January 2009

Americanization

While trying to occupy myself today, I made an unfortunate decision to watch the local news here in Oz. See, today was Australia Day, which is essentially like American Independence Day. People here wave their Aussie flags, drink themselves into oblivion, and the cities put on a fireworks display since citizens can’t, as (oh yeah) [...]

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For cryin’ out loud, it’s HOT!

If Hell is even a fraction as hot as Oz, I need to be a good girl, cause I don’t wanna go. Right now it’s 40 degrees Celsius outside (104 degrees Fahrenheit), and a balmy 88 – 90 degrees in my bathroom. To say that my sensitive skin is aggravated is the understatement of the [...]

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Mayo my, it exists.

Yeah, yeah, I know it’s “one day to change” in America, and there is a landmark inauguration on the horizon—but as an expat, I’ll tell you what’s more important: procuring things that make it feel like home, sweet home. So while Obama is heavy on everyone’s minds, all I’ve been able to think about is [...]

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A mayo by any other name…

Today for lunch, I attempted to make tuna salad sandwiches for C and me. I say attempted because while I was successful at concocting said salad and sandwiches, they tasted nothing like some good ol‘ American tuna salad. And why? Cause what they call mayonnaise here is not mayonnaise at all, but a slimy, translucent, [...]

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Hmmm…

I’m curious about something I noticed here the other day. I went to see Australia, the movie (go see it…don’t believe the critics!), and sat through the requisite commercials and previews prior to the movie. Currently in Oz, there is a massive TV/print marketing campaign aimed at teens and binge drinking, driving while intoxicated, fighting [...]

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I’m melting…

What happens in Oz with no air conditioning…

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BYO

I’ve become acquainted with a new initialism down here in Oz, and I must admit that it makes my heart sing every time I see it: BYO. BYO, my American friends, stands for Bring Your Own. As in wine. With no corkage fee. Like, everywhere. It’s the greatest thing because Aussies have absolutely nailed wine [...]

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