Monday, April 4, 2011

Coogee Beach and the Aussie Way of Life!

Yesterday, I went with my friend Katie to Coogee Beach! I wanted to make sure that I hit all of the major beaches in Sydney before going back to America and before it starts getting colder. Coogee is definitely a little different than Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, and Maroubra Beach (the ones I have been to) because there are not many waves. The ocean is pretty calm which is nice because the water is clear in parts near the shore! 
This beach is really nice too because there are cliffs around the ocean that you can climb on and go exploring. I did not do that when I was there, but I am sure I will head back sometime and explore! There is also a huge grass area overlooking the ocean that would be nice to have picnics on. The weather was great that day, and once again, I did not get sunburned! We were there for about 4 hours, so I made sure to put enough sunscreen on this time.

As you should all know by now by the blog entries I have written, that there are many differences between the way Australians talk and the way Americans talk. The main difference is the way we pronounce our vowels in America compared to the way Australians pronounce their vowels. For example, when we would pronounce something as “aye,” they pronounce it more like an “i”. (G’day mate = G’daiy mite!) (Australia = Uztrayia) (Aussie = Ozzie). There are also many differences in the words we choose to use compared to the words they use to describe something. Here is a list that I came up with to show how English is not always the same!

Skull means to chug something, such as a beer.
“SKULL! SKULL! SKULL!

Dugong = Manatee

Pissed = Drunk
I learned this when my roommate Clair said that she was pissed last night but she had a great time out. I was confused as to why she was mad but still had a good time. Isn't that an oxymoron?! Not in Australia!

Good on ya = Good job!

Have a go! = Give it a try

Brekky = Breakfast
Bottle shop (Bottle-O) = Liquor store 

Uni = College/University
A  college is a residential community, kind of like a sorority or fraternity. To get into a college here is based on grades and extracurricular activities,and there is a principal and everything. You still go to Sydney Uni, but live in the colleges.

Mackers = McDonalds
There is no such thing as a dollar menu here. The cheapest thing is about $5 for a hamburger. 

Swimmers = Bathing suit

Budgie smuggler = Men’s speedo
A Budgie is a small parakeet native to Australia. Makes sense why they use that name!

Nappy= A babies diaper 

Heap= A lot

Lollie Shop= Candy Shop

Cheers= Can be used a number of ways, from a salutation to expressing thanks or good will.

Period at the end of sentence= Full Stop
Exclamation Point= Exclamation Mark
Comma= Pause

When I think of more differences, I will definitely post them. As for now, I am still learning the Aussie way of life!

Heaps of Love,
Heidi

P.S. I have gotten some requests to post pictures of the University of Sydney, so in the next couple of days I will try and upload some onto my blog!

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