It’s Friday morning here in Melbourne, Australia, and in only three “sleeps” my family will be getting on a plane and flying to Florida (details here). Our home has been vacated and cleaned, and for the next few days we’re living with my Mum (Mom) and Dad.
I Need Your Help
Americans: I’ll be touching down on your soil very soon. What am I to expect? Should I expect this when I leave the airport?
I’ll be meeting lots of new people, so what’s your greeting etiquette? If I’m trading in Vegemite for something American, what do you suggest?
What I’m really asking for is that in the comments you leave me with the essential guide to America. Easy, right?
Australians: I’ll be leaving the land “girt by sea” next Monday. I’ve traded my kangaroo in for my flight to Florida, and I’ve given my brother-in-law my trusty BBQ. But I fear I’m forgetting some Aussie essentials.
What should I do one last time simply because I’m an Aussie. What are some iconic Aussie things I should try and bring in a suitcase to show my new American friends? I’m bringing some money. I hear Americans are fascinated by our colourful, plastic cash. What else?
What I’m really asking for is that in the comments you leave me with the essential stereotypical guide to Australia.
All Of You: I was listening to Tim Challies discuss being an introvert this week. It reminded me. I’m going to be meeting a lot of new people—work colleagues, friends from other ministries, readers of this blog, followers on Twitter, Facebook, etc. People are already letting me know they’ll say “Hi” when I’m at Ligonier’s National Conference, Together for the Gospel, or Band of Bloggers.
Do you have any practical advice? After all, I already know the other 14 people who live in Australia. How will I survive the increase in population?
Comment away! 
There is a small amount of tongue-in-cheek expressed in this post.
The States will better off having had you visit. Godspeed, friend.
Nathan, first of all you may need to get used to being called “Nate.” That may already be true but if it isn’t it will happen in Florida. I live in the panhandle of Florida but I am originally from southeast Georgia. When it comes to that wonderful nut from which we make fruitcakes and pies called the “pecan” it is to be pronounced “pee-can” not “pa-con.” That should get you through
Nathan, first some will say you’re moving to “The South” as in you’ll be a “southerner” by geography of the US. Wel, not really. Florida is hardly considered the “south” anymore except for the Panhandle. Look that up. You’ll need to know about it.
Second, and related. Get a long time native Floridian (I don’t mean a “yankee” transplant. Look that up too as the Brits refer to all of us a Yanks I think.) to make you some grits for breakfast. And, that Vegemite looks really good. Swing through Missouri and drop some off if you can.
Third, You’ll need to decide if you are a Gators or a Seminole or a Hurricane fan.
Fourth, forget #3 and become an Auburn Tiger fan.
Fifth, Find a Whataburger.
Sixth, forget the Miami Marlins and go with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Seventh…Go see Mickey.
That’s all for now. But if something really important pops in my mind I’ll be back.
Oh, and welcome to the US!
I think you have already got one essential for emigration : a good sense of humour.
well, since you’re in Melbourne you should go have one last coffee in a faux-trendy “espresso bar” and express your insecurity about how Melbourne is obviously better than Sydney
and eat a TimTam.
Don’t hold on on all your delightful Aussie lingo! Us US folk loveeee hearing it! Good luck on your adventure Nathan!
Take the family to Healsville Sanctuary one last time. You’ll have Aussie fauna & fora fresh in your mind for describing to our northern cousins.
I think if you trade a jar of vegemite to an American, you deserve in return a whole bag of prairie oysters. Or maybe a meadow pattie (two if they’re not fresh).
Hey, you know what would really impress your new Floridian neighbors? Aussie Crocodile stuff. Trust me, nobody in Florida has ever seen anything like a crocodile before.
Seriously though, a digereedoo would be pretty impressive, or an “authentic” (or at least believably so) aborigine boomerang, or one of those things on a string that you whip it in a circle and it makes a thrumming sound.
But I got the best souveneir from down under. My wife went to Sydney, and all I got was a coin purse made from a kangaroo scrotum. Maybe you could stock up on those and hand them out at your new church to make friends.
Each region of the United States has a unique overall culture, a different blend of ethnic diversity, and varying types of dress norms. I’m sure this will be fascinating for you and your family to experience, especially if you travel.
Politics is an emotionally charged topic in our country. Possibly helpful to understand the basic political scene, especially with the upcoming Presidential election, and know how to approach the subject, if raised.
Most Americans love Australian (and British) accents, so you have a +1 with that. Vegemite isn’t so popular.
Let me know IF you can even find Vegemite in Orlando! I have (at least) ONE idea where you might look.
Well, first off, you had best get a copy of this book as soon as you land, or it’s going to be a l-o-o-o-o-n-g trip.
Second, I’ll just ditto what RubeRad said about the idea of using Vegemite to barter. Best re-think that one.
Maybe your schedule (and budget) are already tapped, but in case not, here’s something to consider.
Be gracious to everyone who is fascinated by your accent. We will think you are so much cooler and smarter than us because your accent sounds cool, so be ready for some surprised looks and the gracious to gawkers.
Thanks for all the great comments and tips. Keep ‘em coming…
Welcome to the US. I’m looking forward to hearing your impressions of our country as an outsider. One of the things you MUST do when you are here is travel. No matter where you go in the US it will be both unlike any other place in the country and exactly like where you just left. From Walmart and McDonalds to Starbucks and Whole Foods, there is a certain homogeneity that permeates the continent. At the same time, there are strong regional variations that make everywhere you go unique. Since you will be in The South (as opposed to merely the south), you need to introduce yourself to some of the local cultural variations:
http://animal.discovery.com/tv/hillbilly-handfishin/
http://animal.discovery.com/videos/swamp-wars/
And for the reverence with which Americans (we don’t call ourselves “Yanks” especially in the South. There was a bit of a tiff back in the 1860′s between The South and some Yankees) regard barbecue, see: http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/bbq-pitmasters/
If you’re serious about Vegemite, go to Whole Foods. They’ll have it. Hippies eat all kinds of weird stuff.
When you go to replace your “trusty BBQ” you should know that in the South BBQ is not what you call a grill. You also don’t call cooking outside BBQ. BBQ is the meat and method and Texas BBQ is the best.
Some American folks will know how to speak a little Australian thanks to several PSAs aired on tv like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruKn0lpDlGs&feature=related
I didn’t even think of Whole Foods! Actually, I haven’t even been there since I moved to Florida almost 2 years ago, but I MIGHT have to because you don’t have Trader Joe’s!
When you get homesick and are looking for a remedy, “Outback Steakhouse” likely won’t fill your requirement!
Nat,
“There is a small amount of tongue-in-cheek expressed in this post.”
You are such a geek.
As for what to expect:
I don’t think you can take any knife with you on the plane like Dundee had. But in Orlando you should be able to find a knife like his at any Army Surplus store, Cabelas Outfitters, or Bass Pro Shop – http://tiny.cc/vahkl.
Your biggest obstacle and fear will ultimately be the gray haired drivers in Orlando. Watch out! Be safe my friend.
Nathan:
How are you doing driving on the “right” side of the road?
I drove on the “wrong” side in Singapore on one of my many trips there (my wife is Singaporean…and “very” reformed
and it isn’t too hard to adjust as you probably have by now!
For one thing, don’t be afraid to ask for help! I don’t know much about your country, but once you get here, I think you’ll find plenty of people who are willing to be there for you all when you need a friend who understands our culture!
And … welcome to the US! I think you’ll enjoy it.
I just had an Aussie check into the hotel I work at the other night. There are several popular ways to refer to using the restroom. He did not know any of them. All of that to say, telling someone you are going to ‘wee’ will only make the person you are talking to struggle to hold back laughter.
First no you can’t bring your knife with you! (a no-no at the airport)
Next ‘Michael Jackson’ died. (the guy in the red coat)
One warning, many people here in this country love our
Nation more than God. (sad but true)
And it’s “pee-con” not “pee-can” at least in Texas!
You’re going to keep up your blog on arrival I hope? I enjoy it!
Welcome!!
Yes, nothing will change blog wise…I hope.
Take Vegemite and Tim Tams with you. You’ll probably get a better trade for Tim Tams !!
All the best for your future in the US.
God Bless
Nate,
Welcome the USA. Praying you and your family have safe travels from Australia to Florida.
In terms of advice in America:
1) Be who you are in Christ. People here can spot a fake a mile away.
2) As others have mentioned travel as much as you can around the USA.
3) Visit a lot of coffee shops.
4) In terms of greeting people it really depends on the person, but if you meet a guy the “standard” is to offer a handshake and a “Hello, how are you?” Most women here don’t want you to shake your hand so don’t offer it just say, “Hello, how are you?”
Hope this helps bro. Look forward to meeting you at Band of Bloggers.
Once in the U.S., don’t bother trying to go to the “Outback.” You will wind up waiting too long and paying too much!
First advice:
Seriously … connect with Tom Ascol of Cape Coral, FL. He’s on FB. He’s a pastor and executive director of Founders Ministries. He’s a wise shepherd, a gracious and kind man with a sense of humor and will prove a invaluable friend. You will run into him in the theological circles you’ll be moving in while in the States.
Second advice:
Visit Texas! “It’s like a whole other country … “, so we say.
Not sure you could really say you have seen the US if you haven’t seen Texas. : )
I moved here as well almost 2 years ago and I STILL need to meet Tom because I’ve yet to see him at Spurgeon Fellowship. They usually meet in Lake Mary so you should check it out!
Wait,wait,what? Outback Steakhouse isn’t authentic? lol.
First, you are going to the wrong state.(ducking right now as Floridians are surely throwing things at me)What you really need to do is come to Cali for In N’ Out Burger and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Enjoy this great adventure. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on our country. Welcome!
I arrived in the US from Germany at the age of 16. Now I had a bit of a different problem, i.e. I spoke an entirely different language altogether with some okay, not great English. You will be able to forego that step, BUT what you may not be able for forego is the weighting of some terms or regional terms that aren’t applicable for the whole US. What the South might call pop, is called soda in my part of the US (Pennsylvania). In general, I have noticed a residual disdain of Northerners in the South (well, yes, they were beat…). Don’t adopt that, please.
Food-wise, you will be spoiled by the variety and freshness, and you will find that you will actually be able to buy Australian (or German or British or Indian or Mexican) things readily in some (not all…) grocery stores.
Americans like to go out for brunch after church (at least here in PA). They are also very willing to help in emergencies or with needs (again, at least where I have lived). Since the world has shrunk since I was an exchange student in 1977/78, you are no longer the oddity you might once have been.
Skype will keep you connected to Australia…but the timezone difference is a total bear (my aunt and cousin and family live in Melbourne).
Try Dr. Pepper – one of my favorite discoveries this side of the Atlantic. Enjoy the awesome hamburgers. Get used to eating everything with your hands (that was a huge change coming from Germany – not sure how it is in Australia).
To me, Americans are very superficially friendly, which is fun, just don’t mistake it for true friendship. Those are just as hard to build. Friendliness makes life more pleasant, however.
Driving is on the RIGHT side of the street. Do mind that.
Europe is a short 7-hr plane ride away. That’s good.
Get used to being called “Honey” if you’re in the South. They don’t do that where I live.
Go to Disney World at least once.
Most of all, welcome to the US.
I have learnt in many ways that the Puritan sanctifies the Convict.
Enjoy.
Welcome to the U.S.A.!
-We love Aussies and their accents.
-Now trending in the U.S. Christian scene: the terrific Tim Tebow!
-Go to several stores before you visit Wal-Mart which could
be frightening depending on the time of day you visit.
-American behavior varies from state to state, but overall we’re a friendly bunch.
-Visit as many museums, zoos, botanical gardens and free artsy events as possible. Many offer a free day, a kid’s day, a reduced fare day.
-Half-Price BOoks is a’lotta fun.
-Read this for the “turn right on red” driving rule: http://www.johncletheroe.org/usa_can/driving/right.htm
-Police are VERY touchy about cell phones use while driving in a school zone.
-Leave the city and drive through the countryside. Travel. Our open land is shrinking (will bite my tongue about that) realize that it’s still precious to many of us.
-Keep your eye open for a Tenth Avenue North Concert. So much fun for the entire family. Some are inexpensive- $15 ea. person. http://www.tenthavenuenorth.com/tour
-Spread the word – we need it!
p.s. I should’ve capitalized ‘The Word and hyphenated reduced-fare. :^D
I have live in Florida for 12 years and love it. Very hot in June, July, August but you do eventually get used to it. I live in Jacksonville and quite often go to St. Augustine on day trips. St. Augustine is the nations oldest city and is filled with great shops, historical sites, and great foods (Osteens has the world’s greatest fried shrimp). When you get settled it is a great change of pace from the hectic performance world of Orlando.
Let me invite you to also be a Jacksonville Jaguar American football fan. Great little team and as a new Florida resident you will need to learn football. It is the most popular of all sports and probably a new phenomena for you to experience.
Finally, whenever you see a Chick-fil-a fast food try to swing by. It was started by a Christian man and is a wonderful company. Polite people who pride themselves on outstanding customer service.
If you’re ever in Jacksonville I would love to show you around. God Bless and safe travels.
Nathan,
Florida might be the wackiest state in the union, and that’s coming from someone who has lived there and (more recently) in Texas for 20 years each. So don’t think all the weird stuff you read in the paper is representative of the country, because it’s not. At least not always. But I love Florida all the more for it.
Get ready for some humidity in central Florida. And afternoon thunderstorms in the summer.
At home, keep a shoe or rolled up newspaper at the ready, because Florida is the home of some big cockroaches, aka palmetto bugs. People have devised expensive and elaborate ways to get rid of them, but the best thing we ever found was to use boric acid, really cheap and found at any pharmacy or grocery store. You can add a little cocoa powder if you want them to stick their faces right in it. If you are in an apartment they will use a variety of sprays, but if you have a problem, boric acid powder is your answer.
Are you a beach person? Lots of good beaches in central FL. Like water activities? Lots of rivers for canoeing–Blue Springs is a good spot and you’re almost guaranteed to see some manatees. The Ichetucknee River up northwest of you (near High Springs) is a fun, clear, cold river to inner tube on. Go early, they limit the traffic for protection of the river. With a young child, some of those things may be a ways down the road, but keep them in mind. (I have specific beach recommendations and will email to you if you are interested.)
Hope you’re getting settled in ok. I see a lot of twitter activity since you arrived–but will miss having a stream of it from when I was asleep. You might be the only Aussie I follow.
Chip