First off I will say that I know very little about Australia. I figured I will get that out of the way. Can't fill a glass that is already full. I am 21 and about to graduate from engineering school, but I want to be a pilot. Commissioning with the USAF as an officer and would like to go to Australia after I finish up. I have a few questions that I would like to have answered. I don't expect everyone to know, but it doesn't hurt to ask. 1) As an American would I be looked down upon or would it be easy to integrate into the local population? ( I have more positive traits than just knowing how to use the bathroom or toilet as you guys call it.) 2) I want to get away from a sedentary lifestyle. Are Australians pretty active? 3) I understand that the tax rate is high and living expenses are higher than that of America, but how is the food? Is there a lot of organic options? I am appalled at the amount of GMO's in the food at home. Maybe I'll grow a third arm to do more work! 4) I'm a Christian and about how religious are you guys? I am not a bible beating Jesus freak but I do take it seriously 5) How is the aviation industry? 6) Is racism a large issue? (In the US I feel that it is blown out of proportions, and tends to fester. I am white if you must know. People no longer aspire to be "American" and look at each other as simply other citiziens. Tends to be more like white, black, mexican and etc.... pretty backwards low-level basement mentality) 7) Are young people driven to live out life with a desire to succeed? Or are they lazy Do people like to go out and enjoy nature? I really like to and I feel out of place at times. 9) Is air conditioning a rare thing? I drive a truck without air conditioning so I kinda don't really mind. Just curious. 10) What is rural life compared to city life in Australia? I live more in a rural area. Pretty green lot's of rainfall. Not sure how that compares to other areas. I don't expect to move somewhere and expect it to be the same. That would be ludicrous. 11) What kind of music to people generally like? The mainstream pop/rap in America sucks. No ands ifs or buts about it. If someone can't sing without autotune they just can't sing. I might as well get drunk and just sing something and sell it. 12) Any advice for the Yank?
Hello Slim, and welcome. I`ll give you an abbreviated answer, for now. Gotta do some work soon. Australia is a highly diverse country. Although mainly ranging within fairly low, to very low average annual rainfall areas, we do have some small pockets of tropical rainforest, high rain fall areas. For example, we lived near Tully, about one hundred miles south of Cairns, Queensland for a year in 2005 - 2006, from memory. That year, we had over 17 feet of rain, and a cyclone with 200 mph breezes. I`ll try to answer your questions below. Happy to get back with more detail later. 1) As an American would I be looked down upon or would it be easy to integrate into the local population? ( I have more positive traits than just knowing how to use the bathroom or toilet as you guys call it.) A : You wouldn`t have any more trouble here than anywhere else, you sound like a solid bloke. Diversity again, we have all types here, but generally easy going people. 2) I want to get away from a sedentary lifestyle. Are Australians pretty active? A : There are plenty of lively people here. Sport is high on the agenda, as is traveling around the country, camping, fishing. 3) I understand that the tax rate is high and living expenses are higher than that of America, but how is the food? Is there a lot of organic options? I am appalled at the amount of GMO's in the food at home. Maybe I'll grow a third arm to do more work! A : Living expenses are high, and the tax rate, but I can give you figures for comparison, if you like. Organic food options do exist here, although in fairly small quantities, and expensive. Would you be interested in gardening? 4) I'm a Christian and about how religious are you guys? I am not a bible beating Jesus freak but I do take it seriously A : Again, you shouldn`t have any more trouble than you are already used to. Most of us aren`t very religious though. 5) How is the aviation industry? A : Can`t answer that one at this stage, but I can try to contact a friend who was a commercial pilot. 6) Is racism a large issue? (In the US I feel that it is blown out of proportions, and tends to fester. I am white if you must know. People no longer aspire to be "American" and look at each other as simply other citiziens. Tends to be more like white, black, mexican and etc.... pretty backwards low-level basement mentality) A : Racism isn`t such a big issue here, there is a growing trend to shame the heritage of white Australians. It`s politically correct to emphasise the negative, and ignore the positive aspects of our history and lifestyle, to the point of dishonesty. This is stirring up some racial hate, but sensible people are trying to rise above it. 7) Are young people driven to live out life with a desire to succeed? Or are they lazy Do people like to go out and enjoy nature? I really like to and I feel out of place at times. A : Diversity again, there are plenty of active people though, and getting out into nature is common. [I]9) Is air conditioning a rare thing? I drive a truck without air conditioning so I kinda don't really mind. Just curious. [/I] A : AC is common here 10) What is rural life compared to city life in Australia? I live more in a rural area. Pretty green lot's of rainfall. Not sure how that compares to other areas. I don't expect to move somewhere and expect it to be the same. That would be ludicrous. A : Rural life here is highly varied, with one thing in common, relaxed and laid back. IMO, rural life is the best way to go. 11) What kind of music to people generally like? The mainstream pop/rap in America sucks. No ands ifs or buts about it. If someone can't sing without autotune they just can't sing. I might as well get drunk and just sing something and sell it. A : There are plenty of people here, who enjoy real music. Not much rap. 12) Any advice for the Yank? Probably what you already know. Do a bit of research (I`d be glad to help), do some exploratory trips out here, again, glad to help if possible.
Australia is always hungry for skilled immigrants from English-speaking countries and Britons and Americans usually have no trouble with immigrating to Australia and commercial pilots are in great demand. But I have to warn you that there are too many flies in rural areas in Australia and there is not much rainfall in summer. Settling in large cities such as Melbourne is highly recommended and it's simply too hot to live a comfortable life in rural areas even with air conditioning. [video=youtube;MQu9JQasWfw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQu9JQasWfw[/video]
First thing Slim, while there are many superficial similarities you will also find some huge differences which may be unsettling. Compared with the US and Canada, Australia is significantly less up to date in many domestic areas but particularly technology (especially internet) and consumer goods. What you are used to in terms of easily accessing consumer goods at various hours is not the same here. Shopping hours are controlled and in some places are quite restricted while in others there are 24-hour supermarkets – just depends on where you settle. And you will also notice a reduced range of items available. In this and other senses you will see Australia is less “modern”. I have read here that we are like North America in the 1970s. Hopefully we've made it into the 1980s by now. As for your other questions. Integration is not difficult, you just have to understand that we consider our country to be a better place to live than anywhere else – even if we haven't been there – and like to hear it (but not too much). We are a highly urbanised nation. Rural and isolated areas are plenty though, but services are significantly reduced the further away from a capital or major city and the smaller the population. In terms of topography we are nearly as diverse as North America but for a broad brush description the southern parts of Australia are temperate, the central parts arid and the northern are tropical. The population is greatest in the south-east and east. There are huge empty bits though. Most of us are getting very sedentary but there are plenty of opportunities not to be – it's just that a lot of us couldn't be buggered getting off our fat arses to do something. Food is great. Fresh, varied, expensive (!) but very low on what's bad for you. Our food labelling laws are weak though. Organic food is available everywhere but you pay a premium and I wonder, since the term “organic” is applied very broadly and loosely, if it's worth it, given our regular produce is very good quality. Religion is not an issue in Australia. For the most part it's live and let live. Religion is not a big issue in public or political life and generally we regard someone's religious beliefs as their own and to be kept to themselves by and large. Aviation industry is very important. Civil aviation is tightly controlled by government authorities and is very safe although the light aviation sector has its share of incidents. In terms of breaking into the business, I know aussie is getting you some inside info but I think it's pretty tight unless you can get some sort of idea of potential of employment in the industry before you get here. Race is not an issue as you're used to. There is a lot of casual racism here but I think much of its is also more about xenophobia than race. We tend to look down on recent immigrant groups but then when we're used to them we accept them without question. At the moment we're doing that with Africans, especially in Melbourne, but that will settle. You will find the odd drunken idiot giving someone who is not Anglo-Saxon in appearance a hard time now and again, but people are starting to stand up and be counted on that and are getting involved to tell them to (*)(*)(*)(*) off. Young people here are no different to anywhere else. Give them an opportunity and they'll take it. Keep them down and they'll become complacent. Nature is huge here. Apart from the two major cities of Sydney and Melbourne you're never very far away from nature in Australia and while we're not a bunch of tree-huggers we do tend to look after it and demand our governments protect it for us. A lot of recreation here is based around getting away from it all (with your satellite phone, satellite tv and all the rest of it of course). Aircon is everywhere – and depending on where you are it's absolutely needed. Not sure about the Birdsville Hotel though, last time I was there we opened the windows for cooling.... Rural life – again depending on where you are – can be a bit less privileged than urban life, but it has its compensations. Health care is an issue in rural areas but if you're young that probably won't worry you for a while. Music is varied, Melbourne in particular has a very big live music scene. You can get the usual commercial pap anywhere but as I say we have lots of variations in the music scene so there's something there for every taste. Anyway, others will have info. http://australia.gov.au/ - for other govt info.
All the fauna and most of the flora is out to kill you! Oddly I was watching cable TV the other night and a show called "Helicopter Heroes" has developed a "Down Under" version. They mentioned in passing that most of the Flying Doctor crews are Brits!
For God's sake don't go to Melbourne! It's cold, full of politicaly correct dickhead's and is generally considered by everyone else in the country to be the ******** of Australia.
Meh! Any Pom will do anything for an authoritative looking uniform, particularly if you tell him, it makes him look like Biggles.
Both - the concept of the insult is a high art form in Australia. You will get teased and respected all at the same time Well we are in a tough race with the US for the worst obesity rates in the world. However you will find unlike much of the US you will still be able to get outdoors in winter Australia is expensive. Good news you get paid more Far more relaxed about it than the US - People tend to really not care what faith you are. And they really are not interested in hearing about it from you either Up in the air Australians have their moments but by and large - people dont care that much The kids are alright. Some are go getters some not so much. Just like anywhere really Yeah we like nature - Which can be interesting when you consider how much of it can kill you Most cars have air con. Homes...some do some dont Dont worry about the drop bears. They're nearly extinct. Has not been an incident for quiet sometime
I remember once East coast cities being compared to Gilligans Island Brisbane - Mary Anne Sydney - Ginger Melbourne - The wreck of the Minnow
There are some beautiful coastal towns and small cities along the NSW coast line. Anywhere north of Bundaberg in Queensland is hopeless for surfing and then you're running the gauntlet of stingers and crocodiles if you're simply looking for a swim in salt water. Fishing is okay on the Great Barrier Reef. Melbourne is the most popular city in Australia!!
Dear Slimgrady, If Truthvigilant (real name bul(*)(*)(*)(*) comatosed sheep) is telling you anything ignore him, just like in the USA where you have been convinced that you have to kill and bomb everyone in the world because of bull(*)(*)(*)(*), paid scum like truth vigiscum is doing to us what they are doing to you in the USA...why would Australia go half way round the world to kill people like Afghans and Iraqis that have never done anything wrong to us?? You are in the airforce in the USA?...how about defending your country rather that going around the world killing people that have done no wrong to you because some freakin Jew bankers that controls your govt orders you to do it? WTF is that all about...killing people that have done no wrong to you?
[video=youtube;hke_aPCrwIk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hke_aPCrwIk[/video] Australia has a long tradition of country music and "Waltzing Matilda", which is often regarded as Australia's unofficial National anthem, is an early Australian country song. Taylor Swift may be the most popular country artist in Australia and she performed at sold-out stadiums across the country last year. Keith Urban is a New Zealand-born and Australian-raised country music singer, who plays guitar on Tim McGraw's "Highway Don't Care" with a guest vocal from Taylor Swift.
I think I will love Australia. I do not mind not having the latest and greatest technology. In my opinion it just clutters my house. Rather live with a limited amount of things and enjoy life. I do like country music and I do plan on learning to play the banjo. Maybe I'll play at a local bar when I get to be an old man. Have you fellas ever heard of bluegrass music? It is similar to country. You may enjoy it. I love the country but I will try the city first. Oh and having stuff 24/7 is not a necessity for me. Places like walmart make poor quality goods anyways. Sometimes I wonder if they confuse cheese dip with yellow plastic. Hmmmm Speaking of food I really enjoy good food. Nothing like fresh veggies. I also forgot to ask do people own their own cars generally or does Australia have an actual public transit system. I enjoy working on and driving my clunker, but I don't mind riding a bicycle. Thanks again for being kind and educating the yank. I enjoy learning about your country.
Yeah I don't enjoy the company of politically correct people. They have some type of disease or something. Called optic rectitus where they have their head so up their own ass that they suffer from symptoms that include having a crappy outlook on life. Thanks for the tip!
I neglected to mention that Australia is not as intricate a society as the United States, it's easier to understand and it's a doddle to run, even our politicians can't stuff it up.
I live in the US and it struck me as hilarious that government workers are just as bad here as in Australia
Gday Slim Thought Id respond to your OP...but I have to go and get some vittles...have to saddle my kangaroo and get going...hope I can get a park somewhere...they give the disabled special parking spots but don't worry about roos...I think that's favouritism.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAbxZrzEvJQ
Actually Australia does have the latest and greatest technology. I believe Australians are number one in mobile phone ownership and right up there with Internet usage. We even have electricity, washing machines, air con, cable TV, FM radio and refrigerators. Do you know mechanical refrigeration was invented in Australia? The dunny out the back is a thing of the past. Our dunnies actually flush. Australian country music is unique but with similar roots to American country music. Both are strongly influenced by Irish jigs. Actually, originally Australia was more Anglo-Celtic than Anglo-Saxon. We have Kmart and Target,, similar to your Walmart. Most Aussies own their own cars. Aussies are famous for driving holidays, pulling a caravan to holiday destinations. The public transport system in cities is OK most of the time. In rural and country areas people generally rely on their own cars. Google the Aussie Ute. 'Take your Misses to church on Sunday, and your pigs to market on Monday' http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=aussie+ute&FORM=HDRSC2 The intercity rail system is good. You can also crisscross the country on sealed roads. We drive a huge assortment of cars from small Japanese buzz boxes to big Australian built muscle cars and everything in between. We don't call SUVs 'SUVs'. Four wheel drives (4WD) in the land down under. Motorcycling is also popular as a recreational pursuit. We have those also Most cities have cycleways and Australia doesn't have the extremes in climate like North America so you'll be able to ride your bicycle to your hearts content, all year round. Word of warning,, many Aussies have inbuilt bullsh!t meters. You have been warned.
