Ozzie Obzervations
Does the Water Go Counter-Clockwise?
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The most asked question of those living in Australia is "Does the water go counter-clockwise when going down the drain?"
We have conducted numerous experiments to determine the answer to this question and have noted that sometimes the water drains clockwise and sometimes counter clockwise.
The drain holes in the sinks are so wide that the water goes straight down the pipe. The toilets flush with such force that there is no leisurely winding of the water down the bowl. So, the question remains unanswered.
When nature calls and you need to find relief, you must ask, "Where is the toilet?" rather than "Where is the rest room?" or you may not be understood. "Toilet" is the all-encompassing word for the bathroom. You may find that in most toilets there is only a cold water tap. No worries as only hot water comes out of the cold water tap for about four months of the year.
Half flush and full flush
And speaking of toilets, here in Oz the toilets have two flush options — a half flush for smaller jobs and a full flush for bigger jobs. A small flush takes 2-3 litres of water, a large 4-6 litres. Amazing water conservation.
Most homes have a "toilet chamber" — a separate little room where the actual commode is located. This allows the rest of the bathroom to be used while the facility is being sat upon. Extra toilet paper rolls are most commonly found in a wicker basket under the toilet tank.
Public toilets are everywhere. Some public toilets have needle disposals and blue lights. Although drug use is not condoned, authorities strive to keep the public as safe as possible and provide disposal services.
Switches and power points
It may take some time to get used to the light switches here in Oz as they work on the reverse to Canada's. The bottom of the switch is pushed to turn the light on and the top is pushed to turn the light off. The switches are very small.
Each electrical socket (called a "power point") also has an on/off switch. Do not panic if an electrical appliance appears not to work. Chances are the power switch is turned off at the power point.
Make sure to bring a power converter with you if you plan to use universal appliances (such as a hair dryer or electric shaver). The current runs on 220 not 125 volts.
Not a nickel
The smallest coin in the Australian currency system is a 5-cent piece (about the same size as a Canadian "dime"). This coin is not called a "nickel" but rather a 5-cent piece.
Since there is no smaller coinage, all cash transaction prices are rounded either up or down to the nearest 5 cents.
Theoretically the lack of pennies would mean that a person would have less change, hence less weight, in their pocket. This would be true if the Australian 50-cent piece did not weigh at least 200 grams and the 20-cent piece at least 100 grams.
Many a pair of trousers have plummeted to the ground under the sheer weight of a pocket full of Australian change. It is rare to find coins lying on the sidewalk. The coins are actually worth something (as opposed to the Canadian "penny") and those that are dropped are picked up quickly.
Next page: Big Things in the Big Country
- Driving in Australia and Other Aussie Experiences
- U-Turns and Highways
- Billy Tea, Beet Root, Bacon, Beer
- Spyders, Sausage Rolls
- Does the Water Go Counter-clockwise?
- Big Things in the Big Country
- Clubs and Culture
- Birds, Fish and Crawly Things
- Lizards, Leeches and Cane Toads
From our Forum: "Favorite sign - WRONG WAY GO BACK ... Uh ... mind if I ask how many times you ... uh ... encountered that one??? [very big grin]" — Joseph
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