Certification in Two Countries: To Keep or Not to Keep?

That is the question.

Hi, folks!

When moving abroad, people who work in the Allied Health field want to know if it is worthwhile not only transferring credentials internationally, but also maintaining professional certification and license to practice in their home country.

When I moved to America, I renewed my certification and membership with Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) each year. Since moving back to Australia, I have maintained my certification with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and renewed my Florida state licensure.

Feeding Time on Siesta Key 
Florida, USA
Photo taken by Maree Richardson

Downside:

• Expensive! It costs me about $937 AUD ($647 USD) per year to maintain all three  certifications/licenses.
• Time consuming to update professional development hours and check progress toward compliance for three certifications/licenses. After I complete a training course, I login to three different websites to enter the information, as each association has their own requirements.

Upside:

• Freedom of moving between countries and being allowed to work right away. This makes it easier to find a job and reduces financial stress. You don’t have to repeat the laborious and costly application process for certification. You're ready to go!
• Although expensive, certification/license fees are due at different times of the year, which means you can budget and don’t have to "fork out" all the money at once. SPA fees are due by end of June, whereas ASHA and Florida state license fees are due by end of December.
• You can apply the same professional development hours to all certifications/licenses. For example, speechpathology.com offers unlimited, online continuing education courses which are recognised by all three professional associations who I am certified/licensed with. 

So, is it worth it? 

For now, yes. The advantages currently outweigh the disadvantages.

I’m interested to hear your thoughts on this topic. Feel free to comment below.

Cheers!

Maree

Where Did We Move To?

Hi, folks!

The previous post about packing up our first home finished on the ultimate cliff-hanger ...

Where did we move to?

Many people asked for Part Two of the series, so without further ado, let's "spill the beans". We have moved across the other side of the world again, this time to ...

The Land Down Under!

G'Day from Queensland, Australia
Photo taken by Gregory Richardson (drone photography).

Although Australia is my home country, it will take some time to adjust. After living in America for 6 years, the first few weeks back in Australia felt like a foreign country.

Initial musings about moving back to my homeland:

- Everyone has an accent, and it sounds really bogan! During our first week back, we were in a restaurant in Brisbane and I made a quiet comment about the two blokes sitting at the table next to us: “Hey, I think they’re from Australia ...”, forgetting that we were no longer in America. 

- My accent is a hybrid. It sounds really confused! For those new to the blog, I work as a Speech Language Pathologist, and part of my job is to help children articulate their speech sounds correctly. Thus, while living in America, I had been consciously trying to make my “R’s” strong and my vowels long. Now I have to retrain my own articulation skills to sound Aussie again!

- Jacaranda trees are stunning! I’ve never truly appreciated them until now. For my international friends, Jacaranda’s are large trees that bloom gorgeous, purple flowers in October/November; Springtime in the Southern Hemisphere.

Jacaranda Trees
Photo taken by Gregory Richardson.

- Upon starting a new job in Australia, I’m steadily learning about the changes in the healthcare system over the past few years, including the nationwide roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Understanding healthcare systems in two countries can be overwhelming.

- You know how foreigners suppose that Australian animals are out to kill ya? Now I understand their point of view - our spiders are huge! A couple of weeks ago, we visited the local Botanic Gardens and were greeted with a nightmarish mass of entangled webs and spiders the size of an outstretched hand. There are memes made of this stuff!

- Never had I ever been stung by a blue bottle until, you guessed it ... now. Last weekend the little blighter wrapped its tentacle around my ankle and hung on for all it was worth. Ouch!

- Cricket is a strange sport. With field positions like "Silly Mid Off" and "Short Leg", and test matches that last up to 5 days, no wonder why Robin Williams said: "Cricket is basically Baseball on Valium". I took Greg to his first ever live cricket match and he enjoyed tolerated it for 3 hours. We agreed this was a pretty good innings for his first experience. 

Greg's First Cricket Match
Photo taken by random crowd member.

- Aussie sangas (sausages) are amazing! So are plain mince pies with tomato sauce (ketchup). 

- I have complained about Australia’s high income tax rates. Goodbye, pay check!

- It’s easy to find vacant beaches all to yourself with sand that stretches as far as the eye can see.

To our friends and family:  if you’re up Queensland way or fancy taking that bucket list trip to The Land Down Under, feel free to drop in! As Paul Hogan once said, we might even "slip an extra shrimp on the barbie" for ya.

Cheers!


Maree

Downsizing! Packing Up Our First Home

Hi, folks!

With just 6 over-sized suitcases in tow, we have packed up our lives!

After living in Florida for the past 6 years, and owning our own home for 5 of those years, we had accumulated quite a lot of stuff: a kayak, kayak racks, snorkeling gear, tennis equipment, beach umbrellas, beach chairs, coolers, pool floaties ... Can you tell we lived in Florida?!

Calm Before the Storm (Long Exposure)
Sarasota, Florida, USA
Photo taken my Maree Richardson

We are both people who enjoy a tidy house. Thanks to The Minimalists podcast, I have learnt to appreciate which items have a purpose and bring value to our lives. Some of our Airbnb guests described our house as "minimalist" and were inspired to adapt their homes in a similar fashion. Overall, we were feeling pretty confident that we had everything under control for the big move.

But boy, we were wrong!

The past couple of months have been emotionally, mentally and physically draining. We started to downsize our items about two months prior to the move. It was only in the final two weeks that we began to feel a little "behind", realizing just how much was left to go. We still had to find potential renters (as we decided to turn our property into a long-term rental), prioritize which items to bring, decide what to do with leftover items (e.g., sell, donate, store, give away), and clean the whole house in preparation for rental inspections. All while working full-time jobs!

Goodbye, Home!
Sarasota, Florida, USA
Photo taken by Maree Richardson

We stayed up late on the last night scrubbing the bathrooms, awoke early to clean out the refrigerator, and were still packing and re-packing our bags to the last minute. You know how people in the movies sit on their suitcases to try to get them closed? Yep, that was us!

Before leaving, we walked around our empty house and thanked the space for all of the memories. We took a last minute photo, and managed to squeeze all of the bags into the back of the car. Our Tetris skills leave a lot to be desired!

For me, the most emotional part was explaining the move to my wonderful students. Their reactions were variable. Some of them nodded their heads and moved on quickly, asking "Can we play the game, now?", while others were upset and required some consoling. Fortunately, the sweet Speech Language Pathologist who took my position shadowed me for a couple of days and got to meet most of the students, which helped ease the transition.

Reflections (Long Exposure)
Sarasota, Florida, USA
Photo taken by Maree Richardson

What was also brought to my attention were the beautiful relationships I have made in this part of the world: colleagues, clients, friends, and people who I now call family. As life unfolded over the course of 6 years, some pretty special, lifelong friendships were created. For that, I am very grateful.

So ... where did we move to? That's a story for another time. 😉

Until then, have a great week!

Maree

Texas and New Mexico - National Parks Road Trip - 7 Day Itinerary and Photo Diary

Hi, folks!

With a country as diverse as the US of A, it can be tricky to plan a trip. If you enjoy warm weather and wide open spaces, and don't want to spend a fortune, then you're in for a treat!

West Texas and New Mexico are "hidden gems". In March 2018, Greg and I embarked upon a Tex-New Mex road trip. Our self-devised itinerary enabled us to explore the main National Parks and Monuments in the area.

Walking on another planet.

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico.

Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

We flew into El Paso, Texas, rented a white Dodge Challenger at the airport (my new favorite American muscle car), and then drove to our Airbnb accommodation: an entire house for $40 per night. Bargain!

Day 1: White Sands National Monument, New Mexico.

About 1.5 hours north of El Paso lies the worlds largest gypsum dunefield. With a colossal amount of space, one does not need to venture far to find peace and solitude across this white blanket of sand. It was recommended to take appropriate navigational gear if hiking long distances, as the landscape looks identical for miles. Many visitors hired/purchased sleds and went sledding down the sandy slopes. There is nothing else like it! 

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico.

Photo taken by Gregory Richardson.

Upon returning to El Paso, we drove the narrow, winding Scenic Drive and watched the sunset from the Overlook, which offered panoramic views over El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez in Chihuahua, Mexico. We stayed until nightfall and marveled at the sparkling city lights across two different cities, two different states, and two different countries.

Two different cities. Two different states. Two different countries.
El Paso, Texas, USA / Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.
Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

Day 2: Drove 3 - 3.5 hours to Artesia, New Mexico.

Artesia is your stereotypical oil and gas town. It is not pretty. Its main street is home to the Navajo Refinery, the largest refinery in New Mexico. The cheap hotel we had reserved experienced a widespread sewage issue, so they transferred us down the road to the next hotel. It was basic, albeit convenient, and became our "home base" for exploring the nearby National Parks.

Navajo Refinery, Artesia, New Mexico.
Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

If you stay in Artesia or are simply passing through, make sure to stop by La Herradura for a feed. It is an authentic, family-run restaurant and serves the best Mexican food.  A "diamond in the rough"! The owners/employees spoke very little English, so we communicated with the limited Spanish we had, accompanied by lots of hand gestures and facial expressions. Greg ordered a burrito the size of a truck, and I ordered a combination plate because I like to try a bit of everything.

The best Mexican food!
La Herradura, Artesia, New Mexico.
Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

Day 3: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico.

A short, 1 hour drive from Artesia are the Carlsbad Caverns. There are two options for exploring these underground caves: you can hike down and up, or you can take the elevator down and up. The elevator was not working the day we visited, so that made the decision easy. We hiked the 2km (1.25 miles) down and the 2km back up: the equivalent of walking up and down a 75-story building. 

The Natural Entrance Trail is in reasonably good condition, however it is steep, dark, and smells like bat poop. We were rewarded with spectacular cave formations at the bottom, including the Big Room which boasts the largest single cave chamber in North America. In my opinion, once you've seen a cave, you've seen them all.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico.
Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

Day 4: Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas.

A short 1.5 hour drive from Artesia. This was the most "American day" I have ever had! Greg had work meetings scheduled all day, so he stayed in the comforts of our 2-star accommodation while I spent the day on a solo adventure. I proudly drove my beastly Dodge Challenger across the New Mexico/Texas border, enjoying every tough grunt it made while accelerating.

I hiked to Guadalupe Peak, also known as the "Top of Texas". It is the highest point in Texas at 8751 ft above sea level. The hike involved 8.5 miles (13.7 km) round trip, a challenging 3000 ft elevation gain, and some rock scrambling near the peak. Texas ain't all flat, ya'll! There is a rock formation just below the peak called El Capitan which looks like Pride Rock from the Lion King.

Looking down on El Capitan from Guadalupe Peak.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas.
Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

There were few people on this trail. So few, that when you came in contact with other human beings, you stopped to chat. Plus, it was a good excuse to "catch a breather"! I met a group of college students from Austin, Texas, as well as a young family who were on a pursuit to visit every U.S. National Park. Fortunately, I did not meet any tarantulas or rattle snakes on this day. 

The peak offered 360 degree, panoramic views over the raw, arid Texan landscape. Descending that mountain literally felt like returning to earth, back to reality. I drove my beastly Challenger into the sunset, returned to the local oil and gas town, celebrated the days accomplishments with an ice-cold beer, and enjoyed another delicious feed at La Herradura.

"Top of Texas" - Guadalupe Peak
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas.
Photo credit to the family I met at the top.

Day 5: Drove 5.5 - 6 hours south to Terlingua, Texas.

West Texas scenery mainly consists of flat fields dotted with pumpjacks, also known as oil wells. They release oil (and sometimes gas) out of the ground. They kind of looked like dinosaurs!

Terlingua: cue "Wanted Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi (play the video below). This area is the quintessential Wild West. A rugged, primitive, desolate landscape. It was once a booming mining town for metal mercury and ore. By 1903, the area boasted a population of up to 3,000. Mining ceased and it is now known as Terlingua Ghost Town, with a 2010 Census indicating the population is currently 58.

Today, the primary industry in Terlingua is tourism, fueled by its close proximity to Big Bend. Each evening, Greg and I shared a pitcher of beer at the local pub, serenaded by a middle-aged cowboy and his guitar. The water in the shower of our hotel room was merely a trickle, and the walls were super thin. We were unwillingly awoken to the sound of bedroom "festivities" from the couple next door, and painfully heard their detailed discussion about Funyuns until 3am in the morning.

Terlingua Ghost Town, Texas.
Photo taken by Gregory Richardson.

Day 6: Big Bend National Park, Texas.

This Park exceeded our expectations! It is now one of our favorites. Its remoteness contributes to it being one of the least visited Parks. It is vast, expansive, and offers diverse terrain from dry Chihuahuan desert, to river plains, to rocky peaks in the Chisos Mountains. The dark night skies offer amazing star-gazing and Milky Way viewing: an astro-photographers dream!

Rio Grande - USA in the foreground, Mexico in the background.

Big Bend National Park, Texas.

Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

Our first sight of the Rio Grande river was memorable. Contrary to its name, the river is not very grand at all. It is thin and shallow, at least in the portions we saw. It separates the U.S and Mexico. You can literally stand on U.S. soil and throw a rock across the river into Mexico. There is a massive cliff/rock face on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande: a gentle reminder of just how small we and our problems are.

Can you spot Greg?!
Big Bend National Park, Texas.
Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

We walked the short Santa Elena Canyon Trail. I sat on an American rock, and looked across at the Mexican canyon wall, with only a shallow stream of water in between. Mind-blowing! Such a foreign concept for someone who grew up on an island (Australia) totally surrounded by water.

Sitting on an American rock, gazing across at the Mexican canyon wall.

Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend National Park, Texas.

Photo taken by Gregory Richardson.

Next, we hiked the Lost Mine Trail which is 4.8 miles round trip and reaches a height of 6,800 ft above sea level. After a steady incline, gaining 1,300 ft in elevation, we were greeted at the top with panoramic Chisos mountain views. 

Lost Mine Trail.
Big Bend National Park, Texas.
Photo credit to random stranger we met at the top.

Day 7: Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico.

We crossed the border! Legally. 😊

Within Big Bend National Park, there is Boquillas Crossing Port of Entry with a passport control center. We presented our passports to a National Park ranger, and were then escorted across the Rio Grande by rowboat for a day trip to Boquillas: a small village in the state of Coahuila in northern Mexico, surrounded by the Sierra del Carmen mountain range. Some visitors paid to ride a burro (donkey) into the town. We chose to walk the easy 1/2 mile on foot which turned out to be the faster mode of transport. 

Boquillas, Mexico in 0.5 miles.
Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

Per local recommendation, we enjoyed some tacos, tamales, and the "best margarita in town". The owner of the restaurant came over to our table and taught us to peel the corn husks off of our tamales. We had been attempting to eat the husks - rookie error! We were serenaded by an old man singing out of tune and playing his guitar with missing strings. We were also accompanied by a resident Chihuahua who enjoyed constant attention. 

Tomales, tacos, and the "best margarita in town".
Boquillas, Mexico.
Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

After lunch, we strolled around the dusty, isolated village of Boquillas. The closest town is reported to be a 4 hour drive away on unpaved roads, only accessible by 4WD. Thus, a solar farm was recently developed to provide electricity for the village. Apparently up to 2000 people once lived here, mining lead, silver and fluorite ore. By 1919, mining ceased and the population declined. A 2010 Census reported the population to be 110, during a time when the border crossing was closed. The border crossing was reopened in 2013, and since then the population has reportedly increased to 200 people, 400 Chihuahuas, and one million scorpions.

Boquillas, Mexico.
Photo taken by Gregory Richardson.

Today, the primary industry in Boquillas is tourism. Many residents were selling hand-made souvenirs out the front of their homes. Others make a living by rowing visitors across the Rio Grande, or selling food and drinks to thirsty tourists at the local bar/restaurants. Many of the houses were small, colorful and shaped like rectangular prisms. We visited the local school, the church, and by then were in desperate need to use the public toilets, which consisted of 3 porta-loos in the middle of the main street which looked like they hadn't been cleaned in years.

Boquillas School.
Photo taken by Gregory Richardson

Temperatures on this day soared to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), and it was only early Spring. Make sure you come prepared with lots of water and sun protection!

Upon returning to the U.S. border, we virtually spoke with an immigration officer via phone/video camera, and were granted permission to re-enter the US. We drove back to El Paso that evening, stopping by to take a picture of the infamous Prada store situated on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. We arrived in El Paso late that night and rented a room in a house via Airbnb for $25. After showering off the days dust, sweat and sunscreen, we got some much needed rest before our flight home the next morning.

Prada store in the middle of nowhere.
Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

In summary, we visited 1 National Monument, 2 Countries, 3 States, 3 National Parks, 4 Airbnb's/Hotels, and drove 1,700 miles. Phew! 

1. White Sands National Monument

2. Carlsbad Caverns National Park

3. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

4. Big Bend National Park

With the sheer size of Texas and New Mexico, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Hopefully some of the above information is helpful. This may be the longest post I've ever written, so if you actually read this far, give yourself a "pat on the back". 😉

Happy traveling!

Maree

Life Update 2019

Hi, folks!

It has been awhile since I've updated you on my whereabouts. The last time was in 2017, and the time before that was in 2015.  Apparently I like odd numbers.

We are still in Florida, enjoying the sunshine, palm trees, and occasional hurricane. In 2017, Hurricane Irma, the strongest hurricane in terms of maximum sustained winds in the Atlantic, unbecomingly graced us with her presence. We evacuated our home for a few days, and then returned to repair the damage and clean up the debris.

Surprised Greg with a picnic in the spot where he proposed a few years ago.
Location: Sarasota, Florida, USA
Photo credit: camera, tripod and 10-sec timer. 

In 2017, Greg underwent spinal surgery. The hospital health care team had him up and walking that same day, and he has since recovered well, accompanied by a cute little tail (scar) on his lower back. I have also had ongoing lower back issues, so we are both taking life a little slower these days. Yoga, stretching, and hiking have become our new best friends. While we're on the topic of surgery, I recently had all four wisdom teeth removed. Fun times!

My journey as a Speech Language Pathologist transitioned to a school-based setting. If you're interested, here are links to read about how to transfer degrees/licenses internationally and obtaining state licensure in America. I'm currently placed at an Elementary (Primary) School and Preschool, providing assessment and therapy for the communication needs of school-aged children from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds. Learning to cater to varying needs in small-group settings, rather than on an individual basis, has been a challenge. A shorter commute, an opportunity to brush up on my Spanish skills, and developing relationships with my sweet kiddo's has been a blessing. Oh, and the school holiday schedule is a bonus. 😉

A couple of 2017 highlights included a fleeting trip to Australia to visit family, friends, and a special mother-daughter trip to Tasmania, Australia. In December of that year I officially became a U.S. Citizen, and am now honored to officially call myself a dual citizen of Australia and America. If interested, you can read about my transition from Resident to Citizen. 

Location: Honeymoon Bay, Tasmania, Australia
Photo credit: Maree Richardson

2018 was the year of adventure: a road trip through the Wild West, hiking various National Parks and Monuments in Texas and New Mexico; a bridesmaid for my bestie's wedding; a wonderful mother-daughter trip through the forests, oceans, and delectable wine country in south-west Western Australia; roughed it through our "first-timers" #vanlife trip through the breathtakingly beautiful National Parks of California and Oregon. Wow - what a year!

Aside from traveling, we renovated our guest bathroom. Our house was built in 1958, so the original tiling was ... mature. We started with the intention of completing the entire renovation by ourselves. Too high of expectations, perhaps? An enormous thanks to my colleagues' husband, who helped us finish the drywall and tiling - what a legend! The guest bathroom is now sparkling, modern, and minimalist. It's our favorite room in the house!

BEFORE Bathroom Remodel

AFTER Bathroom Remodel

Now, we find ourselves in the depths of 2019. We spent New Years with family in Wagga Wagga, Australia, followed by an awe-inspiring trip to Thailand. I'm continuing to learn and work as a Speech Language Pathologist in the local school system. Greg is continuing to work as an I.T. Consultant for an international company. We attended a beautiful Greek/Italian wedding, and are completing some minor repair jobs around the house.

Bring on the rest of 2019!

Please feel free to reach out to me with any comments or questions regarding working and/or living abroad, transferring degrees/licenses internationally, travelling around America, or just to say "G'day!". I would LOVE to connect with more friendly faces. 😊

Have a great day,

Maree

Florida's National Parks

Hi, folks!

One aspect I love most about the U.S. is its National Park system.  I am borderline obsessed!  I have read Lonely Planet USA's National Parks from front-to-back, and love to daydream about potential National Park trips to take during my work holidays and long weekends.

Florida is home to three (3) U.S. National Parks, which will be the focus of this post.

On a long weekend in January I attended a one-day work conference in Miami, and spent the following two days down south to explore the following:     

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is 95% underwater, and thus holds the record as the largest marine park in the National Park system.  There is a short, paved walkway and boardwalk alongside the water, although to really appreciate the beauty of this park, it is best to get out on the water, whether that be by boat, kayak, paddle board, snorkel or dive.  Entrance to this park is free!

I spent one day at Biscayne National Park, and took a boat tour to Boca Chita Key.  The guides were very knowledgeable and taught us lots of fun facts about the parks' ecosystems, and also about the somewhat dark history of Boca Chita Key and its lighthouse.  We were given an hour to walk around the Key and climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse.  The view from the top was amazing!  The wind was so strong that it blew my sunglasses off!  You could also see the stunning Miami skyline in the distance.  I would love to return to this park someday to snorkel/dive the coral reef.

View from the Lighthouse - Boca Chita Key - Biscayne National Park
Photo taken by Maree Richardson

Top of the Lighthouse - Boca Chita Key - Biscayne National Park
Photo taken by Maree Richardson

Miami Skyline from Boca Chita Key - Biscayne National Park
Photo taken by Maree Richardson

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S.  The wetlands cover a large portion of southern Florida, and are home to many plant and wildlife species including the Florida panther, the manatee, and of course, the American alligator and crocodile.  Additionally, the Burmese Python, an invasive species, are said to roam these waters. 

I took the Shark Valley entrance and spent one day at Everglades National Park.  It was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so entrance was free that day, however it is usually $25 per vehicle.  I biked the 15 mile trail and was astonished at the number of alligators sunning themselves on the side of the road.  Never had I been that close to wild gators before!

In my opinion, the right-side of the trail (if you're looking at it from the Visitor's Center) was the most scenic with a larger variety of plants and visible wildlife.  At the half-way point there is an Observation Tower.  Most people returned the same way they came, however I was curious to see what was on the left/opposite side of the trail.  I had most of it to myself ... for a reason.  This side was long and challenging, with numerous twists and bends.  I rode into a strong wind and felt lactic acid building up in my legs.  At one point I thought that the Visitor's Center should be around the next corner, however was disheartened to see the mile marker on the road indicating I still had 5 miles to go.  Needless to say, I made it to the end, but it certainly tested my physical and mental abilities! 

Sorry, Mum! Look how close the alligators were to the road.
Everglades National Park. Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

Staring Competition! Everglades National Park.
Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

Soaking up the Sunshine. Everglades National Park.
Photo taken by Maree Richardson. 

Dry Tortugas National Park 
I have not yet been to Dry Tortugas National Park, but it is on my list!  It is approximately 72 miles offshore, thus is only accessible by boat, ferry or seaplane.  A couple of years ago we were in Key West and had planned to take the ferry across, however the weather did not cooperate.  Guess I'll have to save it for another day ...


Have you been to any of Florida's National Parks?  What was your experience like?

Also, if anyone has any tips for visiting Dry Tortugas National Park, please let me know. 😊


Have a great week!


Maree

10 Things I Have Learnt Living Overseas

Hi, folks!

Here is my raw and brutally honest review of things I have learnt living and working overseas.


1. The longest period I spent away from Australia without visiting was just over 12 months.  Upon returning, I felt like a foreigner in my home country.  I wandered around feeling like a naive tourist, and commented on the strong Aussie accent of passersby that I once used to have.

2. Speaking of accents, mine keeps changing! Australians say I sound American, Americans say I sound British/South African/New Zealand/German/French - some days I am unsure where I belong.  My career in Speech Language Pathology most likely contributes to my accent change, because I need to be understood by the children and parents I serve, and teach my clients how to produce sounds and words according to their dialect.  Slowly converting American children to Australians, one accent at a time ... Just kidding! 😉 When I first touch base in Australia, my friends and family say I sound really American, and make fun of me for "taking a shower to get cleaner and feel better".  However, after a day or two of immersion into my Aussie culture, I soon fall back into "taking a showa to get cleana and feel betta, maaaaaate".

3. TIP: Prepare a "catch phrase" or clever response for those times when people ask "Where are you from?".  Sometimes I feel like saying "I'm from Antarctica with the polar bears", just to really stump them.  Only on rare occasions do unfamiliar people guess my accent correctly. 

4. I love trying new foods from all different cultures.  Whenever we go on a date night, Greg and I usually choose an ethnic restaurant.  However, sometimes I have those days where I just crave a good ol' Aussie vegemite sanga.

5. Americans LOVE Australians.  They love our laid-back attitudes and accents.  We are associated with iconic legends like Steve Irwin "The Crocodile Hunter", and Paul Hogan's catch phrase "Put a shrimp on the barbie".  They also think we are tough and strong, having to deal with all of the dangerous animals that are apparently out to kill us ... please, America, have you forgotten about your brown bears and alligators?? 😉

South Beach, Miami. Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

6. TIP: Remember and/or practice entering your bank account details for your home country on a regular basis.  On one of my visits to Australia, there was an uncomfortable moment where I forgot my bank account number and password.  After entering it incorrectly a number of times, I was locked out of my bank account.  I called a representative who asked me a bunch of questions including my secret questions.  Turns out I must have answered them incorrectly, also.  After a series of hesitant "okay"'s and "a-huh"'s from the representative, she said she could not assist me at that time and suggested that I visit a branch to sort it out.  Long story short, I visited a branch and was served by the most lovely and understanding bank employee who helped me renew everything.

7. People in other countries often talk about how friendly and happy Aussies are, but I had never noticed this concept until I had been away for over 12 months.  The lady who helped me at the bank branch (from the prior story) spoke to me like a friend, and I left the bank feeling calm, warm and fuzzy (not usually how banks make one feel).  When visiting Tasmania for the first time, and aimlessly getting lost around the streets of Launceston, a friendly person working in the street stopped what he was doing, and took time out of his day to ask if we needed help and gave us directions.  So kind! 

8. It's OK to talk to strangers on planes.  This tends to happen more when I am flying by myself.  You know within the first couple of minutes of making "small talk" with the person sitting beside you whether they are in for a chat or prefer to be left in peace.  I strongly believe you can learn something from everyone you meet in life, whether they stay in your life for 5 minutes, 5 years, or forever.  In the words of Dr. Seuss, "You can learn something new everyday if you listen".

Started out strangers, ended up friends!  Rocky Mountain National Park.
Photo taken by Colorado Sightseers.  

9. Be prepared to translate everything - vocabulary; measurements; dress sizes; humor.  My temperature conversion skills from Celsius to Fahrenheit are improving, but I still use the Converter App on my phone at times.  You will often hear short pauses in my conversation when I am thinking about my audience and which word I need to use - "boot" or "trunk", "bonnet" or "hood", "jumper" or "sweater", "Autumn" or "Fall", "Primary" or "Elementary", "thongs" or "flip flops" - you get the point.  When someone asks me for my dress size, I have to convert Australian sizes to American sizes and vice versa.  There's even jokes and phrases I sometimes use that cause a confused expression on my communication partner's face, which I then have to explain what it means, and by then it has lost all meaning and humor.

10. You will STRONGLY appreciate spending time with your friends and family.  Having a specific, often short, time to spend with my best friends and family means that I am totally invested in them.  We truly make the most of quality time together and it never goes to waste (often at the expense of little to no sleep!) but the memories made are always totally worth it.  Quality over quantity.


Who can relate?


From the utterly confused and happily exhausted,


Maree

From Resident, To Citizen

Hi, folks!

After 4 years of living and working in America, transitioning from conditional to unconditional Permanent Residency, mountains of paperwork, fees, fingerprinting, background checks, interviewing, testing, and more waiting, I became a U.S. Citizen in December of 2017.  I am honored to now officially call myself a dual citizen of Australia and America.

Photo taken by Gregory Richardson.

For those of you wondering if it was worth the "hard slog" - absolutely.  The freedom to move between countries whenever I please without being scrutinized, the mental and emotional stabilization of knowing that Greg and I will no longer have to be apart for extended periods of time, and being welcomed "home" no matter which direction I travel, is a feeling like no other.

A few weeks prior, I undertook a face-to-face citizenship test and interview.  I was a little nervous preparing for the process since the test covered a variety of U.S. facts and history.  There was a bank of 100 possible questions that the interviewing officer could select from.  These questions and answers were memorized on our "hurricane evacuation road trip" up to Alabama and back!

Greg and I attended the Oath Ceremony in Tampa, Florida.  It was short and sweet, albeit heartfelt and meaningful.  There were 69 people from over 20 countries who also attained their U.S citizenship alongside me at the ceremony (although I was the only person hailing from Australia)!  It was interesting to hear some of their stories.  One man from Guatemala had been waiting 15 years for this moment - Wow!

Who else out there is a dual (or triple!) citizen?  If so, what countries are you a citizen of?

Cheers,

Maree

     

2017 in Review - Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Friends!

Here is a brief update of our 2017.

It was a “rocky start” for us. The herniated discs in Greg’s lower spine worsened.  He ended up having back surgery in May. We were slow-going for awhile, however, with physio appointments and at-home stretches and strengthening exercises, Greg is much improved. 

Career-wise, I transitioned to working for the local School Board as a Speech Language Pathologist. I'm currently stationed at 3 different schools, and enjoy the variety of working with preschool and elementary/primary aged children.  The School Holidays will be a bonus, too! 😉

Hurricane Irma pummeled through the Caribbean and into Florida in September. We evacuated our house and drove up to Alabama to wait it out. It was a bit nerve racking waving goodbye to our house and not knowing what it would look like when we got back. Fortunately, the storm veered to the right and avoided a direct hit in our area. Our hearts go out to all those who did not fare so well.

We visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee for a second time. This place holds a special place in our hearts.  I also spent one week exploring the beautiful Australian state of Tasmania with my Mum.  We experienced some of the clearest waters, cleanest air, untouched nature and the most diverse geography.  Tassie is bloody beautiful, mate!

Honeymoon Bay, Tasmania, Australia.  Image captured by Maree Richardson.

To top the year off, I officially became a dual Australian-American Citizen. After 4 long years the wait (and paperwork!) has finally come to an end and a new chapter begins.  You can read more about this in my next post. 😊

Have a great week!

Maree

Top 10 Things to Do and See in Sarasota

Hey, folks!

Having lived in Sarasota, Florida for the past 4 years, I believe it is time to share my favorite things to do and see in this beautiful part of the state.  

1. Siesta Key Beach - Voted the best beach in America in 2011 and 2017 on the annual Dr. Beach list, you will be greeted by sparkling, turquoise waters that are as warm as a bathtub in the Summer, and a blanket of powder-white sand made of quartz.  If you compare Siesta Key sand to talcum powder, it is difficult to tell the difference!  Reflecting the sun, this powdery sand stays cool under your feet all year long.  The area has recently been updated with a huge concession stand, numerous grills ("BBQ's"), and a playground for the kiddos.  While spending time on this beautiful beach, prepare to witness some of the most dramatic sunsets you have ever seen!

Siesta Key Beach - Captured by Maree's Mum

2. Turtle Beach - This lesser-known beach is directly south of Siesta Key.  It boasts peace and quiet away from the crowds, particularly if you walk a couple of miles north from the main entrance.  The sands are coarse and grey, and the waves are a little bigger than nearby beaches - well, as big as waves can get in the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. 😉  The turtle nesting season stretches from as early as May, to as late as October.  There are usually hundreds of protected turtle nests dotted along this beach - a gentle reminder of just how magical our ocean life and animal kingdom is!  

3. Myakka State Park - Sarasota does not only offer some of the best beaches in America, but is also the home to state parks and wetlands.  These places are excellent for biking and hiking, and you are almost guaranteed to spot alligators at Myakka.  Gators are beautifully intimidating creatures.  Keep your distance!  Insider tip: bring your camera with a zoom-lens for some epic photos. 😊  There is a boardwalk over the lake, and a canopy walkway with a vertical stairway that takes you above the treeline for incredible views.  The airboat is a fun way to cruise around the lake to spot some birds and gators.  From our experience, some of the more remote hiking trails are poorly signed, with just a few inconspicuous paint marks on trees every few hundred meters.  Thus, if you attempt one of these, it's critical that you keep track of landmarks to avoid getting lost.

Myakka State Park - Captured by Maree Richardson

4. Kayaking around Lido Key and the Mangroves at South Lido County Park - Rent a kayak and paddle through the shallow mangrove tunnels.  You will see crabs scuttling, fish swimming, and a variety of birds.  Insider tip: bring your bug repellent ("mozzie spray")!  Also, bring your lunch, a cold beer, a fishing pole, and life is goooooood!

5. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens - This is the place for plant lovers.  It features thousands of orchards and bromeliads, an abundance of tropical plants, a butterfly garden, and a koi fish pond.  Bring a picnic blanket, a good book, and bask under a shady tree with views overlooking Sarasota Bay.

6. St. Armands Circle, Ringling Causeway Bridge and Lido Key - This major bridge crosses over Sarasota Bay, connecting you from Downtown Sarasota to St. Armands Circle, Lido Key and beyond.  There is a walking/running path on either side of the bridge which offers some spectacular views of the area.  St. Armands Circle boasts world-class restaurants and high-end shopping (a.k.a. "window shopping" for me!).  Just a short walk and you'll find yourself at the beautiful Lido Key Beach, which offers powdery-white sand and clear waters.

7. Downtown Historic District - We don't often make it downtown, although always thank ourselves for making the effort when we do.  Each corner is alive with art, culture, and passion.  You can't help but stroll around with a smile on your face as you consume all of the colors, positive vibes, and quaint store fronts.  Additionally, the cinema with the cheapest tickets in town is located here, so this is the place to go to catch that new flick you've been dying to see.     

8. Sarasota Jungle Gardens - Are you an animal-lover?  If so, than this is the place for you!  You can hand-feed flamingos that elegantly stroll around the gardens.  Unexpectedly, they don't sound as pretty as they look - they honk like pigs!  Feeling bold?  You might have the opportunity to hold a snake, lizard, baby alligator, or a bird.  Some of the most colorful parrots and macaws I have ever seen reside here.  The entry fee can add up if you have a large family or group of people, so utilize their great teacher and student discounts!

Sarasota Jungle Gardens - Captured by Maree's Mum

9. Sarasota Bayfront and Bayfront Park - If you are heading downtown, to Lido Key, or to the Jungle Gardens, you must stop by this stunning location.  We love to take a break and hang out here.  Take a walk around the park, sit on a wooden swing and listen to the water peacefully lapping on the rocks, have a drink at O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill, and take a picture with your sweetheart in front of the "Unconditional Surrender" statue, also known as the "Kissing Statue". 😘

   

10. Ringling Museum of Art, Ringling Circus Museum, and the Ca'd'Zan - The Ringling Museum of the American Circus was the first to document the history of this form of entertainment.  Sarasota was where the circus members stayed during the Winter months.  Learn about the history of the Circus and explore the endless costumes and memorabilia.  Nearby sits the grand Ca'd'Zan mansion.  Take a tour of the inside, or simply wander around the outside to admire the intricate designs and size of this place.  Insider secret: Greg proposed to me at this place!  

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Did I say 10? Whoops! Here is a bonus:

11. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium - Struck a rainy day? Not to fear, the aquarium is here!  Mote Marine is a not-for-profit, marine research organization that helps to protect our oceans and conducts ongoing wildlife conservation and research programs.  Meet the vast array of marine life, including huge sea turtles and manatees! 

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A Sarasota Sunset - Image Captured by Maree Richardson

So, there you have it.  The "inside scoop" to Sarasota.  Whether you're here for one day, one week, or one year, I hope you enjoy your time exploring this inspirational place.


Have a great week!


Maree