That’s enough of the faux-hoity-toity-literariness. You can find expat Aussies (and their American mates) enjoying beers and friendly banter over at 15 Romolo every third Thursday of the month.
What better place to catch up then on the site of a former speakeasy, brothel and the old Basque Hotel? None, because 15 Romolo appealed to my inner hipster on so many levels.
For months I’ve been watching the Sydney Ducks Facebook group organise their third Thursday Happy Hour. Hovering my mouse over the “going” button, never actually pressing it until last week.
I like the idea of meeting other Aussies who are living in San Francisco, but in practice, I’m slightly socially awkward and after a long day of work the couch is my island.
I have no problem with social media and emails, in fact I love it because I never actually have to pick up the phone and call anyone. It’s the not knowing people that gets me. Sidling in, looking for unfamiliar faces and thinking of interesting ways to prolong the conversation is bloody exhausting.
The Sydney Ducks Third Thursday Happy Hour is NONE of those things. And you know it’s true because Ms Awkward over here is saying it.
It’s basically a great group of people who welcome newcomers with a smile, a joke and a story. Even if you wander in all on your own, like I did. Of course I met a bunch of awesome people, whose names I’ve promptly forgotten.
There was the DJ, the lovely woman who was born in the US but lived in Sydney and Queensland for years, the mad West Coast Eagles supporter who’s been in the US off and on for a decade but still looks and sounds “Aussie as” and the stay-at-home dad who moved with his American wife.
The best piece of advice that I give everyone thinking about becoming an expat is to find your community in your adopted home. Be it people from your home country, or a group of people who share your interests, you need an anchor to make you feel a little less lost and a little more at home.
So if you’ve been hovering your mouse over the “going” button but haven’t had the courage to hit it, just do it. Come out and meet your people. Also, if you’re an introvert you can hang out with me, hiding behind your beer and playing on your phone.
While you’re at it, sign up to Chris Thurston’s newsletter for Aussies in the Bay. It’s an invaluable source of information for newcomers.
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Yay you for going. As an introvert, the idea of going to those things is always much worse than actually being there. Once you get your foot in the door so to speak, you'll wonder why you never went before. Were there Twisties for sale behind the bar?!
Really happy you came along and had a good time Kat! When a few of us set up these Third Thursday Sydney Ducks meetups our goal was simply to have a regular casual night and meet some new Aussie peeps. This casual friendly vibe you've outlined is exactly what we're hoping for so really happy to read it. Also have to thank you for writing up the SF license process as I have to do that soon and have your posts bookmarked already! See you the Third Thursday in March for the next one!
It took a bit of a nudge, but I got there in the end. My couch was looking very cosy. But I'm totally glad that I went – I met some great people! Unfortunately no Twisties. But I have my own at home.
You guys do an excellent job of setting these up Paull! It's really inclusive and lots of fun. See you next month 🙂
And good luck with the DMV! Not to put too fine a point on it but take your patience with you.
Good for you! I love San Francisco. You are such a fabulous city!
Thanks Sharon! It is a fantastic place to live 🙂
I find it's always better if you turn up….the fear is almost always in your head.
Ah, you've taken me right back to the British Womens Club in Karachi where I turned up many years ago as a young mum and met some lovely friends. It's the just turning up that is the vital thing to do. I'm a Scot in Sydney now in Orange for a year but desperate to go expat again somewhere more exotic… fingers firmly crossed. Hello via the Rabbit Hole.
So awesome to learn about the the Australian community in the San Francisco area. I've never been to California, but I'll be heading there next year. Can't wait. Well written blog post. I look forward to more from you.
Yep, and when I start to feel a bit antsy, just hightail it outta there.
Oh wow, you've been a busy traveller Seana! I can see how Orange might not be as exciting as you're used to! Hopefully you're off somewhere a little more interesting soon. Thanks so much for visiting!
Thanks KJ, California has so much to offer, you're going to love your visit! I quite like that you have plans for next year already. I can't even decide what to do next week!