It's now been over a month since we travelled over 10,500 miles to the Southern Hemisphere to start a new life in Australia. To say that the last year has flown by and has been a rollercoaster of emotions is a massive understatement, but somehow we made it. So far we have managed to navigate the different Aussie ways and set ourselves up as permanent New South Wales residents.
As well as sorting out the day-to-day logistics of moving to another country, we have also been thrown straight into another lockdown. Despite this, we have had the opportunity to check out some of the local 'essential' shops, carry out some 'click and collect' orders and go on walks in the immediate area of Terrigal and further afield on the Central Coast. Luckily our Central Coast Local Government area (LGA) is pretty large, so we have plenty of different areas we are allowed to explore and visit for walks.
During our time exploring the LGA and getting used to the Australian ways, I have made some observations about how things are either similar, or different to the UK, so I thought I would write them down into a blog!
1) There's no such thing as next day
Amazon prime, express and next day delivery are not a thing!, Post from the UK takes 2-3 weeks to arrive, so if anyone wants to send us anything at any point-please allow plenty of time for it to get here (she says writing Christmas cards :-)
2) FREE parking
Most parking is absolutely free! In fact of everywhere we have been we've only had to pay $8 (£4.20) for one car park, but that was a days parking in the middle of a National park!
As well as sorting out the day-to-day logistics of moving to another country, we have also been thrown straight into another lockdown. Despite this, we have had the opportunity to check out some of the local 'essential' shops, carry out some 'click and collect' orders and go on walks in the immediate area of Terrigal and further afield on the Central Coast. Luckily our Central Coast Local Government area (LGA) is pretty large, so we have plenty of different areas we are allowed to explore and visit for walks.
During our time exploring the LGA and getting used to the Australian ways, I have made some observations about how things are either similar, or different to the UK, so I thought I would write them down into a blog!
1) There's no such thing as next day
Amazon prime, express and next day delivery are not a thing!, Post from the UK takes 2-3 weeks to arrive, so if anyone wants to send us anything at any point-please allow plenty of time for it to get here (she says writing Christmas cards :-)
2) FREE parking
Most parking is absolutely free! In fact of everywhere we have been we've only had to pay $8 (£4.20) for one car park, but that was a days parking in the middle of a National park!
3) Everything beeps
The washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, fridge freezer and pelican crossings all beep at you. In fact, the household appliances even play a little tune when you turn them on and off, and to let you know they have finished. They are all quite delightful except for the fridge that rudely lets you know if you've had the door open for more than 3 seconds!!
4) The Sun goes the wrong way
Yes, I know this one is obvious, but it was still a strange thing to get used to when you are actually seeing it. When we look out to sea, the sun rises on the right and tracks left across the sky to set. I know this is still East to West, but not as we know it as it goes via North! This means that Houses with North facing gardens are more desirable than south facing ones.
5) Learning the lingo
In our short time over here we have got used to people wearing thongs (Flip flops), but still can't seem to find the Manchester (bedding section), or lollies (any sweet apart from chocolate). Yes they do say 'Ripper' quite a lot and the TV commentators use nicknames usually based on their surnames-you can call me Makka. Actually you can't because Macca is MacDonalds over here. Another Aussie favourite is Fair Dinkum...yes that is actually a thing that is said off the set of Neighbours.
6) On the subject of commentators
They are so enthusiastic. The Olympic commentary was like one big celebration. No matter what the sport or where the athletes were placed the commentators were so positive and enthusiastic about their performance...don't even get me started on the cricket!
7) Noisy and unusual birds
Having been used to the sound of seagulls from the crack of dawn until sunset in England, we were pleasantly surprised to not hear any. However the noises that the local wildlife make here are something else. We've heard birds that sound like a human whistling, a car alarm, and an angry pack of monkeys. There are also a number of 'common' birds that still make us gawp when we see them. These include pelicans, cockatoos, cockatiels and I've even seen an Australian Bush turkey roaming around the supermarket car park.
8) Supersized
Some aspects of Australian life remind me of America-as there are many things that are super sized. The curbs are massive (probably due to the amount of rain that would run off the hills in a storm), the cakes are massive (that's not a problem), and the food bills are massive-yes, the cost of living can be more expensive here.
9) What's with the chocolate?
I know it's common knowledge that the chocolate isn't as nice over here (due to the added emulsifier to prevent it melting), but there are also a few other strange things going on. Dairy Milk is really popular over here as in there are about 30 different varieties including a few combinations I can't bring myself to try just yet! None of them taste as nice as the UK versions, but that's not a bad thing for me I suppose. Unfortunately, I have fund my all time favourite Ice-cream that disappeared from the UK a while ago.....a Toffee Crumble AKA a 'Golden Gaytime'. Believe me it is exactly the same and equally as delicious. By Christmas I think I might resemble one.
The washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, fridge freezer and pelican crossings all beep at you. In fact, the household appliances even play a little tune when you turn them on and off, and to let you know they have finished. They are all quite delightful except for the fridge that rudely lets you know if you've had the door open for more than 3 seconds!!
4) The Sun goes the wrong way
Yes, I know this one is obvious, but it was still a strange thing to get used to when you are actually seeing it. When we look out to sea, the sun rises on the right and tracks left across the sky to set. I know this is still East to West, but not as we know it as it goes via North! This means that Houses with North facing gardens are more desirable than south facing ones.
5) Learning the lingo
In our short time over here we have got used to people wearing thongs (Flip flops), but still can't seem to find the Manchester (bedding section), or lollies (any sweet apart from chocolate). Yes they do say 'Ripper' quite a lot and the TV commentators use nicknames usually based on their surnames-you can call me Makka. Actually you can't because Macca is MacDonalds over here. Another Aussie favourite is Fair Dinkum...yes that is actually a thing that is said off the set of Neighbours.
6) On the subject of commentators
They are so enthusiastic. The Olympic commentary was like one big celebration. No matter what the sport or where the athletes were placed the commentators were so positive and enthusiastic about their performance...don't even get me started on the cricket!
7) Noisy and unusual birds
Having been used to the sound of seagulls from the crack of dawn until sunset in England, we were pleasantly surprised to not hear any. However the noises that the local wildlife make here are something else. We've heard birds that sound like a human whistling, a car alarm, and an angry pack of monkeys. There are also a number of 'common' birds that still make us gawp when we see them. These include pelicans, cockatoos, cockatiels and I've even seen an Australian Bush turkey roaming around the supermarket car park.
8) Supersized
Some aspects of Australian life remind me of America-as there are many things that are super sized. The curbs are massive (probably due to the amount of rain that would run off the hills in a storm), the cakes are massive (that's not a problem), and the food bills are massive-yes, the cost of living can be more expensive here.
9) What's with the chocolate?
I know it's common knowledge that the chocolate isn't as nice over here (due to the added emulsifier to prevent it melting), but there are also a few other strange things going on. Dairy Milk is really popular over here as in there are about 30 different varieties including a few combinations I can't bring myself to try just yet! None of them taste as nice as the UK versions, but that's not a bad thing for me I suppose. Unfortunately, I have fund my all time favourite Ice-cream that disappeared from the UK a while ago.....a Toffee Crumble AKA a 'Golden Gaytime'. Believe me it is exactly the same and equally as delicious. By Christmas I think I might resemble one.
10) Things you can't get
Apart from decent Dairy Milk, there are also a few other things that you can't get (as yet) over here. Shreddies are totally non-existent in any shape or form, and as roast dinners are not really a thing it is impossible to find a pre-made Yorkshire pudding. However if you want 15 different types of apples or potatoes then this is the place to come.
11) The weather
The great weather is one of the attractions of Australia, but you don't always believe that it will be as lovely as they say until you visit. Winter is English Spring/Summer time and grey days are not really a thing. It's either sunny, sunny and cloudy or grey and raining. Also the Sun is really strong. A 19 degree winter day had a real feel of 23 degrees and sun cream is definitely required all year round.
12) It's Hilly
When you research a place online and look on Google maps you don't really get a feel for the topography of a place. However the Central coast is really Hilly. No matter where I run from our apartment base I meet a hill within half a mile. Some of the hills would be a challenge to even run when I am fit, let alone cycle! Hopefully this time next year I will be a hill expert.
13) Fashion
When it comes to fashion, anything goes! You can spot someone walking around in swimmers (see what I did there), pyjama style outfits or smart dresses. We are in a real beachside community so people wrapped in hooded towels or half worn wetsuits is also the norm. Now I'm no fashion guru, but I'm slightly alarmed to see the popularity of mullets, rats tails and dodgy moustaches over here. I feel like I've been transported back to the 1980s as a 118 118 fan.
Apart from decent Dairy Milk, there are also a few other things that you can't get (as yet) over here. Shreddies are totally non-existent in any shape or form, and as roast dinners are not really a thing it is impossible to find a pre-made Yorkshire pudding. However if you want 15 different types of apples or potatoes then this is the place to come.
11) The weather
The great weather is one of the attractions of Australia, but you don't always believe that it will be as lovely as they say until you visit. Winter is English Spring/Summer time and grey days are not really a thing. It's either sunny, sunny and cloudy or grey and raining. Also the Sun is really strong. A 19 degree winter day had a real feel of 23 degrees and sun cream is definitely required all year round.
12) It's Hilly
When you research a place online and look on Google maps you don't really get a feel for the topography of a place. However the Central coast is really Hilly. No matter where I run from our apartment base I meet a hill within half a mile. Some of the hills would be a challenge to even run when I am fit, let alone cycle! Hopefully this time next year I will be a hill expert.
13) Fashion
When it comes to fashion, anything goes! You can spot someone walking around in swimmers (see what I did there), pyjama style outfits or smart dresses. We are in a real beachside community so people wrapped in hooded towels or half worn wetsuits is also the norm. Now I'm no fashion guru, but I'm slightly alarmed to see the popularity of mullets, rats tails and dodgy moustaches over here. I feel like I've been transported back to the 1980s as a 118 118 fan.
14) Footwear
So far I've learnt that crocks aren't cool, sliders (without socks) are definitely cool and walking around in bare feet-even in the evening is totally acceptable!
No doubt when Australia eventually opens up (don't hold your breath just yet), I will be able to make some more observations and get the low down on what the Aussies actually think of us Brits.
So far I've learnt that crocks aren't cool, sliders (without socks) are definitely cool and walking around in bare feet-even in the evening is totally acceptable!
No doubt when Australia eventually opens up (don't hold your breath just yet), I will be able to make some more observations and get the low down on what the Aussies actually think of us Brits.