Australian Moments

There are several differences between the US and Australia, most things we really enjoy, and some things we will never get used to- like Vegemite and cheese sandwiches and the fact that pedestrians don't have the right of way. We have had some funny moments that I don't think can be blamed on language issues.

One Sunday Don and I were out walking around our neighborhood. We live in a small suburb with one semi-nice Greek restaurant that I have been to several times. It is never very busy so when we walked by at opening we thought we'd stop in for a quick drink and appetizer. I walked in and the hostess greeted us and asked if I had a reservation. There wasn't a soul in the whole place so I thought she was joking. I kinda laughed and told her we wouldn't be long, she looked at the other 2 working there and said, "I think there is a table outside, let me see if I have another chair." They seriously sat us outside, after they got another chair, and served us. It actually worked out because Makoa could crawl around outside, but I was completely shocked. They turned away two other parties, who also laughed at the reservation line, and one party persevered with a line about knowing the owner. So as I paid the bill, with only one couple seated in the entire restaurant, I asked if they had a large party coming in or something. Yes, at 7:30pm there was a large party, why they couldn't seat us inside at 6 I'll never know - just another Australian moment.

About a month later Makoa was in desperate need of a haircut - I had been putting it off as cutting his hair seemed to put him in a much older category of children that I wasn't yet ready to enter :) We were at the shopping centre and I saw a place similar to Super Cuts - you know, pretty cheap, just walk in and get it done. As I walked in, Makoa and Don right behind me, I asked the woman who greeted me, "Are you closing?" "No, no," she said. So I continued as I pointed to Makoa, "Do you cut children's hair?" "Yes." I was a little shocked that she didn't say, oh yes come sit down, so I said, "Um, can you cut his hair?" Another woman walked up and said, "Oh no, we are closing, would you like to make an appointment?" Ah, no! I thought about everything that was said, and even checked with Don. How was she not following my line of questioning, was it something I said, or - just another Australian moment.

Just last month my friend and I were enjoying the view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House sharing some Australian moments. I was telling her that I was going to find some place to post all of the funny and strange things we have encountered - she has plenty to share too. After we had eaten I stopped to use the restroom as she waited for me by the elevators. Keep in mind that we are at one of the most expensive and fancy hotels in Sydney . . . I walk into the bathroom and I see a male employee adding toilet paper to one of the stalls. I am completely embarrassed and take a step back as I rack my brain thinking, did I see the woman picture before I walked in? Yep, I look back and DO see the woman sign as the man says, "Hello." I am totally shocked as I try to pee, it is a little hard to relax, especially when there is a man in the room. I walk out with the deer-in-headlights look, trying to remain calm and pretend that this is a completely normal thing that is happening. I find my friend and we agree that it is a fitting end to a night of talking about the differences between the US and Australia. The sad thing is we didn't have anyone to ask if having a man in the bathroom is a normal thing here - just another Australian moment.