Today marks two years since I first set flip flopped feet in Australia. Way back then, George Bush was still screwing stuff up, Michael Vick was just going to jail and I didn't know NRL from Union. Fortunately, during that time, I've learned a few things about this place they call Oz. A digression of course, but whenever I hear that phrase, I don't think of Dorothy, but transcendent shortstop Ozzie Smith. The guy did backflips to go to his position. Why don't we have baseball players like that anymore??
OK, here are 24 things you may not know about Australia unless you move here. Why 24? Because I first thought of 20 and then kept thinking about funny things in this country.
The architecture is all over the place.
People really do say 'Gday' and 'no worries.'
Living north of the city isn't considered cool.
Contrary to popular belief, they don't really like Americans.
The weather isn't perfect.
Aboriginals are treated like a mix between American Indians and blacks. Yikes.
The country feels like America in 1964. That's a good thing.
These people know how to vacation. Or rather, holiday.
If you're not from Victoria, you don't tend to follow Aussie rules football.
The music scene is not good.
When not in maintenance, the Sydney train system is efficient.
Their politicians aren't dumb enough to be interesting.
They have an aversion to men's personal hygiene products.
They're not as sport crazy as advertised.
Queensland gets a bad rep.
Wine is a much better deal than beer.
Even if you're not a resident, you still need to file as resident 'for tax purposes.' Oh, of course.
People trust one another.
They feel better than New Zealand, but secretly know it's pretty cool over there.
Their newspapers are huge.
Rugby players don't really argue with refs, even after horrible calls.
They really like dogs.
They use the live auction format to sell a house.
They make a mean milkshake.
I can't imagine more valuable lessons than those. Oh, and when you get here and first meet people, don't be dissapointed if they think you're a Canadian.
