Piggy Backing...

To piggy back on my last post, I am also learning that Aussies call some things by a different name here, so when I get frustrated to no end because I can't find something, in a few instances it's been because they call the item by a different name.  For example, cookies are called biscuits and biscuits are called rolls here, although they don't have those awesome buttermilk biscuits that we are used to pouring sausage gravy over in the South.  A water fountain is called a bottle-o.  McDonalds is called Maccas (as slang).  Ketchup is called tomato sauce and tomato sauce (pasta) is called bolognese, not marinara.  Marinara here is a seafood pasta sauce.  A jumper is a hoodie/sweater, trainers are tennis shoes, a buggee smuggler is a speedo. Haha!

A capsicum is a pepper, green or red or any color.  A line (as in waiting in line for movie tickets) is a cue and they don't say, "where is the restroom or bathroom?" but "where is the toilet?" which I still can't bring myself to say.  A gyro is called a kebab and fries are called chips.  Ground beef is called mince and if you ask for pudding at a restaurant you'll get a fruit cake. And don't ask for a pitcher of beer, it's called a jug.

One particular instance when I was here in April visiting (before I moved over for good), where I made a complete American idiot out of myself was when I went shopping for guacamole items.  I wanted to make it homemade so I found everything except the core ingredient- cilantro.  I asked an innocent grocery attendant and she took me to the produce aisle and pointed out something called coriandor.  "No, no, not coriandor; CILANTRO" I said really slow and loudly as if she were dim.  She replies that yes, it's the same thing.  I erupt and it's not pretty.  I rant on that I can't make guacamole without cilantro, what is this coriandor stuff, I can't believe you don't have cilantro, this is ridiculous and I give up the shopping basket and any attempt to make guacamole.

Weeks later, back in the States, I'm reporting the story to my friend C. who starts to laugh her head off.  She informs me that cilantro is the seed that grows into coriandor so it is actually the same thing.  We actually call it the wrong thing in the states, not vice versa. I feel like an idiot and I really feel for that poor  girl in the grocery...