Things I Have Learned Thus Far in Australia

1. People are never in a hurry.

I hate this. I hate slow walkers and have constantly been weaving my way in and out and around sauntering Aussies. Aren't you trying to get somewhere? Also, beach time actually exists here. If someone wants to meet you at 10, come at 10:30. If the bus says it will come at 9:00, it could come at 9:00, could be 9:10, might just not come, whatever it feels like.

2. Make sure you plug your American hair dryer into a converter before you plug it into the wall.

The first time, I did remember this, the second time, I did not. I plugged my my hair dryer into the wall and a firework came out. Literal sparks and flames and a loud pop-a firework. Needless to say, I will NOT be forgetting the converter again.

3. Look left, right, left when crossing the street.

People drive on the other side of the road here. The first time I was on a bus here I didn't realize this and legitimately thought the bus was going to crash into the cars when it turned the corner-it was terrifying. Although I am a bit more comfortable with this now, I still can't master which way to look when crossing the street and have seen my life flash before my eyes several times... You also have to learn to walk on the other side of the sidewalk and the stairs, etc. too. It's weird and probably something I will never quite be one hundred percent used to.

4. Don't eat at India Jewels.

I was so hungry and it was the only place open on campus on a Sunday, so I ate there. I spent the entire next day in bed with food poisoning. All I have to say is, thank god we got our toilet fixed a few days ago or things would have gotten real awkward real fast... This was the first and hopefully only day I can say was pretty miserable in Sydney.

5. Always wear tennis shoes.

You walk EVERYWHERE. UPHILL. ALL DAY LONG. I have blisters galore and an incredibly toned lower body now.

6. However, don't wear flip flops or tennis shoes when you go out.

You are not allowed into any club with this type of footwear and you WILL be turned away.

7. Don't ask for food "to go."

The response will be, "to go where...?" The correct terminology is take away. You are required to ask for your food for take away as soon as you order it. You cannot consume half of your meal and then ask to take half home. That doesn't fly here.

8. Don't tip.

Tipping doesn't exist here. Also, customer service doesn't exist here. Tax is included in the price. So you pay what you see, which is nice in a way.

9. Learn to deal with cockroaches.

They are everywhere. Seal your food up, kill them if you see them, and stop freaking out. Unless I see one in my bedroom... Then I think I have permission to freak out.

10. Don't pack jewelry, make up, or a straightener when you come to Australia.

You won't use them. I laugh now at the amount of unnecessary things I packed. For example, a peacoat. Not sure when I was planning on wearing that.. It is so casual at the beach and you are always so busy that you don't have time or need to wear or use these things. There are certain going out areas that are very fancy, but for the most part, I've been rocking the tank top, denim shorts, flip flops, wet beach wave hair, no make up look, and loving it. I love the Australian style of dress, and I can't wait to go shopping one of these days!



More lingo (I swear I learn more everyday.. it is almost a different language!):

sheila: female
keen: interested
heaps: a lot of
take away: take out
toilet: bathroom/restroom
shopping center: mall
diary: planner
stationary: paper
'stralia: Australia