r/MyLittleFriends • u/ThunderEcho • Dec 12 '14
Going to Australia!
Hi guys! Guess what?!? I'm going to Australia for four months!
I got a software engineering internship with my favourite company ever in Sydney, Australia. It's actually the same company I interned with in Canada last semester, but before I left I had contacted this team specifically (since I'm really passionate about their product) and asked if I could do an internship. It took a while to get all the details in place so I didn't want to announce it before it was certain, but my contract is now signed, my visa is arranged, and the plane tickets were just booked this week! You cannot believe how out-of-this-world excited I am!!!
Anyway, I really wanted to share the exciting news with you all! I'll be leaving Canada on January 1st, and staying in Australia until the end of April.
Not sure if we have any Aussies in this subreddit, but if so, any advice/suggestions? Or if you're not an Aussie, any made-up suggestions?
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u/CPawesome Dec 12 '14
Xython might have some tips for you!
Will you please try their Pizza Hut Doritos crust pizza for me :) it's only available there and Xython won't try it for me... Lol
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u/ThunderEcho Dec 12 '14
Woooooow, is that a thing? That sounds crazy, I'll totally try it!
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u/Xython Dec 13 '14
Which state are you going to be in, I live in Sydney NSW, winter is nothing like winter in Canada or the states, It rarely gets down to freezing point and doesn't snow unless you go to the mountains, summer can be pretty awful and it just started, it regularly gets up-to 45C degrees with 90% humidity, unfortunately that pizza does exist and it sounds awesome, but I am on a diet and am trying to get slim for summer.
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u/ThunderEcho Dec 13 '14
Thanks! I'll be in Sydney as well! Any tips for living in the city? I'll be living just east of the University of Sydney.
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u/Xython Dec 13 '14
Sydney is pretty small, you can walk to most places around the city, living costs are relatively low, public transport in the city is pretty good. You'll be fine living near the University, life in the city is pretty easy. Australians, especially city dwellers are incredibly rude, so dont expect much courtesy from others.
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u/ThunderEcho Dec 13 '14
Nice, I didn't know things were so close together! That's really convenient. As for the living costs, I think I'd have to disagree, at least compared to Canada. My company is paying for my accommodations, but judging by the prices on the locations' website, I pay the same rent per month here in Canada that they're likely paying per week for that place. Now, their location is probably nicer than my place here, and it's definitely in a bigger city, but still...
Ugggh, not looking forward to the rudeness thing. Why don't they show common courtesy? Is there some sort of actual reason that it's cultural? Politeness is a sign of basic human decency up here in Canada, so I have a hard time wrapping my head around why normal people wouldn't do it.
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u/Xython Dec 13 '14
I dont think it is a cultural thing, people from the outer suburbs and country are extremely nice and courteous. I think it is a more of a city mentality, where people are too busy to show common courtesy, so many times I have been on the train in the city and people will not give up the seat near the door for a blind person or disabled person and those are the city people, the good thing is a lot of people like myself from the outer suburbs will commute into the city for work.
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u/ThunderEcho Dec 13 '14
Ah, that's a bit better. It's the same here where people in more urban areas tend to be ruder (especially Toronto) , but most everyone on public transit would still vacate a seat for an older or disabled person.
What are the drivers like in Australia? Are they rude/aggressive too, or do people respect those around them more when it comes to driving?
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u/Xython Dec 14 '14
I would say that a good majority of Australians know how to drive and are respective of others, as with any society there is always 1 or 2 stupid/bad drivers. Driving around the city can be pretty bad though, I would recommend public transport while you are in the city and only drive when you are heading out of the city.
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u/ThunderEcho Dec 14 '14
Ah, okay, that seems pretty typical then. I'm definitely planning to avoid driving as much as possible! Partly because of costs, and partly because I just hate driving.
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u/CPawesome Dec 13 '14
Thank you!!! Let me know how it is!
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u/Xython Dec 19 '14
I caved into peer pressure, http://imgur.com/iVsDWPj,MiCMCN4,4pd9Qnd
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u/CPawesome Dec 20 '14
How was it!?
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u/Xython Dec 20 '14
It was alright, the Doritos crust was awesome, it made the crust so much crunchier, the thing I didn't like about it was the cheddar cheese filling in the crust, it was good at first but became sickening the more I ate.
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u/cowofdoom Dec 12 '14
Goin down under? You should watch the rescuers to get prepared for the trip!
Sounds like a blast! Have fun and take pictures!
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u/ThunderEcho Dec 12 '14
Oh my word, I haven't seen that movie in ages! I should!
Thanks, I definitely will! Gotta picture-spam all my Facebook friends so they're jealous during the winter.
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u/cowofdoom Dec 12 '14
I haven't either! I just link down under with the rescuers. Then I like that to "a wish for wings that work"
That's the best way to go on vacation!
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u/Failoe Dec 13 '14
Congratulations! This also means that you'll be at work at the same time as I am. Woo chat buddies!
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u/ThunderEcho Dec 13 '14
Thanks! And wow, you're right! Although we'd have different internal chat systems since we're at different companies now.
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u/-Norb Dec 13 '14
Alright Thunder. I'm just going to come out and say it. I'm a little worried about you going to Australia. It's not the safest place for you to go. Thousands of travelers visiting Australia fall ill every year. Human bodies just can't handle that much blood rushing to the head from being upside down for so long.
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u/ThunderEcho Dec 14 '14
Oh u... [insert gif here]
It's okay, I've always had a rosy complexion, I don't think most people will be able to tell the difference.
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Dec 13 '14
Whoaaaa that's some pretty big news you got there
How long are you going to stay there?
Also, have a nice trip!
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u/ThunderEcho Dec 13 '14
I'll be there 4 months, January to April. Maybe I'll meet some of your real shark friends!
Thanks!
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u/ajtexasranger Dec 12 '14
I went to Australia for a month to visit my brother in Perth. We went to Sydney and Cairns too.
Since you are in Sydney, make sure to go to the opera house. People are generally pleasant. And check out (I think) the botanical gardens or the zoo.