Worried about moving here and not knowing anyone? Deb captures what it feels like to move into a Cairns Sharehouse and have an instant group of friends – life is better when shared!

“When I arrived in Cairns I knew nothing of the area. This also meant I knew no one. I consider myself an outgoing person and I feel as though I can have a conversation with just about anybody. There is a difference though, between meeting acquaintances and making friends.

People my age normally make friends at work or perhaps at school but I had neither of these things at the time I arrived here. It wasn’t something I was necessarily worried about, but it crossed my mind on the plane and in my hostel when I arrived. If I was to stay in Cairns for a while, I would certainly have to make some friends soon.

From the very first day I moved into the sharehouse, I knew this would not be a problem.

I was given my keys at the office and I told my taxi driver my new address. When I arrived, I met several friendly people before I even had time to place my bags down. They showed me which room was mine, where my designated shelves were in the kitchen, and where to find the laundry room. They gave me space and time to unpack my things which of course led me to a nap.

When I woke up I walked out to the pool area and was greeted by several others. Two girls who had moved in just before me went above and beyond to make me feel welcomed. They invited me out that night and assured me that we would have a great time. I felt at ease in such a welcoming and social atmosphere and of course agreed. It had been a while since I’d had a night out after all.

We sat in the living room with about ten others from the apartments in the sharehouse complex and had some drinks before we went out. We played card games and got to know one another. We talked about travel and our homes while we drank and laughed.

Again, I felt in my element. This is what traveling is all about. Showing up in a new place and making it your home. Meeting others from different ends of the earth and finding common grounds. Having discussions with peers and learning about the way they see the world.

I was happy because it was so much more than what I had expected when I had been nervous about making friends.

We walked as a group to a bar in town and danced and laughed the night away. Those who had been in Cairns longer made sure to introduce any of their local friends to the newbies like myself. I was introduced to one friendly face after another who were all from different places.

There was no point in the night where I felt awkward or alone or out of place. I was with my roommates. My friends. This trend of meeting and greeting those who are new seems to be a right of passage in the sharehouse. I’m no longer a newbie and I tend to feel a responsibility to make others feel welcomed in the same fashion that I was. Showing them the ropes of where to go and who’s around and introducing them to anybody and everybody.

I know in turn, they will do the same for the next round of newbies to arrive.”

Author: aus2016deb