You're Not From Around Here....

Question: I am curious as to how the "locals" treat a good ol' American kid from the states. Can you tell a difference? Can they tell a difference?

Answer: I think they are pretty used to outsiders (there's a pending blog on multiculturalism). And strangely, things are very "American" here in more ways than I originally expected. I thought it would be very "UK", but I have been surprised by the American influence. Half (or more) of the TV shows on the networks (I don't have "pay tv") are American.

People say that Aussies and Kiwis (New Zealanders) are the most hospitable of all people. That's what I've experienced. People are more than willing to welcome you. We sometimes joke at each others' accents - but when I tell people I'd like to pick up a little bit of Aussie, they tell me not to ruin my American accent - because they like it!

I wouldn't say I get treated any differently, in general, except that people sometimes give me a break on certain things. I've only had one or two times that someone couldn't understand me (thank you American TV). Being an American is just a trait like any other that people use to make conversation, or place a good-humored jab.

Except for my cab driver tonight - who was friendly enough - but went on a tirade about how badly we treated Australian soldiers in WWII. Not sure where that came up, but he seemed to have so much angst about it that the rest of the population certainly doesn't need any.