Overall the transition of moving to the other side of the world has gone quite smoothly and with minimum disruption and confusion. This is all disregarding the language barrier that I speak of in my blog “How to Speak Australian: Lingo and Tips to Understand the Aussies.” Other than that there are only a few small things that really leave me saying “WTF mate?” So here is a list of some of my WTF moments since I moved to Sydney about 2 months ago.
First to answer everyone’s question: no the water in the toilets doesn’t spin counter-clockwise, (or what they would call anti-clockwise here) the water is just sucked straight down. The odd part is that there are two flush options available depending on the damage done…
The hot water gets super hot quickly and does kind of have a funky smell to it, but I have yet to be able to describe it. Also most sinks have 2 facets; one for cold and one for hot, which is kind of old school.
Me posing with my lovely bathroom sink!
The bugs are absolutely disgusting and are everywhere. There is everything from huge spiders, cockroaches, ants, flying bugs, mosquitoes/mozzies to things far worse that I don’t even know about yet and don’t want to come across. I am constantly de-bugging my place and have to keep all food sealed up or they will come out by the dozens.
The humidity here is unbearable at times. When this is the case your only two options are a dip in the ocean or a nice cold shower since nowhere has air conditioning. I’m from the desert and can handle the heat but 95º with high humidity kills me. The only thing I have on my side is the amazing ocean breeze.
The weather changes instantly. One minute you’re on the beach, enjoying the sun and the next it’s pouring rain. I’ve learned to run for cover immediately at the moment I feel even a drop of rain because it will a complete downpour in moments. And normally not too long after the torrential downpour, the sun is out again! Check out my video of it pouring at my place!
The sun is so strong here! Didn’t get the memo before the move that there is practically no ozone layer above Australia and the sun is extremely powerful! Everyone better use protection here or you will be fried to a crisp and be that tourist miserably burnt. But if you play your cards right you could end up ridiculously tan like myself.
Me looking quite dark after my die hard tanning routine!
Australian TV as a whole is horrible; well basic cable that is. Most of it is old and new American sitcoms and movies. There are also Aussie sitcoms and soap operas, which don’t do it for me. The sports selection could be better as well; I’m not quite into bull riding or trashy car racing. I’m seriously having NBA withdrawals. On the plus side there are a lot less commercials that tend to be quite witty and entertaining and the movies and shows are not edited.
Obviously they drive on the other side of the road here in Australia. I can actually proudly say I’ve gotten used to this aspect of change. I no longer try and get in the car on the wrong side or am in the middle of an intersection with no understanding of what lane we’re turning into. While walking I do still look both ways juussst to be safe, but generally am aware of the traffic. Also the escalators and walkways are all backwards as well so be aware!
A walkway in Manly that gives you a nice reminder of what side to walk on!
In the suburbs there are round-abouts at every intersection. I don’t enjoy the bus ride from Bondi into the city mainly because of these little obstacles. Ew. Buses are bad enough, but hot crowded buses that have to maneuver around tight circles every few moments. Double Ew.
Some of the signage and advertisements here is Australia are hilarious and the pictures can be quite ridiculous.
A ridiculous sign/advertisement in the woman's bathroom @ the cricket stadium!
One of my favorite signs on the bus!!
Obviously like I talked about in my previous blog, the lingo and language they speak here has definitely thrown me off. I reckon I will never catch up with all their words even after having been here a year. Yes I know a lot of it will wear off on me and become part of my vocabulary, as it has, but there is too much content to master!
Yes those would be tater tots. I think our name is actually much more ridiculous!
How expensive it is!!!!! Sydney is the most expensive city in Australia and Bondi is definitely one of the more expensive areas rent-wise. Yeah hello $250 a week rent, I hate you!!!
Didn’t realize how big gambling is here. “Pokies” aka slot machines are in pretty much every pub.
Their money, which looks like monopoly money, has taken some getting used to. The bills are different sizes depending on the value and the size of their different coins doesn’t quite make sense in regards to their value.
The Australian Coin family
The Australian bill family; minus the hundred...sorry I'm broke!
Light beer here in Oz means low alcohol like 2%. Don’t make that mistake just look for low carb if you’re looking to minimize the calories.
The craziest thing that throws me off the most is always being a day ahead. I arrived in Sydney on New Years Eve and experienced 2010 18 hours before my hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. Now every time I talk to someone I’ve already lived that day they’re experiencing and am onto the next.
Hope this article gave those of you that will be traveling to Australia a heads up about some of their customs and odd situations. Overall there are no real set backs in this country and you just have to appreciate all the quirky little things about this country with a smile! Hey I’m not complaining! 
On February 22, 2010 @ 9:24 am Britteny said
So is there another poster in regard to the crackhead version of her binge drinking self? I mean I’m sorry Miss Binge Drinker cannot zip up her dress, but smoking crack to lose the lbs (kgs) is not the way to go : )
Side note: maybe my computer just makes it look like a druggie with her dealer onlooking…if this is just me I apologize. HAHA!