Merry Chrissy!

Now that I have gotten into the swing of things I have been able to really take in all of the differences that make this place Australia and not America. Whether I am talking to Australian friends or friends and family in the states, everyone wants to know what stands out, what is unique, what's different. 

        

People in America ask:  How do they sound? Can you understand them? Well if you would have asked last week I probably would have said they sound magical and NO, I can't understand them! This week, now that I am settled in, the accent is just expected. I still love it, don't get me wrong, but it's normal... and I like that!  I still have a little trouble understanding them when they speak to each other, especially the men, but that is a big step from last week when I felt like people were speaking a different language! 

My favorite thing about the Australian accent is all of the abbreviations. There is a short cut for EVERYTHING. Every word suddenly sounds cute. Their abbreviations often end in "ie or y", so its as if they are talking to a child. But... they aren't. 

For Example: 

I have to go shopping for Chrissy pressies. 

Chrissy = Christmas | Pressie = present 

I am staying on the Goldie and hang out in Broadie

Goldie= Gold Coast | Broadie= Broadbeach

Uni = University | Brekky = Breakfast |

I could go on and on. 

"G'day Mate" isn't said, however mate is used by everyone in reference to anyone. 

Although I have not heard anyone say "Put another shrimp on the barbie" I have enjoyed chicken from the barbie  (grill).  

Shrimp do not exist here. But the prawns are to die for! 

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People in Australia ask: How is your economy, the President, the party scene. Their perceptions amaze me. It is truly crazy what the media does. The power it has. The impressions it gives. Sometimes true. Sometimes false. Always exaggerated.  Sort of like this: What do you think of when you hear the word Australia? "Kangaroo" perhaps? Koala maybe? Its the same situation - the media paints a picture and unless you experience it, you don't know any different.  

I also get asked about our cars. Do they look different? Are they a lot bigger than ours? 

Yes. SUV's are almost non-existant in Australia because gas or petro, is SOOOO expensive. El Caminos or Utes are EVERYWHERE. You know the song...  "El Camino, El, El Camino, the front looks like a car, and the back looks like a truck...." They are what tradeys drive, aka people that work in a trade such as electricians. 

Although there are a lot of differences between our two countries, many things are the same. It is the perfect mix. And I am thankful for that today. Makes me feel like I am not too far away from home on this Chrissie Eve.  

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I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful white Christmas. I will be enjoying a white Christmas in Australia. A white sand Christmas. With a wonderful family that has so graciously taken me in as one of their own.   It won't be the same as being home, but I can assure you it will be as close as one could hope for! Food, drinks and happiness! 

Merry Chrissy from Aussie! 

I couldn't find cut out cookies here so... I made my own!