English

I was convinced that my English had improved enough to have a conversation with anyone—until I left Sydney and met people from the countryside.

It was also my second hitchhiking trip, and this time it was much more successful. I was standing on the side of the road somewhere in New South Wales when a white pickup truck stopped, and an old man asked me to hop in.

The ride was short, maybe half an hour, during which the gentleman told me all sorts of stories. Then he dropped me off at a petrol station.

I had no idea what he was talking about. Literally none. I just kept nodding. That’s when I finally began to understand the essence of speaking in a truly Australian way.

After a few more months, I eventually started to get it. Once again, I was convinced I could have a conversation with anyone.

Until I met the Aboriginals.

Australia, 2015