Leaving Australia

Random thoughts as our 4 1/2 weeks in Australia come to an end.

It is such a large and diverse country, and while we saw tons, we feel like we barely scratched the surface. It has been a terrific visit, and we will be back.

• Approx 21 million people - the size of NYC and LA, combined
  

• Geographically larger than the continental US, by a bit
  

• Never any snow (almost)
  

• Home to 9 out of 10 of the world's most dangerous creatures (both on land and in the sea)
  

• Board shorts and flip-flops are a fashion statement. ... Somehow.
  

• 3-inch heels (only black) on women everywhere, any time of day and with any kind of outfit

• The rebirth of the jean skirt

• The dual flush toilet (half and full), manufactured in China, to Aussie specs
  

• Bad beer but good wine
  

• Sport-crazed people (footy, rugby, cricket, surfing, swimming, tennis, running, sailing, etc). Includes participants, spectators, and beer drinkers.
  

• 2nd-fattest country in the world, after the US

• Tremendous American influence in TV and music and culture and politics
  

• Not only other side of the road driving and walking but in shopping, all the hangers and position of clothes is opposite or reversed (very hard to get used to).

• "How ya goin'?" ("How's it going?" "How you doing?")
  
• "Yes, please?" (store clerk says to the next person in line)
  
• "No worries, mate." (thanks, don't mention it, etc.)
• "My shout" (my round to buy, in a bar) To 'shout' a round.
  

New Zealand is next, and we hope to catch up with a blog post on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, once some photos come through.