A lot of people joked around with me asking me if I was going to come home speaking in an Aussie accent. Well, I don't think I'm going to be speaking like an Australian, but I certainly have picked up on some of the lingo.
I was writing an email to my adviser the other day. I was asking her to approve me on claws to that I could register. I noticed that I typed "enrolment" with one L, rather than 2. This happened again when I was typing a paper--I typed organisation with an S instead of a Z. I have also become accustomed to adding the U into words. For example, it is harboUr, coloUr, and flavoUr.
It isn't just my spelling, though. I even catch myself saying some Aussie words! I call my roommates "flatmates" instinctively. I also say "heaps" in the context of "That was HEAPS of fun!" I no longer order fries, but rather I ask for "chips". Potato chips in Oz are actually called crisps. The same applies for peppers. They are called capsicum here, so that is what I call them. Every once in awhile, I even catch myself saying mate! And while I don't do it frequently, I do say "cheers" every once in awhile rather than a tradition US farewell phrase.
There are some phrases that I'm getting pretty used to hearing, so it may be a matter of time before I wind up saying them myself. A common way Aussies greet one another is by saying "how're you going?" I'm pretty sure that'll be the one that gets me next! Coming in second is "dodgy." If something is subpar, the Aussie's will say it's dodgy. Kind of catchy, eh?
However, there are some words that I think it is safe to say that I will never spell/use. The one at the top of my list is "aluminium." Yes, that is aluminum. They spell it with the extra I, and they say it as Al-you-min-E-Yum. Also, cantaloupe is referred to as rockmelon. I felt like an idiot when I asked what it was and she pointed at a chunk of cantaloupe. Oh, and perhaps the most ridiculous one I have encountered (and yes, I actually heard it used!) was "sparrow's fart." This means dawn. If I ever say that I have to be up at sparrow's fart, it is certainly time to come home.
Because I live with a French guy, I also say piss (peace) off. I think that is only because it "piss"es him off, though.
That's all I've got for now, but look out for another update this week with pictures and spring break plans!
Good arvo (afternoon)!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
What's up?
Just an update on what I've been up to. : )
This past week was a monster. I had so much school work to do and hardly anytime to do it! I had a presentation to work on(and a partner to do it with), an 800 word paper review, 50 pages to read, 3 computer assignments, and and online quiz to take. In addition, it was Vegard and Lilian's birthdays so there was plenty of celebrating to be had!
I baked a cake for my roommates and it was amazing. Charles (that French kid I live with haha) probably ate more of it than even the birthday people! But what can I say...I bake a damn good cake!
Monday was $8 movie monday, so Ryan, Charles, myself, and Vegard saw Alice In Wonderland for Vegard's birthday. It was pretty good. Great soundtrack!
Tuesday I worked on a lot of homework and tried to plan my spring break. I think we've changed our minds about a million times now. But we finally decided! We're going to spend 7 days in the northern territory. A couple days in Darwin hiking and hanging out with the crocs, and then a couple in Alice Springs checking out King's Canyon, the Olgas, and Uluru. I'm pretty stoked, actually. We get to legitimately camp in the outback! We sleep in heavy duty sleeping bags (swag) right under the stars--equipped with a bug net and everything. It's kind of funny because several people I've met want to spend their break lounging on the beaches, hanging out in paradise, etc--but I want to go hiking and camping. Either way, I am incredibly excited!
Wednesday is usually Ranch night, but I honestly don't remember if we went to the Ranch. I am pretty sure we did with Ryan's roommate...who left a very unflattering smell haha.
Thursday was a TOGA PARTY at the Ubar. It was so much fun. We wrapped sheets around ourselves then walked to the bar. There was actually a line to get in. Ryan and I met 2 fellas in line, both locals. They were pretty nice guys. Because it was so crowded, I figured I'd get drinks for me, Ry, and Lil. I fought my way to the counter at the bar just to discover that I could only buy 2 drinks. But the battle to the counter was not easy. I stood sideways so that I could get my hand on the counter and pull myself forward. The guy beside be did the same. He was about a foot taller than me and probably around the same size. He was pressing his body against me, trying to knock me over! Then the guy behind me was cheering for me to get to the bar before the pushy guy! It was crazy. I couldn't even move because it was wall to wall bodies. Then I searched for Ryan for like 30 mins and couldn't find him because there were so many people! I did, however, find to Aussie fellas that I met in line. I sat with them for about 20 mins before I finally found Ryan. I also ran into the bouncer from the Ranch who asked me how Ryan's roommate was--he remembered the nasty smell haha! Then we dashed off to the dancefloor which was lit with blacklights and crowded with people wrapped in sheets. T'was a good night!
Friday was an early start. I had to turn a paper in before we went to the zoo at 9am, so I was up by 7am after going to bed at 3am. Toronga Zoo was awesome. Whoever constructed the layout is absolutely amazing. The whole entire zoo is built into a hill. You take a cable car or bus to the top and work your way down, all while receiving an amazing view of Sydney and the bridge and opera house. Something very interesting I noticed about the zoo was the way animals were caged. The koalas for example, were not in a giant cage. They were hanging out in trees that a walkway was built around. There was no fence between you and the koala. The zoo was very interactive. You could walk into the exhibits with birds, kangaroos, emus, etc. We saw the bird and seal shows. The bird show was breathtaking. I can't even describe how amazing and well trained these birds were. And the seal show was equally as good--full of laughs! They made a joke about the California Sealion saying he laughs like an American, then the seal would do this really annoying laugh sound for EVER. It was funny, and quite American lol. We also watched a spider show. Thank GOD they didn't take any of them out of the containers.
That night, we celebrated Lil's birthday with a small party in our flat. It was truly one of the most fun nights I've had. We played cards, thumper, flip cup, etc and it wasn't too big. Everyone was having a good time. And then Charles started feeding people. He also thought he was invincible and kept pounding his injured hand on the table. Silly France. He also did a few other things that night, but I won't blog about them. ;)
Anyway, I had a blast, and so did Lil! What a great 21st.
Then Saturday we got up bright and early and dressed to impress for the Royal Randwick Horse Races! Charles told me I looked like I was getting married, so I told him to piss off. Anyway, the races were so much fun. I bet on a couple of horses...and lost. But it was still fun! Then we got rained on, but there was an amazing rainbow so it balanced out. I definitely would like to go again. Then me, Ry, Vegard, Lil and her sister Elda walked to Fox Studios. We intended on going bowling or seeing a comedy show, but turns out that Tuesdays are the cheap days (Tightass Tuesdays) so we'll be back! Instead we ate at a bar--the Fox and Lion. It was good. Then we hopped into a couple of cabs and headed for King's Cross where we found a nice little bar with cheap drinks! We spent awhile there, took a few shots with inappropriate names, then got rained on while trying to get back home! Either way, it was fun.
Then I got up Sunday morning and did homework all day, except for when I went to the shopping center for a break--once with Ry, once with France. I went to bed by midnight, and it was great!
I would add some pics, but the internet is flakey here.
Love from Sydney~!
This past week was a monster. I had so much school work to do and hardly anytime to do it! I had a presentation to work on(and a partner to do it with), an 800 word paper review, 50 pages to read, 3 computer assignments, and and online quiz to take. In addition, it was Vegard and Lilian's birthdays so there was plenty of celebrating to be had!
I baked a cake for my roommates and it was amazing. Charles (that French kid I live with haha) probably ate more of it than even the birthday people! But what can I say...I bake a damn good cake!
Monday was $8 movie monday, so Ryan, Charles, myself, and Vegard saw Alice In Wonderland for Vegard's birthday. It was pretty good. Great soundtrack!
Tuesday I worked on a lot of homework and tried to plan my spring break. I think we've changed our minds about a million times now. But we finally decided! We're going to spend 7 days in the northern territory. A couple days in Darwin hiking and hanging out with the crocs, and then a couple in Alice Springs checking out King's Canyon, the Olgas, and Uluru. I'm pretty stoked, actually. We get to legitimately camp in the outback! We sleep in heavy duty sleeping bags (swag) right under the stars--equipped with a bug net and everything. It's kind of funny because several people I've met want to spend their break lounging on the beaches, hanging out in paradise, etc--but I want to go hiking and camping. Either way, I am incredibly excited!
Wednesday is usually Ranch night, but I honestly don't remember if we went to the Ranch. I am pretty sure we did with Ryan's roommate...who left a very unflattering smell haha.
Thursday was a TOGA PARTY at the Ubar. It was so much fun. We wrapped sheets around ourselves then walked to the bar. There was actually a line to get in. Ryan and I met 2 fellas in line, both locals. They were pretty nice guys. Because it was so crowded, I figured I'd get drinks for me, Ry, and Lil. I fought my way to the counter at the bar just to discover that I could only buy 2 drinks. But the battle to the counter was not easy. I stood sideways so that I could get my hand on the counter and pull myself forward. The guy beside be did the same. He was about a foot taller than me and probably around the same size. He was pressing his body against me, trying to knock me over! Then the guy behind me was cheering for me to get to the bar before the pushy guy! It was crazy. I couldn't even move because it was wall to wall bodies. Then I searched for Ryan for like 30 mins and couldn't find him because there were so many people! I did, however, find to Aussie fellas that I met in line. I sat with them for about 20 mins before I finally found Ryan. I also ran into the bouncer from the Ranch who asked me how Ryan's roommate was--he remembered the nasty smell haha! Then we dashed off to the dancefloor which was lit with blacklights and crowded with people wrapped in sheets. T'was a good night!
Friday was an early start. I had to turn a paper in before we went to the zoo at 9am, so I was up by 7am after going to bed at 3am. Toronga Zoo was awesome. Whoever constructed the layout is absolutely amazing. The whole entire zoo is built into a hill. You take a cable car or bus to the top and work your way down, all while receiving an amazing view of Sydney and the bridge and opera house. Something very interesting I noticed about the zoo was the way animals were caged. The koalas for example, were not in a giant cage. They were hanging out in trees that a walkway was built around. There was no fence between you and the koala. The zoo was very interactive. You could walk into the exhibits with birds, kangaroos, emus, etc. We saw the bird and seal shows. The bird show was breathtaking. I can't even describe how amazing and well trained these birds were. And the seal show was equally as good--full of laughs! They made a joke about the California Sealion saying he laughs like an American, then the seal would do this really annoying laugh sound for EVER. It was funny, and quite American lol. We also watched a spider show. Thank GOD they didn't take any of them out of the containers.
That night, we celebrated Lil's birthday with a small party in our flat. It was truly one of the most fun nights I've had. We played cards, thumper, flip cup, etc and it wasn't too big. Everyone was having a good time. And then Charles started feeding people. He also thought he was invincible and kept pounding his injured hand on the table. Silly France. He also did a few other things that night, but I won't blog about them. ;)
Anyway, I had a blast, and so did Lil! What a great 21st.
Then Saturday we got up bright and early and dressed to impress for the Royal Randwick Horse Races! Charles told me I looked like I was getting married, so I told him to piss off. Anyway, the races were so much fun. I bet on a couple of horses...and lost. But it was still fun! Then we got rained on, but there was an amazing rainbow so it balanced out. I definitely would like to go again. Then me, Ry, Vegard, Lil and her sister Elda walked to Fox Studios. We intended on going bowling or seeing a comedy show, but turns out that Tuesdays are the cheap days (Tightass Tuesdays) so we'll be back! Instead we ate at a bar--the Fox and Lion. It was good. Then we hopped into a couple of cabs and headed for King's Cross where we found a nice little bar with cheap drinks! We spent awhile there, took a few shots with inappropriate names, then got rained on while trying to get back home! Either way, it was fun.
Then I got up Sunday morning and did homework all day, except for when I went to the shopping center for a break--once with Ry, once with France. I went to bed by midnight, and it was great!
I would add some pics, but the internet is flakey here.
Love from Sydney~!
Monday, March 8, 2010
A day in the life...
I haven't really talked too much about what I personally have been up to, so here it is!
I thought it'd be cool to start with my typical week.
***Monday: Wake up around 10, eat, gym by 11, work out til 12, shower, class 1-5, home, homework, dinner w/Ry, $8 movie monday, hang out, sleep
***Tuesday: Dread waking up at 8:30 because I stayed up too late, pass back out until 9:30, realize that I have 30 mins to get ready and make it to a class 15 mins away, occasionally decide that it isn't really a big deal because I watch my lectures online anyway, get up and check blackboard/eat. Class 12-1. Skype. class 5-7, come back and FML because class is hard, dinner, hang out, go to bed early compared to last night
***Wednesday: up at 9, breakfast, gym by 10, work out til 11ish, shower, class 12-2, back to the flat, try to understand my homework, class 6-9, come back, dress for the club, have some cheap boxed wine, walk to the Ranch for HUMP DAY! buy a rum and coke, sit on the patio and engage in deep conversation with various europeans, have a couple more drinks, attempt to dance to techno, come back to the flat around 2am, make food, sleep
***Thursday: wake up whenever, make food, gym if I have time before class, class 2-3, campus for an hour, shopping center, homework, eat dinner, commence the card games, head to the Ubar for an awesome night, sleep.
***Friday: NO CLASS! get up, eat, go downtown or to the beach, something like that.
***Saturday: Same deal as Friday
***Sunday: Lounge around and homework
Aussies party on Wed and Thurs. Fri and Sat they go out. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday...NOTHING happens. They do work. I will learn to do that too, eventually.
And now...some of the things I've done!
One of the first things I did upon getting here, other than shopping, was attend a bus tour of Sydney. It was quite nice--took us through the heart of the city, as well as around some of the suburbs.
My campus had O-week, so I played a giant version of Jenga and checked out the clubs. I also enjoyed The Hangover on a huge inflatable screen by the lake. Yeah, Macquarie has a lake Marian complete with fountain. The difference? No goose poop, and everything is bigger...even the fountain.
I also went on a cruise on the harbour where I got to mingle and take some pretty sweet pictures of the bridge and opera house.
I frequent the Ranch, which is a bar/club catty corner to my apartment. It is the hot spot to be on Wednesday nights! I also hang at the Ubar every Thursday. It's weird having a bar on campus and being able to drink on campus. Anyway, it's always a lot of fun--good company. They also do events, so last Thursday was PJ night, and this Thurs is toga party! I think 2 weeks ago I went to a concert/party at the Ubar. There were so many people. Ryan and I split up and it took us probably a good 30-40 mins before we ran into each other again. CRAAAAAZY.
I have gone to 3 beaches; Bondi, Manly, and Coogee. Bondi is HUGE and home to a tv series "Bondi Rescue", which showcases the lifeguards saving people...of course. Anyway, it's a very large beach, attractive to tourists and locals. It's usually quite busy, but the surf is pretty epic. Manly is a bit smaller, but still has a good surf. It isn't as crowded with tourists, either. And Coogee, my favorite, is just a small beach visited predominantly by the locals surrounding it. The waves probably aren't the best for surfing, but everything else is made of win. There is an entirely rock area to the North of the beach. It encloses a little gulf of water so you can swim without fighting the waves. You can also climb up the stones and get an amazing view. Love it.
I also attended Sydney's gay and lesbian mardi gras. It was crazy, that's all I can say! Lasted for 2.5 hours and kicked off with "dykes on bikes". We got there probably 4 hours before the start and it was already getting crowded. It was definitely a big deal.
I went to the Powerhouse Museum. They had an 80s exhibit that was pretty sweet. Saw MJs sequin glove. The museum is probably Sydney's version of the museum of science and industry in Chicago.
I went to a rugby game. I understand 3 things: No passing to teammates in front of you, get the ball to the opponents goal, and tackle the shit out of anyone with the ball. It was fun, though. I wish I understood it more. Ooo and I got a meat pie, which is apparently what the Aussies eat at sporting events. That and a nice cold beer. These chaps can certainly drink!
I have wandered around random parts of Sydney on numerous occasions. Usually I have a goal and full intentions of winding up somewhere, but people apparently suck at directions because Ry and I can never find the places they tell us about! Anyway, it's not a bad thing!
I encounter something new every week, so until next time, g'day mates!
I thought it'd be cool to start with my typical week.
***Monday: Wake up around 10, eat, gym by 11, work out til 12, shower, class 1-5, home, homework, dinner w/Ry, $8 movie monday, hang out, sleep
***Tuesday: Dread waking up at 8:30 because I stayed up too late, pass back out until 9:30, realize that I have 30 mins to get ready and make it to a class 15 mins away, occasionally decide that it isn't really a big deal because I watch my lectures online anyway, get up and check blackboard/eat. Class 12-1. Skype. class 5-7, come back and FML because class is hard, dinner, hang out, go to bed early compared to last night
***Wednesday: up at 9, breakfast, gym by 10, work out til 11ish, shower, class 12-2, back to the flat, try to understand my homework, class 6-9, come back, dress for the club, have some cheap boxed wine, walk to the Ranch for HUMP DAY! buy a rum and coke, sit on the patio and engage in deep conversation with various europeans, have a couple more drinks, attempt to dance to techno, come back to the flat around 2am, make food, sleep
***Thursday: wake up whenever, make food, gym if I have time before class, class 2-3, campus for an hour, shopping center, homework, eat dinner, commence the card games, head to the Ubar for an awesome night, sleep.
***Friday: NO CLASS! get up, eat, go downtown or to the beach, something like that.
***Saturday: Same deal as Friday
***Sunday: Lounge around and homework
Aussies party on Wed and Thurs. Fri and Sat they go out. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday...NOTHING happens. They do work. I will learn to do that too, eventually.
And now...some of the things I've done!
One of the first things I did upon getting here, other than shopping, was attend a bus tour of Sydney. It was quite nice--took us through the heart of the city, as well as around some of the suburbs.
My campus had O-week, so I played a giant version of Jenga and checked out the clubs. I also enjoyed The Hangover on a huge inflatable screen by the lake. Yeah, Macquarie has a lake Marian complete with fountain. The difference? No goose poop, and everything is bigger...even the fountain.
I also went on a cruise on the harbour where I got to mingle and take some pretty sweet pictures of the bridge and opera house.
I frequent the Ranch, which is a bar/club catty corner to my apartment. It is the hot spot to be on Wednesday nights! I also hang at the Ubar every Thursday. It's weird having a bar on campus and being able to drink on campus. Anyway, it's always a lot of fun--good company. They also do events, so last Thursday was PJ night, and this Thurs is toga party! I think 2 weeks ago I went to a concert/party at the Ubar. There were so many people. Ryan and I split up and it took us probably a good 30-40 mins before we ran into each other again. CRAAAAAZY.
I have gone to 3 beaches; Bondi, Manly, and Coogee. Bondi is HUGE and home to a tv series "Bondi Rescue", which showcases the lifeguards saving people...of course. Anyway, it's a very large beach, attractive to tourists and locals. It's usually quite busy, but the surf is pretty epic. Manly is a bit smaller, but still has a good surf. It isn't as crowded with tourists, either. And Coogee, my favorite, is just a small beach visited predominantly by the locals surrounding it. The waves probably aren't the best for surfing, but everything else is made of win. There is an entirely rock area to the North of the beach. It encloses a little gulf of water so you can swim without fighting the waves. You can also climb up the stones and get an amazing view. Love it.
I also attended Sydney's gay and lesbian mardi gras. It was crazy, that's all I can say! Lasted for 2.5 hours and kicked off with "dykes on bikes". We got there probably 4 hours before the start and it was already getting crowded. It was definitely a big deal.
I went to the Powerhouse Museum. They had an 80s exhibit that was pretty sweet. Saw MJs sequin glove. The museum is probably Sydney's version of the museum of science and industry in Chicago.
I went to a rugby game. I understand 3 things: No passing to teammates in front of you, get the ball to the opponents goal, and tackle the shit out of anyone with the ball. It was fun, though. I wish I understood it more. Ooo and I got a meat pie, which is apparently what the Aussies eat at sporting events. That and a nice cold beer. These chaps can certainly drink!
I have wandered around random parts of Sydney on numerous occasions. Usually I have a goal and full intentions of winding up somewhere, but people apparently suck at directions because Ry and I can never find the places they tell us about! Anyway, it's not a bad thing!
I encounter something new every week, so until next time, g'day mates!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
It's kind of like home...
The city of Sydney is extremely diverse. There are people from all parts of the world. However, it's not just an influx of people from various parts of the world--Australians themselves are diverse. It still surprises me a bit every time I hear a bunch of Asians talking with Aussie accents. Speaking of, there is a very large Asian influence in Australia. As bad as this is going to sound, Asians in Australia are the equivalent of Mexicans in the US, in both the positive and negative ways.
I’ve noticed that Australians are very environmentally conscious. Recycling and going green isn’t a trend here—it is a way of life. There are recycle bins nearly everywhere, and when there are not, you can usually notice a sign on the garbage bin that states that the garbage company sorts through the “rubbish.” Many buses have panels stating that they are reducing carbon emissions, etc. Even people I have met from various European countries take our environment seriously, and something such as flicking a cigarette butt into the street is heartbreaking to them.
All and all, I find Sydneysiders to be genuinely nice people, interested in making sure everyone is having a good time. However, Jon tells me that Aussies from other cities will agree that Sydney is the rudest city. If I think they’re nice here, I cannot even imagine how they are every where else!
I am still new to the area and have only met a handful of Aussies, but the stereotypes I had of the people here are being emphasized in some senses, completely reevaluated in others. Aside from the lingo and the tan, there are some subtle things that really enhance the Aussie lifestyle. For example, Aussies drive on the left side of the road so naturally, they walk on the left side of the pathways. This doesn’t seem like a big deal, but you notice it everywhere you go! The music in clubs is usually techno and the style of dance is a bit different--people just jump around. And I've definitely noticed that men, regardless of their sexual preference, will wear short shorts. There is so much more, but I couldn’t possibly list them all! I will update as it comes to me, though!
The transportation system in Sydney is nice, but it's no Chicago. The trains and buses are very nice. They all seem fairly new, or at least VERY well kept. The trains are actually double decker, which is very interesting to me. I will ride on the upper level before I leave. The buses are fairly cozy, but don't sit in the back or you'll get a headache. The ferry is pretty basic and has a nice indoor seating area, as well as a bar for beverages/snacks. There is outdoor seating as well, but it fills up fast. When the gates open people just pile in. I have yet to experience the monorail or a cab, but I'm sure the day will happen. The system has its fair share of downfalls, though. Most trains run every half hour opposed to every few minutes. Buses seem a bit more frequent, but they are not quite as fast. The city works in zones, so the closer you are to your destination, the cheaper your ticket will be. Also, there are student concession stickers, but study abroad students are not viewed as Australian students by the city, so we will be lucky if we can get one. My hopes are high, though. This would make tickets half priced. My biggest pet peeve about the system though is that while on the train, there is no message declaring which stop you are approaching. It is a pain in the bum to try to read the station signs as you approach.
Shopping is chaos. People are crazy when they’re going down the aisles! They will try to pass you when there is oncoming trolley (shopping cart) traffic, even if you’re walking! And lines…don’t get me started! It seems to be commonplace to have only 1 or 2 employees at the register, even during busy hours. I waited for 15 mins to pay for 3 items, and this happens frequently!
Along with shopping is cost: Things here are pricy! Wine, clothes, and fruit are the cheapest items for purchase--everything else is easily double, if not triple the cost it would be at home. For Aussies, it all balances out. Their minimum wages are double what ours are.
The food is very similar to what we find at home in the sense that there is Asian, Italian, and Mexican foods, etc. BBQs are different. Replace burgers, brats, and hotdogs with sausages and you’ve got it! And typically the sausage is just wrapped in bread, no fancy buns. Food for purchase in the store is quite similar to home, only in smaller portions with different names. Most food does not have preservatives here, which is a blessing and a curse. It tastes better, in my opinion. Candies, or confectioneries as they are called, are very sweet, courtesy of real sugar. Soda is also made with sugar, so think pepsi throw back, only it's coke! Even fast food places, such as McDonalds (Maccas) taste different…and are probably healthier. However, food spoils a wee bit quicker, and considering I find such things rather pricey compared to the states, this is a major negative. Looks like I'll be freezing my bread! Also, portions are significantly smaller than compared to the US. My body is still adjusting to the lesser food intake and the more active lifestyle.
I think that’s all I’ve got for now, so as the Aussies would say, cheers mate!
I’ve noticed that Australians are very environmentally conscious. Recycling and going green isn’t a trend here—it is a way of life. There are recycle bins nearly everywhere, and when there are not, you can usually notice a sign on the garbage bin that states that the garbage company sorts through the “rubbish.” Many buses have panels stating that they are reducing carbon emissions, etc. Even people I have met from various European countries take our environment seriously, and something such as flicking a cigarette butt into the street is heartbreaking to them.
All and all, I find Sydneysiders to be genuinely nice people, interested in making sure everyone is having a good time. However, Jon tells me that Aussies from other cities will agree that Sydney is the rudest city. If I think they’re nice here, I cannot even imagine how they are every where else!
I am still new to the area and have only met a handful of Aussies, but the stereotypes I had of the people here are being emphasized in some senses, completely reevaluated in others. Aside from the lingo and the tan, there are some subtle things that really enhance the Aussie lifestyle. For example, Aussies drive on the left side of the road so naturally, they walk on the left side of the pathways. This doesn’t seem like a big deal, but you notice it everywhere you go! The music in clubs is usually techno and the style of dance is a bit different--people just jump around. And I've definitely noticed that men, regardless of their sexual preference, will wear short shorts. There is so much more, but I couldn’t possibly list them all! I will update as it comes to me, though!
The transportation system in Sydney is nice, but it's no Chicago. The trains and buses are very nice. They all seem fairly new, or at least VERY well kept. The trains are actually double decker, which is very interesting to me. I will ride on the upper level before I leave. The buses are fairly cozy, but don't sit in the back or you'll get a headache. The ferry is pretty basic and has a nice indoor seating area, as well as a bar for beverages/snacks. There is outdoor seating as well, but it fills up fast. When the gates open people just pile in. I have yet to experience the monorail or a cab, but I'm sure the day will happen. The system has its fair share of downfalls, though. Most trains run every half hour opposed to every few minutes. Buses seem a bit more frequent, but they are not quite as fast. The city works in zones, so the closer you are to your destination, the cheaper your ticket will be. Also, there are student concession stickers, but study abroad students are not viewed as Australian students by the city, so we will be lucky if we can get one. My hopes are high, though. This would make tickets half priced. My biggest pet peeve about the system though is that while on the train, there is no message declaring which stop you are approaching. It is a pain in the bum to try to read the station signs as you approach.
Shopping is chaos. People are crazy when they’re going down the aisles! They will try to pass you when there is oncoming trolley (shopping cart) traffic, even if you’re walking! And lines…don’t get me started! It seems to be commonplace to have only 1 or 2 employees at the register, even during busy hours. I waited for 15 mins to pay for 3 items, and this happens frequently!
Along with shopping is cost: Things here are pricy! Wine, clothes, and fruit are the cheapest items for purchase--everything else is easily double, if not triple the cost it would be at home. For Aussies, it all balances out. Their minimum wages are double what ours are.
The food is very similar to what we find at home in the sense that there is Asian, Italian, and Mexican foods, etc. BBQs are different. Replace burgers, brats, and hotdogs with sausages and you’ve got it! And typically the sausage is just wrapped in bread, no fancy buns. Food for purchase in the store is quite similar to home, only in smaller portions with different names. Most food does not have preservatives here, which is a blessing and a curse. It tastes better, in my opinion. Candies, or confectioneries as they are called, are very sweet, courtesy of real sugar. Soda is also made with sugar, so think pepsi throw back, only it's coke! Even fast food places, such as McDonalds (Maccas) taste different…and are probably healthier. However, food spoils a wee bit quicker, and considering I find such things rather pricey compared to the states, this is a major negative. Looks like I'll be freezing my bread! Also, portions are significantly smaller than compared to the US. My body is still adjusting to the lesser food intake and the more active lifestyle.
I think that’s all I’ve got for now, so as the Aussies would say, cheers mate!
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