A dozen different things Down Under

First off, happy Australian Saint Patrick’s Day! Second, how about that for alliteration! Third, Australia never ceases to amaze me. Here are some more things that are just a little different compared to Canada:

1. The light switches

You toggle the switch down to turn the lights on? I still haven’t gotten used to it, but have just accepted having to hit the switch three times then go to the other one to turn on the light I mean to.

2. They’re crazy for banana bread

It’s everywhere – Macca’s, Woolies, every cafe and shop has some version of banana bread to buy. I’ve only tried a narrow selection of the offerings, as I’m partial to homemade.

3. What are insulated windows?

Pretty much all the windows here are only a single pane – meaning that when the weather is extreme (so, always?) you feel the temperature in the building. I couldn’t tell you why they are so averse to energy savings, but those aren’t my decisions!

4. Hook turns

What even is driving?? A hook turn involves navigating to the far left lane of traffic in order to make a right turn. The reason for them is to allow tram traffic to be unaffected by vehicles. But, seriously, look at how the signage translates:

7. No window screens

Yes, everything will kill you in Australia, but that doesn’t mean we are scared of the wildlife getting in the house! On the bright side, the mozzies are significantly less aggro than in Manitoba.

8. They’re not lines, they’re queues

And neither term is superior, just another difference I’ve observed.

9. Pushing the ‘push to exit’ button

I couldn’t tell you why so many buildings have these near the otherwise automatic doors, but they do. Not all, but the number of close calls I’ve had when going to exit is too high! And sometimes it isn’t even right next to the door, so you have to search for it or risk sleeping at the school.

10. It’s not an elevator, it’s a lift

On the bright side, lift is easier to say!

11. “Passengers Alighting”

New words galore! When trams are stopped for passengers, they display the message above to make sure everyone knows not to run over any people. Maybe the Aussies are a little more articulate than I thought!

10. Definition between indoor and outdoor spaces is minimal

I suppose not having hard frosts means that you can have drink taps outside of buildings, leave the doors wide open, and just enjoy outdoor living all the time. Walking outdoors between classes is normal, and shopping centres are have wide open entrances. Shade sails are common features (as they should be), and the dividing line between the indoors and outdoors is a little more blurred than in environments where there can be a 60 degree temperature differential!

11. EVERYTHING is in metric

Have you ever ordered a 250 gram steak? Come to Australia and you can answer affirmatively.

12. Turning the keys away from the door frame to lock

I don’t know if this is a “Kate can’t use a lock to save her life” thing, but I swear it’s different! I’m used to using the key to engage the deadbolt by turning it towards the door frame, but that is not the case here. Maybe it’s just all the spaces I frequent.

So there you have a couple more things in contrast to life in Canada! See you soon friends,

Kate