Well mates, this may be my last blog before returning to the states. By then I'll have adventures from Tazzy and New Zealand to share with you all. I leave tomorrow for Tazzy and then I'm off to New Zealand 'til the 20th, when I fly back to LAX. Until then, this will have to keep you content along with pictures of Valentine's Day, the Queensland Reds game, Stanthorpe & Girraween and a few extras added to Where I Live. Enjoy!
There are a couple things I've been running across you may find interesting. So, here are a few random tidbits I haven't mentioned earlier about life in Australia.
Money matters... they only pay in multiples of five. K, so what does that mean? If I owe $4.74 at the grocery they'll ask for $4.75. In the same way, if my change is $0.83, I'll be given $0.85. I had heard the rumor that the U.S. may convert to this system and was skeptical. However, it works great once you're accustomed to it, which I'm still working on. They also don't have any bill smaller than $5. There are $2 coins but no $1, just $.50, $.20, $.10, $.05 (and no penny since they only pay by fives).
So, onto food. I've been asked what kind of food is "Australian?" In the words of Julia Child speaking about the U.S., Australia has a "cuisine of choice." There's no "Australian" cuisine really. Since population is centered around cities, the cuisine is multi-ethnic. Although I may have higher standards coming from California, the Mexican is incredibly sub-par. I have been told, however, to try meat pie before I leave. The produce at the grocery is all grown here in Australia and is much more flavorful. It'll be an adjustment moving back, shopping at good ol' Food 4 Less. The only thing that's uniquely Australian is kangaroo meat, which I love. It's 98% fat free, no joke! It's crazy good for you. They actually serve it to athletes of all nations at the Olympic Games!
Now for a few fun vocab terms to tide you over 'til I get back. To say thanks say "ta" or "cheers." The word for line (e.g.:the line at the grocery check-out) is "queue." In response to thanks (ta) you say, "You're alright." And one last one. They say "love" here when referring to someone. For example, I say, "Ta." They may say back, "You're alright, love." How cute is that?!
Speaking of how sweet Australians are, waiting at the bus stop last week, we were passed up four times, being that all buses were filled to capacity. As the fourth one barrels by, a woman pulls up and yells out her window, "I'm going to uni. I can take three." So, me and two others hopped in and were off to school. I will miss the Aussie generosity for sure!
There are definitely parts of my life in Australia that I'll be sad to leave- the traveling, the people, the public transit system, the pristine natural landscape, the city. But I am really looking forward to being home- seeing family (especially baby Mitchell, who's grown heaps since I left), friends, Wahoo's, my bed, being back in SLO... at least for a little while before graduating. My time here has been indescribably adventurous. I've learned a lot about myself and the world, which is invaluable! But, nothing compares to home.
Hope all is well in your comings and goings. Wish me luck on my upcoming journeys. Can't wait to tell you all about 'em!
