The answer to that question is a flat YES! Okay end of blog – BYE
In all seriousness, yes visiting Australia is an expensive feat and you can easily see the money slip through your wallets, simply because there is so much to see, do and eat. In regards to if Australia is [more] expensive – I don’t think so to be honest, but hear me out.
Minimum Wage
More Money? Better Freedom! – Rottnest Island
While I was planning to visit Australia, one of the key terms I kept hearing was “expensive;” everyone I talked to said it is an expensive country to visit. But after visiting the country I thought everything was fairly priced. You have to understand, the prices were created with the good ol’ Aussies in mind, and in that regards the prices were fair. This is one of the most well-payed countries in the world, with the minimum wage starting at around $20/hour; the prices make sense. I thought $15/hour in Alberta, Canada was awesome, but the entire country just beat Canada (one of the better-paying countries) in the minimum wage. So naturally, the cost of living is going to be expensive. Even then, comparing it to Canada, for the most part, it was similar or maybe a dollar or two more.
For example, a meal in a middle-class restaurant will cost you between $14 to $20, depending on what you get. You go to similar restaurants in Canada, it is about the same as well but add in the tax and tips, it is sometimes more than what you will end up paying in Australia. Of course, it is different from cities to cities and states/provinces to states/provinces. But having visited most of the major cities in Canada and Australia, and having lived in Toronto for a year, I can say that the prices are similar in Australia.
Comparison – Sydney, Toronto & Melbourne
Sydney Opera House
To put things into perspective, I used the website www.numbeo.com to compare prices between Sydney and Toronto, two of the most expensive cities in the world. After the comparison, the results were that Sydney was slightly more expensive than Toronto! However, the minimum wage in Toronto is $14/hour and minimum wage in Sydney is $20 per hour, and the Australian dollar is only 5 cents weaker compared to the Canadian dollar. If I was comparing Melbourne instead of Sydney, it is much cheaper than Toronto, and Melbourne charts top 5 cities for quality of life every year, and it is one of the expensive cities in Australia.
Talking to some friends in Australia, I realized that during my time being employed, I was getting paid far less compared to the Aussies for a similar role. Even as a senior analyst at a marketing firm in Edmonton, I was making less or was on par compared to some of the ‘low paying’ jobs in Australia.
Parting Thoughts
Main Beach, Byron Bay
Although I hope, as a nation Canada increases its minimum wage and follow its cousin, Canada is one of the best places to live in the world. The comparison between the two countries was simply because of my residence in Canada and due to having lived in one of the most expensive cities (Toronto) in the country and the world. The whole point of this article is to simply say that Australia is not as expensive as people make it out to be. It is on par with visiting any developed countries. Hostels, food, and adventures all have similar price tags.
EXCEPT for McDonald’s! McDonald’s is expensive in Australia, and I can’t wrap my head around it! 😀
Empower U is a personality development and life coaching program, put on by Brent Williams and his team from Tomorrow’s Youth primarily in Sydney, Australia. The program is designed for young people ideally between the age of 15 – 25, however, there is no set restriction (or else, I wouldn’t have been able to attend).
The Back Story:
Somersby Falls, NSW – My Friend & I – Photo By April Bright
I first heard about this program from a fellow traveler and one of my friend from Oktoberfest. Being a participant herself and one of the primary volunteers for the program, she was raving about the program; which naturally instilled curiosity in me. Having had planned to visit Australia, I tried to get in as a volunteer for the camp (Empower U x 10), but being not experienced and having limited knowledge of the program, Brent invited me to try one of the event first before I committed.
I arrived to my friend’s house in Melbourne on January 26 (Happy Australia Day), and being a super energetic and excited person, she couldn’t wait to reveal my welcome gift. She had planned an epic road trip for my time in Australia and signed me up for the ‘Empower U’ program in February; she used her credits to get me to come to the event!
Although I was curious about the program, I was skeptical about the event as well. Being freshly 26 (January babies are the best), I thought to myself, how much more can I learn from a program designed for individuals younger than I. But being an open-minded individual, and out of love for my friend and her effort, I decided to give it a chance. I was thinking about skipping parts of the event, especially after she told me how long the event goes – The program lasts the whole weekend starting from 8am – 9:30pm; ain’t nobody got time for that!
After driving for 7 hours from a Suburb in Victoria, we finally arrived at the location a little late to the event.
Brent, the founder and speaker, had high energy and was convincing. But there were 3 reasons it was a rough start:
1, During our drive to the event, my friend mentioned that I was the oldest participant for the Sydney program.
2, As Brent kicked off the event, he mentioned that this program is designed more so for young people from the age of 15 – 25, and I just turned 26….
3, Literally all the participants were babies, okay, teens and young adults.
Apart from my slight ego, and seeing a mix of overly excited kids (revisits) and the gloomy “why am I here” kids, I started planning my escape plans. Exit over there, breaks, best excuses etc.
*Cue Mission Impossible Theme Music – Time To Escape! – Photo by Alexander Isreb from Pexels
Anyway, by the end of the night, Brent was able to get more of the participants ready for the weekend and excited for what is to come. As for me, I decided to stay the course because, well, curiosity; and also not to be rude and disrespectful to my friend and Brent – Canadians are not rude people :D.
By no means, should I be condensing what happened during those days under one heading. But due to the design of the event, and the integrity of not giving away too much, I will try to keep it as short and exciting as possible.
Brent used his experience, knowledge, and stories to bring life to the event. He covered topics such as emotional intelligence, money and finance, breaking through barriers, goal setting, communication skills, and family and relationships. With a lot of dancing, team building games and exercises, the room was filled with energy for the entire duration of the event. I truly appreciated the humility of Brent, to see how a successful individual is willingly sharing his secrets and recipes of success. Add in his energy, style of presentation, and the design of the program, no one could have been bored. He also made the event slightly more competitive by separating us into teams and giving out Brent bucks for the team that participated the most – GO CHICKENS!
Towards the end of day 3, one could see the difference in the room. The super energetic individuals maintained their energy and passion. But the skeptical, gloomy individuals finally showed some life. Wonderful to see how these youngsters truly absorbed the program and went through a complete 360 change. Barely anyone failed to participate and I could sense the boost in confidence in many kids.
The message Brent professed, the lessons he taught, and the experience he shared acted as stepping stones for the participants to gain the confidence.
As the oldest participant, an international and an individual with some life experience, I approached this event with curiosity and skepticism. Not to say I didn’t gain anything from the event, but it was more so of a reflective journey for me rather than a transformational one compared to lot of the participants. During certain key processes, while these young ones transformed, I reflected. I reflected on what I should have done, could have done, who I should have been, relationships, family and friends. It is not late for me, but since I had already made peace with my past mistakes and regrets, the reflection helped find an ultimate closure and set myself up for future goals and success. I did wish I was part of this program at a younger age, so I could have shared similar experience with the other participants.
This program also helped me truly appreciate and be grateful for what I have. Sounds cheesy, but after hearing the stories and experiences of the other participants and what they have gone through at a young age, I have been lucky. Canadian born in UAE, the opportunities, the education and the supportive family and friends, the amazing people I have met, I couldn’t possibly be any ungrateful. I have always been blessed to have been surrounded by the best people, even with the minor setbacks and regrets (I ‘m to blame).
This program also enabled me to meet some awesome individuals and forge friendships with them.
As mentioned earlier, the program was more of a reflective journey for me. However, it was an honour, and a humbling experience, to see the journey of the other participants and see their transformation. I am truly happy for each one and hope for the best for you all. The future is bright – Australia is in great hands!
I truly hope this event gains more international exposure, and Brent continues his work with young individuals from other parts of the world. To learn more about the program, click here: https://tomorrowsyouth.com.au/
Keep Smiling and Pushing Forward! 🙂
**I haven’t added any pictures from the event, because it is a tech-free environment and all the pictures captured by the event photographers were strictly for the event. I also can’t use those images as there were young participants under the age of 18.
Festanation – Party Squad – Captured By Damjan Pjević
Home, it is really an interesting choice of word to describe
a place where one is settled and comfortable. Home can be a physical structure,
a city/country or simply a concept of being comfortable around certain people.
For me, it is definitely the latter.
Where Is Home?
As a traveler, you are always on the move, so the physical
aspect of home is non existent. However, when people ask me where is “home,” I
automatically point to Canada and the northern city in Alberta – Edmonton. But
for me home is a place where you are among loved ones. Edmonton is home to me
simply because of that. My family, my friends, the culture and people I grew up
around, they are all in Edmonton. So naturally, home is, and always will be,
Edmonton
Downtown Edmonton
However, that is not completely true either. I was born in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates to Indian parents, and I spent the first 10 years of my life in this beautiful country. Although I never got Emirati citizenship, I have always considered UAE to be my (second) home because of the people I grew up around and the some of the Arabic culture instilled on me. Imagine the culture shock I had to go through being born to Indian parents in an Arab country and growing up in one of the most diverse countries in the world, Canada. I mean if this doesn’t prove that I am meant to be always on the road as a “Global” citizen, I don’t know what will :).
Mi Familia – Nikhil & Babitha’s Wedding – Captured By Robin
New Home, Well, Homes….
With increased travels, however, home is starting to change. By all means, I love my people in Edmonton but as more and more people come into my life from all around the world, I don’t feel lonely being away from Edmonton. In fact, I have been blessed to travel to some of the countries these amazing travelers are from, and through their kindness, stay with them and their family and explore their beautiful cities and country.
Sunset – Switzerland – Captured By April Bright/Jess Alchin
Can I Stay Here A Little Longer?
I am starting to feel cozy in all the cities I have been to, despite the language and cultural barriers. I have started making notes of the cities I would love to live (even if it is for a short time), simply because I feel like I am at home. Once I decided to leave the comforts of Edmonton and Canada, my entire perspective on the world changed. Being blessed enough to live in a country like Canada, I was sheltered from everything the world has to offer – both the negatives and the positives. But when I left the country, after the initial culture shock(s), everything seems normal. Language doesn’t matter, race doesn’t matter, religion doesn’t matter; just a bunch of like-minded individuals trying to connect with each other while trying to explore the best of this world.
London, England
Hey Google, This Doesn’t Look Like Edmonton
Through out my journey, many strangers have welcomed me into
their homes. Some I met during travels, and some I met once I arrived at their
home. I have had nothing but positive and pleasant experiences. Strangers who
turned into family and friends. Strangers who go above and beyond to make me “feel
at home,” and show me their beautiful city. In fact, as I write this small
piece, I am writing from a friend’s home in Australia, whom I met about five
months ago in Germany. Think about how crazy that is! Canadian meets an Australian
in Germany and end up in Austrailia. Next, I am heading to a different city in
Austrailia to meet up and stay with another friend I met at the same event.
Perth, Australia – Captured By Dan Willis
I encourage everyone to travel and truly embrace the global community. It is absolutely a wonderful experience!
Catch you soon!
Jasper, Alberta – Captured By Manik Bahl/Bibin Joseph
