Some Basic Observations

Sometimes I forget I'm in a foreign country because this place is SO Americanized. Many of the same businesses exist: Shell, 7-11, Domino's, Target, K-Mart, etc. There are no Wal-Marts, thank goodness. Main grocery store is probably Cole's, followed closely by Woolworths. But these don't go all out like Wally World; they focus mainly on food and basic household necessities. I do remember I am in a foreign country when I go to cross the road, looking innocently left, when WHOOOOOOSH here comes a semi from the right. Whoo, that was a close call. Hah, but I am still here and plan to be for another minute.

The toilets, unfortunately, do not swirl the opposite direction. Or any direction for that matter. They go straight down, every time. They are quite environmentally friendly, however. On almost every toilet are two buttons, one for a half-flush and one for a full-flush. You choose what is appropriate for that toilet usage...you get the idea. What's a little weird is that all the bathroom trash cans either say 'No Sharps' or 'Dispose of Sharps Here' on the lids. Meaning needles used for I don't want to know what. Apparently Heroin is fairly prevalent around here, so there are programs that provide free, clean needles to addicts to prevent the spread of HIV and such. Gross.

The big word around here is 'heaps.' Oy mate, I've got heaps of kebab left, want some? It's heaps nice out, let's go to the beach! Banks don't advertise 'Hassle-Free Banking,' but 'Heaps-Free.'

A 'mate' can apply to anyone, providing you like them of course. I've made heaps of mates. They can be old, young, male, female, international, cat, dog, whatever. If they suit your fancy, they're your mate.

A funny one: Budgy Smugglers! Take a wild guess at this one. A Budgy is a bird. A Budgy Smuggler, however, is a Speedo, on a man. For further explanation: http://budgysmuggler.com.au/

The money is bright, colorful, and waterproof. Waterproof...now there's an idea we should adopt, duh. The tricky part is the smallest denomination of paper money is $5. $1 and $2 are coins, so you have to watch yourself that you don't throw them around like change. It adds up!

Gelato is a huge hit. Instead of ice cream parlors all around, there are heaps of the most delicious assortment of whatever-flavor-you-can-imagine gelato shops. Tiramisu, raspberry sorbet, coffee mocha, Swedish chocolate, tangy lemon, and on and on and on. I've had one just about daily.

There is no Burger King; the equivalent is Hungry Jack's. And it is the only place in Australia where you can get a full meal and a drink for $5. McDonalds is dubbed 'Mackers' and is packed between the hours of 1 and 4 AM. A Dollar Menu is unfortunately obsolete. No Taco Bell.

The music is killer! Anywhere you go: club, bar, restaurant, mall, convenience store, bank lobby, bathroom, literally anywhere, there will be some house beats bumpin'. It's great. But then every once in a while the Aussies will throw out an old old school song, like 'Wonderwall' by Oasis and the room goes absolutely nutso. It's so bizarre. American music is huge here. As is American TV, film, news and politics. We really are a driving force, it's fascinating.

I just had some brekky (the cuter way to say breakfast) and have to jet over to uni (not college). So a little for now, more for later. Cheers!