G’day Canucks – Quiz #3

Posted on May 22, 2012 by

So, you think you know about platypuses and skunks – let’s see!

As usual, there is one rule – don’t google the answers.

Click on the link below to access the quiz.

G'day Canucks Quiz #3

If you want to access the survey from your email inbox, just go to this link:

http://nicquestions.polldaddy.com/s/gdaycanucks-3

The person scoring the highest will have their name posted in lights in the G’day Canucks comments section (how’s that for inspiration?)

Good luck

Nic

Picture credit – http://pl.atyp.us/platypix/index.html

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Tip me if you like my blog

Posted on May 2, 2012 by

I’m feeling brave today! I’m ready to take on the sacred cow of tipping in North America.

Tipping me for writing this blog post is just as ridiculous as tipping your hairdresser.

Where does it end? If I tip waiters and hairdressers, why not tip the postie (postal worker) or the guys fixing the potholes on the road in front of my driveway or the bus driver or the woman serving me at the supermarket or the guy who gave me directions when I was lost? They all did something that directly benefited me and many of them are on pretty crappy money.

USA is a kingdom built on tipping. I feel bold enough to say that no-where else in the world has a tipping culture like the USA. You have to tip waiters, bartenders, hotel staff (maids, concierge, porters, shuttle/bus drivers, valet parking attendants), casino dealers (this is actually illegal in Australia), tour guides, hairdressers (plus extra for the person who washes your hair), masseurs, spa/beautician workers, taxi drivers, mechanics (some people tip, others don’t), ski instructors, dog groomers, etc etc.  And it’s not just an expectation for a little tip. Usually we’re talking at least 15% of the bill.

In Canada it is a little better, but there is still a tipping culture and expectation, particularly in restaurants.

In Australia, I sometimes tip in restaurants, but only if the food and service is particularly good. Tipping isn’t expected, but often people leave a little extra, but no-where near 15%.  As for other services, it is virtually unheard of. My hairdresser wouldn’t know what was going on if I offered her a tip!

Continue reading →

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The Aussie animal that bloody scares me most…

Posted on April 27, 2012 by

And the winner in the category of ‘The Aussie animal that bloody scares me most’ is … (insert drum-roll here)

A magpie!

Yes – a magpie.

You probably think I’m pulling your leg. I know I took a few liberties with my Creepies and Crawlies post and blurred the line between fact and fiction, but I swear that Aussie magpies in spring will make a grown man squeal like my little nieces (yes you Lilly, Amy and Kelsey!). Continue reading →

Posted in Dangerous Australian animals | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Vegemite – glorious black sludge

Posted on April 19, 2012 by

Something is missing from the G’day Canucks website. Something so essential that I’m surprised the comments section hasn’t gone into meltdown and crashed the WordPress servers.

I’m talking about Vegemite – that glorious black sludge of a spread that Aussies love.

Without a Vegemite post, G’day Canucks would be like Shaggy without Scoobie, Mick Jagger without his luba lips, a Canuck without hockey, a bike without two wheels (unless you ride a unicycle!), Posh without Becks, Angelina without an orphan, an Aussie without a boomerang (we all carry them you know!!). Anyway, you get the picture! Back to Vegemite lesson 101.

What is it?

Vegemite is a spread used on bread, toast or savory biscuits. Some hard-core Vegemite lovers will also tell you that it is great mixed with hot water as a drink.

Continue reading →

Posted in Recipes and food, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Words worth stealing

Posted on April 7, 2012 by

There are some Canadian words that I plan to wrap up in tissue paper and place in my pocket for the long trip back to Australia. I’ll sneak them past customs and release them into the Aussie wilderness.

They will have to be tough to survive. Maybe, just maybe they will catch on.

  • Bike – yes I know we call a bike a bike in Oz. But in Canada it is also a verb! I ‘bike’ to the shops. I go ‘biking’ with the kids. Before I would have told people that I ride to work, but they would be left wondering if I ride a horse, a motorbike, a bicycle or a skateboard. See how useful it can be!
  • Tuque – I know I’ve mentioned tuques before, but I really like the word. Maybe because the word sounds more fancy than a beanie.
  • Cleats – this one may be met with some resistance back home. Cleats are footy boots. Any shoe/boot with studs or blades for traction are called cleats. I like it because it gives the boots a real name rather than just being boots or shoes that you happen to play footy in.
  • Pick-up hockey/soccer/basketball etc – when kids (or adults) get together and play an impromptu game of something it is called a ‘pick-up’ game. You might go to the park and have a pick-up game of basketball or hockey. It is very casual game and anyone around can play. I don’t think we have a word for this in Oz. Maybe we’d call it a friendly game, but this doesn’t really describe it accurately.

Continue reading →

Posted in Language | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Snowflakeology

Posted on March 28, 2012 by

Snowflakeology!

What a cool word!

For a few short minutes I patted myself on the back, smiled smugly to myself and thought about how clever I was making up a new word.

But damn you again Google for being a know-all. Someone beat me to it! Apparently Wilson Alwyn ‘Snowflake’ Bentley described himself as a snowflakeologist (what a coincidence since ‘Snowflake’ was his middle name!!). Continue reading →

Posted in Cool Canadian things | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Beware of the freezing fog

Posted on March 17, 2012 by

Minutes before this picture was taken dozens of people were throwing snowballs and frolicking. This is irrefutable proof that freezing fog disintegrates people. Picture by N.Godwin

[To be read with scary horror movie music in the background – or maybe Jaws music would be more appropriate – you choose!]

I have just locked the doors and bordered up the windows. Something strange and mysterious is occurring outside.

My terror started this morning when I checked the weather forecast. I am seasoned to just about any weather condition. I’ve survived freezing rain, hail showers, snow blizzards, and even light drizzle. But never have I encountered freezing fog!!

At first I thought it was a joke. But then I turned to the ever reliable and trustworthy Google to calm my fears.

Apparently it’s real! And it’s out to get you.

Continue reading →

Posted in Cool Canadian things, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Try your luck in the world’s second ever G’day Canucks quiz

Posted on March 8, 2012 by

G’day all,

By popular demand I’ve put together another G’day Canucks quiz.

The rules are simple – please don’t Google the answers, just use what’s in between your two ears!!

Click on the button/link below to access the quiz.

Take Our Quiz!

Anyone scoring 100% will be made world famous by getting their name in the comments section of the G’day Canucks blog.

Good luck

Nic

Posted in Aussie Canuck quiz | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Come to Australia where you might accidentally get killed…

Posted on March 2, 2012 by

Get your Snake sticks ready!

As a follow up to my last post Creepies and Crawlies – No Worries, I thought this YouTube clip was most appropriate!

Come to Australia where you might accidentally get killed…

Enjoy!

Nic

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Creepies and Crawlies – No worries!

Posted on February 29, 2012 by

An inland taipan – photo from animaldanger.com

Australia has a unique reputation as a tourist destination. On one hand, many Canucks I’ve met would give up maple syrup and beavertails (but not hockey) to visit Australia. It’s a dream destination that they want to get to ‘someday’. But, on the other hand, they’re a tad scared of Aussie creepies and crawlies!

The fact is that you needn’t be scared of snakes, spiders and other critters. You just need to be aware of the places they are found, be vigilant and take a few minor precautions. I’ve listed a few tips below.

The inland taipan snake is the deadliest snake in Australia. Over 80% of inland taipan deaths occur in a person’s own bed. But many of these deaths can be avoided. They love dark warm places and often find their way into houses and settle themselves under pillows or blankets on beds. It is recommended that you have a long stick handy to hit your pillow and bed each night before you get in. Most Aussies have a snake stick next to their beds. Continue reading →

Posted in Dangerous Australian animals, Facts and figures | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments