We recently visited Australia and had an absolutely awesome time. I found out that some friends and family actually read this blog! Hi!
On arrival we immediately noticed three things: how well dressed everyone is, how affluent the country appears, and how much the price of everything has gone up since our last visit a year ago. Since when did a McDonald’s meal cost over $8? Since when did an overseas stamp cost $2.55? And since when did a Cherry Ripe* (see below) cost $2.50+?
That aside, here are some things I realized I really miss about the land down under. Obviously it’s not an exhaustive list…and a worrying number of the points below relate to food.
1. Storms
They have proper storms in Australia. As witnessed by the recent storm-pocalypse of Brisbane. Always good when you go to stay with friends then have 1.5 days without power.
2. Vegemite on Toast
Craved it. Note, must be proper Australian bread.
3. Food in general
Everything we ate was awesome (and very expensive).
4. Prawns [shrimp] are the correct size
I.e. Massive. That’s not a prawn, THIS is a prawn. Preferably cooked on a BBQ by a blond Australian man holding a beer (not pictured).
5. McDonalds
Edible! Also apparently now called “Macca’s”.
6. Coffee
So much coffee. Even in Melbourne airport they have a helpful sign telling you where you can buy it in the terminal. The man at the lovely Cafe de Aura in Redcliffe, Qld, made a pattern of a phoenix on my flat white.
7. Place names
What’s the name of that creek? So strange.
8. Sunsets
Ok, so I know LA has awesome sunsets (due to, ahem, smog) but somehow I just prefer the Australian ones.
*9. Cherry Ripes
A wonderful, Australian only, Cadbury’s chocolate. Savored until the next supply run!
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Questions: What do you miss about ‘home’? | Any thoughts on Vegemite?
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