1) The people here are SUPER FRIENDLY. Like so friendly that it’s a little unsettling. Strangers will always stop and ask where you’re going if you look lost or confused, and then they will without fail physically point you in the right direction. A guy on the street bumped into me and turned around and screamed SORRY MATE! Bus drivers will stop their crowded busses and tell you the exact way to get home. I feel like behavior like this would never exist in a place like New York and it’s refreshing.

2) Everyone is super chill and laid back. When we were walking around the business district downtown at around 6, all the outdoor bars and cafes were just packed with people in suits who have probably just gotten off work, all sharing a drink and laughing. I haven’t seen or met one person who looks or is stressed out at all, it’s really quite amazing.

3) Americans always walk on the right side of the sidewalk (aka the WRONG side of the street). Think about it, every Australian walks on the left and will pass on the left, while it’s second nature for us to walk and pass on the right. This leads to serious trip-ups and bumping into random strangers a lot, but it’s ok, because everyone’s is again, really nice and they don’t seem to mind it that much. 

4) Sydney loves chocolate. There’s a chocolate store on every corner downtown. Thai food is also everywhere you go. 

5) If you’re going out, in order to get into a bar, you must appear to be sober. Otherwise they will NOT let you in. Also in a few bars that we’ve been to, you couldn’t get in if you were wearing flip-flops or shorts, so the dress code is a lot nicer downtown too. That being said, once you’re IN the bar, everyone seems to be having a great time and living up to Australia’s really amazing expectations when it comes to nightlife.