Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Written by: SusanWe’re only one month away from the end of our trip. A spectacular 14 month journey around the world. How are we feeling these days? Well it depends on the day. For me personally, I am just excited about knowing where things are and not having to “figure it out” every single day. On the other hand, I get nervous wondering how we’ll react to being back in the states. I’m sure at first it will be exciting and fun to see everybody but than what?
Will we be excited to settle down? Put our backpacks away and be able to actually buy a large bottle of shampoo? Or will we be totally bored and crave being in a place that is a bit more chaotic.
We’ve slowly being reintroduced into the western culture. First stop being here in Sydney. Getting off the plane and into the corridor, it was a bit odd to see the signs all in English and no other language. And then realizing when you went through customs that you could actually speak English and not try to rack your brain for the word ‘thank you’ in another language. On the downside, Brian and I can’t really make comments to each other as everybody around us can now understand us.
It’s interesting to see the subtle changes that have happened to us. Most of them logistical changes. For instance, we get totally flustered now when crossing the street. We’re so used to being able to cross when there aren’t any cars but now in Sydney we stand on the corner even if there are no cars on the street and wonder if it’s legal to cross the street if there are no cars. We get flustered when cars actually stop for us at a cross walk to let us cross the street. We’re so used to running or getting pissed off at cars that don’t stop at cross walks that to actually have a car stop for us leaves us looking like we just got off the boat.
Stores are now even overwhelming for us. Walking around you realize how much you don’t need to survive but how easy it is to get sucked into the idea of needing all the things they so beautifully merchandise in the windows. There are so many choices too. We got so used to buying things in mom and pop stores where they had either one or two options of your preferred item (or sometimes none) and it became easy to run in and run out with what you actually needed. Now we find ourselves roaming the vast aisles of stores overwhelmed by the choices not knowing quite sure which brand, model, or flavor we want and end up leaving with an empty basket instead.
It does feel great though to be in an environment that is similar to our home and has allowed us to slowly acclimate back into our world.
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Thursday, April 17, 2008Written by: Brian
G'day Mate,
We arrived in the “land down under” and we have to admit that it was nice to see all signs in English and not have to worry about transportation. In Australia we just had to hop in a taxi and off we went, no need to negotiate or worry about getting ripped off. I have to admit it was the easiest entry into a country we have had since the start of our trip.
What is hard to realize is how large Australia really is, though it is a continent after all. The size of Australia is almost equal to the size of the states and since we only have a short 12 days here we decided to focus our attention on Sydney and the surrounding areas.
Sydney is much the same as large cities in America. There are some cool things to see like the Sydney Opera House which was just as beautiful as the pictures we had seen. The transportation system was easily accessible from our B&B so we rode into downtown each day to check out the sites or stroll through one of the many parks.
What surprised us was the strength of the Australian accent, I mean we have all seen the crocodile hunter on TV. In person, Aussies have a stronger accent then you see on TV which makes it tough to understand sometimes if your not listening closely. We have traveled all over the world and you would think that being in an English speaking country it would be easy. Now I am not making poking fun of the accent, but you would just think that it would be easy to understand each other. Well let me tell you it is not easy. We have learned a whole new list of words (which I will poke at), my favorites being “How you going” and “pecker machine.”
The manager of our hotel was telling us directions to the train and told us that we would pass a casino on the way and he told us to stay away from the “Pecker Machines.” Well they had just asked us if we had brought our “swims” to head to the beach so I just thought this is what they called the slots at a casino. I couldn't believe that they called them “pecker machines” so I asked again “what did you call them at the casino,” the manage said in a serious tone “Peeocker machines.” I almost started laughing but was able to hold off until we got outside to ask Susan if she thought he was calling them pecker machines too, but it was just my delusional thoughts. I mean they did call a swimsuit a swims....
My next favorite phrase is “How you going,” which is asked at every checkout from the grocery store to buying a Starbucks. I am just so tempted to say “How am I going where or I am taking the train today thanks for asking,” though I am thinking that the Aussies won't get my humor.
All kidding aside, Australians have to be some of the friendliest people in all the world. They have coined the phrase “no worries,” and they pretty much live their life that way. You can be assured that you will be greeted with a smile everywhere you go and they will always give you friendly advice on what to do and see without you even asking.
Australia is known for being dry where most of the time the conversation revolves around when the drought is going to end, though during our visit it has decided to rain everyday which has made seeing the sights difficult. I mean how beautiful can a beach be when it's raining. We will definitely have to return again someday to appreciate the beachs of Australia.
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Australia 