Ruth Rajasingam - CultureShock! Melbourne

2019 Ruth Rajasingam and Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Pte Ltd

Published by Marshall Cavendish Editions

An imprint of Marshall Cavendish International

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National Library Board, Singapore Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Name(s): Rajasingam, Ruth.

Title: CultureShock! Melbourne : a survival guide to customs and etiquette / Ruth Rajasingam.

Other title(s): Melbourne : a survival guide to customs and etiquette | Culture shock Melbourne

Description:Singapore : Marshall Cavendish Editions, [2018] | Series: Culture shock!

Identifier(s): OCN 1065533720 | eISBN 978 981 4841 62 7

Subject(s): LCSH: Etiquette--Australia--Melbourne (Vic.). | Melbourne (Vic.)--Social life and customs. | Melbourne (Vic.)--Description and travel.

Classification: DDC 994.51--dc23

All illustrations by TRIGG

All photos by the author except on pages vi (Nate Watson on Unsplash.com); 18 (Joseph Kelly on Unsplash.com); 111 (Steven Groeneveld on Unsplash.com); and 142 (Lucile Noiriel on Unsplash.com).

Printed in Singapore

Culture shock is a state of disorientation that can come over anyone who has been thrust into unknown surroundings, away from ones comfort zone. CultureShock! is a series of trusted and reputed guides which has, for decades, been helping expatriates and long-term visitors to cushion the impact of culture shock whenever they move to a new country.

Written by people who have lived in the country and experienced culture shock themselves, these books provide all the information necessary for anyone to cope with these feelings of disorientation more effectively. The guides are written in a style that is easy to read and cover a range of topics that will give readers enough advice, hints and tips to make their lives as normal as possible again.

Each book is structured in the same manner. It begins with the first impressions that visitors will have of that city or country. To understand a culture, one must first understand the peoplewhere they came from, who they are, the values and traditions they live by, as well as their customs and etiquette. This is covered in the first half of the book.

Then on with the practical aspectshow to settle in with the greatest of ease. Authors walk readers through topics such as how to find accommodation, get the utilities and telecommunications up and running, enrol the children in school and keep in the pink of health. But thats not all. Once the essentials are out of the way, venture out and try the food, enjoy more of the culture and travel to other areas. Then be immersed in the language of the country before discovering more about the business side of things.

To round off, snippets of basic information are offered before readers are tested on customs and etiquette of the country. Useful words and phrases, a comprehensive resource guide and list of books for further research are also included for easy reference.

The famous domed ceiling at the La Trobe Reading Room of the State Library Victoria

My humble and heartfelt gratitude to my family, friends and acquaintances who have contributed to this book, both directly and indirectly. In writing about Melbourne, I have also relied on literature by Australian authors whose names are listed in the Further Reading list, as well as publicly available information on government websites and newsites. Any errors, omissions and misinterpretations are mine and I apologise for these.

In particular I would like to express my deep gratitude to my husband Ganesh without whose patience and support, I would not have completed the writing, as well as my children, Dinesh and Shirahni.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Pedestrian bridge over the Yarra River with view of the cityscape in the background

Melbourne has a reputation to maintain. Named the worlds most liveable city for seven years in a row since 2011 by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Melbourne is among 140 cities to receive a perfect score for healthcare, education and infrastructure. Other factors considered are a citys stability, culture and environment. While the reports target audience is corporate executives and their families relocating overseas, Melbourne remains a charming city to be experienced whether you are a business traveller, student, tourist or long-term resident.

The usual questions of one new to a cityWhere to live? Where to eat? What is the best mode of transportation? Whats on this weekend?are easily answered. Melbourne is a relatively easy city to adapt to and welcomes all types of visitors. Everyday encounters with Melburnians will reveal how cosmopolitan this city is as it is home to people from more than 200 nationalities.

Melbourne has championed multiculturalism successfully over the past years. While there have been recent calls to stem the flow of migration due to the challenges to the citys infrastructure, such as housing and traffic, it remains a civic city, which tries to meet the needs of its local community. Urban historian Graeme Davison has said that one of the threads through its history has been a quaint sense of civic values; an idea of a shared purpose beyond commerce and getting ahead.

The information and insights I have tried to provide are limited to my stay in this city. However I have sought the views of many who have called Melbourne home for more than a quarter of a century as well as new residents, students and business travellers. These provide different perspectives to the people and life in this city. I hope that it will offer a good background to explore and experience the richness this city has to offer.