Australia and the U.S.

Australia is the only continent that is also a country. Australia only gained independence a little over 20 years ago. Many things in Australia still have a UK-esque feel to them. Many things in Australia also remind me of home in the U.S. However, there is plenty of contrast as well. Here is a simple list of observations and some differences from the States.

Let's start with the obvious...

• Australians drive on the left side of the road
• Outback Steakhouse is not Australian. Australians don't even recognize it.
• No one in Oz seems to drink Fosters "Australian for beer". (apparently it's big in England though)
  

Now some language differences...

• Rubbish = trash
• Petty = gas
• Chips = fries
• Chips = also chips (tricky)
  
• Gridiron = American football
  
• Esky = a cooler
• Aluminum is pronounced "al-looo-min-YUM"
  
• Gum Tree = Eucalyptus tree (also gumtree.com is their craigslist)
• It is not spring break here. It is "midsem break." (short for mid-semester)
  
• "Mate" seems to primarily be used by males. A substitute for "dude."
• G'day is not said near as much as advertised

And some random observations...

• Their voting system is whack...above and below the line voting, plus preferences
  
• Everyone throws trash and recycling into the same rubbish can. Supposedly someone sorts it later.....sounds a little fishy though
• There is no contact when dancing in Australia
• Electric music is popular...sounds similar to techno
• 18 and up -seem to be much more independent than in the U.S.
• It's normal to take a "gap year" after high school graduation. Used to travel and see the world
• There is a lot of unique architecture and beautiful buildings throughout the country
• There is a rivalry between Australians and New Zealanders (Kiwis).....also New South Wales and Queensland
• Full-time students are initially a little hostile toward exchange students. Understandable though...we are only here for a semester, why take the time to get to know us if we will be leaving soon.

More to come later...