post, lady! Sounds like you're on a new adventure. :)

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  49. Great outfit! I've always wanted to go to Australia! I followed you on Bloglovin. Have a great week!

    xo, Bry

    Hold.On.To.Your.Hats.Naughty&Nice

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  50. Great outfit! I've always wanted to go to Australia! I followed you on Bloglovin. Have a great week!

    xo, Bry

    Hold.On.To.Your.Hats.Naughty&Nice

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  51. Lol! American English already gives me headache, now the difference between the Nickers - Underwear. ;) Well, enjoy your time and take care!
    By the way, I started my own link up and it will be every Wednesday. Don't forget to stop by! :)

    Grace
    http://colorandgrace.com 

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  52. It sounds like you're adjusting to life in Australia! I'd love to go there sometime! I'll try and give your blog a follow now

    www.sophieslittlesecrets.blogspot.com

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  53. those words are also used in England and I find it funny being a foreigner myself :p following xx

    Pam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥

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  54. Sounds like a blast! Great outfit as well xo
    http://fridaynightstyle.com/

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  55. I love hearing how so many older couples walk around still holding hands - it makes my inner romantic hopeful haha. And those slang words - HILARIOUS!
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts, it was fun to get an inside perspective on where you live!
    XO Amanda | http://sansscrubs.blogspot.com

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  56. Love the outfit, especially the jacket! So cute xo

    Sarah Louise Porter Blog

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  57. Your white top is so cute!
    Love Emina

    www.fashionbyemina.blogspot.com

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fashion-by-Emina/1079990232027881
    Instagram: http://instagram.com/eminamasovic
    Bloglovin: https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12856043

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  58. Great post Jeanne - Australia sounds really lovely! x

    The Belle Narrative

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  59. Love your jacket, thanks for sharing
    follow for follow?:)

    xoxo
    http://hilarynirvana.blogspot.com/

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  60. Nice outfit, love your boots :)

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  61. Aussies are the best!

    Really like the jacket, you look great.

    -Kati
    http://almoststylish.blogspot....

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  62. I really enjoyed this post! I've never been to Australia myself.

    Bella Pummarola

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  63. Love your blouse!

    - Audrey Allure
    http://audreyallure.blogspot.com

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  64. Your blouse is too cute! Happy to hear you're settling in well :) can't wait to hear more about your Aussie adventures!

    High Heels & Happy Feels
    Instagram

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  65. amazin post...your bluse is very cute :)
    http://www.francescagori.com/en_US/altaroma/

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  66. Wow!
    I'd like so much to visit Australia!!!
    Thanks a lot for sharing, I love your posts!

    xoxo
    www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com

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