Life as an Expat, continued... mate.

A couple posts ago, I blogged about Life as an Expat (click here to read the post).  Since that post, I have had quite a bit of feedback from fellow "yanks" who totally relate, and some who found quite a good laugh with me (not AT me.. well, probably, it certainly wouldn't be the first....).

Since the post, I have found myself noticing more things that over the past 20'ish months of living here that I have just come accustom to that at one stage really set me back or took me off guard.  So, I thought I would do a continuation of the prior blog and add a few more things on.  Who knows, may start doing this on a somewhat regular basis.

Except, because I have time to kill tonight, this post is not only entertaining (ok, probably really not) but also has pictures....so that when my entertaining fails, epic-ally no doubt, at least there are pretty shiny objects to look at.... or am I the only with ADHD?

I am aware that the above is a toilet, and other than being more square than round, not MUCH difference right?  Ok.  Two reasons I'm starting this blog off in the shitter.  (Yes, pun intended)  First off, when I first became friends with Wayne (way before the whole relationship, dating, engage stuff...) I couldn't help but ask "is it true the toilets flush backwards?"  Toilets here, well, at least ALL the one's I've experienced (and as a female, we take pride in using every toilet we can possibly come in contact with... or at least that is what my fiance would swear is our mission in life) I have never had anything but a total SWOOSH.... straight down and out. 

Secondly, if you have visited Australia, you already know the second point.  Hey Americans...where's the flush handle???  My first "loo" break in Australia was in the Brisbane airport.  After going through customs, changing airports, rechecking in, etc... I was soo excited to get to the bathroom.  I am done doing my "business", turn around.... where the hell is the flusher????  See those buttons on top?  Yup.  THAT is how you flush a toilet.  One is for 1/2 flush, the other is for full.  Water conservation essentially.  I NOW know this.  However, as a very tired yank on my first trip, standing and staring wondering "what the HELL do I do" is a feeling I will probably never forget.  And I'm sure the line waiting for me to finish did not find it nearly as amusing as I did.  (Granted, I did NOT share my story with those doing the pee-pee dance in line).

A lot of the food here is quite the same.  I get asked a lot "do you have.............".  Ok people.  First off.   Australia is NOT a third world country.  While there are some differences, and some things we DON'T have (such as Velveeta cheese, chick fil a, etc) We have coke products (taste different at first, but still have it).  We have chicken, lamb, beef, ice cream (was REALLY asked that once)...People.  Stop. Again, not third world.  However, there are a few things that I have learned.  For example.. the above is one of my FAVORITE winter dishes.  A nice bowl of Chili.   However......order a bowl of chili here, and this is what you will find......

Here, Chili is a pepper...not a soup/stew. Ever.  Quite heartbreaking to learn.

Roundabouts.  Love them.  Four way stops are one thing I don't miss and they drove me absolutely nuts when we have visited back to America.  The whole "who's turn is it" dance.  And those ass holes who roll up and roll on.... even if you have been sitting there for a good five turns.  Roundabouts.  Ah.  Two American thumbs up on this one.

While I thought butcher shops died with the Brady Bunch..... Butcher Shops (or just "the butcher") are quite common down under.  And it's where you find the goods!! The GOOD quality meats, Pre-marinated meats, meals, (American style bacon!), and the list goes on and on.  So, Alice was on to something.. other than her love affair with the Butcher dude.  (On a side note, the Brady Bunch is still on TV here, like EVERY week day.  I may or may not watch an episode from time to time when home on a week day).

"Are you from Canada?"  If I had a dollar (US or Australian) for every time I have been asked this, I would be rich.  Like, filthy rich.  Donald Trump would be asking me for a loan for a new hair piece.  Apparently if you ask a Canadian if they are from America they get offended.  If you ask an American if they are from Canada, we don't care, so it's a safer bet.

HOWEVER... Nooooo...... I.  Am.   Not.  From.   Canada.

Ahhh......TV.  I have mentioned before in the last expat post how we are usually a few seasons behind... but allow me to show you the shows that we are pretty much right up to speed with.... 

Now, as a fan of Teen Mom, the Bachelor, the Bachelorette, Say yes to the Dress..... pretty much ANY trashy girlie TV... and I may watch Hardcore Pawn or Operation Repo if there is NOTHING else on TV......  it does not surprise me that Australian's think ALL Americana's are retarded uneducated retarded toothless hicks.  Hell, all we have in America is Crocodile Dundee to be honest, and I thought that everyone was pretty much roughing it over here in the "bush" / "outback".  However, that is one movie.  This is a small selection of MULTIPLE shows that are sooooooo not helping the stereotype.

Dear American TV producers.... PLEASE stop selling the shitty reality shows like these to Australia.  For.  The.  Love. of.  GAWDDDDD.   

The old 'roo crossing sign.  The first time I saw one... totally went all touristy on the husband to be.  "STOP!  I wanna take a picture!!"  He of course stopped, and most importantly held back the "are you f'in serious" comments (although the rolling of the eyes and big SIGH kinda gave it away (lol).  Now, I see these every day on the freeway on the way to work.  Like, several.  I don't even blink an eye at them anymore.   I am still, however, fascinated when I actually do SEE one (although THAT is not a daily event as they aren't just roaming around) in the wild. 

As I blog this, it is Sunday night.  I SHOULD be prepping for a week of work.  However, the awesomeness of Australia celebrates "Easter Monday"  So, in addition to Good Friday, we get the following Monday off since Easter falls on a Sunday.  While it may seem crazy to you, and a touch to me at first, who am I to question a paid day off????   Happy Easter folks.