The Potluck

A few of the people we met when we were out ended up coming to our potluck that we had last night. The funniest thing is that no one really knows what the term “potluck” means. I thought people were giving us weird looks when we invited them because they thought we were lame to be having a potluck… because, truthfully, it is a little lame… but turns out they didn’t even know what a potluck was so… we were safe. We ended up having to call it a “bring-your-own-appy” party. Potlucks are generally held between a close group of friends, to catch up, to mingle, to just really spend quality time with people you know – in sum, a potluck is held in a more intimate and personal setting. Our potluck was with complete randoms… but it ended up being really awesome. I learned so much about Australia and hope to have made some friends (if they ever return… lol).

We didn’t really know what to make for our potluck. As the hosts, we had to provide a bit more, but as my mother taught me… the more people you have, the less food you actually need. We decided to make some nachos, get some chips and cut up a chocolate roll/cake thing. Most of the people we invited were international… so we got a good mix of food. It was really great how enthusiastic everyone was. The locals brought tim tams, prawns, an excellent salad and some candies. Tim tams are these australian cookies that come in just about every flavor that Australians LOVE! My Italian friend brought some delicious sparkling wine, and actually had his first nacho ever! I took a photo. He is the most outgoing person I know. He’s actually here for a full degree, but has been coming to exchange student events just so he can meet people. The Italian accent is truly one of a kind!

My brand new boogie board!!! (Not relevant to this blog AT all but so exciting!)

Here are ten fun facts that I learned last night:

1.  Aussies don’t say “shrimp”. Apparently the common expression “shrimp on the Barbie” was originally “prawns on the Barbie,” but was changed for marketing purposes. Apparently, they thought that North Americans wouldn’t know what prawns were… I’m not really sure about that, but if it’s true, it’s very interesting. There was a debate on whether or not prawns differed from shrimp. They do, by the way. 

2.  Aussies dislike when people say “aussies” with an “s” sound versus a “z” sound. I’m not sure who does that, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you were trying to fit it.

3.  Aussies don't believe in, or comprehend the idea of, casual drinks – that’s a quote.

4.  McDonalds is called Maccas.

5.  An attractive girl is called “fit” and an unattractive girl is called a “trout”. Seems extremely harsh.

6.  Aussies actually say “G-day mate!” It’s awesome. For some reason, I thought it was only said in the morning. I'm not really sure why I thought that, but for the record, it's said all day. 

7.  Aussies love to yank your chain. They will try to tell you to watch for “drop bears” that are essentially koala-like bears that come down from the trees. They don't exist, I hope!

8.  A “mate” is a good friend, and a “friend” is an acquaintance.

9.  The reason the bus is called the “City Buz” on the digital screen at the front of the bus, is an effort by the Australian government to be hip. Once again, this could be a drop bear situation – another classic yank of the chain. But when I think about it, I don’t know what else buz could stand for… hmm.

10Watch out for the red back spider. Seriously. They have a red stripe on their back and if you don’t get to the hospital within half an hour, you die!! Apparently one bite has enough poison to kill 3000 rats, apparently.

Off to prepare my toga for tonight’s big party at the Uni! Thanks for reading!