Picking up the Lingo

So I figured since Australians speak English I would have no problems communicating here. Wow, I was definitely wrong about that one! They use so many different words and phrases and with the accent it can be incredibly difficult to understand. I ended up getting hired at the local Mundaring Pub and have worked 3 shifts so far. I think it is going to be a fun place to work and I have already met some interesting characters. The first night I worked people were ordering 'stubbies' (bottles) and 'middies of mid-strength' (glass of light beer) and not tipping me either!!! It's ok though because the hourly rate is quite nice. Needless to ,I learned a lot that night and seem to be picking it up quickly. They told me I am going to be one of their favorite bar-maids. Geof came to meet me after work and as I was leaving my boss Jo told me to grab my 'squizzy' (free alcoholic beverage) before I left. We ended up staying late and hanging out with the regulars and a group of rowdy rugby players.

Also, I have had some interesting experiences trying to buy groceries here. I went today and spent almost an hour just looking at all of the different products and brands that they have. It was not easy to find peanut butter; they carry only one brand and it's Kraft. They have never even heard of black beans which is something Geof and I usually eat a lot of. Their cheddar cheese looks and tastes nothing like ours and a 6-pack of coke costs ten dollars. Oh yeah, and some of the stores don't keep their eggs cold! That is just to name a few! Luckily, we are going to get free meat the entire time we are here from the local butcher because this guy Ben owns the shop and helps coach little leagues. Ben is a burly guy covered in tattoos and is a member of the Harley gang, the Coffin Cheaters'. He is not someone to be messed with and Geof and I are very happy to call him our friend. I'm sure he will be mentioned often in this blog...
We haven't done too much exploring outside of our own area and surrounding villages but we seem to be pretty busy. I am sure once the weather gets nicer we will try to see more and get some photos up. The wildflowers here are absolutely beautiful and we live right on this trail that goes on for miles. But I am excited to go to the beach and see some more of this country!