Aussie, Actually: A Woman's Humorous and Honest Account of What it's Really Like to Emigrate by Lois Nicholls (9780980486803)
Lois Nicholls
Release Date: 01 September 2008 Format: Paperback Pages: 142 Category: General Publisher: Impact Unlimited Books ISBN: 9780980486803 ISBN-10: 0980486807
Lois Nicholls is pregnant and heartbroken when she leaves her country of birth, South Africa in 1997 to begin a new life in Australia with her husband and toddler.
Through a series of anecdotes she provides a snapshot of her emigration journey with candid, humorous and touching accounts of her new life on foreign soil. Battling through endless Brisbane summers, she tells of her struggles to make friends, coming to terms with leaving her family behind and understanding the quirks of living in Australia.
Aussie, Actually is a short, snappy book delightfully illustrated by Lois' daughter, Lara. It allows established Australians a tiny glimpse of an immigrant's impression of living Down Under. It will also strike a chord with new and established immigrants who will no doubt relate to many of the humorous episodes mentioned in the book.
Lois candidly reveals some of her emigration blunders and dispels the myth that emigration is simply a case of changing countries - it goes far deeper than that. While South Africans and Australians speak the same language, she discovers there are sometimes profound and unexpected cultural differences.
Aussie, Actually is not a 'how to' on emigration - it does however cover many pertinent issues an expat may encounter: What schools to choose? Where to live? The agony of moving - again, the old school tie connections and the ongoing split allegiance and yearning for immediate family and old friends. And for those contemplating a permanent move to Australia, Aussie, Actually will reveal the everyday experiences not covered in the emigration manual!