It’s the start of my third year in Sydney; two years have gone by in a flash. Here are some things I’ve observed in my two years here.

Australians (especially white Aussie men) are obsessed with watching sports, especially cricket, footy (Australian football) and rugby league. Don’t ask me what’s the difference between the latter two. The media coverage of the sport and its sporting stars is endless. The white Aussie guys at work love talking about it and I have no interest nor clue about the games. I prefer actually spending time doing a sport rather than plonking myself in front of a TV to watch it!

Australians love to gamble. That the whole country stops for a horse race – the Melbourne Cup – is just bewildering to me. One can also bet on the outcomes of reality shows like “The Bachelor” and “Survivor”. I know some of my colleagues have placed bets (and lost) on these silly shows.

Socialising always involves the drinking of alcohol. Lots of it. Food is secondary. So this is where I can’t adapt; I’m pretty much a teetotaler. At the most it’s just one glass of wine or champagne for me. For me (and most Asians), food is of the primary importance, then comes the drinks, i.e. alcohol. For the Aussies, the order is reversed and the goal is to get pissed drunk only to end up with a hangover the next day. Don’t. Get. It.

The gender neutral term “partner” is what Aussies use to refer to one’s spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend. No one uses the latter two labels here. Even “wife” or “husband” is seldom used. Seems like these terms have fallen out of fashion.

Bushwalking is an activity that seems to be more popular with retirees. Younger people prefer to pump iron at the gym or stretch their limbs at yoga class. I’m 40, yet I’m usually one of the younger ones at a bushwalk! It’s a pity Aussies don’t get out and appreciate the beauty of the bushland more often!

Author: DSD

Contact me: dimsumdolly@gmail.com.