The Quadrangle

Issue date: 10/11/06 Section: Features

G'day everyone!
I figured it was about time to write my first official email from Australia to let everyone know what I have been up to. My Orientation in Cairns (pronounced "Cannes" by Aussies) was amazing. When we first got off the plane (Aug 30) to go our hostels, I know you may not believe me but Steve Irwin was actually there, why I am not quite sure. He had a camera crew with him and was in his car. A lot of us took pictures of him and he honked his horn and waved.
He was the first Australian anyone of us saw when we arrived and it's very strange now that he has passed. A lot of people have been asking me if Aussies are upset about his passing. When I first heard the news, shock, seemed to be the first response but a few Australians that I have talked to have likened his to a Princess Diana figure. Someone who is an unofficial representative of their country. Other than that, I don't have a TV to watch the new, so I wouldn't know what is being said, but no one has been talking about him since it happened.
Everyone from AustraLearn (the program I am studying abroad through) was setup in Hostels, where we got to know everyone. My first impression of Australia was how beautiful and clean it was. People drive on the opposite side of the road here and from personal experience pedestrians do not have the right of way here. A lot of people I have met have had close calls with cars because oddly enough it seems that when they see someone walking they accelerate. I'm still trying to figure that one out. The Aussie lingo is the only cultural aspect that is causing some confusion.
These are all words that are commonly used. The saying "No Worries" is by far the most commonly used phrase. Australians say it for absolutely everything. When I order meals at the cafeteria and I ask "Could I have some of such and such "they respond" Sure, No Worries". It is a very, very popular saying and speaks volumes about just how relaxed it is here. Instead of saying "How are you," a typical response is "How you going?" or instead of "What would you like" they would say "What are you after?" Most words are shortened, for instance I don't go to Bond University, I go to Bond Uni. Aussies also encourage you to "Have a go" which means to try something different, it's a sure fire way to get on their good side, even if you fail.
All of the Aussies that I have met have been exceptionally nice and accommodating. They often are sarcastic and use "put downs" as a way of getting to know you. A Bond administrator said that Australians are a bit strange in that way, buts it's all meant in good fun, so I'm going to have to adjust to that one.
While in Cairns, I went Scuba Diving on the Great Barrier Reef, visited the Tropical Zoo where we saw all the typical wildlife (Crocs, Koalas, Kangaroos). We got to take pictures with Koalas and I noticed that they were so passive and non-confrontational. I later found out they were sedated so we could take pics with them, which kind of ruined the moment.
Our group also went to the Tjapukai Aboriginal Park where we got to see how the Aborigines live. We got to throw spears and boomerangs. I loved it all. I realize now why many Americans who study abroad here don't come back. Their way of life emphasized little stress. Everyone that I have met has been so nice and makes me feel welcome. While I can sense a bit of Anti-American sentiment, it is not prominent. Apparently, Australians are highly informed about of political systems and parties and know which states are red and blue so they make sure to ask which state you come from.

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