We've been on the field for 12 days. I can't say we're going through culture shock because nothing has been shocking yet, but here are some things we're learning to adjust to.
- Driving. Here in Australia they drive on the opposite side of the road. I drove the second day we were here, what an experience. I did fairly well, no accidents yet. We are currently looking for a car, although I can drive stick shift, I prefer an automatic. It's enough adjusting to driving on the other side of the road (right turns are exciting!), so I would like to wait to add shifting gears with my left hand. The turn signal is on the right of the steering wheel here, so many times when I'm putting on my signal I turn on the windshield wipers.
- The accent. I love the Australian accent, but some people's accent is so thick that I can hardly understand what they're saying. We're adjusting to other words, like boot = trunk, car park = parking lot, Chrissie = Christmas, Tea = supper, etc.
- Food. I haven't ate anything strange yet (and I'm ok with that!). The missionaries that we're staying with were given a ton of buffalo meat, so we've had spaghetti and tacos with buffalo meat. It tastes like leaner beef.
- Weather. Our seasons are opposite here, so we're going into summer and the rainy season. I love rainy days, which is good because I think it's rained everyday since we've been here. It's been averaging in the low 90s with about 75% humidity.
- Homes. Although homes here are similar to homes you would see in Florida, the cost to rent is exceptionally higher. A three bedroom house averages $450-$470 a week, not a month, a WEEK! We have applications in on a few houses, so Lord willing, we'll hear back this week. We'd love to be in our own home by Christmas.
- Groceries. Some prices here are similar, but there are a few items I've noticed so far that are way higher. For example, a boxed cake mix is about $6.
That's all I can think of off the top of my head. We're settling into the culture very well (or so I think). We're praying we find a house and car soon, but we know it's all in God's perfect time.
3 comments:
Glad you are adjusting to your new life in Australia. We have some Australians who are working in the city of Krasnoyarsk so we enjoy their accents and different words. However, on a cell phone with background noise and a thick accent it is difficult to understand everything for sure! We used to have cars with the steering wheel on the right side so we also often turned on the windshield wipers and vice versa when we drove in the States. :)
I cannot believe that price of rent! Wow!!! However, I think I'd pay $6 anyday just to get a box of cake mix!
Welcome to the Southern Hemisphere. We are neighbours, sort of. My family and I live in New Zealand. I've been here for 5 1/2 years. There are many things to adjust to, but with God's help you learn and keep going. Praying for you!
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