AUSTRALIA - BRISBANE

In Switzerland and generaly in Europe we discuss to forbid firework at all because of the pollution it makes. Here in Australia, in Brisbane they like firework so much, that they do not have any discussion to ban it or not. They like it and they do it a lot.

The first firework I have seen in Brisbane was at the EKKA festival, which is like a huge fair. Everything is a bit bigger than in Switzerland, but the firework was like: “It is our last chance to do it. It must be the biggest firework we can do!” That was my feeling about it. It was nice because I like it too.

The second firework I have seen here was at a rugby match of the Brisbane Broncos. It was a normal season game, not a final or a special event. Before they started to play, they made a show with music, and of course, firework. The whole Suncorp stadium was included in the show. It was not just a bit of firework on the pitch. The roof was included too. A great show!

The last firework I have seen so far was at the Brisbane festival, which is a big festival during September to celebrate the start of spring. The kick-off for the Brisbane festival was an awesome show around and along the Brisbane River. First, a jet was flying ten minutes and made a nice show. I have never seen a jet so close to the ground. After that, the helicopter show started. There were about five military helicopters, which was great to see. Finally, of course, there was a great firework all over the city. That was crazy because of the length the firework was burning. As you can see on the photo, the firework was nice, and the ambiance was very cool. I liked it a lot.

However, we can see a big difference in the culture between Australia and Switzerland. The Australian like to celebrate all the time, taking every chance to have a firework and big shows. In my opinion, they spend a lot of money just to have big shows. This is completely different to Switzerland. I mean we like great shows too and we like also to have fun, but I would say that we would not make a big show every single time possible.

Furthermore, back in Switzerland we discuss banning firework in general because of the pollution it makes. In my opinion it is a way to do something against the global warming or the climate change, but it is not a main part of the pollution. So, in Australia this discussion has not taken place yet. Probably they will discuss it in future. In generally we can say that the climate change is a topic they discuss quite a lot here. But the main reason for the discussion is the sea and the plastic in the ocean. So, it is different. We now know, there is half of the globe between Switzerland and Australia. They enjoy life more in the moments they can. The Australian live in general more for the moment, which is nice, I think.

Back in Switzerland, I will try to combine the two different cultures. I am sure I will be a Swiss with their long-term view and the safeties they want. But I will try to enjoy the moments more than to wait for a moment in the future, like we do sometimes.

I feel good in Australia, the people are kind and I like to live here.

Cheers Luc Fitzi