Talks from an Aussie Abroad

Kaedla Hutchings first travelled overseas in 2017, at 22 years of age, flying over 15,000 kms across the ditch, she left her life in Australia to be with her partner of (now five years.)

“I met my partner in Australia, I had just finished my degree and I had never travelled anywhere before, so I thought… why not travel back to Ireland with him! It was a fun year, but I didn't wear any of the summer clothes I packed,” Kaedla laughed.

After a brief visit back to Australia in 2018, Kaedla and her partner Kevin, decided to head back to Ireland.

“I often ask myself the question, why did I stay in a country rampant with the virus that's caused a global pandemic while my own country is flourishing in comparison to the rest of the world... Love,” Kaedla said. “…Or maybe it was the weather, or pints or the Irish banter or the Dublin City atmosphere,” she laughed.

Pre COVID, Kaedla’s plan was to get a job, soak up the sun in the summer months, and head to a festival in Budapest.

“In reality, two weeks after I got here the whole country was in severe lockdown, and I was unemployed for the longest length of time since I was 15 years old, looking on with envy at the country I had just left. I did enjoy the time to read and reset and re-focus though. I definitely found the silver linings.

“COVID here, is like a normal feature of everyday that everyone is sick of talking and hearing about (much like it is everywhere).

“All that aside, the thing I love the most is being with my partner and our newly adopted dog every day, I’m so grateful.. there is also a lot to love about Ireland.”

Kaedla mentioned her favourite experience has been travelling through the scenic drive of the Iveragh Peninsula, evidently known as the ‘Ring of Kerry’, noting she would never get sick of the sight of the landscape and the ‘Gap of Dunloe’ (a narrow mountain pass separating several mountain ranges.)

“There is a strong culture here and there is always mention of ‘ancient Ireland’ which dates back 6000+ years. The Irish language is everywhere, on road signs and bus stops the Irish name for it will appear before the English name and there are lots of ancient sites like the ‘Hill of Tara’ - an ancient ceremonial and burial site.

“Thinking about all of that rich history is very eye opening and that then also makes me think about the rich history we have in Australia, a culture that is 60,000+ years old - at least 10 times that of Ireland.

“Now that not only opens my eyes but send shivers down my spine and fills me with so much pride when I think about that. What a resilient culture to admire, protect and celebrate.”

Kaedla is working in the learning and development team at the National Treasury Management Agency and mentioned she loves having the opportunity to help others learn and to find new ways to add the value of learning to their lives.

“I'm just waiting until I hear that I can go and sit at a cafe again or better yet until I can sit in a pub. Irish pubs are great craic, and I cannot wait until I can sit and enjoy a pint while there's a bit of Irish trad playing in the background.”