Observations from Down Under

After an uneventful night swatting away mosquitoes in Nadi, we flew to Sydney, Australia, which quickly proved to be one of our favorite cities.  Here are some of our initial observations about life in Sydney:

• Maybe I just don’t have much creativity, but the best way to describe Sydney is that it’s a bigger, warmer, British version of Seattle (Holly disagrees, she thinks it’s more like a bigger Victoria, BC with a dash of London).

• Sydney crosswalk sounds seem like they belong in Star Trek (Shattner era).
• Sydney has tons of great neighborhoods – perfect for exploring by foot.  One fun discovery: tons of wrought-iron balconies on row houses, a la New Orleans.

• For such a new city, Sydney seems to treasure its ‘historic sites’ – just about anything that was built more than 60 years ago merits a plaque noting a fun fact, the building’s architect, and some platitude to the royal family back ‘home’ in London.  But really, everything is new in Sydney - even the war memorial has a section about the ongoing Iraq War.
• Aussies like to drink alcohol – and the government seems to spend half its time reminding Aussies not to get too carried away (public announcements; ads on tv; breathalyzers before activities like the Harbour Bridge Climb).  There are even signs about walking safely post-drinking.
• Opera House looks a lot cooler when the sun is shining.  I thought the Opera House would be smaller in real life, and Holly thought it would be much bigger in real life.

• I cannot pass for an Aussie, even when I’m wearing high socks w/shorts, sunburned, and doing my best crocodile dundy accent.  Holly, on the other hand, nails the accent every time (Secret to her success?  Make everything sound a bit like a question).
• I would be a biologist or astrophysicist if I’m reincarnated in Australia.  So many bizarre animals, even in the middle of Hyde Park, and a very cool observatory.
• The grungier the restaurant (or market), the tastier the fish n chips.

• The US should slap huge tariffs on vegemite – anything to keep it out of US cuisine.
• Aussies love betting on horse racing.  Love it.
• Sydney is easily one of the most beautiful, livable, and multicultural cities in the world. 

• Next big thing: Aboriginal music mashed with psychedelic house music. 
• The bats that have taken over the botanical gardens are a bit too large – and low-flying – for comfort.
• Even though Australia is home to dozens of little creatures capable of doing tremendous harm to humans, Aussies seem obsessed with sharks and saltwater crocodiles (“salties”).
• Aussies seem to downplay things.  If a small child gets crushed by a ‘proper’ wave – I mean, absolutely obliterated and tossed around – the parents will describe their kid’s misadventure as, “a bit of roll.” 
• The lifeguards at Bondi Beach enjoy the social esteem and respect of high-profile civic leaders (or celebrities) in other countries...tells you the ‘rips’ aren’t a joke
• It’s hot.  Popsicles and ice cream fetch at least $5 in the most touristy areas, yet so worth it.

• Aussies don’t appreciate it when I sing “Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree...” over and over again on the bus (messing up the lyrics every time).  Holly doesn’t appreciate it either.