Melbourne, Australia, Zip Code: 3019
I still remember my first morning in Melbourne like it was yesterday. After a sleepless flight from India and a restless night in my temporary apartment, I stepped out onto a quiet street and felt the fresh southern breeze on my face. It was clean and cool, and there was a light smell of eucalyptus in the air. In that moment, I knew things would be different. But I didn’t know how much I would grow to love this city.
I moved from Jaipur, a city known for its forts, palaces, and busy streets. For years, I lived with the sound of rickshaws, the smell of tea from street stalls, and the feeling of being surrounded by history. Melbourne, on the other hand, felt calm, green, and modern. Even though it’s an island nation, it doesn’t feel small or cut off. There is nature everywhere—parks in the city, beaches just a tram ride away, and skies that look huge and wide.
A New Life in the IT World
I came here to work at an IT company in Southbank. I had worked in a similar job in Jaipur for five years, but I wanted a change—both in my work and my life. The Melbourne office was exactly what I was hoping for. It’s full of people from different countries. I work with teammates from Brazil, China, Nigeria, Vietnam, and of course, Australia.
This mix of cultures brings something special to every project. It’s not just about hearing different accents or eating different lunches (though that’s always fun). It’s about how people think in different ways, how they solve problems, and how they deal with challenges. I’ve learned more about teamwork in this one year than I did in all my previous years. And people here are respectful. They listen. They give space for everyone to speak and be heard.
Finding Familiar Faces in a Foreign Land
Still, in the first few weeks, I missed home a lot. There were evenings when I walked past restaurants full of people laughing and felt like I didn’t belong. That changed when I found the Indian community here.
Street Art in Melbourne
It started with a WhatsApp group a cousin added me to. From there, I started joining meetups, went to a Diwali event at Fed Square, played weekend cricket at Flagstaff Gardens, and had long dinners with other Indians over butter chicken and beer. The Indian community in Melbourne is warm and welcoming. They understand the little things—like saying “capsicum” instead of “bell pepper,” or stores closing at 5 p.m., or how comforting it is to find Maggi noodles at the local Indian shop.
More importantly, they make you feel at home. I’ve made friends here who feel like family—people who help you with things like Medicare, invite you for Holi, or just check in when you’re feeling low.
Landscapes, Beaches, and the Joy of Slowing Down
One big change for me has been the slower pace of life. Jaipur was beautiful, but always busy. Melbourne has taught me to slow down. Weekends here are for picnics by the Yarra River, hikes in the Dandenong Ranges, and quiet afternoons at Brighton Beach. I’ve spent hours walking near the water in St Kilda, watching the waves and the birds.
Nature in Australia feels peaceful. It’s wild but also calming. Whether it’s the Great Ocean Road or the quiet gardens in the city, you always feel close to nature. Even in Melbourne, there are quiet places—lanes with street art, little bookshops, and rooftop cafes where you can just sit and think.
A Food Journey Like No Other
And then there’s the food. I didn’t think I’d love it this much. I’ve had amazing laksa, fresh wood-fired pizzas, and of course, Melbourne’s famous coffee—strong and smooth. I’ve also started cooking more at home, trying new recipes, and mixing Indian spices with local vegetables.
Laksa
But I’ll be honest—on cold winter nights, nothing beats a warm bowl of dal, especially when you share it with friends who know exactly how much you miss home.
One Year On
It’s been a year now. A year of new experiences—my first Aussie football match, my first backyard barbecue, my first time seeing kangaroos. But also a year of learning. Living far from India has made me love it even more. At the same time, it’s helped me grow—not just as a tech worker from Jaipur, but as someone who can adapt, learn, and live in new places.
Melbourne isn’t just where I live now. It’s a place that has welcomed me, shaped me, and made room for my story. And though I don’t know where life will take me next, I know this much: a part of me will always remember the sound of trams, the smell of sea breeze, and the quiet beauty of a Melbourne evening.
Melbourne
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