Ta!

One of my favorite Aussie expressions is "ta." It is short for "thank you." A simple expression. Before I knew, I always thought it meant "good bye." I wondered why everyone was saying goodbye to me, and not even having the courtesy to say thank you. Well, I finally clued in to it, and I have to say I have come to really appreciate it. Everyone here uses the expression, and it truly is all purpose and omnipresent. It definitely marks the locals and the people who are being informal. Yes, we still say thank you, and with a particular emphasis on the "ou" that is entirely Aussie. But, for quiet moments, at the coffee shop, or with friends, it's so easy to use "Ta" as a simple, think-nothing-of-it, thank you.

I picked up on this shortly after arriving, but never really thought to post an entry on it. There are more customs I've picked up, consciously or unconsciously, I'm sure. When I notice, I'll try to write about them.

The other night, I went back a few pages in my blog. I'm really happy with the way this is turning out. Old posts brought back some nice memories of days gone by, and reminded me of more than one happy occasion. A turning point for me here in Australia was the day I rented a car and went for a drive through the Brisbane Forest. I so remember that moment when I stepped out of the car and heard the waves of cicada calls sweeping up and down the hill. The beauty of such a simple thing after my senses had been overwhelmed by the works of man for so long.

The blog certainly has its awkward moments, too. But many years in the future, after I have left the country, I'll still be able to treasure the moments I've managed to distill.