We’ve all felt it. Lost somewhere in a European dream world, the pull of home has struck us all. You can’t really escape it, but then again you don’t really want to. It’s part of who you are; part of your makeup; of your soul. Sure, we all do a decent job of assimilating into other countries. We all love being immersed in a different culture. But every so often, just once in a while, the call of ‘Straya flares up, and we need a little taste of home.
Previously, this meant finding some tiny, weird little Australian-themed bar, or sitting up till all hours watching old episodes of ‘Who Dares Wins‘ on YouTube. And that was ok, sort of. Sure, the decor at the pub leans a little too heavily on the weird, creepy mid-20th century Australiana for their decorations (lord knows how they managed to find one Skippy melamine plate for the walls, let alone half a dozen) and the Coopers they have in the fridge is the export version with the roo sticker on the neck which doesn’t travel particularly well. And sure, the video quality on the YouTube vids leaves a lot to be desired, but at least whoever uploaded it left all the ads in to complete the full 1997 Prime 7 experience.
But fear not, dear travellers! There’s a new method to get a quick and easy hit of home while you are abroad. Travel Insurance Direct has just launched the Homesick Hotline; a nifty little 1800 number that directs you to a bunch of sort sounds from back home.
The hotline, which is literally 1800 STRAYA, has a whole bunch of sound samples of the quintessential Australian experience. There’s everything in there, from classics like “the roar of the crowd at the MCG,” and “waves crashing at Bondi Beach,” to things like “being on hold with Centrelink indefinitely,” and “your neighbour filling his wheelie bin with empties.”
Hell, there’s even a sly dig at Sydney‘s much-loathed lockout laws as well. Because it wouldn’t be an Australian hotline without mercilessly taking the piss out of something.
The best part is you don’t have to be overseas to get involved; the number is open to everyone. Give it a dial now, why don’t ya. It’s just 1800 STRAYA (or 1800 787 292).
*sniff* It… it’s BEAUTIFUL.
Source: Travel Insurance Direct.
Photo: James D. Morgan/Getty.
