For those who stick it out, Australia can be a home and make you feel lucky

For Hannah Kingston, making all the sacrifices needed to save enough money to travel to Australia are worth it for the freedom, better job opportunities, and enhanced lifestyles Down Under

Regional Victoria in Australia. Moving away from the Emerald Isle to Down Under always, always, comes back to and amounts to the lifestyle. The living is easy in the lucky country. Photo: Hannah Kingston

Two weeks back, I took myself on a pre-date date to my favourite bar in Melbourne, with nothing but the book I’m reading. I wouldn’t dream of doing this in my hometown of Clonakilty. 

I’d be mortified at the thought of someone I know seeing me and thinking I’m unpopular, or an alcoholic or an unpopular alcoholic. There’s a never ending eclectic list of activities I couldn’t fathom doing in case one of the 5,000-ish people in my town “see me”; like going for a run on a country road, doing an open mic night, going to SuperValu without my mother for back-up.