Abroad Down Under

So the last few days have been pretty fun at work. I love the girls like Jas, Taryn, Vira, Gi, Claire, Crystelle, and all of the doctors. I especially have fun working alongside Tiff because she let's me assist all of the time, and she is just a really sweet, gentle general dentist. I think that out of everything, I still love general dentistry the most. Perhaps it's because I'm just so familiar with it, but really, I always have a blast with it.

I swear though, I the first words out of every patient's mouth when I say I'm from Chicago is, "Oprah!!" Actually, the Aussies know more about America than just Oprah. In fact, they are very knowledgeable about current wordly events are are well-informed people in general. They have a great sense of humour, and aren't afraid to put you in your place They also have a knack for giving everyone nicknames.

They are incredibly friendly, too. I adore the people I work with, and I fit in so well. My supervisor tells me how impressed she is with my comfort in the office, which is definitely a plus. I love that during work hours, everyone can get down to business even if stressed, but at the end of the day, everyone maintains close friendships. For example, my supervisor invited me to a cricket game with a few of the girls, which I of course accepted. What's more, she invited me to spend the night at her house as well. In Australia, if you're willing to put yourself out there in the office and in a friendship, people are willing to give you a chance.

I must say now that while I am no expert at cricket, I certainly get it now. I think. I went to a game of New South Wales against Tasmania, but it was a Twenty:20 game, which is an abbreviated version of the game. It goes about 3 hours rather than the tradition one day games. I really enjoyed it, and it was a great opportunity to grab a drink with a few of my co-workers/friends. The girls invited me out again, and I'm excited that I've been accepted into their wonderful group of friends.

I miss everyone dearly, but it's nice to have made friends even when I don't know many of the kids from Augustana.

p.s. when I write on an Australian computer, it sometimes autocorrects some words into Australian/British spelling.

Also, a funny story: while explaining to a patient about "gridiron football", they asked me about my city's team. I said the Chicago Bears were in the Super Bowl a few years ago. They asked whether or not the Bears won, and I replied, "No, they were trounced." They didn't understand, so I said, "They were pounded." The response was laughter. Apprently "pounded" has a more sexual context here. And yes, I said this in front of a PATIENT! Just because Australians and Americans speak English, it doesn't mean things can't be lost in translation.