Australia Research

Hello lovelies,

I know I have been a bit slack the last few months. I blame the new job, the flat and trying to start a new life in a foreign country.

So, okay, I am learning lots of new things about Australia all the time.

And I think I'm getting into it.

Last night was the final of the State of Origin series.
Its a huge deal between Queenslanders and New South Wales.

These are the states in case you're wondering.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/keep-an-eye-on-the-state-of-origin-decider-as-we-provide-updates-as-it-happens/story-e6frepbx-1226417163009

So, basically, its like a game of rugby - except they call it football. They call football, soccer. Strange.

Its massively popular and the State of Origin is a big 'football' series of 3 matches again QLD and NSW - but the teams are made up of premium club players who were born in these states. Hence the name.

It means that during the rest of the year, you play alongside your bessie mates for the Broncos or whatever, and then for SOF - you become mortal enemies.

And it is a brutal games to watch. They run and and down the pitch, scoring 'Trys' and kicking the ball inebetween the posts. Whilst the other team tackle you to the ground and every opportunity.

So injuries are common:

Broken bones/faces
Fractured bones/faces
Black eyes
Knocked out teeth
Head gashes
General cuts/brusing/blood etc etc

So it's a very violent sport and there is always a big punch up on the pitch too.

So last night, I watched a full match (a first) donned my Maroons spirit (for QLD) and we won the 7th consectutive State of Origin, on home turf, at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

Other things I am still learing:

• No matter where I look, personalised numberplates are still around, still terrible and just scream 'small penis' for them combined with fancy cars. Brains on a Lotus was a new high(or low)light of mine.
• Australians think that they are worse off than they are. They all think they are poor. Minimum wage is $17 an hour and not many people are on that.
• Shopping in Australia is bad. No high street chains like in the US or Europe. This means no:

Topshop, H&M, Zara, Primark, Urban Outfitters, Uni qlo, M&S, New Look etc etc.

Fashion is tres different to the northern hemisphere. Think, short, see-through and slutty. That may be harsh but thats all thats in the shops in the summer time!

I have also learnt (majorly), that it does get cold in Australia. In the office, I am tres cold. Its warm in the sun still, but in the shade/office/home its chilly. QLD in particular, doesn't have heating anywhere, as its supposed to be a hot climate. Wish I bought my gloves and boots over now!

Australia also love Masterchef (its kind of addicitve viewing), with its glamourous format and mouth watering meals....and they don't really have many celebrities. And if they are Australian, some are quite quiet about it.

Celebrities are: Lara Bingle (the girl of the Tourism Australia Advert), Miranda Kerr, Delta Goodrem, Keith Urban (married to Nicole Kidman and famous in the US) and anyone that has been on any tv show in the last XX years. Weird.

And the general approach to going abroad seems to be on a Contiki Tour. I assume this is prepaid, preoganised tours around Europe - thinking they get the European experience. Strange.

And I still dont like Vegemite. But at least you can still buy Marmite, Twiglets, Ritze Crackers Yorkshire pudding mix, mushy peas, Caramal Wafers - the gold and red lunch box ones, Edinbugh Castle Rock, English Toffee, Polos and a weird variety of imported English things at a hugely inflated rate. No chocolate covered hobnobs though :(

Anyways, best get back to work - enjoy my research and write soon!

Muchos Love xxxxx