Culture

Tourism and culture has since long had a symbiotic relationship. While tourism is about traveling through distances, culture is often seen as the motivation for travel. Culture can be defined as a process, a particular way of life for a certain group of people. The two main elements in cultural tourism are the search for learning and the search for authenticity. This opens up the discussion of what is authentic and to whom. It is argued that authenticity is in the eye of the beholder. It has also been argued to be the new romanticism, where people are in quest for their spirituality and new encounters.

After I visted Melbournes Immigration museum, I started thinking about Australias long history of Immigration, and how that is connected to the culture here .

Australia as a nation is built on immigration, from the first settlers arriving in New South Wales 1788, to the convict era, the gold rush and forward to immigration today. The European settlers came in and claimed the land as their own, ignoring the fact that the aboriginals had been here for over 40,000 years. 1835 the first settlers arrived in Victoria at Port Philip Bay. From then on Victoria and Melbourne have grown into one of the most multicultural locations in the world. Reasons for migrating to Australia has been as many as there have been migrants. The journey by sea in the 19^th century was often long and painful. During the 2^nd world war people flew to Australia for political reasons. Others were forced to leave as in the case of Britain’s child migrants. Often forgotten, these children where sent to english colonies over the world. They where promised a better life, yet most found it difficult and grew up under rough conditions, little love and attention and often being abused. The reason for this was that Britian  wanted to keep the 'white stock' in their colonies, Australia being one of them.

Other stories reflect happiness once arriving on Australia’s shores after fleeing poverty, political unrest and social discrimination. Regardless of the reason, it is evident Immigration is as much Australia as the beaches surrounding its shores.

The one thing that stands out at the museum is the feeling of connecting with other cultures and heritages. Once leaving the visitor view Melbourne and Australia as a country of hope and happiness. The common theme throughout eras of migration was one of new beginnings. I started reflecting over my own identity, where I come from and what my family story looks like. While the stories in the Immigration museum reflect life’s and journeys of others, I could not help to think what my story would look like one day.