Tumbrella

Sydney: not so different to America

By Ashley Slota

The first thing I noticed is that I’ve never seen so many people who don’t pay attention to anything around then.

In America we do everything on the right side – driving and walking – so you don’t have to dodge everyone. They don’t do this in Sydney.

But Australians are the nicest people.

If you ever get lost, don’t be afraid to stop and ask. I get lost a lot, so I’ve tested out this theory many times.

Everyone has been more than willing to help. Sometimes they even ask me about where I’m from and what brings me to Sydney.

Right away they can tell I’m from the States by my accent. I didn’t even know I had one.

Every morning I stop at this little store to get a muffin or orange juice on my way to work.

The Asian couple who run it have come to recognise me and always greet me with the biggest smiles and ask how I am. I come back every morning because they’re always so genuinely nice.

Really, Sydney isn’t that different to home. There are still the same fast food establishments, clothing store and brand names. The only thing I can say American’s have over Australians is the food.

Everything I’ve eaten that’s also found in America just hasn’t tasted the same. Even my favourite chocolate bar doesn’t taste anything like it normally does.

I’ve looked all over the place for good food and I have found some that lives up to my standards.

But I’ve been searching high and low for a damned box of Cheerios, the best cereal anywhere. After almost three weeks I still haven’t found it.