Sydney-Things to Do
Dec 13th, 2015, 03:12 AM
#41
Original Poster
LOL! Everyone always says you should "learn a few words and phrases on the 'local language'" which I think makes sense. We have never ever tried to "fit in" in terms of hoping people will think we are "from there." And we have also never walked around waving an American flag, either. We simply happen to be from the United States (along with Starbucks and MacDonalds I guess).
So, I think I will try writing a report and will perhaps make entries as it goes along starting with our prep, packing-wise, and departure from Miami. I'll refrain from making videos of jet engine openings, the lavatory, and all the rest of it.
I've already noticed that thus far the flight leg from Auckland to Perth which occurs on Christmas Day looks pretty vacant. We've arranged for Christmas dinner on the early evening after arrival since we figured about nothing would be open in Perth on "the day."
Just happy we are going from warm weather to warm weather.
Thank you, all, very much for your kind words and suggestions. I will start a new thread when this adventure begins for real.
So, I think I will try writing a report and will perhaps make entries as it goes along starting with our prep, packing-wise, and departure from Miami. I'll refrain from making videos of jet engine openings, the lavatory, and all the rest of it.
I've already noticed that thus far the flight leg from Auckland to Perth which occurs on Christmas Day looks pretty vacant. We've arranged for Christmas dinner on the early evening after arrival since we figured about nothing would be open in Perth on "the day."
Just happy we are going from warm weather to warm weather.
Thank you, all, very much for your kind words and suggestions. I will start a new thread when this adventure begins for real.
Dec 13th, 2015, 03:23 AM
#42
I'll refrain from making videos of jet engine openings, the lavatory, and all the rest of it.>>
shame - I always like the "warts and all" approach.
<<"Mate" is quite commonly used by Aussie men, but one needs to understand the subtleties. Of the relationship, intent & nuances, not to mention pronunciation & inflection >>
same here Bokhara. Ditto with "boy", "my lover" "maid" and "cock", all of which I have been called since I moved to Cornwall.
shame - I always like the "warts and all" approach.
<<"Mate" is quite commonly used by Aussie men, but one needs to understand the subtleties. Of the relationship, intent & nuances, not to mention pronunciation & inflection >>
same here Bokhara. Ditto with "boy", "my lover" "maid" and "cock", all of which I have been called since I moved to Cornwall.
Dec 13th, 2015, 09:15 AM
#43
Good call on arranging your Christmas night Dinner, Dukey.
Christmas Lunch is traditionally the main celebratory meal here and there probably wouldn't be too many restaurants open for dinner.
Post-prandial torpor & the summer heat will likely have combined to clear
the roads & streets of just about everyone except those hardy souls /poor sods/ intrepid spirits shuttling between parents for Christmas Dinner, by the time you arrive.
You'll probably think Perth is a ghost town! LOL
Good idea to do your trip report as you go - it can be a useful way to get on-the-spot help & tips.
Christmas Lunch is traditionally the main celebratory meal here and there probably wouldn't be too many restaurants open for dinner.
Post-prandial torpor & the summer heat will likely have combined to clear
the roads & streets of just about everyone except those hardy souls /poor sods/ intrepid spirits shuttling between parents for Christmas Dinner, by the time you arrive.
You'll probably think Perth is a ghost town! LOL
Good idea to do your trip report as you go - it can be a useful way to get on-the-spot help & tips.
Dec 13th, 2015, 12:03 PM
#44
Coffee: We're big coffee drinkers & you'll find coffee bars /shops everywhere in urban areas.
We have a few chains, but by far the biggest trade is in small, individual coffee bars. Starbucks arrived in a blaze of shops across the country, soon fizzled out to a minute number.
Our coffee culture is based on the Italian espresso style, with baristas making fresh cups, mugs & glasses for customers to order. We also grow some wonderful coffee and you will often find boutique blends featured in specialty coffee bars.
Ordering "a coffee" here won't cut it anymore than ordering "eggs" would in a breakfast diner in the US.
This link gives a description of the various coffees & terms
http://www.fivesenses.com.au/blog/20...menu-explained
If you like your coffee with milk:
We don't do "half & half", or cream ( unless you're having a Vienna coffee).
We do, however, have an increasing array of milks, from the standard full cream milk which will be the default for your cappuccino, latte, flat white or macchiato - unless you stipulate otherwise.
Skim milk is popular & a "skinny flat white" isn't an anorexic albino - just the short form order of probably our most popular coffee.
Your hotel /motel fridge will have small pods of UHT long-life milk. Most will also supply fresh milk on request.
If you encounter sachets of "whitener" amongst the teabags, sugar & coffee - gather your bags & check out immediately. You've landed in a den of philistines & god only knows what other ignominies they're likely to foist upon you.
We have a few chains, but by far the biggest trade is in small, individual coffee bars. Starbucks arrived in a blaze of shops across the country, soon fizzled out to a minute number.
Our coffee culture is based on the Italian espresso style, with baristas making fresh cups, mugs & glasses for customers to order. We also grow some wonderful coffee and you will often find boutique blends featured in specialty coffee bars.
Ordering "a coffee" here won't cut it anymore than ordering "eggs" would in a breakfast diner in the US.
This link gives a description of the various coffees & terms
http://www.fivesenses.com.au/blog/20...menu-explained
If you like your coffee with milk:
We don't do "half & half", or cream ( unless you're having a Vienna coffee).
We do, however, have an increasing array of milks, from the standard full cream milk which will be the default for your cappuccino, latte, flat white or macchiato - unless you stipulate otherwise.
Skim milk is popular & a "skinny flat white" isn't an anorexic albino - just the short form order of probably our most popular coffee.
Your hotel /motel fridge will have small pods of UHT long-life milk. Most will also supply fresh milk on request.
If you encounter sachets of "whitener" amongst the teabags, sugar & coffee - gather your bags & check out immediately. You've landed in a den of philistines & god only knows what other ignominies they're likely to foist upon you.
Dec 13th, 2015, 12:19 PM
#45
Dec 14th, 2015, 12:31 AM
#46
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annhig- maybe you've been following Sir Les - our cultural ambassador .
Good call Bokhara on the coffee ordering - never thought of the anorexic albino - I'll giggle every time I order my skinny flat white.
Good call Bokhara on the coffee ordering - never thought of the anorexic albino - I'll giggle every time I order my skinny flat white.
Dec 14th, 2015, 01:00 AM
#47
That's ok Northie. I have to restrain myself from ordering a Joel Garner sometimes.
Did I ever tell you the story about Joel & his mates crossing the Harbour Bridge after a big night out and ... ?
Did I ever tell you the story about Joel & his mates crossing the Harbour Bridge after a big night out and ... ?
Dec 14th, 2015, 09:42 AM
#48
<<If you like your coffee with milk:
We don't do "half & half", or cream ( unless you're having a Vienna coffee).
We do, however, have an increasing array of milks, from the standard full cream milk which will be the default for your cappuccino, latte, flat white or macchiato - unless you stipulate otherwise.
Skim milk is popular & a "skinny flat white" isn't an anorexic albino - just the short form order of probably our most popular coffee.>>
I think that you might like the new PG tips ad, Bokhara:
http://www.pgtips.co.uk/?&&gclid=CML...g&gclsrc=aw.ds
come on then, lets have the "big bird" story.
We don't do "half & half", or cream ( unless you're having a Vienna coffee).
We do, however, have an increasing array of milks, from the standard full cream milk which will be the default for your cappuccino, latte, flat white or macchiato - unless you stipulate otherwise.
Skim milk is popular & a "skinny flat white" isn't an anorexic albino - just the short form order of probably our most popular coffee.>>
I think that you might like the new PG tips ad, Bokhara:
http://www.pgtips.co.uk/?&&gclid=CML...g&gclsrc=aw.ds
come on then, lets have the "big bird" story.
Dec 14th, 2015, 11:27 AM
#51
As it happens, it's his 63rd birthday tomorrow.
Well, the story goes that "Big Bird" & some of the team were walking back to their digs across the Harbour Bridge late one night after a big night out. About half way across, they decided they needed a pee break & as they were gazing & taking in the view, someone remarked that the water was a very long way down.
"Yes Mon & it's very cold, too".
Well, the story goes that "Big Bird" & some of the team were walking back to their digs across the Harbour Bridge late one night after a big night out. About half way across, they decided they needed a pee break & as they were gazing & taking in the view, someone remarked that the water was a very long way down.
"Yes Mon & it's very cold, too".
Dec 16th, 2015, 10:42 AM
#53
Original Poster
I replied to the last entries earlier today but the site refused to post what I wrote due to being "down for...." whatever they go down for.
I have trouble ordering <B>a</B> coffee as opposed to just "coffee" and I am familiar with those microscopic cupfulls in places like Italy.
I am sure if I do my usual salutation of, "Please help me out here..." when I'm ordering from one of those Treaty of Versailles-length menus someone will be gracious enough to do so.
I have trouble ordering <B>a</B> coffee as opposed to just "coffee" and I am familiar with those microscopic cupfulls in places like Italy.
I am sure if I do my usual salutation of, "Please help me out here..." when I'm ordering from one of those Treaty of Versailles-length menus someone will be gracious enough to do so.
Dec 17th, 2015, 02:19 AM
#54
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I enjoy reading your posts in the lounge Dukey so I look forward to a trip report and your impressions of life down here. Bring your sense of humour and you will be welcomed with open arms.
Safe travels
Bokhara I think everyone has heard a "big bird story".
Safe travels
Bokhara I think everyone has heard a "big bird story".
