First Impressions Are Key

I like:

1) Taxes included

Honestly, I don't know why we don't just do this at home - there's nothing easier than knowing the exact price you're going to pay at any given time. Britain's got this down too so Canada needs to catch up!

2) Cheeky humour

And you thought we were self-deprecating... those giant inflatable beavers at the Olympics closing ceremonies? They've got nothing on these guys...

3) The heat

At least for now. Check in with me in a month's time.

4) Touchpad transit systems

Just like England - you load up a card, tap it when you get on and off the bus, and it automatically calculates the cheapest rate for you, plus gives you loads of discounts. A proper 21st century bus system - unlike certain others, that simply have ticket feeders that seem to break down half the time. Rhymes with Landspo.

5) Fresh fish

From the sea to my plate - one of my first meals here was grilled snapper, and it was delicioso! Not to mention pretty affordable - I'll be stocked up on those elusive omega-3s in no time!

I will learn to like:

1) Frizzy hair

Holy geez, I have not had this much volume since crazy crimping back in grade school. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to have it (Andrea M. knows how much I worried about losing all my hair) - but to get all that volume at once is a little... erm... overwhelming?

2) Prices

Triple sigh here. I was duly warned - but the prices can be quite astronomical. Food's not terrible though - and they DO have discount stores! And IKEA!

3) Closing times

The banks open nice and late in the morning (wouldn't want to rush to work) and close before rush hour hits. I think I should get a banking job. At least there's internet banking.

4) The left

This is not Australia's fault, of course. They have been on the left for.... well... ever. But it makes walking across the street a little bit more terrifying - I tend to forget halfway. Biking will be quite the challenge...

5) Diet Coke

I can hear the groans from those who know me - and again, I was told that there is a "pop tax" (surely diet sodas don't count? no sugar? come on, now) and that Diet Coke is quite pricey. It's very very true. A nice, cold 600 mL bottle? 3 Australian dollars, fanks very much. Yesterday I got overly excited because someone had a half-price Diet Coke sale. I bought three - because I couldn't carry any more.

On the plus side, the tap water's great!