One of the things that is most fun about travelling outside our own country is noticing what is different. And I don’t mean the big cultural differences, just the little things. In the case of Tasmania and Sydney (probably the rest of Australia too, but as we didn’t go anywhere else we won’t assume) the little things were the road signs and common greetings or expressions. I’m very sure I haven’t captured even a small fraction, but a sampling will be enough for the illustration.
When someone says hello, they also ask the question “How are you going?”; ‘G’day mate’ is in fact very commonly said and this won’t be a surprise to almost anyone anywhere; “Uni” is the common way to say University, in fact there are many things abbreviated like this, “pav” for pavlova which is a wonderful meringue and fruit dessert; ‘chook’ is a chicken; ‘lollies’ are sweets or candies; “doona” is a duvet or quilt; “no worries” which is used for many things but mostly to reassure you that everything will be fine and the job will be done; “magic” is an exclamation to indicate approval or if something is fine or even beautiful. Actually I think there are so many Aussie and Tassie words and slang expressions that they should have their own dictionary. In fact, on the internet, they do! If you are interested go to Australian Slang. You can bet I’ve not the full quid if I look for tucker at Maccas! Hooroo!
Oh drat! If I’d known you were also going to be in Sydney I would have given you my brother’s phone number!!!!
Your pictures are GORGEOUS and it looks like you had a fabulous time. Good on you mate!
xo
Sasha