Brisbane, Australia:
What a combo! Seriously, walking around most parts of Australia is like strolling through a model casting session, with one beautiful person after another. They breed ‘em well here! 
As if that’s not enough, the overwhelming majority of Aussies I’ve met have been kind and helpful. Whether it’s a museum staffer answering one of my dumb American questions (I’m ashamed to admit that I know almost nothing about Australian history and have asked quite a few silly questions along the way) or a chatty tour guide, most people go out of their way to be pleasant.
Then again, a nice tour operator told us, with a smile, “I’m one of the few people here who likes Americans.”
To be fair, she was French, not Aussie. But that really made me think.
Window commemorating American servicemembers in St. John's Cathedral, Brisbane
This came a week before finding that great book about why the entire world hates America. Never in my travels have I met so many people who make anti-American comments, even just in joking, but it’s usually not the Aussies. By far, the Aussies have been among the most friendly.
Sandy and I were having lunch in Sydney and two adorable schoolchildren, dressed in their cute uniforms, sat next to us with giant ice cream cones. They immediately started talking and we were impressed by how well-spoken and outgoing they were — I can’t imagine most American children striking up conversation with strangers so quickly, although I haven’t spent a lot of time around American kids.
The 9-year-old girl right away said, “You’re American!” — very perceptive, little one! I was almost tempted to steal her away, she was that adorable. 
After 10 minutes, the dad came over and he, too, was friendly and welcoming, asking us about America and American politics. He was probably also concerned that I was trying to put his daughter into my purse…
Similar situations have happened other places (the random conversation, not the kidnapping). Waiting in line to see “Wicked,” another Aussie guy started talking to me and asking about America.
It’s a change from the norm, when Americans are mostly likely to strike up random conversations and everyone else just keeps to himself. There have still been tons of conversations with other Americans though — Americans love nothing more than hearing a familiar accent and saying, “Oh my gosh, where are you from?” and then talking for hours. Sometimes fun, sometimes annoying.
Last day in Brisbane!
What are your plans for the weekend?
Sure they hate America – we won all the gold in Vancouver.
I’m pretty sure Canada won all the gold in Vancouver. Sorry, but I got to defend my national pride here.
hehe…when i was at our youth hostel, there was a british couple with young children staying there. at the dinner table, an american woman handed the kids valentine’s candy (because it was valentine’s) and the kids asked their parents, ‘Why did she do that?” and the dad said “because she’s an american.”
meaning: we’re nice? we’re wierd? we’re random? i’ll take the first choice.
ooh, ooh, i have a “nice australian” story, too…but maybe that’s too long for this comment on your blog. =)
I have had similar experiences in Greece..sometimes people want to talk down about America, sometimes people are super excited! My favorite was when I was asked about silicone valley? so RANDOM! lol
lovely picture, by the way
haha it’s not THAT random, i live really close to silicon valley!! it’s a really major place in the whole tech boom
LOL your dad reads your blog? what a funny guy. have a great last day in brisbane!
Hey let your Dad know that we(Canada) won all the gold this year!
Stained Glass is one of the best things about church. Some day maybe I’ll take a lesson on making it.
Us Americans are a funny breed, eh? I really hate being labelled when I travel, but I guess I have all of those American jerks to thank. I love being extra sweet when I find out someone “hates” Americans – totally throws them off!
That being said, I’m so glad you haven’t had to experience much of that in Austrailia! It probably makes for a much more pleasant adventure.
A lot of my overseas traveling has been done while accompanying military personnel and in areas with a large American military presence. Interesting to say the least.
It’s so interesting to find connections like that all the way across the world. People in Louisiana are talkative like that, and everyone wants to know your story and where you’re from. It wouldn’t be surprising for 9 year old Cajuns to act like that.
My weekend plans involve a small journey down to New Orleans for a George Strait concert. Nothing as exciting as yours!
It’s too bad everyone hates Americans… but I can kind of understand why
It’s so fun when you travel to strike up a conversation with almost anyone, since it is just a foreign experience. It’s even more exciting when they are the ones who want to talk to YOU!