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Aussie Rocks!

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I am a very happy person this week.

This week has landed me 2 exceptional experiences - both of which are firmly cementing in my mind that coming to live, and work in Australia was the best decision we made. I cannot wait to apply for citizenship.

Don't get me wrong - my heart aches endlessly for my family and friends back in South Africa, I will miss and lament those gorgeous African Highveld thunderstorms and sunsets . I just cannot get away from our enormous good fortune in this wonderful country though.

Firstly - I've had some really good news about being accepted into a program called GAP - sponsored in the most part by the State Government of Victoria . Which helps businesses to identify marketing opportunities and do research into the American or Chinese markets.

Second - I've had the unforeseen pleasure of applying for an American visa as a result of the first bit of good news - and was cheerfully surprised at how streamlined the process is . Entirely online. Booking made for my interview ... tjoep tjoep * - just like that.

10 minutes of capturing details and off we go . And unlike the Australians who insist on you having a ticket bought and paid for first before you apply for a visa , the Americans are quite sure that you should not pay for any  travel plans before getting your visa. Much more pragmatic way to approach things I think.

If all goes well ( and I am very positive that it will ) - I will be flying across to Silicon Valley in May this year for 2 weeks.

This whole experience just contrasts for me how different and much harder things are in South Africa. There are more people, less money, and a much tougher economy. Unless you're a mining magnate , or work for a financial services company, you need to sukkel (struggle)  in a daily grind just to make ends meet.

I love being in Australia !



* Literally from the Dutch word for Chop - in casual Afrikaans meaning , it means very quickly . 
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