Saturday, September 4, 2010

Aussie Espresso

Coffee in Australia has been one of the biggest things to get acclimated to. For starters, they don't serve drip coffee. YES, you read correctly. After six days, I am still shocked. Even McDonalds and 7-Eleven advertise lattes and don't serve drip coffee!!!!!! See photo :)

Secondly, they call all of their drinks different names, so Gabe and I are comedic relief when ordering, and we got in the groove after the 2nd or 3rd stop. Common drinks: Cappuccino (steamed milk beneath with frothed milk), Latte (steamed milk below a layer of frothed milk), Flat White (espresso and steamed milk), Mocha (chocolate syrup, espresso and steamed milk), Short Black (Single espresso shot), Long Black (espresso and water).

Thirdly, all espresso drinks are priced the same, and are served in VERY small servings. We have found 9 times out of 10 for the large to be the size of a Starbucks Tall beverage. Haha, so much for Venti .... It's not even served in the country except at Starbucks, which are few and far between. The culture is to go to a cafe as they are all throughout the city and country. The barista even said they wouldn't serve the 16oz espresso except for American influence, as they prefer less milk in their coffee. And, if you were wondering about the $1 advertisement at 7-Eleven, that's for a short beverage, 8 oz!!

Another difference, cafes charge an additional 50 cents to $1 more per item to eat it there otherwise you must say "Take Away." We made the mistake of ordering it to-go so we could walk around but decided last minute to sit down, although no one said anything they were probably thinking silly Americans! They serve lattes in a glass that you and I would grab from the cabinet to put ice water in, I find that interesting!!

I might as well come home poor after spending more money than I could have imagined on coffee and gelato in Australia. They are a value added commodity in hubs book, so frequent stops are definitely part of the itinerary. Plus, with them being so small, we have to get an espresso multiple times a day at $5 a pop, and we enjoy every.sip.of.it!

We are having the time of our lives, soaking up the culture, and more importantly recognize what a blessing this is to experience together. I will always cherish this gift.

31 comments:

Meghan said...

I went through a similar experience with coffee when I was in Italy! I ended up LOVING espresso, and when I came home, I immediately bought a machine.

I hope you are having the most incredible trip!!!

Token Yankee said...

So glad you are having fun. Never knew about coffee overseas!

Miranda said...

I'm glad ya'll are having FUN!!! :-) Since I'm a HUGE starbucks person, I'm so glad that I live in America and get get a super large coffee whenever I please ;-)

Kristen said...

What?!?!? No drip coffee?? Despite the jo difficulties, sounds like you're having a blast... so glad!!!

Unknown said...

Mmmmmm I love espresso in other countries! The Europeans make fun of us for our watered down coffees, they like theirs STRONG:-)

Enjoy your travels dear!

Jordan said...

New follower here! Sounds like you guys are having a lot of fun. Can't wait to see more pics! :-)

Lindsay said...

I cant believe they dont have drips! I'd die :) Hope you are having a total blast!!

Jenny @ Practically Perfect... said...

I know what you mean :-) It's very similar to that in New Zealand! One of my fellow American friends asked for cream with her coffee... and they handed her this thick, yellowy, butter-like substance! Apparently, you don't ask for "cream", just milk! It definitely takes some adjusting, ha ha!

Rachael said...

Sounds like my own personal coffee heaven!

Lived With Love said...

haha this is so weird! Have fun though! Seems amazing!

~Mrs. Guru~ said...

Glad you guys are having fun!

bride4life said...

Wait, Wait back-up, they have "7 Eleven's" in Aust.?

TracyZLesh @ Then I Got To Thinking said...

It's been a while since I have been able to do lots of blog reading, so I had to catch up! So exciting that you are in Australia. My hubs and I want to go there so bad. The coffee thing is hilarious - it's the same thing in some part of Europe - they charge you more if you stay! And the hair straightener for rent! I've never heard of that! Hope you guys have an amazing time!

Unknown said...

So glad y'all are having a great time!!

Anonymous said...

that was one thing that took a long time for me to get used to when I was in Australia- how small the portions are! I'm a tea drinker though and their tea is much better than it is here :)

Amber said...

Girl! I had no idea y'all were going to Australia! I'm so behind on everyone's news :-( I can't wait to hear more about your adventures! xoxo

Bobbi said...

I'm not sure I could drink coffee anywhere but here, I don't like my coffee too strong.

Sounds like you're having a blast though!!

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

That's so different that they charge you more to sit there and drink it!

Jax said...

haha.. other countries' differences are so random sometimes! Glad you guys are having a blast! I cant wait to see and read more about your fabulous trip!!!

Ashley said...

I used to get long blacks with milk.
Hey, at least they do speak English...even if it's their own English! :)

Steph @ Professors_Wife said...

This... is so interesting! I would be in trouble there.. it takes me a lot longer than a couple of days to catch on to almost anything. And I love my coffee... ohh wow, it would be a hoot! Glad you're sharing all of your adventures w/us!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I am SO addicted to my espresso now that I would imagine I would spend a fortune too! Glad to hear you're having such a fabulous time!

Joseph's Grainery Recipes said...

We Northwesterners are spoiled with our coffee, aren't we? Have a wonderful trip.

Cody and Lindsay said...

I can't wait to hear all about your trip!!

Raylene Nicole said...

That is amazing! I never realized how different simple things would be! How long are you getting spend there! Can't wait read more about your trip!

lg2006 said...

This reminds me ALOT of our trip to Italy where you also need to pay to sit down and food was SOOOO expensive!
Loved the post!

Jill said...

gah, i love australia. i'm loving your posts so far!

katie + bret said...

hey you!

I've been MIA. But now I am back.

I wanted you to know that I HAVE MISSED YOU!

xx

Anonymous said...

Sounds like so much fun and now I want some coffee!! I always forget the "to go" or "to stay" comment when I'm in South Africa and if it was not for my grandmother would have probably been referred to as a silly American person a ton of times!! Can't wait to see more photos!

Anonymous said...

Eee! lol.. well at least you guys got a laugh out of it! It seems like you guys are having such a good time! :)

Sierra said...

Glad you had a wonderful time, your new layout looks so fantastic and cheerful! It's making me smile.

Related Posts with Thumbnails



Harley the Yorkie

Willis the Lhasa Apso mut

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
Dresses from Shabby Apple

Popular Deals


Search Seattle Smith's