"Oh, and this is our new resident, Mum. She's American! Listen to how she talks. Quick, say something." This is how one of my boarders introduced me to her mother today. Needless to say, having an American resident living in their house is something of a novelty to most of the girls at Abbotsleigh. Something as simple as saying my name, Ms. McCarther, starts off an immediate reaction--all of the girls repeating after me and taking special care to emphasize the hard "r" in the middle. And just yesterday, some of the boarders came up to me to verify whether it was "America" or "Americar" as some Australians are apt to say. I've even made a deal with one of the girls that in exchange for teaching her how to talk like an American, she will teach me to speak like an Aussie.
The "language barrier" really is quite small, though, here in Sydney. You're more likely to hear the infamous Crocodile Dundee accent out in the bush than here in the city. Most of the Aussies I've come across sound far more British than what's portrayed on American television. Still, it's an infectious little accent and even in the week I've been here I've noticed that the cadence of my speech has begun to change and words like "out" have started to sound more like "eowt." Part of it has to do with the fact that I spend a good amount of hours in the office each day chatting with my fellow residents and boarding directors all of whom are Australian. And of course, you hear it on television and on the train announcements and at uni and suddenly, hearing yourself talk sounds foreign and abrasive and you unconsciously began to change your "r's" to "ah's." The American accent really does sound harsh when up against the softer Australian accent. I'm trying to avoid sounding too Australian, though, as then people might assume that I know more than I actually do.
I've also started to pick up more of the Australian lingo. Things like doona (comforter), jumper (pullover/sweater), pram (stroller), and biscuits (cookies) are all slowly filtering into my vocabulary. Not without a bit of comedy involved, of course. I mean, doona sounds like some kind of animal, doesn't it? I definitely wouldn't want one on top of my bed and certainly not to sleep underneath!
So far, however, my biggest mistake hasn't involved language so much as a little part of our American culture--sororities. I made the mistake of telling the girls that I was in one in college. This information was not given out freely; a bunch of boarders had seen The House Bunny and wanted to ask a real, live American if the sorority life depicted in the movie was accurate. In explaining just what sorority life entailed, it slipped out that I was a member of Alpha Xi Delta. It simply snowballed from there. The next thing I knew word had spread to the year 7 and 8s that a real sorority girl was living on their campus and speculations were being made as to whether or not I was also a cheerleader (they don't really have them here). Because, of course, in the movies all sorority girls are also cheerleaders. Now, whenever I see a year 9 or 10 girl, I'm greeted with crossed pointer fingers and a pointed pinky (the "Xi" sign) and exclamations of "Alpha Xi Delta!" I'm attempting to convince the boarders to create their own sorority for McCredie House but, seeing as they're all teenage girls, I'm sure their enthusiasm will fade over the next week. (Let's all hope!)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
"Sales tax? What's that?"
On my second day here in Australia, me and my new roomie, Michelle, headed out to Hornsby to do a little shopping. Me, for some toiletries and furnishings and she, for a new belt and a gift for a friend. (Hornsby is located two train stops from where I live in Wahroonga so it's a pretty short distance.) I was very excited; first, because I was venturing out into Sydney with someone who actually knew where she was going and so there was no chance of getting lost and second, because it would be my first time experiencing commercial Sydney. Aside from the billboard advertising a Target I saw on the drive in from the airport, I had no idea what the Australian shopping experience would entail.
While purchasing my ticket from the automated vending machine at the train station, Michelle asked me what I thought of Australian money. For those of you who have never seen Australian currency, it is very colorful. All of the bills are different sizes (they get bigger as the amount increases) and each one has a plastic see through emblem in the corner for security purposes. It doesn't really feel like paper either. It's very smooth, almost like wrapping paper. I had an American twenty in my wallet that I hadn't yet exchanged and she commented on how boring American money looked and how it felt like paper, like nothing at all. And she thought it was silly that we have a bill for $1 which is such a tiny amount. (They don't even bother making 1 cent coins.) The bills in Australia start at $5 and go up from there. Any smaller amounts ($1, $2) come in the form of coins. It's so eye-opening to hear what other people think about things we don't bother to think about at all.
The first thing I spotted before hopping off the train at Hornsby was a massive red sign advertising a Westfield shopping centre. Yes, Westfield shopping centers have made their way across the globe to Australia. Or perhaps they were here first? It's certainly possible as Michelle said you can find them all over and they're all massive. Regardless, the three story monstrosity looming in front of us would have made any American consumer proud. There is no doubt in my mind that if Michelle hadn't been around I would have found myself aimlessly wandering yet again. I think even she got turned around a bit and she shops there often.
The three floors of stores (connected by an indoor walkway to another three floors) offered a range of products, services, and shopping experiences. There were ritzy high-end stores, exclusive boutiques, general stores like Target, and a little store called The Reject Shop (fantastic, right?). After popping into Kmart (I'm not sure if it's the same one from the states) for a few items (I was pleasantly surprised to see that they carry most of the same brands and products as in the states), my next stop was, of coruse, The Reject Shop. Despite its name, the store is actually a bargain shop (like Ollie's, Big Lots, Family Dollar) and not a store full of discarded or poorly made items. Perfect for a grad student on a limited budget.
It actually wasn't until I had finished purchasing my items at The Reject Shop that I realized the price listed on the items was the price I paid for them. There was no sales tax! I wanted to make sure I hadn't just walked away with items I didn't completely pay for so I double-checked with Michelle. She immediately responded, "A sales tax? What's that?" I explained how our greedy American government just can't get its hands on enough of our hard-earned money and so adds a little extra to our bill every time we purchase something. Naturally, she was horrified. She assured me that the Australian government would never do such a thing.* Good to know, as now I can shop guilt-free knowing that not only will I only pay the price posted, but also that the exchange rate is in my favor (for the time being).
*Okay so maybe I exaggerated slightly. There is a sales tax in Australia. It's just that it is already factored into the price of the product you are buying. So the $3 you see on a package of biscuits (cookies) is exactly what you will pay because the government has kindly added the tax in beforehand.
While purchasing my ticket from the automated vending machine at the train station, Michelle asked me what I thought of Australian money. For those of you who have never seen Australian currency, it is very colorful. All of the bills are different sizes (they get bigger as the amount increases) and each one has a plastic see through emblem in the corner for security purposes. It doesn't really feel like paper either. It's very smooth, almost like wrapping paper. I had an American twenty in my wallet that I hadn't yet exchanged and she commented on how boring American money looked and how it felt like paper, like nothing at all. And she thought it was silly that we have a bill for $1 which is such a tiny amount. (They don't even bother making 1 cent coins.) The bills in Australia start at $5 and go up from there. Any smaller amounts ($1, $2) come in the form of coins. It's so eye-opening to hear what other people think about things we don't bother to think about at all.
The first thing I spotted before hopping off the train at Hornsby was a massive red sign advertising a Westfield shopping centre. Yes, Westfield shopping centers have made their way across the globe to Australia. Or perhaps they were here first? It's certainly possible as Michelle said you can find them all over and they're all massive. Regardless, the three story monstrosity looming in front of us would have made any American consumer proud. There is no doubt in my mind that if Michelle hadn't been around I would have found myself aimlessly wandering yet again. I think even she got turned around a bit and she shops there often.
The three floors of stores (connected by an indoor walkway to another three floors) offered a range of products, services, and shopping experiences. There were ritzy high-end stores, exclusive boutiques, general stores like Target, and a little store called The Reject Shop (fantastic, right?). After popping into Kmart (I'm not sure if it's the same one from the states) for a few items (I was pleasantly surprised to see that they carry most of the same brands and products as in the states), my next stop was, of coruse, The Reject Shop. Despite its name, the store is actually a bargain shop (like Ollie's, Big Lots, Family Dollar) and not a store full of discarded or poorly made items. Perfect for a grad student on a limited budget.
It actually wasn't until I had finished purchasing my items at The Reject Shop that I realized the price listed on the items was the price I paid for them. There was no sales tax! I wanted to make sure I hadn't just walked away with items I didn't completely pay for so I double-checked with Michelle. She immediately responded, "A sales tax? What's that?" I explained how our greedy American government just can't get its hands on enough of our hard-earned money and so adds a little extra to our bill every time we purchase something. Naturally, she was horrified. She assured me that the Australian government would never do such a thing.* Good to know, as now I can shop guilt-free knowing that not only will I only pay the price posted, but also that the exchange rate is in my favor (for the time being).
*Okay so maybe I exaggerated slightly. There is a sales tax in Australia. It's just that it is already factored into the price of the product you are buying. So the $3 you see on a package of biscuits (cookies) is exactly what you will pay because the government has kindly added the tax in beforehand.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Tour of Sydney
I finally got my first good look at Sydney. The International Student office at Macquarie has kindly arranged several day trips for the international students in the week before classes begin (Aug. 2). So I decided to make good use of the free walking tour of Sydney that was offered on Tuesday. It included all the highlights of Sydney: the Opera House, the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Queen Victoria Building, Town Hall, the Rocks, (don't be deceived--the Rocks are not a large pile of artfully arranged stones. It's the name of the oldest area in Sydney first settled by intrepid explorers), in addition to a couple of random stops like the Channel 7 building and the Sydney Hospital. The first stop, of course, was the Sydney Opera House.
I must admit, seeing the Opera House in the flesh was such an experience. I've seen so many pictures and video clips of it over the years that you almost forget it's a real place and not some fanciful drawing on a postcard. We stepped out of the train station and it was just---there. Right in front of us. Rising off the edge of the harbor and blossoming into enormous white sails. It was like being in Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time, or St. Paul's Catheral in London. So, yes, I've officially had my first "tourist moment" in Sydney. I plan to go back once it's a bit warmer (and sunnier) to have another look at it. And maybe even see a show if I can save up enough on my meager pay.
The weather that day wasn't perfect--it was a bit chilly and we got drizzled on later--but it was a rather enjoyable day all around with my favorite stop being a Lindt cafe. (Yes, it is the same Lindt that makes those wonderful chocolate truffles I love.) It was actually a really posh little place because it's right smack in the middle of downton where all the bigwigs work (one of the patrons was in a tux!) so I felt a bit underdressed in jeans. However, all was forgotten after I had my first sip of my Lindt hot chocolate. Heavenly!
The sights aside, the trip also gave me the chance to meet heaps (a very common Australian phrase) of other international students from all over--Austria, India, Holland, Finland, France, Germany, and of course some Americans, too, from Montana, Maine, New Jersey, and North Carolina. It's funny how we all kind of cling to each other since we're all miles away from home and all things familiar. It definitely makes adjusting to life here easier as there's nearly always someone to turn to.
Below are some pictures from the tour. My laptop is being cantankerous so I'm not sure when I'll get videos up, but I'll try and upload additional photos in an album on Facebook so keep an eye out for them!
I must admit, seeing the Opera House in the flesh was such an experience. I've seen so many pictures and video clips of it over the years that you almost forget it's a real place and not some fanciful drawing on a postcard. We stepped out of the train station and it was just---there. Right in front of us. Rising off the edge of the harbor and blossoming into enormous white sails. It was like being in Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time, or St. Paul's Catheral in London. So, yes, I've officially had my first "tourist moment" in Sydney. I plan to go back once it's a bit warmer (and sunnier) to have another look at it. And maybe even see a show if I can save up enough on my meager pay.
The weather that day wasn't perfect--it was a bit chilly and we got drizzled on later--but it was a rather enjoyable day all around with my favorite stop being a Lindt cafe. (Yes, it is the same Lindt that makes those wonderful chocolate truffles I love.) It was actually a really posh little place because it's right smack in the middle of downton where all the bigwigs work (one of the patrons was in a tux!) so I felt a bit underdressed in jeans. However, all was forgotten after I had my first sip of my Lindt hot chocolate. Heavenly!
The sights aside, the trip also gave me the chance to meet heaps (a very common Australian phrase) of other international students from all over--Austria, India, Holland, Finland, France, Germany, and of course some Americans, too, from Montana, Maine, New Jersey, and North Carolina. It's funny how we all kind of cling to each other since we're all miles away from home and all things familiar. It definitely makes adjusting to life here easier as there's nearly always someone to turn to.
Below are some pictures from the tour. My laptop is being cantankerous so I'm not sure when I'll get videos up, but I'll try and upload additional photos in an album on Facebook so keep an eye out for them!
Shots of Sydney
 |
| Looking towards Sydney from the Opera House |
 |
| There it is!!! |
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| In front of Harbour Bridge |
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| Representing the US, Austria, Finland, and France! |
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| Me, Stephanie (Maine), and Linda (Finland) |
Friday, July 23, 2010
It's Mac-QUARRY, not Mac-QWAIRY
Yes, it's true. I've unwittingly been butchering the name of the uni for all of these months. When I first arrived here and was asked where I was studying I eagerly piped up with an excited "Macquarie Unviersity" (pronounced Mac-QWAIRY) only to be met with furrowed brows and replies of "Never heard of it." Well, the lovely staff and and girls here at Abbotsleigh, politely informed me last night that the reason for the confusion was that I wasn't pronouncing it correctly. The first, I'm sure, of many language faux pas I will commit. But, anywho, on to the uni.
I had some trouble getting to campus for orientation as I live in Wahroonga and the university is in North Ryde. To get to campus, I have to walk to the train station, hop a train to Chatswood and then switch to another line to get to the Macquarie University stop. It's not as difficult as it sounds but I couldn't find the train station and then wasn't sure which train to get on once I got to Chatswood. After some wandering around, I figured it out and feel much more confident with getting from here to there. I certainly felt like the struggling, lost newcomer but I suppose it's all part of the experience.
The campus itself is fairly large because in addition to it's academic buildings it has it's own research park and hospital. Thankfully, all the buildings I need are fairly close together and easy to find. I wouldn't say it's the prettiest campus I've been on as most of the buildings are concrete and brick and various shades of gray and tan. It is winter, though, so some of the trees are without leaves and the weather's slightly dreary and I have no doubt it'll look downright spiffy come spring (which begins in September).
The schedule for the semester is actually quite short. We begin classes August 2nd and then get two weeks off in September for spring break. Then more classes in October, exams begin in November, and we're out and on our way by Dec. 3. As a postgraduate I probably won't have any exams, just papers, so according to our Orientation guide, I'll most likely be done well before the 3rd, leaving me with plenty of time to get to know Sydney (and to keep you all well-informed). :o)
I had some trouble getting to campus for orientation as I live in Wahroonga and the university is in North Ryde. To get to campus, I have to walk to the train station, hop a train to Chatswood and then switch to another line to get to the Macquarie University stop. It's not as difficult as it sounds but I couldn't find the train station and then wasn't sure which train to get on once I got to Chatswood. After some wandering around, I figured it out and feel much more confident with getting from here to there. I certainly felt like the struggling, lost newcomer but I suppose it's all part of the experience.
The campus itself is fairly large because in addition to it's academic buildings it has it's own research park and hospital. Thankfully, all the buildings I need are fairly close together and easy to find. I wouldn't say it's the prettiest campus I've been on as most of the buildings are concrete and brick and various shades of gray and tan. It is winter, though, so some of the trees are without leaves and the weather's slightly dreary and I have no doubt it'll look downright spiffy come spring (which begins in September).
The schedule for the semester is actually quite short. We begin classes August 2nd and then get two weeks off in September for spring break. Then more classes in October, exams begin in November, and we're out and on our way by Dec. 3. As a postgraduate I probably won't have any exams, just papers, so according to our Orientation guide, I'll most likely be done well before the 3rd, leaving me with plenty of time to get to know Sydney (and to keep you all well-informed). :o)
Destination: Syndey, Australia
A good friend once told me that if I could conquer the self-checkout at Wal-Mart, I could conquer the world. Well, I may not have conquered it quite yet, but I have safely made it to the other side of it. I'd love to tell you that the journey was pleasant and uneventful and smooth sailing all around--an excellent start to this new undertaking. But, life is not easy, and getting from A to B never is and so there was a bit of trouble from the get-go. I won't bore you with all the details, so here's a quick summary of how it all went down.
First, my flight out of Ohio was delayed by two hours because the plane hadn't been upgraded to meet FAA regulations (or something, the pilot went on and on about whatever the issue was and I couldn't quite follow). Because of this delay, I didn't reach LA until 10:40pm to meet my connecting flight which was to depart at 10:35. By the time I raced over to the gate, my carefully chosen aisle seat had already been given away and I was stuck with a seat smack in the middle. Then, the automated "luggage loader" system, which loads the baggage onto the plane, broke down and the flight crew had to manually load the luggage for all of the passengers on the massive Boeing 777 which pushed our arrival time in Sydney back a half hour. I survived the flight and made it to Customs only to be pulled aside by a Customs officer because my middle name had not been put into their system by the airline and so my passport had to be copied and verified. And then was pulled aside in Quarantine because the officers thought I was attempting to sneak a wooden picture frame into the country. (Yes, they have VERY strict rules about what can be brought into the country since they are a massive island and a wooden picture frame could, of course, bring death and destruction to the entire population). Finally, I made it to the meeting area where after several moments of confusion and sheer panic a kindly old man from the university found me and took me to my driver.
I was surprised to discover that I wasn't the only Macquarie student arriving yesterday. There were quite a number of international students there to be picked up and while waiting I met William from France (pronounced "Gilliam), Matt from England, Leeann from New Jersey and a quiet couple from Germany. Since we were all assigned the same driver we had the opportunity to get to know each other a bit and then were unceremoniously deposited at our various accomodations around Sydney. I, of course, was droppped off at Abbotsleigh where I and my three suitcases half-walked, half-tumbled down the massive hill to Mcredie House where I'll be staying.
Mcredie House is a huge dormitory/house that houses about 60 9th & 10th grade girls most of whom I met yesterday. The dorm has its own kitchen, laundry room, two entertainment areas, and a computer lab and the suite I share with another resident assistant, Michelle, has its own bathroom and kitchen, as well. (Check out the video to see what it looks like!*) The girls were all quite taken with my "accent" and attempted to mimic me as I introduced myself. It was all very funny because I don't think I have an accent and was attempting to copy theirs. They're definitely a very energetic bunch, but sweet (so far) and I'm hoping that we all get along. If we don't, then the next 12 months are going to be VERY long!
So, I'm here, alive, healthy, and a bit chilly. I think I overestimated how warm 60 degrees is and my fingers have gone quite numb as I sit here typing this. Thankfully, my room has heat (it's heated through the floor which is odd but my feet appreciate it) even if the computer lab doesn't. Once IT hooks up my laptop, though, I'll be able to do this from the comfort of my room.
I realize this entry has gotten a bit lengthy so to make for easier reading I'll make a separate entry to briefly tell you about my experience at Macquarie.
*Videos probably won't be posted until Monday when IT has created an account for me, but they are coming!
First, my flight out of Ohio was delayed by two hours because the plane hadn't been upgraded to meet FAA regulations (or something, the pilot went on and on about whatever the issue was and I couldn't quite follow). Because of this delay, I didn't reach LA until 10:40pm to meet my connecting flight which was to depart at 10:35. By the time I raced over to the gate, my carefully chosen aisle seat had already been given away and I was stuck with a seat smack in the middle. Then, the automated "luggage loader" system, which loads the baggage onto the plane, broke down and the flight crew had to manually load the luggage for all of the passengers on the massive Boeing 777 which pushed our arrival time in Sydney back a half hour. I survived the flight and made it to Customs only to be pulled aside by a Customs officer because my middle name had not been put into their system by the airline and so my passport had to be copied and verified. And then was pulled aside in Quarantine because the officers thought I was attempting to sneak a wooden picture frame into the country. (Yes, they have VERY strict rules about what can be brought into the country since they are a massive island and a wooden picture frame could, of course, bring death and destruction to the entire population). Finally, I made it to the meeting area where after several moments of confusion and sheer panic a kindly old man from the university found me and took me to my driver.
I was surprised to discover that I wasn't the only Macquarie student arriving yesterday. There were quite a number of international students there to be picked up and while waiting I met William from France (pronounced "Gilliam), Matt from England, Leeann from New Jersey and a quiet couple from Germany. Since we were all assigned the same driver we had the opportunity to get to know each other a bit and then were unceremoniously deposited at our various accomodations around Sydney. I, of course, was droppped off at Abbotsleigh where I and my three suitcases half-walked, half-tumbled down the massive hill to Mcredie House where I'll be staying.
Mcredie House is a huge dormitory/house that houses about 60 9th & 10th grade girls most of whom I met yesterday. The dorm has its own kitchen, laundry room, two entertainment areas, and a computer lab and the suite I share with another resident assistant, Michelle, has its own bathroom and kitchen, as well. (Check out the video to see what it looks like!*) The girls were all quite taken with my "accent" and attempted to mimic me as I introduced myself. It was all very funny because I don't think I have an accent and was attempting to copy theirs. They're definitely a very energetic bunch, but sweet (so far) and I'm hoping that we all get along. If we don't, then the next 12 months are going to be VERY long!
So, I'm here, alive, healthy, and a bit chilly. I think I overestimated how warm 60 degrees is and my fingers have gone quite numb as I sit here typing this. Thankfully, my room has heat (it's heated through the floor which is odd but my feet appreciate it) even if the computer lab doesn't. Once IT hooks up my laptop, though, I'll be able to do this from the comfort of my room.
I realize this entry has gotten a bit lengthy so to make for easier reading I'll make a separate entry to briefly tell you about my experience at Macquarie.
*Videos probably won't be posted until Monday when IT has created an account for me, but they are coming!
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