Public Pottering Takes Over Australia

 

"Magician Doing Magic" by nirots from freedigitalphotos.net

Harry Potter mania has swept the globe and shows no signs of abating even though both books and films are long over. Australians being Australians, they have given the whole Harry Potter concept a new twist by creating public Pottering. In other words by creating quirky photographs of people “flying” on broomsticks. The idea was the brainchild of Martin Kastengren, 21, George Andrianakos, 21 and Simon Carr, 19, who started the trend at the end of the beach season.

 

Of course, while the whole world loves Harry Potter, Australia has plenty of home-grown writers to celebrate. Possibly Australia’s most famous literary export is Miles Franklin, author of My Brilliant Career. Clive James is also a familiar name internationally. Anna Funder is tipped as a writer to watch after winning the 2012 Miles Franklin Prize with her debut novel “All That I Am”. Australia has been flexing its literary muscle more and more over recent years and much of its literature has a unique character reflecting the uniqueness of the country. Those interested in experiencing Australia for themselves are likely to benefit from the services of a NAATI translator. They may be less literary but they are very helpful.

Home spirit in Australia

Selling homes in Australia is as much a combination of Art and Science as it is everywhere else in the world and just as in other countries, there are homes which should sell but somehow don’t. While sellers who are well versed in sales often resort to using attractive scents (such as bread and lemons) and other props (such as vases of flowers), some sellers are adopting more unconventional measures.

 

Popular Australian TV shows such as Ghost Whisperer and Medium have raised the debate about the spirit world in Australia. Although there are still plenty of sceptics, some home-owners have started to use mediums to help sell their homes. The most common request are either to create more positive energy or to banish negative spirits and there are anecdotal reports from home-owners that this has worked like a charm.

 

Whether or not these reports are evidence of the presence of ghosts in Australia or just a coincidence is likely to remain a matter of debate for some time to home. What is certain is that Australia has a wide choice of accommodation for those new to the country, whether they choose to buy or rent. Using a qualified NAATI translator to assist in the process of securing a place to live will help to keep the process less stressful than a ghost hunt.

Remembering the White Mouse

Few people may have heard the name of Nancy Wake but a lot more will have seen the film Charlotte Grey, starring Australian actress Cate Blanchett.  Nancy Wake packed a lot into her 98 years, becoming one of the most effective and decorated Allied secret agents in World War II.  Although she was born inNew Zealand, she was raised inAustralia and stood for parliament there.  Earlier this month, her ashes were scattered in France, as a tribute to her service in the country.  In accordance with her wishes, the service and reception were both upbeat.

 

The efforts of the ANZACs were crucial to the eventual Allied victory in World War II.  Many Australians still travel abroad to pay their respects to where they or their ancestors fought.  Increasingly international visitors are travelling to Australia to see a less-remembered side of WW2 history.  The Forgotten War is a name often given to the bombing raids on the Australian city of Darwin.  The area in and around the city still shows evidence of its military past, including ammunition storage sites, shelters, bunkers and testing areas.

 

Those who wish to make this fascinating trip may wish to employ the services of a NAATI translator.  They will help to make sure that travel documents are processed with military precision.

Going for good health

"Oranges Slice In Cocktails Glass" by Praisaeng from Freedigitalphotos.net

Australians are some of the healthiest and longest-lived people in the world.  A recent study ranked Australia third in the world for life expectancy and second in the world for good health in old age.

 

There are many reasons why Australians should enjoy both health and long life.  The climate and countryside encourages outdoor activity and culturally Australians tend to enjoy sport and outdoor pursuits.  The weather also encourages a sociable outdoor lifestyle.

 

Exercise and companionship are crucial for combating depression and all its related disorders.  People moving to Australia may be concerned that they will find it difficult to make new friends or to keep in touch with people they have left in their home country.  In reality Australians are welcoming towards newcomers and the wonders of broadband internet make it easy to keep in touch with people, wherever they are in the world.

 

Australians also have every reason and opportunity to eat a healthy diet.  The country has a strong agricultural industry and plentiful seafood.

 

When people do get ill (or have accidents), they can enjoy the benefit of an excellent medical system, which combines state-provided and private cover.

 

Most people look on moving to Australia as the opportunity of a lifetime.  Using the services of a NAATI translator will help to ensure that the move goes smoothly.

Taking Oscar home

The annual festival of glitz, glamour, celebrity and films, otherwise known as the Oscars, has come to an end (for this year).  Although the event attracts an international audience, it is mainly focused on honouring U.S.films.

"Commercial" by Karl Binder from freedigitalphotos.net

Australia has her own Oscars – the AACTA awards.  These are becoming increasingly challenging to win as the quality of Australian film (and television) continues to rise.

 

As well as being a popular location for international blockbusters such as the Lethal Weapon series, Australia has become increasingly recognized for being able to produce quality films which entertain and engage as well as often addressing important questions about personal identity and the world around us, generally with a healthy dose of humour and fun.

 

Classic Australian films include Strictly Ballroom, Muriel’s Wedding and, of course, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.  Each of these shows different facets of modern Australia, with only Priscilla focusing its action on locations in the outback.

 

Australia’s growing international prestige combined with her excellent transport connections has lead to the country becoming increasingly popular with tourists.  This has led to massive and exciting opportunities for skilled workers with experience in this area.  Those looking to start a new chapter in their personal script by moving to Australia are likely to find the process more straightforward than they thought, especially if they employ the services of a professional NAATI translator.

A tale with heart

Australia is famous for its wildlife and when it gets into trouble, humans are generally willing to give whatever help they can.  (Australians are pretty good at helping out other humans too).  Recently a quick-thinking Adelaide women, managed to save the life of Dennis, a crested pigeon, when he stopped breathing, by giving him CPR.  Dennis is now making a full recovery.

 

Australia also offers excellent healthcare facilities for its human residents.  Anyone issued with a permanent visa can access its public healthcare system, which has an outstanding international reputation.  This means not only that those moving to Australia can be assured of being well looked-after if they ever need medical assistance, but also that international medical professions are highly sought-after to work in Australia.

 

Those making the move will discover that Australia encourages healthy living.  The country is full of sporting opportunities with many of them focused on the beach (although Winter sports are popular too).  There is a sociable and relaxed atmosphere, which goes a long way to avoiding the problems of stress and burnout seen in other countries.  Most people opt to start their new life in Australia by taking the stress out of the application process by enlisting the help of a NAATI translator.

Setting the record straight

Today, an Australian regained his world-record-holding crown.  Called Cassius, he is now officially the world’s largest captive salt-water crocodile (after a Malaysian rival died).

 

Australians are generally up for some fun and hold some very creative world records.

 

Richard Glover and Peter FitzSimons managed to talk for 24 hours straight to create the world’s longest radio interview.  It will probably talk some creativity, not to mention stamina, to beat that one.

 

Although never occupied by the Romans, theUniversity of Queensland Union and Queensland University of Technology managed to host the World’s largest toga party.  This feat was made even more impressive by the fact that the event was held in absolutely torrential rain.

 

Participants recovering from the party might have been interested in taking part in the largest breakfast in bed; unfortunately it took place in Sydney.  A total of 289 lucky people were served a delicious, hot breakfast in beds set up in Martin Place.

 

There are plenty of other interesting records held by Australia or Australians, such as most people wearing wigs, biggest drumming lesson and fastest marathon dressed as Mr Potato Head and new ones are set on a regular basis.

 

Those interested in going to Australia to take part in a record-breaking event (or for any other reason) could do well to enlist the services of a NAATI translator to keep the record straight.

 

 

Running the road in Sydney

There is a currently a large group of fugitives on the run inWestern Sydney.  A mob of emus has escaped captivity after a perimeter fence was breached.

 

The Australian authorities are already working to round up the escapees and get them to safety but in the mean time, drivers are being advised to be on the lookout and be ready to take evasive action.

 

Generally speaking driving in Australia is a civilized experience.  While there are hazards in the outback, these are comparable to the hazards of driving in remote countryside anywhere in the world.

 

Australia drives on the left.  Distances are in metres and kilometres, and speed in kilometres per hour.  Seat belts are mandatory and the alcohol limit is 0.05% throughout Australia.  This is strictly enforced to ensure safety on Australia’s roads.  Police conduct random breath tests on a regular basis, so drivers may be stopped at any time, even if they have been driving well.

 

People moving to Australia have a choice of buying or renting a car in country or importing their own.  Both options are straightforward, but both do require some paperwork to be completed in English.  They are also likely to require official translations of relevant documentation.  A NAATI translator will be able to help with this along with other immigration-related requirements.

Playing it cool

As the Australian Tennis Open draws to a close, sports lovers can console themselves with the thought that Australia always has something to offer.  Although possibly best known internationally for its love of cricket and the annual Australian Formula One Grand Prix, there are plenty of other sports to enjoy.

 

While horse racing fans in the Northern Hemisphere routinely have to accept numerous delayed and cancelled fixtures, horse racing in Australia continues to go from strength to strength, with some Australian horses such as Black Caviar establishing a global reputation.  (Black Caviar is already being touted as a possible successor to Australian wonder-horse Phar Lap).  Those who prefer horses to travel at a slower speed can enjoy trail-riding adventures at a more leisurely pace.

 

For those who prefer sports where humans put in most of the effort, Australia has become a key destination for cyclists, with plenty of options for both road-touring and off-road cycling.  The country is also much loved by inline skaters, due to the quality of its roads and its general friendliness towards people travelling under their own steam.

 

It’s little wonder that Australia’s growing reputation for sporting holidays has fuelled a need for international workers.  Those contemplating making the move “down under” would be well advised to ensure that immigration translations are undertaken by a NAATI translator to ensure that the process is as simple as possible.

"3 Tennis Balls" by dan from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Tasting the globe

Every nation has its own unique cuisine.  Some become famous for it and even export it around the globe.  Even though global migration has meant that most major cities have eating places reflecting the cuisine of countries which may be geographically far away, there are often local delicacies which may be unknown to outsiders.  Here are a few from Australia.

Witchetty grubs – they may look like maggots but they are a nutty-tasting snack which has been enjoyed for centuries.

ANZAC biscuits – these are beginning to enjoy an international following, partly because they are extremely tasty and partly because they originally became popular due to their ability to travel well.

The Lamington is often known as the “National Cake of Australia.”  Unfortunately it is not often found outside the country but there are plenty of recipes on the internet for keen bakers who want to try their hand at it.
Tim Tams – more biscuits, this time with chocolate.  Like the ANZAC biscuits, these are steadily making their way around the world, one delicious mouthful at a time.
Vegemite – the ultimate Australian food.  Like its British cousin Marmite, you either love it or you hate it.

Those looking to open a restaurant in Australia will find Australians open to trying other national cuisines.  It’s best to have a qualified and experienced NAATI translator help with immigration translations, as this will help the visa process go as quickly and smoothly as possible.