5 Interesting things I've learnt about the American-Way-Of-Life

Despite the fact that they speak the same language, look about the same, live in similiar environments and have the same expectations out of life, there is a serious cultural barrier between Americans and Australians. And when you live with them, side by side, these strange diversities become even more prominent. Here are 5 interesting things I've learnt about the American-Way-Of-Life:

1. Kool-aid is not Cordial - Kool-Aid is a disgusting sugary beverage that tastes like unfrozen jelly crystals. There really is no comparison between it and cordial, despite the fact that both are water-based and full of sugar. One sip and you can feel it breaking down your tooth enamel.

2. Don't know what the Heel and Toe Polka is - Monday Night Activities in Orientation Week was a Square Dance (aka. a Barn Dance) where we learnt square dances (aka. barn dances). When the Heel and Toe Polka came on, the three Aussies were in polka heaven while the Americans had no idea what was going on. That's right, they never learnt the Heel and Toe Polka with a sweaty-handed eleven-year-old boy in 6th Grade PE class.

3. Some interesting language confusions - mallow = marshmellow, flip flops = thongs, thongs = g-string, bug spray = Rid, swimsuit = togs, markers = Textas and skipping = jump rope.

4. Would you like some fat with that? - Every meal comes with a nice hefty side of fat. Pancakes are served with bacon. Lasagne is served with swiss cheese. Brownies are served with peanut butter. Eggs are served with a meat pattie. Mmm... fatty delisciousness.

5. Jelly, Jam and Preservatives are three different things - Jelly is a weak, flavourless spread which looks a lot like coloured gelatine. Jam is a weak, flavourless spread which looks a lot like coloured gelatine but with the occassional chunk of fruit and Preservatives are practically gelatined fruit which is impossible to spread.

Ciao for now. xo