G'day Mate!

Being half way around the world, it has been interesting to learn the culture in Australia.  Although it is similar to America, here are a few things I've noticed that are different here:

• Minimum wage is about $13.00.  This makes everything a little more expensive than the U.S.  It's funny because I thought coming to Australia everything would be cheaper.  Not so.  The sales they have here, we would consider expensive in the U.S.
• PopTarts and Koolaid are rarities.  Poptarts are $10.50 a box and KoolAid is $8.50. 
• Sushi places are everywhere
• The bus system is always late by15 minutes.
• They love Nicole Kidman (and then, who doesn't?)
• Students have to wear these terrible looking uniforms to school.  They remind me of a slightly uglier version of my old Girl Scout ensemble.
•   Australians don't tip.  Everything is already in their salary. The downside is the service isn't as good because there is no motivation.
• Australians take a lot of pride in rooting for the "little guy" or the underdog in sporting events.
• The church going rate in Surfers Paradise is 10%
• They drive on the opposite side of the road.  Most  cars are stick shift.
• Gas is cheaper here than in the U.S. Although I'm not sure how much because its measured in liters.
• A lot of people have blond curly hair.
• Where I live there are so many hills!  The views are fantastic!
• Hungry Jacks is the Australian's Burger King. It's the exact same from the crown to the menu, just different names.
• They call breakfast "Brekky" and the coffee is usually from a french press. 
• There are pictures of kangaroos and koala bears everywhere!  I have yet to see a real one...But I will on my outreach trip!!
• Vegemite is a staple in 9 out of 10 Australian homes.  It's a black, pasty and is spread on bread for sandwiches.  If you're not used to it, it could be the worst thing you've ever eaten.  Seriously, we had to try it and it was terrible!  No one likes it in YWAM except Dave, who is from Australia.
• Saturdays and Sundays are family days.  All stores and businesses close at five o clock.
• Tim Tams are to Australia as Oreos are to America.  We go crazy when they go on sale.  They're these wafer cookies coated in chocolate.  Sounds ordinary but trust me, these things are incredible.  One is not a true Australian until they have done a Tim Tam Slam.
• People walk barefoot everywhere, even to the stores or places we wouldn't think of.
• All the roofs are tile.
• No offense, but every dog here I have seen has been ugly.  I don't mean to sound rude, but it's true.  Most are breeds I've never seen. I guess it's whats you've grown up with, but there are no yellow labs!
• Instead of saying "your welcome" Australian's say "That's alright."

Those are just a few.  Australia is a wonderful place, but many things are different here.  Ill think of more and share them later :)  I love learning about different cultures so experiencing one is an amazing experience!