Victorians Who Retired To Cairns Begin Their Queenslanderfication By Adding Pineapple To Every Meal

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Lara and Glen Waverley (both 73) have only lived in the Far North Queensland city of Cairns for six months now.

After both deciding they couldn't handle one more Victorian winter, the two retirees decided to cash in on the kids inheritance and relocate to a 3-bedder penthouse on the Esplanade with an ocean view.

They are just two of thousands of Victorians who have chosen to spend their twilight years in the Deep North, in a migration wave not unsimilar to the ageing New Yorkers who flee to the Florida sun.

Collaquially known as the 'Vicnortherners' - this cohort of post-war Australians are often met with quite the culture shock.

Glen says it took him a while to realise that North Queenslanders use the word 'aye' as both a full stop or an exclamation mark, depending on the context what they are saying.

On top of that, they've realised theres not much point talking to locals about the AFL outside of the finals series.

"We don't mind rugby league. It's very exciting on a local level" says Lara.

"Quite violent though"

However, it was the cuisine that came as the biggest shock for Lara and Glen.

"I really was surprised." says Lara.

"These people love tomato sauce but they hate sliced tomato. It's a funny irony"

Glen agrees.

"The beer is funny up here too. All the regulars down at the pubs drink mid-strength. In schooners. Sometimes pots. I found it interesting because in Melbourne you'd only drink pints of full-strength if you wanted to make a go of it. These fellas don't seem to fussed about getting pissed. It's all about having something in their hands"

But it was the inclusion of sweet and tropical fruits in every day meals that felt the most foreign.

"Have you ever had pineapple on muesli?" asks Lara.

"I hadn't. But it's a treat"

Glen echoes her sentiment.

"Yes we've definitely had our head in the sand when it comes to pineapple. Now we put it on our burgers, pizzas - even in a pasta. It's delicious"

The couple say it's not just pineapple though, they are now partial to throwing sliced strawberries and peaches into their salads as well.

"Before we moved to Cairns, I even thought mixing pear with parmesan and rocket was a bit out there. How wrong I was"

"Wait till you try the toasted banana sandwich. It's a game changer"