“It’s the same, but different” according to 26 year old Kimberley (not real name).
She says there are several Australian traits that have shocked her since arriving “Down Under” which she feels should be better explained before embarking on her trip.
“I love the idea that on the side of the road, you can find a box of pineapples 5 for $5.00”. She went on to say that in America, they would be imported from the south and just one could cost five bucks plus tax”.
“To twist things around, I was reading how an avocado in Australia can set you back up to $3 which shocks me because they’re not even a dollar back home in America”.
Then came the day she was attacked by a magpie.
“I was not prepared for magpies. I can’t believe there’s actually a website to track troublesome magpies in the local area”.
Food with flavouring is another cultural difference. “I can’t believe I was charged 50 cents for ketchup (tomato sauce) on my fast food takeout. It’s free in America”.
“I was slugged an extra 50 cents for adding hazelnut flavouring to my coffee and again this is free of charge in America. My coffee here cost me $7.50 and it was so small. The same coffee back home would not have been even $2.00 plus tax”.
“Then there’s chicken salt. I love it. Never thought of putting that stuff on my fries but it add so much to them. I want to take this trait back home with me”.
Kimberley remains in Australia under special circumstances due to the pandemic.
“In general, Aussies are great but it seems while we have so much in common, we can be so different aswell in such minor features. I think we need some sort of book to read to learn about Australianisms before heading down under”.
