Differences

It is sad that it has taken me this long to document some of our favorite differences about life in Oz. It's now or never, though, because we're leaving the country in just over twelve hours. So here it is, in no particular order, ten things we've found amusing in the continent/country (two-in-one!) of Australia...
Powerpoint switches (powerpoint = oulet)

In Australia, there is an additional switch to turn the outlet on our off. The current only runs through the powerpoint when the red side of the switch indicates it's "on".

Pro: Energy is saved because appliances that are not in use can be turned off.

Con: Those forgetful-types have another step to potentially forget. Forget to turn the powerpoint on when making your roast in the crockpot = ruined roast.

Accents/Slang

Everyone already knows about this one. Aussies have a language of their own. Although we usually understand 95% of what is being said around here, we still find ourselves going "huh? What did you just say?" all the time. Just a few recent ones: jumper = sweatshirt, singlet = tanktop, mozzie = mosquito.

Pro: Cultural experience and vocabulary building, plus just plain listening enjoyment.

Con: Awkward moments of phony laughter when you have no clue what you're laughing about.

Reusable Grocery Sacks

We love this one. Aussies do their part. You regularly see people use these bags for beach bags/purses as well.

Pro: Save the world!

Con: Again, the forgetful ones lose out. You must remember them when heading to the store.

Money!

The currency here is bright and colorful and also waterproof! No bills under $5 exist either.

Pro: Bills are distinguished easily and won't get ruined in your swimsuit pocket during your morning surf.

Con: As a foreigner, you feel as if you are playing with monopoly money. "Change" takes on a whole new meaning ("I only used change to buy that latte" when it was $4.10!)

Electric Tea Kettles

Maybe they have these in the states and I'm just oblivious? Everyone has these around here and they're great.

Pro: tea in seconds + hot water for cooking pasta. Just boil & transfer to a pot.

Con: another appliance? (if that's a con...)

Weather Reports
Maybe it's just the fact that we moved from Denver where the weather is constantly changing and the weather report on TV is a must-see (you could easily wear shorts on the day of a huge snowstorm that comes out of nowhere!), but here on the Sunny coast, the weather report lasts maybe thirty seconds from start to finish. "Tomorrow it will be fine, with the rest of the week looking mostly fine" (translation: tomorrow will be mostly sunny and the rest of the week will be partly cloudy)
Pro: Catching up on the weather report has never been easier.
Con: After you're done watching it, you're not sure if you learned anything new.

Double Flush Toilets

Almost every toilet here in Oz has this feature. You can probably infer the function of the double flush. Small button for small load, big for the larger load.

Pro: Smaller flushes save water.

Con: Not quite sure. If the large button doesn't do it, maybe it's more humiliating.

Tight Tuesday

Here on the Sunshine Coast at least, Tuesday is the day to buy gasoline and go to movies. Gas is substantially lower on Tuesdays (why? I have no clue) and movies are half-price!

Pro: Save $ on important things, of course.

Con: LONG LINES at the petrol station (see pic)

Left-Sided World

Yes, Aussies drive on the "wrong side" and this permeates all traffic situations. Running especially got to us when we first came, as the road rules apply to the sidewalks too. Try crossing a street! It's so hard to look right then left & then turn into the correct lane. Jonathan even mastered driving a manual with his left hand while here. Amazing, I know!

Pro: You get to see the world from a different angle (is that a pro?)

Con: You are in perpetual confusion and often make a fool of yourself, if you're from the "right" way of looking at the world:).

Mailman on Motorcycles

Don't you think that more people would have ambitions to become mailmen (or women) if they knew the job involved riding a motorcycle? Yes, Aussies here deliver mail by scootin' right up to the front door. This gentleman agreed to have his picture taken after he delivered me a package for my birthday (thanks, Anna!)

Pro: Mailmen can easily maneuver the streets & look pretty cool doing it.

Con: Kids could get deterred in their quest to become doctors and lawyers from the appeal of cruising in a motorcycle with a bright orange vest.