I am curious to understand cultures and learn more about them. As a traveller and a student of culture you learn so much more about the world. So when I recently travelled to Australia for Cecil’s (my brothers) wedding to Gillian, I learned a lot about Australian culture. What a way of life – Multicultural, Outdoors, Sporty, Friendly and a genuine curiosity to learn about other people’s culture.

The highlight of my trip was the wedding – Gillian is Maltese + Australian and Cecil, Indian. The wedding was attended by friends and relatives of 15 different nationalities. At the reception we all danced to Bhangra (Punjabi Indian dance) and English dance music. It was fantastic, to watch the Ozzies dance to Bhangra!



Gillian recently emailed:

Well I got onto your blog today and I have too much to say! One thing
is glaringly missing from your blog and that is your experience in Australia and comments on cross-cultural romances that are very close to home!

Sometimes we don’t realize that all cultures have much more in common than we think. I realized that the Maltese are family-loving people. Their language has its roots in Arabic. I think the Australians are open to other cultures. They are proud of being multicultural.

I visited the Immigration museum in Melbourne and was astounded that they had diaries, models of ships, tools and home weaving machines, textiles, tribute garden, family and wedding pictures inscriptions of late 18th century to early 21st century immigrants. They even restored a ship that bought in early immigrants. They even had recordings of immigration officers refusing people entry to Australia.

Excitement, Fear Disappointment, relief, A container full of belongings. A single suitcase. A ship’s dock. An airport lounge. Surrounded by family. Stepping out alone.

(From a wall plaque)

I got a free ticket to the museum, because I am a student of Indian Diasporic film and was escorted around by, Michael, of Maltese origin. Unfortunately they didn’t have much on the Indian diaspora in spite of the huge Indian population there. Hopefully one day I can go back there add to the already rich museum.

I might even suggest a “Diaspora museum” here in India on the same lines. Indians have set out far and wide to seek their fortunes and build a life. Each of them has a story to tell and a few belongings that they could share for posterity. Should I be the pioneer of a Diaspora museum in India?

For now, I think Gillian and Cecil should write their love story and send pictures to the Immigration museum. It would be a heart-warming multi-culti love story.