As I sit, watching public television, free to watch on the Australian network, one of the most violent and controversial Quentin Tarantino movies of all time, completely unedited for adult content, language, or gore, I reflect on some of the differences between Australia and the United States.
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| Source: Django Unchained |
It never occurred to me that it would be normal to air Django Unchained on public television. While a fantastic movie, an accurate portrayal of slavery and violence of the times (while not always historically accurate) I never would have expected it on something other than an HBO or similar pay per view channel. Granted, it came on at 9 PM, and while fairly late, I was surprised to see it on he air. I digress. It's a fantastic movie and one of my favorite Tarantino films, I highly recommend you watch it.
Another big difference I've found in Australia are specialty stores. So, there are grocery stores, but mostly you can only buy house hold items and, you guessed it, groceries. Big department stores aren't common in the city, most grocery stores don't sell much alcohol, and if you find a clothing store that is not in the mall, it's likely a boutique and fairly expensive. But K-Mart and Target exist, which is the best thing ever.
One of the things I was most looking forward to was meeting local Australians and discovering their heritage. I should have realized that Sydney is not known for being a place of many Australians but rather, many people who have moved to Australia from Elsewhere. But I have met a few Australians and many of them have been kind, cordial, and have a very dry sense of humor.
Good news though, I found a job! I'm working at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Data Administrator for the Data Quality Team. Which is a fancy way of saying I'm helping clean up a database to prepare for a new database. But, it's good job, it pays well, and it'll cover my rent, living expenses, and help replenish my depleting savings account. Big difference in Sydney to Dallas: the minimum wage is just over $17 an hour, and the minimum wage I can make on my particular working visa is $22/hour. Paying a living wage has its benefits, but there are some fall backs to it. For instance:
- Restaurants are generally more expensive because employees aren't paid tips commonly
- Even fast food can be quite pricey, because the minimum wage is so high.
- The cost of living is very high, my apartment's rent is $425 per week (including utilities)
- Also, everything is per week. Utilities, Rent, Etc.
- Also, I found out from my coworker Edison I'm being ripped off, a little late now though. I've already signed my lease for six months. Live an learn.
- Sydney is the 2nd most expensive place to live in the world, next to London. Should've tried Melbourne first.
Other minor differences between the United States and Australia:
- Mayonnaise is more like Miracle Whip in terms of flavor.
- Burger King is called Hungry Jacks
- The Whopper comes with Miracle Whip mayo on it, and that is just wrong and an abomination of nature and I doubt I'll ever go to Burger King/Hungry Jacks again
- Seriously? Miracle Whip?? What is wrong with this place
- Instant Coffee: Way Popular. I prefer it because I can make it less bitter and strong than normal brewed coffee.
- Dollar bills aren't minted here. But they do have dollar coins.
- Most of the coins have animals on them! The dollar coins have kangaroos
- The bills that are minted have plastic in them.
- If a building was built before there was AC, then it will most likely not have central heating and air. The electrical infrastructure of Australia is quite behind, so installing HVAC is quite expensive, and running it costs even more.
- Wifi is way slow.
- Some movie theaters have self-serve concessions. Douglas and I went and saw Passengers and Split this week.
- Instead of answering the phone "Hi, how are you?" You ask "Hi, how you goin'?"
- And you must end the phone call very chipper and say "Cheers!" like getting off the phone is the most exciting part of your day
- That part is very strange to me...
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| Douglas was quite comfy for the Passenger's movie. He liked it, but thought it lacked a bit of ingenuity. Douglas said it was quite predictable |
So far my experience in Oz has been a good one, if not a bit expensive. I've quite enjoyed it and I'm glad to have found a job. And I've finally met one of my housemates and we've become good friends. Her name is Maz and she's very nice I'm going to finish watching Django I think, and then go to bed.
CHEERS HAVE A GOOD NIGHT, BYYYEEE. :D */click\*
