What I've got growing on this season.

[Grandmother Goose]

I grew up thinking that local stores were limited in variety due to transportation, takes a while to get here, not all produce will last long enough, but no, the problem is wastage. People won't buy what they won't eat, which is fair enough, but in this town the result of that we have very limited choices. The local kebab shop won't even stock tabouli because no one will eat it. Show people something new and they'll turn their nose up, claim they don't like that, when pressed will admit they've never tried it and don't want to. It's wild. I love this part of Australia, the red soil, the wildlife, the sunsets, the scent of the fresh dry air, the old heritage buildings... but most of the people do my head in.

 

[Mandy Onderwater]

I worked at a kebab shop for years and had to google it
We didn't sell it either - and I doubt there would've been any interest as it looks so "different" to what people were used to.

I think I got lucky that there's a few asian markets and veggie shops around here. On rare occasions I'll go to one of them and see plants I've never even heard of! The fact that there was a garlic with cloves bigger than an entire "normal" bulb did my head in, haha.

I think I'm in the same boat as you are. The area here is gorgeous. We've got plentiful beautiful marine life, boardwalks through mangroves, mountains, viewing areas, rainforests, and so much more. But there is quite a significant crime rate and alcohol-abuse here. This place would be stunning... without most of the people.