The Conclusion of Our Journey

A real and honest account of taking charge of the Permanent Residency process in Australia. Faced with challenges, delays, and uncertainty, we navigated every step - relying on research, resilience, and each other. This is the story of how determination and teamwork made a dream come true.

Working Abroad Doesn’t Mean We’re Rich

You think I’m rich, don’t you?

Because I live abroad.
Because I left home.
Because the money I send looks big in your currency.
Because you see my photos and think I’ve made it.

But let me tell you what you don’t see.

Juggling Work, Study, and Chance: My Journey Through Southern Cross

I studied at Southern Cross Education Institute - Higher Education (SCEI-HE) for nine months, juggling work, studies, classes, assignments, and shifts. It was a demanding time, but also an eye-opening one.

Early Childhood Education: A New Path

After completing my Master's degree in February 2022 and obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa, I faced the uncertainty of what to do next, questioning whether to return to Bhutan or seize the opportunity to build a new life in Australia, ultimately realizing that the decision would shape not just my career, but the legacy I wanted to leave for my children. So as I was mulling my options I got a break.

Another Journey in Australia: The Beginning

Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia is an immigration status granted to individuals who are not citizens but have the right to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely. PR holders enjoy many of the same benefits as citizens, including access to Medicare (the public healthcare system), social services, and the ability to sponsor eligible family members for visas.  Although PR status allows for indefinite stay, the accompanying travel facility is valid for five years and must be renewed if the individual wishes to travel internationally and return to Australia.

Reflections on a New Life: From Bhutan to Melbourne - A Journey of Family and Growth

Our journey from Bhutan to Melbourne was one that would forever change the course of our lives. Sonam and I left behind everything we knew, stepping into the unknown with hearts filled with both hope and fear. The excitement of starting anew was clouded by the weight of uncertainty and a deep sense of homesickness. Yet, as we faced the challenges of adapting to a new life, we found comfort in the warmth of family, in quiet moments of reflection, and in the understanding that home isn’t just a place - it’s the connections we make and the memories we create along the way.

7 Realities of Living in Australia That No Bhutanese Talks About

Moving abroad with a wife and children is a life-changing decision filled with both opportunities and challenges. It requires navigating cultural differences, creating a sense of belonging, and balancing family responsibilities in an unfamiliar environment. While many focus on the allure of new beginnings, the realities are often less discussed.

Here are 7 realities of living down under that no one talks about.

Fewer Words have Deeper Impact.

His Majesty The King, who was accompanied by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, and Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel, Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck, and Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, granted an audience to Bhutanese in Canberra on 13th of October 2024. Many Bhutanese from other nearby areas also joined the audience, notably from Melbourne. I and my family drove all the way from Melbourne to Canberra for this joyous occasion. We were blessed by his majesty walking among the audience, meeting his subjects and interacting with us. I wrote this piece after the event.

Horror In the Metro Tunnel

Time: 12:55 am

Date: 10/08/2021

I have just finished my evening shift at Capitol Grand and am heading home. After clocking off at my workplace, my quick sprint to the South Yarra station barely enables me to catch the 11:05 pm towards Flinders.

Along the way, as I dash through the gates, I choose not to swipe my myki. Just that small action saves me around 10 dollars a day, which adding to missing the myki-reader 4 times a week, is a considerable addition to my weekly shopping budget. These days, it being the lockdown and night curfews, there some police manning the stations but rarely bother me. Also, since I am dressed in black workpants with a dusty dark jacket and a tired expression, I barely raise their eyebrows. For them. I am just another bloody tired immigrant worker going home.

Top Five places to visit in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia, is an incredibly vibrant and diverse city that you must check out if at all possible. Whether you visit for business or pleasure, you will be sure to be delighted by the amazing cultural attractions and activities available. Here are the top five places to visit in Melbourne: 

Beating the traffic in Melbourne

As a temporary resident in Australia,  I have had my share of learning the ropes in almost every field. And chief among them is my driving experience; starting with the traffic lights, speed limits, and parking in the city.

It sure is a far cry from what I already knew. After months of trial and error, even shelling out huge fines, I share my story of driving in Melbourne.

Audacity of Ignorance

Yesterday, I had to go to the Officeworks shop to print an urgent contract document, and I dropped in at Highpoint Shopping Centre which is located just opposite to the bus stand. The ride there and back was lonely with me and just another commuter in the bus.

Reaching Highpoint, I saw a lot of businesses open. Much more than few weeks ago. Shoppers were busy shopping, eating, walking, waiting in line.... almost as if there wasn't a coronavirus scare. Mouth masks? Fewer were was using them. Almost all shops had the 'keep 1.5m distance' signs everywhere, with hand sanitizers available at entry points. But there wasn't enough space between the aisle to respect the requisite 1.5 meters distance.

Coronavirus Response by Bhutanese in Melbourne

Yet another Sunday pass on. And I am readying for tomorrow's online class. My laptop, the Uni Diary, and a notebook completes my gear. I am gonna do some online reading so that I am ready with questions for my professor. I do wanna earn some good grades and be eligible for some scholarships. For these are indeed dire times for us. Every news channel and every conversation dwell around coronavirus. I think it has become the new norm for us all. I no longer fear it.

It is what it is.