The land of weather - Melbourne. I grew up in Southern California but moved here when the global financial crisis knocked the mythical American Dream out cold.

Everyone seemed rich when I arrived in Australia because there was a strong middle class with a disposable income, but living standards have changed significantly in the last five years.

However, Australia (Melbourne) is way better off than Los Angeles, and I'm thankful I'm still here. I couldn't believe Australians got four weeks paid holiday, TEN sick days, bereavement, long service, and other benefits. Imagine that. The US is so messed up, and we don't even get decent, affordable health care.

Aside from the bizarre, unpredictable weather and unaffordable property market, I've settled into Melbourne. However, Australians should boast about the birds. This country has the best backyard birds, and then, there are more mythical bird beasts in the bush. Lyrebirds! Cassowary dinosaur, crazy, big bird with a claw! Cockatoos, emus, bin chicken, rosellas! Oh, my! Ha.

Seriously, it's a beautiful country with prehistoric creatures. I love it.