Out and About is a column where we talk to people abroad or who have lived and worked abroad. This week we chat to Estia Sales, who lives in Darwin in the north of Australia.
You lived in England for two and a half years before relocating to Darwin. From where in South Africa do you hail and what made you decide to move abroad?
We lived in Boksburg on the East Rand. My husband was born in Mozambique, but has lived in South Africa for more than 30 years. The move to England was compelled by restructuring at my husband’s company – we had a choice: either England, or unemployment. The travel opportunities while residing in England were the greatest benefit. We criss-crossed England and visited Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Portugal. My husband never really enjoyed the English climate, while my job as teacher at a public school was very stressful. We therefore decided to apply for jobs in Australia. My husband got a job in Darwin, and although Darwin had not been our first choice, we couldn’t say no to the opportunity of a permanent job.
Was it a major change?
It was a major adjustment for all three of us when we moved to England. My son was in grade 5 when we moved. We sold everything and arrived in England with only a few suitcases and personal items. The most difficult part was to leave behind friends and family. The English accept and welcome immigrants, but they are very private and reserved. I frequently longed for a hug from a friend, colleague or pupil!
The adjustment in Australia was much easier. We didn’t have to leave behind family or close friends, and my husband and son were both overjoyed with the warm weather and sunshine. Darwin has a tropical climate and there is only a wet and dry season – no winter. The humidity was the greatest adjustment for me, but you get used to it, and all houses and buildings have air conditioning. The Aussies are very warm and hospitable, and we immediately felt at home.
Tell us more about your family?
My husband is a mechanical engineer and currently works in the forestry industry. He enjoys spending more time outside than behind a desk in an office. My son is in grade 9 and enjoys school. He was in an English-medium school in South Africa and the adjustment was therefore easy. I am a high school maths teacher. I taught at a school for one quarter, but I was very unhappy. I have been with my current school for a year now and enjoys it a lot.
Do you still speak Afrikaans?
My husband has never been fluent in Afrikaans. My son and I speak Afrikaans every day, except when I help him with school work. Data and telephone costs are very cheap and I phone home daily and speak to friends and family often.
How often do you and the family see each other?
While we lived in England, we holidayed in South Africa and my parents came to visit us. My father has since passed away, but my mom has visited us twice and it is lovely to have her with us.
Are there many South Africans in Darwin and do you sometimes get together?
Darwin has a large South African community; we were pleasantly surprised! We regularly arrange braais and picnics where everyone gets together. Some South Africans choose not to interact and to rather assimilate with the local community. Everyone experiences the change in their own way and we respect each other’s choices.
What was the weirdest thing to get used to?
In England, the climate, narrow streets, small houses and reserved people.
In Darwin, the humidity and the fact that you cannot get in a car quickly and get away for the weekend, as everything is far apart here. The lifestyle is peaceful and laid-back, and I especially had to learn to live at a slower pace than in Johannesburg… a very good thing!
What do you like the most of your life there?
Definitely the peaceful lifestyle, the hospitality of the Aussies, the tropic’s natural beauty and the bluer-then-blue ocean. We are still dumb-struck by the absence of crime, the freedom to go wherever whenever and the excellent public service.
Do you have opportunities to travel?
We have already visited the Kakadu National Park, the Litchfield Park with its breath-taking waterfalls and the spas in the small towns of Katherine and Mataranka. We plan on going to Cairns during the July holidays to visit the Great Barrier Reef. If our finances permit, we want to take the Ghan, a luxury train, through the Outback to Adelaide and spend some time there. Darwin is also the ideal base from where to visit places like Indonesia, Fiji, Singapore and Vietnam.
How does living expenses compare to those in South Africa?
Initially, one cannot but think in rands, which is completely impractical. When you earn in Australian dollars, living expenses are relatively low. We have learned to get along with less worldly possessions and can therefore go to the movies or eat out more regularly than we did in South Africa.
Was it easy to make new friends and to join the community?
We made very good South African and Australian friends in a very short time. We joined a church and it proved a nice way of meeting new people.
What is the biggest difference from your lives in South Africa?
Our lifestyle is more peaceful and we feel safe. My son can really take his bicycle and go the beach whenever he wants to, or visit friends, go to the youth church or the gym. My husband regularly works away from home. I feel safe at home and can come and go anytime of the day or night.
What do you do for recreation?
I try to take a daily walk along the beach. I have more time to read and the local library has an excellent variety of books. I save on expenses, therefore, and have read more here than in the last ten years! Darwin has wonderful markets over weekends, with lovely clothing and jewels, local fruits and vegetables, the best mango smoothies and fantastic street food. Nothing nicer than a Saturday morning at the market. During the dry season I regularly visit the open-air cinema.
You have just experienced the tropical cyclone Marcus. Is it a common weather phenomenon there?
Darwinites are always prepared for a tropical cyclone in the wet season. All households have a cyclone kit ready with batteries, flashlight, candles, water, canned food and the like. The tropical cyclone Marcus was the worst in 30 years. Darwin’s most well-known cyclone was Tracey in 1974, which demolished the city. Since then, buildings are designed with cyclones in mind. Marcus caused unbelievable damage to flora, and many trees and poles went down like matches, but buildings showed astonishingly little damage, and no one was injured or killed.
Do you still have contact with South Africa and will you ever return?
I am in daily contact with my family and very often with friends. We have always hoped to retire in South Africa, but since moving to Darwin we doubt that we’ll ever return. I listen to South African radio every day and we are happy about the positive changes that are happening, but for now Darwin is home.
