Before I arrived, I have to admit that I didn't worry about living here. I didn't really think about the difference in culture, food, traffic or people. I've been to other countries before, most of them non-English speaking, so I figured that adjusting to this culture would be a breeze.
And for the most part, I was right. It hasn't been that difficult adjusting to Australian life. Though it is similar to life at home, the traffic did take some getting used to, as cars drive on the left side of the road. We all automatically look to the left when we cross the road, and unfortunately that's a habit I took with me. During the first few weeks I nearly got hit by a car or two, but I switched to looking right fairly quickly.
One thing that I found surprising— and even slightly weird— was just how nice everyone is here. I was suspicious. "Why is everyone so nice? What do these people want from me?" If you look lost or otherwise in trouble, people will come up to you and ask, "Do you need help?" I know it can be like that in certain parts of America, but as a city-dweller, I'm used to everyone being self-absorbed. People will still help you in places like San Francisco or Los Angeles, but you have to ask first.
Australia doesn't have much in the way of a "food culture".
