People Tell The Story: Australia

While we only visited the east coast of Australia, it was made clear to us that most Aussies share one trait – they love the ocean. Multiple people mentioned how the majority of its population lives within a reasonable drive to the beach. Australians work hard in order to enjoy what the coast has to offer and utilize their free time and vacation to the fullest. Here are two similar perspectives from completely different industries.

 

Name: Matt

Age: Mid 30’s

Hometown: Melbourne, Victoria

Occupation: Endoscopy Rep – Boston Scientific

 

 

 

I met Matt in April 2011 while partaking in Endoscopy Training for Boston Scientific. Along with 10 others from Pittsburgh, Australia, Greece, Spain, Brazil and Lebanon, we spent two longs weeks together learning the ins and outs of endoscopy and Boston Scientific’s product portfolio. We kept in touch occasionally via Facebook, and always told one another that we would reach out if either of us ever visited the other’s city. Fast forward almost two years, and Kat and I were in Melbourne. Matt was gracious enough to take a whole Saturday to give us a personal tour of Melbourne. We visited Sorrento (similar to NYC’s Long Island or Boston’s Cape Cod), went wine tasting in the Yarra Valley, and saw kangaroos and koalas at Healesville Sanctuary. These are all places we never would have visited and they allowed us to see another side of Melbourne. On our last night, Matt and a few of his buddies joined us for a number of beers, once again allowing us to hear, share and compare many things Aussie and American. Kat and I can’t thank Matt enough for his generosity, hospitality, and friendship during our visit to Melbourne. His short and simple words below capture the mentality that we perceived throughout our time in Australia.  

 

Hard To Beat

 

Relaxed

Honest

Fun-loving

 

Working to live. Enjoying the lifestyle that our country provides.

 

Aside from a struggling manufacturing sector, pretty much any way you like.

 

The MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) on Grand Final Day! 100,000 people. Think Superbowl, but Aussie style.

 

 

 

Name: Rory

Age: 26 years old

Hometown: Esperance, Western Australia

Occupation: Deckhand on the S.V. Whitehaven

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rory was one of two deckhands on board the S.V. Whitehaven, the boat that sailed us around the Whitsunday Islands for three days. As the lead man on board, Rory helped navigate and plan our trip. He’s extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the sea, wildlife, Australia’s history, and even constellations.  He is a great story teller and willing to spend time teaching all of the passengers about his country.  Given the fact that Rory works in the tourism industry in Australia, I was eager to hear his thoughts on his country.