Throwing A Sicky
By Lothar. Filed in Australia, Bora Bora, New Zealand, Samoa |
We are “on holiday” and don’t have “to throw a sicky” (call in sick) in these islands. It is a different English down under.
The New Zealand weather report is mostly one word long. It is “fine”!
In Auckland we had “cool Southerlies”, but otherwise it was “fine”.
In Bora Bora the forecast was: “Beautiful Breaks and Scattered Downpours”. The first day at the Club Med those downpours were pretty much continuous, and we only saw the next island, “Raiatea”, the following day.
The Samoa government was “shouting a dinner” (paying for dinner) for a New Zealand couple, who had all their belongings stolen from their beach Fale.
Road signs in Samoa: “Do Not Overspeed”, or if that is not obeyed: “Do Not Speed, Heaven Is Full”.
” How you’re walking, Mate?” is Aussie for “How are you”.
In Brisbane airport : “as you shoot through…” and they offer a “Tax Free Scheme” here!
According to an opinion poll, the Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, is “past his use-by date”.
When I asked in Australia, where I could recycle a coke can, the answer was: “Just bin it, mate!”
Back at the Auckland Airport, we heard a familiar( and not very politically correct) announcement at the departure gate:
“Mr., Mrs. Smith, please go to your gate immediately. Your flight is ready for departure, all the other passengers are on board and are waiting for you”.
It is nice when you can say what you really feel!!