AKIN by Techlyon

Meet Sherri, our senior account executive and next adventurer who recently spent three weeks working remotely in the vibrant city of Brisbane. During her stay, she’s had some interesting encounters with the local wildlife (keep reading to find out!) and discovered hidden gems throughout the city.

She also brought along her trusty film camera on the trip, so let’s dive into her lens to recount her experience in the land down under!

Captured on film

1. What’s your routine like in Brisbane?‍

I’ve learned to embrace the early mornings to make the most of my days because shops in this city tend to close quite early with most shops calling it a day by 2pm. My daily routine often starts with a stroll in the park to enjoy the lush greenery. Sometimes I also like to squeeze in a workout or a coffee run! There’s something about starting the day early that sets a positive tone and infuses a sense of fulfilment into the rest of the day.

The deli sandwiches from Ham On Rye are not to be missed!

2. How do you decide where to work each day?

I like to move around! On certain days, I relish the ambience of a cafe or a park where I can sip coffee and occasionally people-watch when I need a breather. But on days crammed with meetings, I will choose to work from home so I can fully concentrate with minimal distractions.

The world really is our workplace!

3. Favourite local discoveries?

I really enjoyed visiting their local markets, wandering through the stalls filled with colourful crafts, fresh produce, and handmade goods. Heading out to explore nature was another highlight for me.

What's even better is that exercise classes in the area are budget-friendly, so I made the most of it by signing up for a mix of pilates, spin, and yoga classes!

A colour saturated place makes a great film photo

4. Favourite aspects of remote work?

Definitely the noticeable increase in productivity! Surprisingly, the initial challenges posed by the time difference have turned into a blessing in disguise. It encourages me to seize the day and make the most of my remote working experience. This newfound motivation inspires me to tackle my tasks with greater efficiency, affording me the freedom to venture out and explore.

5. Any advice for colleagues considering remote work in a foreign country?

Consider stretching your weekends by taking Fridays or Mondays off! This way, you can explore places that are farther away. I got to go on exciting road trips, hike at Mount Coot-tha, and participate in full-day events!

Gold Coast captured on film

Made it to the summit of Mount Coot-tha!

6. Share how you embraced the local culture!

I checked out Ekka, an annual agricultural show that showcases a range of attractions and activities like livestock shows, wood chopping competitions, horticultural exhibits, equestrian events, and much more! There were also thrilling performances by cowboys, daring motorcycle stunts, and impressive firework displays.

What really caught my attention was the incredible enthusiasm of the audience during these performances. Whenever the dance cam made its rounds, people wholeheartedly joined in the dancing, adding to the vibrant and exhilarating atmosphere.

7. What are some local delights you can’t resist indulging in?

I have a few! But first, Messina is my favourite gelato place in Aussie. Their weekly change of flavours had me returning for more on three separate occasions during my stay. My absolute favourites are their Signature Pistachio, which is a mix of vanilla and real pistachio nuts, and their Cone-ception flavour, featuring a combination of waffle cone gelato with cone crunch and waffle choc chip.

I’ve noticed that cafes often incorporate beetroot in their dishes. Personally, I'm not a fan of how beetroot tastes, but it's interesting how they've managed to transform it into a sweet paste that pairs surprisingly well with sourdough bread. It's a combination that I've come to enjoy!

Also, their flat whites are to die for haha.

8. Did you come across any cool Aussie critters during your visit?

Missed out on the usual koalas and kangaroos this time, but around my place, there were:

Water dragons - They love the sun and water so I often see them during my walks in the park. They’re generally harmless and don’t pay much attention to you.
Swooping birds - These birds swoop close to your head to protect their nests and eggs. I had one swoop at me, and it's quite scary as you can hear the whoosh right by you! They tend to target cyclists, which is why many of them resort to attaching cable ties to their helmets as a deterrent.

Forget your caps and bucket hats, this contraption is what keeps you safe

Thanks for sticking around until the end! Follow us on our socials to stay updated for more stories from the AKIN folks. So, who’s next?

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Remote Work Log: Sherri’s Month from the Land Down Under

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