Past Couple of Days

Things are normal---spilled first glass this morning! Was just water but good to see somethings don't change.

The last couple of days have been filled with travel and all kinds of advice. Here's what I've learned so far:

Advice:
- Do not tip. Aussies at airport were surprised that we tipped as is not common practice here.
Sidenote: felt bad and like I was getting away with something when didn't tip the cabbie.

- Do not speed. If over 2 kilometers/hour, will get a ticket.
Sidenote: after freaking out in backseat of car when making a right hand turn from the left hand lane, do not have to worry about me getting behind the wheel of a car anytime soon. I would hit that car sitting in the "wrong" side of the road for certain!

- Do not talk on cell while driving. (See above sidenote)

Was told things are very similar between the two countries. So far the commonalities:
- Professional athletes get in trouble here too. Australian Football League players on the news for misconduct on and off the field.

- Target & IKEA--need I say more.

- Common food brands have seen: Lipton Tea, Nestle, Kellog's Raisin Bran (called Sultana Brand: Malty flakes of whole wheat and bran, blended with juicy sultanas)

- Common stores/fast food: McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Anytime Fitness

Latest Language Confusion:
chockers = full
i.e. How was the flight? Chockers?
Conversation went like this:
Aussie: how was the flight? chockers?
Beth: flight was good but plane was totally full due to the airline having to put passengers on from an earlier cancelled flight.

Latest behavior confusion:
After many years of cabbies yelling at you for getting out on the sidewalk side of the car, I have come to learn that bad behavior is acceptable here. There have been many walks around the car/cab because I
am getting in on the sidewalk side. Aussies enter streetside.

Latest News:
- Starting a professional australian baseball league. I will confirm this one as jet leg had kicked in when saw this news story.
- Concern over a ship that hit coral in the Great Barrier Reef causing catostrophic damage. Can someone tell me why shipping lanes are even allowed that close?

Today's adventure: public transportation. Stay tuned.

Arrived!

Will update soon with travels but no major snaffus and have arrived safely. Here's a shout out to all you home opener fans! Go Tribe!