01-26-2006, 01:57 PM
I've been there several times. Not a decent single malt on the bloody continent and the food sucks. They don't drink Fosters. They think "Miller Genuine Draft" is good, exotic beer. You'd be happier just coming to Doom South -- that's should be downunder enough for any true Scotsman. 
Sigh. Well, if you're bound and determined to go to Oz, here's a few tips:
When Australians say, "How are you going?" they mean "How are you?" They are not asking you to leave or what method of transportation you'll use to depart.
Never use the word "fanny" in polite company. In America, that's a harmless euphemism for someone's posterior. In Australia, it's the equivalent of the c* word. You don't want to know how I found that out, or in front of whom.
Bring any books you want to read rather than plan to buy them there: they are horrifically expensive there. A paperback you'd buy here for $7.95 will run at $15-20 there.
You're not allowed to bring food into Australia. When you arrive at the airport, you will be met in baggage claim by a food-sniffing beagle. I'm not kidding.
Wild Animal Parks are much more fun there because they don't have the liability laws that we do in the US. Aussies are much more willing for you to get up and close and personal with the wildlife, because you can't sue them if you get attacked.
Seriously though, let me know if you need hotel, transportation or tourist advice for any of the major cities. Stenograph has sent me there several times.
Sigh. Well, if you're bound and determined to go to Oz, here's a few tips:
When Australians say, "How are you going?" they mean "How are you?" They are not asking you to leave or what method of transportation you'll use to depart.
Never use the word "fanny" in polite company. In America, that's a harmless euphemism for someone's posterior. In Australia, it's the equivalent of the c* word. You don't want to know how I found that out, or in front of whom.
Bring any books you want to read rather than plan to buy them there: they are horrifically expensive there. A paperback you'd buy here for $7.95 will run at $15-20 there.
You're not allowed to bring food into Australia. When you arrive at the airport, you will be met in baggage claim by a food-sniffing beagle. I'm not kidding.
Wild Animal Parks are much more fun there because they don't have the liability laws that we do in the US. Aussies are much more willing for you to get up and close and personal with the wildlife, because you can't sue them if you get attacked.
Seriously though, let me know if you need hotel, transportation or tourist advice for any of the major cities. Stenograph has sent me there several times.
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.