Moving from Australia to DC ... Guidance please

[Anonymous]

Large areas have been returned in line with the Mabo case. These areas are mining areas, and national parks. No houses were taken that were already owned under title. Royalties are paid both by mining companies and by entrants to national parks. I am not stereotyping, it's an issue, perhaps you feel it is stereotyping but that's your opinion. It is unfortunate that much money is squandered by tribal leaders. Unfortunately, houses that are given are often damaged to a state of complete disrepair. There is no easy answer to the problem. I can not comment on social issues experienced in the US.

[Anonymous]

OP - You probably aren't reading anymore because of all the ridiculous posts, but if you are, you might enjoy this programme next summer:

http://www.satmorningfooty.com/

This is the closest thing to Ozkick we've got here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:however despite the large sums of money thrown at the problem it is still bad. Alcohol is the biggest problem, their genes mean a VERY low tolerance of alcohol, and a lot of problems in many areas. Most Australians will cross a road to avoid conflict with a drunk aboriginal, I work in an area rife with the problem and I don't think many people would feel comfortable in the general vacinity of drinking (or petrol sniffing) indigenous.

despite large sums of money? I thought the wealth of the whites is based on the land that was taken away from them. So that hardly counts
Either way, be careful of stereotyping. This area is politically correct and any insinuations of blacks as the ones who drink are not taken that lightly.
The same stereotyping happens here, but people are more careful and instead say the people have made bad choices, welfare recipients should be forced to take drug tests etc etc

You cannot compare - the alcohol issue with Australian Aboriginals is unlike anywhere else. It is a genetic problem, not cultural. It would be ridiculous to turn a blind eye to it. They are trying to address the problem themselves so of course it is recognized as an issue. If you haven't been to outback Australian you can't comprehend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:however despite the large sums of money thrown at the problem it is still bad. Alcohol is the biggest problem, their genes mean a VERY low tolerance of alcohol, and a lot of problems in many areas. Most Australians will cross a road to avoid conflict with a drunk aboriginal, I work in an area rife with the problem and I don't think many people would feel comfortable in the general vacinity of drinking (or petrol sniffing) indigenous.

despite large sums of money? I thought the wealth of the whites is based on the land that was taken away from them. So that hardly counts
Either way, be careful of stereotyping. This area is politically correct and any insinuations of blacks as the ones who drink are not taken that lightly.
The same stereotyping happens here, but people are more careful and instead say the people have made bad choices, welfare recipients should be forced to take drug tests etc etc

You cannot compare - the alcohol issue with Australian Aboriginals is unlike anywhere else. It is a genetic problem, not cultural. It would be ridiculous to turn a blind eye to it. They are trying to address the problem themselves so of course it is recognized as an issue. If you haven't been to outback Australian you can't comprehend.

PP here - I should clarify that I am not the OP but I am an Australian who has lived in DC for 10 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - You probably aren't reading anymore because of all the ridiculous posts, but if you are, you might enjoy this programme next summer:

http://www.satmorningfooty.com/

This is the closest thing to Ozkick we've got here.

PP again: Website isn't crystal clear but this program runs Saturdays from the end of school through July. There are usually other events throughout the year and the kids (australian and american) really like it.

[Anonymous]

Many, many Americans have been to the Australian Outback. The blooming onion is overrated.

[Anonymous]

Cute!

[Anonymous]

I doubt many Americans have been to the parts of the Australian Outback which contain Aboriginal camps. The highly tourist area of Ayres Rock does not really count as 'Outback'. I agree with the pp, that you can not really give commentary on a subject you can not appreciate and have not had exposure to.
I as an Australian had never heard of a 'blooming onion' until today.

[Anonymous]

Something about Australians saying abos are alchoholics just does not seem right. Not after what was done to them.

[Anonymous]

Something about Americans providing commentary about how other countries treated their indigenous people doesn't sit right with me. So there you are.

[Anonymous]

I agree, you can hardly comment on something that you have not experienced and likely have little or no knowledge of.

[Anonymous]

OP - There's a social club at the embassy. You should try and contact them and get some names. If you are here for Pentagon-related reasons: you might look in Arlington. If you are related to NIH: Bethesda is more convenient. That seems to be what many of the Australians do (and I've known a large number).

Personally, with three kids, I would pick a suburb with good schools. The city is fun, but when you are living somewhere you've never been, sometimes easy is better. Also, we have HORRIBLE traffic here, which will explain why Bethesda and Arlington are so expensive, but probably worth it.

You should also ignore most of this thread (but not the footy posts).

[Anonymous]

This is a weird thread.

The Outback is a popular Australian themed chain restaurant. Its signature dish, if you will, is a giant fried onion called a Blooming Onion. It isn't haute cuisine, to say the least.

DC and the surrounding suburbs has a huge population of foreign diplomats, World Bank people etc., so your kids will be viewed favorably and not as freaks.

I would just focus on the close in suburbs on the metro line. There are lots of choices but why drive yourself nuts. We are very happy with the quality of our Arlington VA public school. In any case, one year won't kill them. (I am a diplomats kid and had what you might call a patchy education but turned out ok!) Best of luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a weird thread.

The Outback is a popular Australian themed chain restaurant. Its signature dish, if you will, is a giant fried onion called a Blooming Onion. It isn't haute cuisine, to say the least.

DC and the surrounding suburbs has a huge population of foreign diplomats, World Bank people etc., so your kids will be viewed favorably and not as freaks.

I would just focus on the close in suburbs on the metro line. There are lots of choices but why drive yourself nuts. We are very happy with the quality of our Arlington VA public school. In any case, one year won't kill them. (I am a diplomats kid and had what you might call a patchy education but turned out ok!) Best of luck!

Ha ha! The outback is the area outside of cities in Australia. The restaurant doesn't even exist in Australia hence Australians have no idea what a blooming onion is (invented by the American? Chain)!

[Anonymous]

Ha ha! The outback is the area outside of cities in Australia. The restaurant doesn't even exist in Australia hence Australians have no idea what a blooming onion is (invented by the American? Chain

No shit, Sherlock!