A little knowledge...

...goes a long way...or so they say! I like to research the area I'm travelling to before I go so that I'm not completely clueless when I'm there. One of the most challenging tasks is always culture. It's hard to research culture. It's much better to experience it. Fortunately my Aussie friends', Lelle and Jess, have been able to help out a little. As you can see from the picture, I still have a lot to learn. This is my Australian phrase book. For those of you who are completely ignorant to the language, here is a mini-lesson. Australians like to shorten just about every word possible. And if they don't shorten it, then they have a different word for it. Well, I'm exaggerating a little, but here are some examples. Decide for yourself.

Arvo means afternoon. The trunk of a car is called a boot. A barbie means BBQ.

Language is not the only thing. I must conquer one of my greatest fears of Australia...Vegemite. This last summer I made the mistake of tasting Lelle's Vegemite. Vegemite is a salty, vitamin rich yeast extract which is similar to Marmite and Promite (if that helps!). Well, Lelle didn't warn me of its horrible taste...oh sorry...I mean aquired taste. I immediately ran to wash my mouth out. Anyways, I've told her I'm going to try it again. So I'll let you know how that goes.


Some of the things I'm going to do when in Australia include the following: Seeing Sydney (Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, etc), Avondale College, while in Perth: visiting an Authentic Aussie Farm, Cohunu Wildlife Park (hold some koalas!!!), the Pinnacles, Wave Rock, Bussleton (awesome beaches), and more. I'm not sure of the exact itenaray, but I'll keep you informed.