Do you ever wonder about culture shock? Is it really a thing? That’s what I thought until I experienced a jaw-dropping moment, overhearing a conversation between people throwing f-bombs at each other on the street. And I was like…f*** me dead!
To be fair, I am not complaining about Australian culture at all. In fact, it’s fucking hilarious when you embrace their unique quirks. Oops! See, I’ve even got an Aussie vibe on my writing already. Anyway, last week was my four-year anniversary Down Under, and this is what culture shock I’ve encountered in the past.
What is culture shock?
Referring to the definition by the University of Wollongong, culture shock describes the experience of transitioning from a familiar environment to one that feels entirely different. It includes the shock of a new environment, meeting lots of new people and picking up the ways of a new country.
Deadly animal zone
If you’ve ever watched wildlife documentaries from National Geography, BBC, or even some random YouTube videos, you’d be convinced that this red dirt continent is full of poisonous creatures. Snakes and spiders, omg! just thinking about them gives me goosebumps. But it’s not just the venomous ones you need to watch out for. Some things like salties (saltwater crocodiles), freshies (freshwater crocodiles), sharks, and even kangaroos can be perilous too.
I remember the terrified feeling when I first stepped on a snake in the dark while running plates to customers. Then after that, I saw a Tiger snake and even narrowly missed stepping on a Brown snake once on the bushwalk. So, it’s safe to say that Australia is indeed a land of deadly animals. But as long as you stay cautious and avoid getting too tipsy in the bush, you’ll be just fine.
Coffee! Coffee! Coffee!
Have you ever ordered a cup of flat white or long black? Chances are you haven’t if you haven’t been Down Under. This shows how coffee culture is shaped by people who love it. Almost half of Aussie are coffee fans who can’t start a conversation without sipping their favourite brew. No matter where you go, from the capital city of coffee like Melbourne to a remote town like Coober Pedy, you’ll find a café serving delicious coffee.
The long history of coffee in Australia, tracking back to European immigrants since World War II, has clearly left its mark on the industry. However, it’s not just about trying to sell but also ensuring the best taste in your cup. I didn’t like coffee till I came to Australia. And now I find myself really enjoying having coffee at the cafe in the morning and even buying the coffee machine at home.
Barefoot
At first, I thought it was nice that people walked around barefoot, connecting with mother earth or embracing a sense of freedom. But then, I noticed some folks doing it in busy areas, which made me worry about their safety and hygiene. Don’t get me wrong, going barefoot on the beach or in a grassy park feels fantastic. When I tried it on the streets in Cairns, I quickly realised that you need to be incredibly tough. It was like walking on fire top-up with a rough surface! I couldn’t manage more than ten steps on the boiling concrete. Standing Over to those who go barefoot everywhere!
City vs Country vibes
I spent the first six or seven months in the countryside up in Far North Queensland, where everyone on the street seemed friendly and welcoming. I often saw locals in their T-shirts, shorts and thongs (flip-flops). Their rich and unique accent felt warm, fun, and inviting, making conversations enjoyable. Much like in other countries, people tend to be more private in the city. The difference is clear when strolling through the countryside, folks will greet you with a smile and say “hi,” while in the city, they often seem preoccupied and in a hurry.
Drinking
Alcohol plays a big role in Australian culture. It’s almost impossible to attend a party or even a date at a fancy restaurant without drinking. They say it’s a way to connect and broaden their social circles. Indeed, Australia boasts a diverse and impressive selection of alcoholic beverages, from ciders and craft beers to gins and excellent wines. But don’t hesitate to say no if you don’t feel like letting loose. The static shows that 47% of Aussies admitted they drink to get drunk. So if you find yourself drinking among your Aussie friends, prepare yourself for their wildness. It’s more than you could ever imagine!
Connection
Coming from an Asian country, I know firsthand how having connections can make things run more smoothly. My experience in Australia has been quite similar to what I was used to back home. Whether you’re seeking a job or trying to gain access to an exclusive event, knowing the right people can help improve your chances of success. Having connections or friends who can help you out is undoubtedly a good thing. However, as a foreigner arriving here with no connections, family, or friends, it took me quite some time to build relationships to benefit from this aspect of the culture. So my advice to you is to be friendly and help others when you can. You never know when they might become good friends and return the favour in the future.
Australian Food
Ok, this is a big shock for me. I can’t pick a specific signature dish when I think about Australian cuisine. A lot of the food here is inspired by Western countries, featuring dishes like eggs Benedict, schnitzel, chicken parmigiana, barbecue, steak, fish and chips, and burgers. Though some restaurants here often prepare these dishes using high-quality ingredients, I can’t help feeling underwhelmed when I visit a pub and find only burgers, schnitzels, and steaks on the menu. Fortunately, Australia has such a diverse multicultural that it comes to the rescue. When the traditional pub fare starts to wear on you, there’s always an array of delicious alternatives from Chinese, Indian, Thai, or Italian cuisines to choose from.
