[ethereal music underscore brittle strings]

[speeches from different people]

 

I felt lonely and scared when I first arrived. The language was a shock, the houses are red, the streets felt busy and there was traffic, everything was different. The weather is different and the sky is grey, there are different food choices, and all kinds of festivals are celebrated here. People are friendly… at first! [laughs] I know it’s obvious but there are so many white people! It’s also funny that people kiss in public! [Brighter music plucked strings and piano music] Once two people were kissing in public, I told my friend don’t look! She said no, let me see, I want to look! It made me laugh when I first saw “jacket potato” on the menu after I gave birth at the hospital. I was thinking “a potato wearing a jacket?”

 

[Sound of autumn leaves with piano and strings]

 

I love the seasons. I remember the crunch of the autumn leaves, the first time I saw snow, and when the days get dark. It felt so late, I felt like I got to rush home, but then I realized it was only 3pm! Summer evenings are weird too, I often miss dinner because the night doesn’t fall. 

 

[brighter piano music]

 

And you say cheers to the bus driver!

 

[Music brightens, drums, piano, strings, bass]

 

Going to the pub is a big thing. After work, go to the pub, seeing friends, go to the pub, just by yourself, go to the pub, even when they need to solve a problem, go to the pub! And what do people do in the pub? They chat, they do small talks. I was with some colleagues the other day, everyone was talking at the same time I couldn't keep up! 

 

I’ve started a business. Wish me luck! 

 

I can work part time and look after my children.

 

I went back to college and did a completely new thing! It’s good, I like the challenge. 

 

I am so glad to find a job in my own profession. 

 

Life is not bad, I’ve got a roof over my head, made new friends, doing something with my life. It’s ok but it also feels like a long battle [pause] isn’t that just life though? By the way, [smiles] I am still working on my small talk.