British Expats - Cultcha?

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- - Cultcha? (https://britishexpats.com/forum/barbie-92/cultcha-379587/)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grarmo

As an active - both in mind and body - 70 yr old who is thinking of emigrating to Melbourne to be near (but not too near) son and daughter in law, I've been reading your comments with interest. Although very helpful, my over-riding impression is a negative one. Are there no educated folk or people with cultural interests in Melbourne? Surely not everyone is only interested in sport, eating out and drinking? Of course these play a part in a well-rounded life, but what about literature, music, choirs, involvement in church, an interest in gardens, discussion, film?
I would love to hear experiences from like-minded people.

All of the Australian Capitals have active arts scenes - you can't move for Festivals of this that and the other in Brisbane!!

Check out the Aussie goverment's cultural and recreation website for a hint of what's on....... You can't move for culture here!!

www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au

I remember being amazed by the amount of stuff going on when I was in Hobart - book festivals, loads of musical events including outdoor concerts. Very enjoyable, always plenty of variety. Taste of Tasmania, which coincides with the Sydney-Hobart race - that was brilliant, loads of different food and drink ideas. Plus Tassie is big on its historical stuff, so there are plenty of history socieities and groups.

(note to self - thats the most positive post I've written about Aus for ages! whats wrong with me!!) :eek: )

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vash the Stampede

Anyway, returning to the OP - have you ever visited Melbourne? I suggest you do so; and Sydney too. They may surprise you.

Melbourne:

A leafy bayside community on the 'upside-down', 'brown' Yarra River, Melbourne is cosmopolitan, suburban, cultivated, conservative and a haven for the avant-garde.

Visitors come for its shopping, restaurants, nightlife and sporting calendar, and most agree that it's one of the world's most livable cities.

Lonely Planet Guide.

Sydney:

Sydney is Australia's oldest city, the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. It's blessed with sun-drenched natural attractions, dizzy skyscrapers, delicious and daring restaurants, superb shopping and friendly folk.

Although it's come a long way from its convict beginnings, it still has a rough and ready energy, and offers an invigorating blend of the old and the new, the raw and the refined. While high culture attracts some to the Opera House, gaudy nightlife attracts others to Kings Cross.

Lonely Planet Guide.

See also photos attached.

You managed to forget Brisbane :p

Brisbane:

Brisbane has shucked its reputation as a backwater and emerged as one of the country's most progressive centres. It has several interesting districts, a good street cafe scene, a great riverside park, a busy cultural calendar and a thriving nightlife.

Known locally as Bris Vegas, the city is renowned for its sun and the brash, glitzy hordes that follow it, but it's also a thriving arts capital, with dozens of theatres, cinemas, concert halls, galleries and museums. A climate this good and culture too? It must be paradise.

Lonely Planet Guide.

Cultcha, I guess by that you are looking for some life and a bit of a buzz?

Forget Australia mate, there IS more culture in a frozen yoghurt than in 'Metropolitan' Australia. Head 20 minutes outside any city and be ready for dualing banjos and a scene from Deliverence. ;)

Philistines, you football obsessed folks ;)

I went to a local orchestra concert near here (South Yarra, Melbourne) a couple of weekends ago. It was excellent, on a par with any of the county philharmonia concerts I've been to in the UK, and very well attended. We also went to the classical spectacular at the Rod Laver last weekend, which was okay - the lights were a bit annoying by the end. There's an art gallery just down the road from us too, although I've never been in.

So I certainly haven't found it a problem to get my culture dose amongst the beer and sport/AFL. It is what you make it, this country.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wife Beater

Most likely its much the same as rural (non urban) UK, USA, Canada and so on. Local social life centres on established organisations, church, arts society, Wine appreciation club and so on.

If you want to stick to video hires and watching football on TV you can be as isolated as you like anywhere in the world.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ialibu

If you want to stick to video hires and watching football on TV you can be as isolated as you like anywhere in the world.

So very true.