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Since I have never found myself so far away from home, I have never attempted any sort of travel journal before now. I have hunch that we are all in for some version of the truth. That is, knowing how faithful I will be to sharing an accurate and timely account of my travel experiences as time progresses. I thought that it might be cool to include some of the Australia terminology I am learning on a daily basis along (i.e. Word Bank) with some differences I see in the country in comparison to my experience as an American (i.e. Culture Shock 101). The Travel Tips portion of my entry will include those instances I find myself thinking "I wish I would have known _____". So with that said, let the adventure begin...

Adventures In Oz

Tanya
2006-03-10 21:20:20

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nights of rest. Although the amenities were lacking in comparison to the Plaza Hotel I have always dreamed of staying in, (located in New York City- first introduced to me in the movie Home Alone 2 Lost in New York and then reintroduced during a more recent visit to the city) the service could not have been better. Gary, a front desk associate, assisted with our luggage, travel arrangements, weather forecasts, phone usage and toilet struggles. Antonio, owner of the Pasta Palace, served us a wonderful evening meal and a dose of encouragement about all of the wonderful people in the world, including Americans like ourselves. Although my body was exhausted I managed to only grab an hour nap in before bedtime in order to quickly adjust to the time difference...that is a 16 1/2 hour difference from the central time zone.

So, the next morning I woke up with this annoying rash under my eyes. Kameron suggested that it may have developed as a result of the eye mask worn on the plane. Whatever the case, it disappeared that night (thank goodness). Sue (the Finder's University SW program director) and Rohnda (coordinator of our field placements) met with us at Flinder's Uni that morning to take care of student i.d. cards and bus passes. Later on that afternoon we found ourselves roaming about the city familiarizing ourselves with the State Library and Rundle Mall.

Culture Shock 101

In general, Oz as a whole practices a "no worries" philosophy or attitude. I have yet to encounter any one particular population group as easy going, friendly, open, honest, and eager to help as the one's which I have conversed with over the previous week. I am truly amazed at their hospitality and pace of life.

I have found the currency here to be more efficient and simple than the American way. However, because certain dollar amounts present as coins it makes for a very heavy and bulky pocket.

Upon arrival, customs is very picky about what food items are and are not permissible to entering the country. Although lollies are okay to bring into the country I was advised to throw my packaged applesauce into the rubbish. The fruit and vegetables here are delicious and refreshing- sure to be a result of their strict enforcements.

Word Bank

G'day-hello
Mates-friends
Uni-university
Toilet-restroom
Chemist-pharmacist
Oz-Australia
No worries- no problem, you're welcome, sure,fine
Lollies-candy
Rubbish-trash
Sunnies-sunglasses
Boot-trunk of the car
Beaut-positive exclamation
Love-sweetie
Give way-yield

Travel Tips

It might be good idea to cut your fingernails as short as you can stand them
before traveling for an extended period of time. We have all found ourselves
breaking nails and wishing we would have done that before departure.