People ask me sometimes: “do you feel more Italian or Australian?”
The truth is, I don’t know! Being born and raised in Italy and having lived there 34 years of my life definitely makes me more Italian than Australian.
But, does it, really? I do feel a sense of belonging and a strong connection to Australia too!
I get goosebumps when I hear “Advance Australia Fair” or other unofficial Aussie anthems such as “Great Southern Land” or “You’re The Voice”.
I enjoy watching Footy games at the pub, and even more at “the G”, wearing the colours of my team, while drinking a pot or a schooner of cold tap beer.
I cheer hard for the Matildas, I love a typical Aussie brekkie and my Melbourne coffee, as well as vegemite toast and a lazy weekend barbie. I laugh (a lot!) at the self-depreciating, cheeky and sometimes dark sense of humour of Reesebros or The Inspired Unemployed, and I appreciate a laid-back and less formal lifestyle!
I’ve embraced the “no worries” attitude, the casual lingo, the “mateship” and almost perfectioned the “how ya goin'”.
These and other things make me feel very Australian, and proud to be one!
Is it really necessary to fit neatly into a single box? Is it wrong to feel drawn to two things at the same time? I often feel that people expect me to pick one side, and stick to that. But I can’t and I don’t want to!
I love being Italian and I also love being Australian. I don’t think I should choose.
I think I simply belong to two beautiful different worlds.
And to me, this as a privilege.
