Adelaide Diaries (1)

Hi everyone

Welcome back! It’s hard to believe it’s only been 2 weeks today since I landed in Australia! My concept of time is completely out of whack. In some ways it feels like I’ve been here for months- in others, like I only stepped off the plane yesterday, bleary-eyed, heart pounding, equal parts excitement and fear (mostly fear).

The first few days were a blur of adrenaline. It was so lovely to spend time with family friends and enjoy creature comforts as I psyched myself up for hostel life! I enjoyed home cooked food, doggy cuddles and late night catch ups with Linsey.

Reality really set in when I went to the hostel. I have truly never felt fear like that in my life. Give me jumping out of a plane over that any day of the week. It surprised me actually because I find talking to people really easy but there was something about the vibes in this particular hostel that just felt off. Mainly construction guys who smoked weed and didn’t respond to my subtle plea of eye contact and a smile. I felt so alone and spent the afternoon in floods of tears in the middle of the botanical gardens.

The homesickness has hit me harder than I expected. There were/ are moments where I’m walking through the city, surrounded by people, noise and life and feel an ache so deep it almost winds me. I miss my family, routines, knowing what aisle of the supermarket to go down to find my favourite snack and my cosy little life. Everything feels new and exciting but so overwhelming that I almost feel paralysed on some days. And then there was the admin. Sorting a phone number, setting up a bank account, applying for my TFN, figuring out the transport links, completing online courses for job applications. I had/ am still having moments of ‘why the f***’ have you done this’

But then- quickly - things started to shift.

It began with people. The kind of people you only meet when you’re all thrown into the same boat, strangers navigating a new country together. This happened on the first night and our little group has been inseparable ever since. The amazing part, most of the friends I’ve made are also living and working in Adelaide for the duration I intend on staying here. It’s such a comforting thought to know I’ll have friends all over the city even when we move on from living in the hostel together. You hear a lot about when you go travelling that you meet people in passing and never see/ speak to them again. I genuinely believe I have made life long friends already. My next post will be a round up of some of the highlights since arriving (& photos) and I couldn’t be more grateful to have met the coolest, most down to earth, fun people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. They really have propped me up on a couple of really low and dark days.

And then, I found a job! Within the first week. I couldn’t believe my luck and the whole team have truly welcomed me with open arms. Its great to be earning while I’m in Adelaide to help fund my East Coast adventures later down the line. It has been hard adjusting to working while being here though. A part of it feels like being at home just without all the comforts of having your own bed/ family to go home to but it’s all part of the process and I am grateful to have found a job as quickly as I have.

I can only describe the last couple of weeks as an emotional roller coaster. One minute I’m sat with my friends watching the sunset at the top of Mount Osmond and I feel unstoppable; the next, i’m curled up in my hostel bunk unable to watch celebrity traitors without crying my eyes out because I wish I was sat on the settee with mum watching it at home. I’m learning that sadness and happiness can coexist - even at the exact same time. It is the weirdest feeling to wrap my head around. It is also teaching me that growth lives right on the edge of discomfort. Every time I’ve pushed through a low moment, something beautiful has come right after- a connection, a laugh, a little win that makes me remember why I came here.

This experience is already allowing me to understand myself deeper than I have done before and I can’t wait to see what other experiences unfold. I’m hoping to start publishing smaller, more frequent posts so I don’t get too behind on all the updates! I also want to deep dive more into the mental health side of things too so get ready for that (sorry not sorry). I’ve only attached one photo for now as I want to do an up to date highlights post soon.

Rach x

Henley Beach Pier, Adelaide, SA (29/10/2025)