She moved to Australia thinking she was ready…then came the 'dunny'
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Moving abroad can be a thrilling adventure—but it’s not without its surprises.
One woman’s international relocation turned out to be far more challenging (and eye-opening) than she ever expected.
Her story offers a revealing glimpse into the lesser-known realities of life in a new country.
Moving across the world can feel like leaping into the unknown—and for one American woman, that leap came with far more surprises than she ever anticipated.
Lex B, a 37-year-old from Houston, Texas, relocated to Brisbane in August 2024 with her husband and their five-year-old son for his work.
Though no stranger to change—having moved every two to three years since 2016—Lex admitted this was their first time living overseas, and the adjustment proved more complex than expected.
‘We have moved around every two to three years since 2016, so we have experienced starting over a few times now, but this is our first international relocation and therefore the adjustment period was a bit longer and slightly more challenging,’ she explained.
One of the earliest challenges hit as soon as she sat behind the wheel.
‘Driving on the left side of the road was the first huge adjustment we faced. We took driving lessons, which definitely helped set us up for success but it took some time for us to get used to driving and the rules of the road,’ she said.
But it wasn’t just driving that tripped her up.
‘There were times early on where Aussies would talk to me and they’d say these new words I had never heard before–little things like “arvo” or “dunny,” and I’d have to go home and Google what they meant.’
Navigating Australian life also meant learning the quirks of daily routines—from supermarket differences to public holiday hours.
Lex quickly discovered that many shops opened later and closed earlier than what she was used to in the US.
‘There were a few times in the beginning where I’d show up to a shop early in the morning or later in the evening only to realise they weren’t open,’ she said.
‘I understand why they do this and I think it’s great because it allows folks to be with their families more, which is great. But it was an adjustment!’
She found the supermarkets themselves to be a little underwhelming compared to back home.
Stores were smaller, with fewer options—and some American favourites were nowhere to be found.
‘I miss Hidden Valley ranch dressing and the carbonated mineral water Topo Chico,’ she admitted.
And then there were the trolleys.
Unlike the carts in American stores, Lex found Australian shopping trolleys nearly impossible to steer.
‘According to Lex, the shopping carts are "so challenging to maneuver" in Australia because the back wheels don’t lock, making it really easy for her to lose control of the trollies when she tries to make turns.’
But one of the most notorious aspects of Aussie life did, in fact, turn out to be true.
‘I have come across many decent size spiders hanging above me on sidewalks and it took me a few tries to feel confident walking underneath their webs,’ she revealed.
Despite the shock factor, she clarified that the creepy crawlies aren’t as deadly as many assume.
She continued: ‘However, they are not dangerous and only a handful are harmful to humans in Australia. I think that’s where the myth gets it wrong.’
‘You picture these massive deadly spiders who want to do nothing but attack and harm, when really they’re just minding their own business and won’t mess with you if you don’t mess with them. [And] they serve an important pest control purpose.’
While there were challenges, Lex also uncovered a list of positives that made the move worthwhile.
One of the first things she noticed was the natural beauty—something that stood out the moment they landed.
‘Immediately after stepping off the airplane, I remember we noticed just how beautiful everywhere was – even the landscaping at the airport was stunning,’ she said.
‘Houston has a great downtown skyline and some pretty parts, but not like Brisbane.’
‘It was obvious to us very quickly how we were now living in an actual paradise with tropical birds flying overhead and new foliage—things like bottle brush trees that we had never even seen before.’
Living in Brisbane also gave them access to postcard-worthy coastlines.
‘We adore all the stunning beaches which are short driving distance from [where we live in] Brisbane. It’s so nice to have such beautiful beaches so close by.’
Lex found the shift in lifestyle particularly striking—especially when it came to safety and community spirit.
‘We don’t have to worry about school shootings and the crime rates are significantly lower here compared to the US,’ she said.
‘That peace of mind is immeasurable–especially for those who have children.’
She also praised the culture of respect she witnessed every day: ‘It’s quite beautiful. That sense of community can be felt on the roads here, too.’
‘Folks let you merge and wave to say thank you. It’s those little things that reduce overall stress on day-to-day life and affect your quality of life.’
Lex appreciated Australia’s focus on well-being, both personal and environmental.
‘People here have better work-life balance,’ she noted, adding that Australians seemed ‘more environmentally focused.’
She also applauded the healthcare system.
Lex praised the ‘universal health care system’ which ‘provides free or subsidised healthcare services to Australians and is funded through taxpayer dollars.’
Still, the emotional cost of the move wasn’t lost on her.
‘Our hearts hurt at times thinking about all the fun family events we’re missing back home.
‘There is a sacrifice when moving internationally – whether that’s family, familiarity, or something else. Know that it’s a beautiful journey and it’s one worth taking if you’re truly up for it!’
Her advice for others considering the same leap?
‘If you’re feeling a calling to move internationally, listen to that calling and lean in. But make sure to do your research and maybe even arrange a visit to the country before moving.’
‘It’s totally doable and worth it, but it’s important to know what it all entails.’
Ever wondered how outsiders really see us? Watch this.
Source: Youtube/Life with Chioma
Have you ever made a big move later in life—whether to a new city, state or even overseas? Let us know your experience in the comments.
In a previous story, we shared how one American expat uncovered a common mistake many people—locals included—make when using Aussie slang.
For older Australians who’ve seen the language evolve over the decades, it’s a fun reminder of how quickly meanings can shift or get lost in translation.
If you enjoyed Lex’s story of cultural surprises, you’ll want to check this one out too.
Read more: American Woman Exposes the Embarrassing Mistake You're Probably Making with Aussie Slang!
One woman’s international relocation turned out to be far more challenging (and eye-opening) than she ever expected.
Her story offers a revealing glimpse into the lesser-known realities of life in a new country.
Moving across the world can feel like leaping into the unknown—and for one American woman, that leap came with far more surprises than she ever anticipated.
Lex B, a 37-year-old from Houston, Texas, relocated to Brisbane in August 2024 with her husband and their five-year-old son for his work.
Though no stranger to change—having moved every two to three years since 2016—Lex admitted this was their first time living overseas, and the adjustment proved more complex than expected.
Houston family’s bold Brisbane relocation journey. Image source: TikTok/lexinwonderland
‘We have moved around every two to three years since 2016, so we have experienced starting over a few times now, but this is our first international relocation and therefore the adjustment period was a bit longer and slightly more challenging,’ she explained.
One of the earliest challenges hit as soon as she sat behind the wheel.
‘Driving on the left side of the road was the first huge adjustment we faced. We took driving lessons, which definitely helped set us up for success but it took some time for us to get used to driving and the rules of the road,’ she said.
But it wasn’t just driving that tripped her up.
‘There were times early on where Aussies would talk to me and they’d say these new words I had never heard before–little things like “arvo” or “dunny,” and I’d have to go home and Google what they meant.’
Navigating Australian life also meant learning the quirks of daily routines—from supermarket differences to public holiday hours.
Lex quickly discovered that many shops opened later and closed earlier than what she was used to in the US.
‘There were a few times in the beginning where I’d show up to a shop early in the morning or later in the evening only to realise they weren’t open,’ she said.
‘I understand why they do this and I think it’s great because it allows folks to be with their families more, which is great. But it was an adjustment!’
She found the supermarkets themselves to be a little underwhelming compared to back home.
Stores were smaller, with fewer options—and some American favourites were nowhere to be found.
‘I miss Hidden Valley ranch dressing and the carbonated mineral water Topo Chico,’ she admitted.
And then there were the trolleys.
Unlike the carts in American stores, Lex found Australian shopping trolleys nearly impossible to steer.
‘According to Lex, the shopping carts are "so challenging to maneuver" in Australia because the back wheels don’t lock, making it really easy for her to lose control of the trollies when she tries to make turns.’
But one of the most notorious aspects of Aussie life did, in fact, turn out to be true.
‘I have come across many decent size spiders hanging above me on sidewalks and it took me a few tries to feel confident walking underneath their webs,’ she revealed.
Despite the shock factor, she clarified that the creepy crawlies aren’t as deadly as many assume.
She continued: ‘However, they are not dangerous and only a handful are harmful to humans in Australia. I think that’s where the myth gets it wrong.’
‘You picture these massive deadly spiders who want to do nothing but attack and harm, when really they’re just minding their own business and won’t mess with you if you don’t mess with them. [And] they serve an important pest control purpose.’
While there were challenges, Lex also uncovered a list of positives that made the move worthwhile.
One of the first things she noticed was the natural beauty—something that stood out the moment they landed.
‘Immediately after stepping off the airplane, I remember we noticed just how beautiful everywhere was – even the landscaping at the airport was stunning,’ she said.
‘Houston has a great downtown skyline and some pretty parts, but not like Brisbane.’
‘It was obvious to us very quickly how we were now living in an actual paradise with tropical birds flying overhead and new foliage—things like bottle brush trees that we had never even seen before.’
Living in Brisbane also gave them access to postcard-worthy coastlines.
‘We adore all the stunning beaches which are short driving distance from [where we live in] Brisbane. It’s so nice to have such beautiful beaches so close by.’
Lex found the shift in lifestyle particularly striking—especially when it came to safety and community spirit.
‘We don’t have to worry about school shootings and the crime rates are significantly lower here compared to the US,’ she said.
‘That peace of mind is immeasurable–especially for those who have children.’
She also praised the culture of respect she witnessed every day: ‘It’s quite beautiful. That sense of community can be felt on the roads here, too.’
‘Folks let you merge and wave to say thank you. It’s those little things that reduce overall stress on day-to-day life and affect your quality of life.’
Lex appreciated Australia’s focus on well-being, both personal and environmental.
‘People here have better work-life balance,’ she noted, adding that Australians seemed ‘more environmentally focused.’
She also applauded the healthcare system.
Lex praised the ‘universal health care system’ which ‘provides free or subsidised healthcare services to Australians and is funded through taxpayer dollars.’
Still, the emotional cost of the move wasn’t lost on her.
‘Our hearts hurt at times thinking about all the fun family events we’re missing back home.
‘There is a sacrifice when moving internationally – whether that’s family, familiarity, or something else. Know that it’s a beautiful journey and it’s one worth taking if you’re truly up for it!’
Her advice for others considering the same leap?
‘If you’re feeling a calling to move internationally, listen to that calling and lean in. But make sure to do your research and maybe even arrange a visit to the country before moving.’
‘It’s totally doable and worth it, but it’s important to know what it all entails.’
Ever wondered how outsiders really see us? Watch this.
Source: Youtube/Life with Chioma
Have you ever made a big move later in life—whether to a new city, state or even overseas? Let us know your experience in the comments.
In a previous story, we shared how one American expat uncovered a common mistake many people—locals included—make when using Aussie slang.
For older Australians who’ve seen the language evolve over the decades, it’s a fun reminder of how quickly meanings can shift or get lost in translation.
If you enjoyed Lex’s story of cultural surprises, you’ll want to check this one out too.
Read more: American Woman Exposes the Embarrassing Mistake You're Probably Making with Aussie Slang!
