So Why Is It That "Antipodeans" Travel?

As promised, tonight I wish to write an article on exactly why I believe Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans travel so much. For anyone that steps into a London hostel, there is a good chance that the person that you are sharing your bunk bed will usually be an Aussie, a Kiwi or a Yarpie. Should you choose to buy a drink at a downtown Earls Court pub, you will often be greeted by a distinct accent from the Southern Hemisphere. So I pose the question:

Why is it that Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans travel to the United Kingdom?

It appears that in order to settle down in your home country, you must first make a "pilgramage" to the mother land - the United Kingdom. It is an unspoken rule for many Antipodeans - you havent lived life until you have lived in the United Kingdom. You can't buy a house until you have travelled to Europe. You cant fully commit to your "dream job" until you've scrubbed tables in a dirty dark London pub, or served a pub meal in country England. It is a full gone conclusion that until you have made the journey, you havent lived.

While I am not exectly qualified to provide reasons why it is that New Zealanders and South Africans travel, I have attempted to guess why it is so for Australians.

A. We are a nation full of convicts who should still be in England.

My first guess it that it is because our ancestors were taken away from England and were sent to Australia for petty crimes such as stealing loaves of bread. Its as simple as that. It is a strand of our DNA which knows full well that we should not have been sent to the baron land of Australia, simply because the economy was struggling and our children needed to eat. So, as a result, the first chance we get, we move back to England to right the wrongs that were forced against our ancestors by the Evil English in 1788. We flock to England and take all of their good jobs because it is known amongst the english community that Australians are hard workers. After all, we were prisoners for many years. We had to work hard in order to survive. So, we work hard, drink their beer and earn loads of money which (when turned into australian dollars) makes us rich.

B. Like birds, we flock back up north once it becomes summer again.

No backpacking Australian heads off to England during November. Have you ever noticed that? I believe that it is because it is only natural that once it becomes winter, you head south. When it is summer, we head north. Australia winters are still reasonably cold so its a perfect opportunity to keep searching for the "Endless Summer".

C. The Men Are Better Looking

Sorry Australian men, but I have always thought British men are hotter. Hello? Does Hugh Grant ring a bell? Johnny Wilkinson? David Beckham?

D. Australia Lacks History

Okay, this is a serious point. I do believe that the reason why many people travel from Australia to Europe is that Australia lacks history. As a relatively new country, we have no concept of ancient ruins, exotic temples and buildings demolished by centuries of wars. I think one of the oldest buildings in Sydney houses a McDonalds restaurant. Its the truth. Australia was "founded" in 1788 and it was then that buildings were built and cities became what they are today. Australia was developed by reason of necessity rather than as a result of generations of Kings and Queens. We go in search of history in order to understand the meaning of time. And maybe some of us Australians believe in fairytales in big castles, rather than frolicking on the aussie beach (figuratively speaking).

So there are atleast four reasons why I think Australians travel. I welcome any one elses suggestions, of course.

K