TALKING AUSSIE
By : Lim Chiao Kee

I feel as though this article is not given the credit it's due. Why? Because I was offered an opportunity to write it when I was in the midst of a hectic mid semester. Or should I be using the word "am". Between work, studies, fitness and a social life that is almost non existent due to juggling between the aforementioned three elements, I forced myself to squeeze in a writing slot in my otherwise packed and compact daily schedule. What was that? I think I'm suffering from a so-called palpitation coined by my housemate. Or it could just be my cardio workout from swimming 1.5 km this morning.

When I was asked to write about life in Australia, I almost burst into hysterical fits of laughter. Probably not because I was asked to write about it, more like the reason I was asked to write about it was too amusing for me to even start laughing about. To share my amusement, I shall quote the exact words of the webmasters, the reason was "to bridge the gap between KMYSians in Europe and in Australia". You mean geographical gap? Or is there some other gap that perhaps we in Down Under should know about? Or are you talking about the label GAP? An American based brand, is that it?

Just as I am writing this, Carlton Blues is playing against Adelaide in the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground). Essendon Bombers trashed Richmond Tigers by a landslide of 70 points last night, with Matthew Loyd scoring his 100th goal for this season, which was perhaps the highlight of the match. That was what I wanted to write about in my very first piece of "Aussie Talk"-Australian Rules football, or footy as we call it. While the POMEs are gearing up for an action-packed season of the Premier League, we, in Down Under (and for those of you who are thinking, "What the h*** is a Down Under????" I would like to think you have sufficient IQ to have guessed that I'm referring to the great land of Australia. After all, where else can you find an island, a continent and a country all in one?), are coming to the conclusion of yet another season of footy. Essendon went home with the championships last year (and three years consecutively prior to that) and the Bombers look set to win the title for another season. You would probably be wondering how I got into this footy fever (well, not really actually) but I can assure you, it's not just about a bunch of guys in Guernsey and tight shorts, flexing their fantastic biceps in the chill of winter. The nature of the game itself, especially when you actually try it, its complexity and accuracy is something that deserves the credit it is due. But that's as far as I can get. Time constraint forbids me to elaborate further on this subject matter. For now anyway. Besides, footy might perhaps not be everyone's cup of tea (just like how POME talk is NOT everyone's cup of tea).

Spring is officially on our doorstep and the weather has been great of late. Melbourne is at its best when it turns sunny and warm. Casa del Gelato has reopened for business after a quiet winter of no gelati ice cream, which I think is silly, who says people don't eat ice cream during winter? Especially when it's only a mild 12-14 degrees one. It's great to just sit on the grass in the park on a nice warm afternoon and to just have a picnic of souvlaki and a game of frisbee. And oh, just to make a point, Melbourne is NOT the capital of Australia. Many of you would probably be nodding your head right now, thinking, "I knew that. The capital of Australia is Sydney. Duh uh." You think so? Guess again. It's Canberra. "What?" you say. It's Canberra. Anyway, that's probably enough dosage of Down Under talk for now. A gigantic part of my cerebrum is constantly reminding me of the three assignments that are soon due and another mid semester test coming up in less than a week's time. (On a personal note, if you do not wish to major in Finance, a golden piece of advice from me-DO NOT TAKE UP "MANAGEMENT OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS"!).
So, how shall I end this piece of Aussie Talk? I think with a caption of some sort would be good. Or a common Aussie saying maybe? Big Kev's "I'm excited"? Or maybe a line from "Waltzing Matilda"? Argh, stuff it. POMEs are kangaroos on the top paddock anyway. Just kidding.