Australia Culture
The Ashes, Australia beats England 5-0 in Cricket!
Australia Inflicts Ashes Whitewash read the Headlines this morning. OK- I admit- being a girl I am not so knowledgeable on the sport- but it is always good when the home team whoops arse don’t you think? Condolences to all the Pommies out there. The good news is- most that I have talked to- did still seem to enjoy their trip to OZ since we custom ordered cool weather and rain to make them feel at home. He He He.
But What is the Ashes- many of you might say? In fact many of you might say- what is cricket? I’ll tackle the later question first as a way to stir up a few folks from cricket loving countries. Read at your own risk….
Cricket- is a bizarre baseball-type sport that is a fabulous way for a bunch of guys to stand around a field all weekend long drinking beer, hanging out in the sun and occasionally catching a ball. Only two players are really engaged at any given time- the baller (pitcher) and the batter. The rest of the guys mostly hang out, scratch themselves, smoke, play in the dirt, and generally enjoy themselves. Honestly- I think the world would be a much better place if all warring countries took it up as a way to settle disputes. By the time the Test (match/game) was over, no one would really remember what the problem was in the first place.
Date: January 4th, 2007 |
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Aussie Translation Guide #2
One of the fun things of Travel is learning the local lingo. Australia has innumerable terms that are as unique in the world as their very own Platypus (which I saw in the wild just recently- fascinating little creatures!). This is the second in a series to come. Feel free to add a few of your own in the comments section.
Australian = North American Translation
Fair Dinkum! = Honestly! Truthfully! Used like “No way dude!”
Bottle-o = Liquor Store. They don’t sell beer in gas stations but they have drive through Bottle-os
Salad = crappy tomato, onion, a couple of whole leaves of lettuce (not torn up into bite size pieces), and maybe grated carrot or beetroot. Generally no dressing. Served on the side of most dishes.
Woop Woop = No not that! You dirty people! Woop woop is the middle of nowhere. Waaaay out in the country.
Sus = Suspect, Dodgy, Questionable. Usage- “That taxi driver seemed a bit Sus”.
Date: November 20th, 2006 |
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The Aussie Classic- ‘Burger with the Lot’
So you wonder Where in the Bloody Hell are you? Well if the answer is Australia then you should… no you are obliged… to order THE Aussie classic- the iconic- the massive- the BURGER WITH THE LOT! (unless of course you are a vegetarian, lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, or just full…)
The Burger with the Lot is more than just a meal, it is an institution. Just imagine a nice hot day at the beach, you’ve been surfing/swimming in the ocean all morning, you are STARVING! This is where the Burger with the Lot comes to your rescue.
Date: November 9th, 2006 |
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Byron Bay Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit: Sept ‘06 to Jan ‘07
Each year from mid September through January the Thursday Plantation hosts the East Coast Sculpture Show. This year for the 11th year running…around 70 recent works are displayed in a unique outdoor exhibition. The Exhibit is open 7 days a week 9-5. this is touted as “an exciting award winning exhibition of fine Australian contemporary sculpture set amongst a botanical and rainforest garden”. There are permanent installations and works on loan from regional artists.
Thursday Plantation is the worlds first Tea Tree Plantation and laboratory. …
Date: November 1st, 2006 |
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Spray me Baby! Instant Tan for Byron Bay
Going to Byron Bay and didn’t have time to work on your tan before you left? Did you walk out of the hostel and realize that you don’t look like anyone else on the street and that is because you can’t see the line between your gleaming white socks and your legs? Do you blind people when they walk by? Do people need uv protection to look your way during conversation?
Date: October 24th, 2006 |
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Australian Slang. Translation Guide #3
One of the fun things of Travel is learning the local lingo. Australia has so many terms that are completely unique to their part of the World. This is the third in a series to come. It is designed to help Aussies headed overseas and travellers coming to OZ alike. Feel free to add a few of your own in the comments section.
Australian = North American Translation
Sunnies = Sunglasses! A necessity for life and fashion! The bigger the better at the moment.
Combi Van = Volkswagen type van. Think hippies. Little vans that have flat fronts and turn into a camper by night.
Mozzie = Mosquito. Grrr awful things that like to bite at 5:00 am right on your knuckle.
Loo Roll = Ha Ha Ha! Gotta love toilet humour! Seriously though, Toilet Paper Roll is the right answer. The thing that Men, regardless of the continent they live on, don’t know how to change.
Flippies = Flip Flops, Thongs (he he he that still makes me giggle)
Date: December 14th, 2006 |
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Australian Vs. North American- Translation Help no.1
One of the fun things of Travel is learning the local lingo. Australia has innumerable terms that are as unique in the world as their very own Platypus. I’ll try and provide as many helpful translations as I can to help the Aussies heading to America and Canada as well as those of you heading Down Under. All you Aussies heading overseas… a Serviette is called a NAPKIN! This is just the first in a series of these Translation Guides to come! Feel free to add a few of your own in the comments section.
Australian = North American Translation
Westie = Trailer trash (he he he)
Soda = Soda water or club soda (don’t ask for soda or diet soda thinking you will get Coke or Pepsi- I’ve made this mistake a couple of times)
Arvo = Afternoon
Snags = Sausages
Big W = Wal-Mart
Date: November 9th, 2006 |
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Byron Bay! Learn to be an Artist!
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”
Always wondered if you could be an artist? Travelling to Byron Bay? Here is your chance!
Byron Bay Art Work Shop is offering many different 3 day workshops running for the next 6 months or so. They state All Levels of experience welcomed Art tuition with renowned artists and TAFE teachers Contemporary, Traditional, Technical and PLAYFUL “If you can pick up a brush you can paint !” The classes run 9-4 daily. For a bit of flexibility- several of the workshops can be attended for only one day.
Date: November 2nd, 2006 |
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Sydney and Perth! - Sculpture by the Sea
Exercise, sea, sun, and sculpture. Sculpture by the sea is a fabulous opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the eastern seaboard and get your daily dose of culture all in one. Be warned- this is an EXTREMELY popular event and the sidewalks are absolutely packed on the weekend. If you can swing it- go during the week. The walk starts (or ends) near Bondi Icebergs. Forget even trying to get in there during this event- the wait is likely to be hours. Instead- bring your cossie (swimsuit), grab a picnic to eat en-route near a favorite sculpture that you would like a bit more time to ponder, and enjoy the sunshine.
Date: October 31st, 2006 |
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Crikey! Poor Steve!
Before his untimely death that rocked Australia as a nation, Steve and his wife Terri Irwin set up an organisation called Wildlife Warriors to help wildlife in Australia and overseas. As in all of the press here today- Terri and their daughter Bindi Irwin are continuing the conservation work and their zoo.
If you are looking for a way to pay tribute to the passing of a crazy nutter- who loved his animals and did indeed bring their conservation to the public eye…you can make an online donation to their organisation via www.wildlifewarriors.org. Alternatively, call 1800 334 350 (international +61 7 5436 2026) or email donations@wildlifewarriors.org.
Date: October 23rd, 2006 |
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