Surprising Differences Australian Living in US South; Culture Shock

• I am Australian however spend a part of the 12 months in New Orleans, and there is been some tradition shock.
• American coffee is not precisely my model, and biscuits are one thing completely totally different within the US.
• I simply acquired a driver’s license in the US, which is sweet since there are drive-thrus in all places.

Lengthy earlier than my first go to to New Orleans, I fell in love with the US metropolis’s historic tradition. As an Australian, I by no means thought I might get to name The Massive Straightforward dwelling, however now, I cut up my 12 months living between the two countries.

Adjusting to life in New Orleans was an eye-opening expertise, stuffed with sudden surprises and loads of head-scratching moments.

Listed below are among the greatest tradition shocks I’ve encountered as an Aussie in the US.

I am nonetheless getting used to American espresso

I by no means realized simply how severe Australians, particularly Melburnians, are about their espresso. I am used to a sure commonplace and taste.

Fortunately, there are a handful of locations that serve nice espresso within the States — however I emphasize the phrase “handful.”

After 5 years, it nonetheless astounds me to see Individuals embrace sugary, syrup-filled drinks that hardly resemble what I take into account espresso.

Moreover, I am unable to consider drip espresso continues to be a factor right here. It is a rarity the place I am from in Australia.

I assumed it was means simpler to get a driver’s license within the US

In Australia, getting my driver’s license was a drawn-out course of involving learner’s permits, over 120 hours of logged driving with a licensed driver, and a strict check.

Within the US, getting my license felt like a breeze by comparability. I simply needed to sit in a concept class for a couple of hours after which spend eight hours behind the wheel with an teacher.

After that, my check was driving across the block, parking, utilizing my flip sign, and increase, I had my license. The benefit was each spectacular and slightly scary, contemplating they had been letting me drive on what was just lately the unsuitable aspect of the highway to me.

The rules around getting licenses differ from state to state, and lots of Individuals below the age of 18 should bear a extra formal course/testing course of. However I am nonetheless shocked by how totally different my two experiences had been.

I am nonetheless getting used to linguistic variations round meals

Navigating the language differences between the US and Australia, particularly with meals, is like taking part in a guessing recreation.

Think about my shock after I ordered biscuits for the primary time within the US and acquired one thing extra carefully resembling scones. I used to be anticipating what I now know to name a cookie.

I’m wondering if I will ever cease ordering some chips and realizing too late that I ought to have stated “fries.” In Australia, each fries and chips are known as chips — we simply differentiate by saying “sizzling chips” for fries.

Issues additionally get misplaced in translation with my accent

My Australian accent has precipitated some wild misunderstandings within the US.

From getting “Greary” written on my espresso cup as a substitute of “Ree” to a drive-thru employee at Taco Bell considering I used to be making an attempt to order pizza after I simply stated, “I’ve a cellular order,” it is a each day recreation of “Guess What I Mentioned.”

It retains issues entertaining, to say the least, and it is also why I like with the ability to order by way of an app every time I can.

Southern meals has been a culinary awakening

New Orleans cuisine is an journey for the style buds. I’ve realized to embrace savory grits (I might often add sugar and eat them as porridge again dwelling), and I’ve grown to like gumbo’s wealthy flavors.

I fell in love with Southern food shortly after my arrival within the States. Nonetheless, strolling into a complete new world of gastronomy was an adjustment.

There are some dishes — like white beans — that I simply can’t make my palate take pleasure in, and I’ve days after I lengthy for the native fish-and-chip shop again dwelling.

There is a drive-thru for all the things in New Orleans

In New Orleans — and in lots of cities within the US — you possibly can pull by means of the drive-thru for just about all the things, from coffee shops to bars.

The unusual appears I acquired from locals whereas taking a photograph of a drive-thru financial institution for pals again dwelling had been amusing, and the idea of picking up a daiquiri to-go felt wild to me at first.

Now, I am form of hooked. It is the last word lazy comfort.

Individuals use a lot ice

In comparison with what I am used to in Australia, all the things is supersized in the US. A “small” soda looks like a bucket to me.

Nonetheless, I actually do not perceive why Individuals love their drinks stuffed to the brim with ice.

As soon as you’re taking that out, there’s hardly any liquid, regardless of how huge the cup is.

Tipping tradition is so complicated to me

The primary time I got here to the US, my greatest fear wasn’t getting by means of immigration or having the correct paperwork — it was tipping.

It sounds foolish now, however I nonetheless discover the apply of determining what share of my complete I ought to go away behind complicated.

In Australia, tipping service workers is not anticipated, and base wages are usually increased.