Benjamin Weeks, son of the south to adulthood in Sydney

            From the Hebrew name (Binyamin) which means “son of the south”

Beer pong Dunedin life, to the sophisticated man of Sydney

Struck by the worst earthquake in forty years, drowned by the worst flood in one hundred years and perturbed by a neighbouring mechanic exploding. As I lay in my bed clutching a pot collecting water from the roof I couldn't help but think that Dunedin was telling me to leave. 

I had been chewed up and spit out. Speights[1],  the Cook[2], Castle Street[3], Diesels[4], Red Cards[5] and the Highlanders[6],  cornerstones of my existence for the past four and a half years, and things I could not revel in, in perpetuity apparently. Following this stark realisation and my niche studies in microbiology and economics, I began my hunt for a career.

Proceeding a cheap haircut, a barbaric shave and numerous pantless Skype interviews I had weaselled my way into employment for a skin care company; Triumph and Disaster. A company I knew well, but one whose products I only knew from stealing the old mans while he was in the shower.

I quickly realised I had to grow up, 12 O’clock sleep ins, a masterfully unkempt beard, and a propensity for mid-week parties, were vices not suited to adulthood. I decided to get my game face on and have my first clean shave in four years, it was something I was apprehensive about as I knew that this was the first step towards the responsibilities that followed, and although I looked twelve, I felt years older. With one foul swoop I washed my not so glorious beard and past life of debauchery down the drain in preparation for my new life in Sydney.

Five days after I had penned my last essay at university I found myself walking out of Sydney airport, due to start my life at Triumph and Disaster. There were however a few things people neglected to mention, or they did and I didn't listen.

1.) Sydney is not a great place to renounce debauchery.

2.) Sydney can be cold, thinking I was a leather skinned highlander, not one jacket joined me trans-Tasman (sorry mum).

3.)  Sydney is expensive, my rent here is five times the price of my spacious leaky Dunedin dwelling.

4.) Sydney has a lot of people, with a population approaching 400 times that of Dunedin, familiar faces are far and few between, but there’s still always a kiwi around every corner.

5.) Sydney knows how to make food, my first four weeks were a ritualistic culinary binge, and saw my “Shredding for Bondi” regime put on a temporary hiatus.

Although I was apprehensive about the move to Australia, and apprehensive about responsibilities beyond cooking the flat dinner once a week, some of the Triumph & Disaster ethos really helped me find my feet. Who knew a morning ritual to make you look and feel better could have such a positive effect on the rest of your day? Apparently everyone, but I think it’s all a part of the confusing and unique trek to adulthood. I’ve just left base camp, it doesn’t look too much higher, cheers for the tools Triumph & Disaster.

Keep your eyes peeled, there will be an update tracking my cultural assimilation in the coming months.

Benjamin Weeks
2/2 of Australia

[1] A popular New Zealand beer, epitomised by the southern man.

[2] A famous Dunedin bar, known for pouring the most beer in New Zealand and where your old man probably first kissed your mum.

[3] A student hot spot, predominantly populated with hungover students, burnt out couches and derelict houses.

[4] A pre-mixed bourbon beverage, also referred to as “mothers milk” favoured for it’s taste and price point.

[5] A Student flat event where the flatmate responsible for pulling the red card, dictates the activities of said flat for the night, free from taboo and judgement.

[6]Local footy team and winners of the Super Rugby competition, up the landers.

1 comment

What an articulate write-up, this guy obviously knows his stuff. All the best to Benjamin Weeks, the southern man’s trendy ambassador.

Smeagol Temm August 04, 2015

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