If Australia was a person.

Dear Australia,

As we reflect back on 2008, we truly wanted to thank you for your utmost kindness to us this past year. Let us explain, we are two young Americans who are on a working holiday here in Brisbane. You've let us in to have a working holiday (although the USA doesn't let in Aussies for a working holiday) and you continue to give us many rights, privileges and opportunities here.

A good example of your kindness was when Brian was suffering from massive sinus/allergy pains earlier this month, and needed to see a doctor about it. We weren't sure what to do since we didn't have medical or travel insurance, nor are we Australian citizens. We walked into a medical family clinic and the nice people booked Brian in to see a doctor that day, and with only one payment of $60, he was able to see a General Practitioner, get a prescription filled and we were on our way. It was amazing to think that you'd let foreigners with no insurance receive quality, precise, and quick health care with no questions asked. Even better, we are amazed to find that your citizens receive FREE universal health care! Sadly we have friends back home who either don't seek medical assistance due to no money/no health insurance, or perhaps owe thousands of dollars from health care bills incurred due to no insurance.

Additionally, we wanted to thank you for allowing us to be considered as domestic or "de facto" partners here. Because of this, we are granted equal rights as partners even though we aren't married. We thank you for recognizing that gay or straight couples are capable of having a committed, genuine and beautiful relationship even when they aren't married. Because of this, Summer is able to become sponsored under the same visa as Brian's company is issuing next year. We can also be under the same health insurance plan as partners, and share many legal privileges here. We know people back in the States who have a domestic partner (gay or straight) and yet they can't visit their partner in the emergency room, can't benefit from life/health insurance, and cannot be considered as life partners unless they have a marriage certificate to show for.

Don't get us wrong, we LOVE being Americans and have been incredibly fortunate for having been born and raised in the greatest country in the world by humble and hardworking middle class families. We were allowed a quality American education, and been given every opportunity to voice our opinions, start a business, become educated, borrow government money to become educated, vote, buy property, travel extensively, and SO much more.

We have tried to make the most of everyday here, and truly feel like we have the best of both worlds (USA and Aussie). We have had a fantastic 2008, and cannot wait to see what 2009 will bring to our Aussie experience! Your people, food, and beaches are so beautiful. We cannot wait to share it all with our friends and family who come visit us next year. Happy New Year!

Cheers,
Summer & Brian

p.s. Brian was hoping you could consider lowering your beer prices, and Summer was wondering if you could please start showing The Office (USA version)?