So Australia has got Starbucks now?? I am so out of touch! I am addicted to the sugar donuts they have in the Tokyo Starbucks. And I agree that some Aussies are very much like Canadians when it comes to the small-country syndrome.
NewtoOz - the next time some one rags on your for being America, I suggest you say something really derogatory about Australians, then pause a moment, laugh loudly, slap them on the bag and say "Only taking the piss mate!!"

Hazel - you have opened my eyes!! I constantly get frustrated at my (Japanese adults) students for not having an opinion or seeming to care about anything at all except long discussions about food and hot spring resorts. Thank you for giving me some perspective because, now that I think about it, it is true - most people I know back home only talk about the little things in life. And now I can recall that my friends back home used to ask me constantly: "Why do you care anyway?? It is nothing to get worked up about!" and my Japanese friends say similar stuff to me. So I would love to know which country I would fit in.

Regarding red tape...I didn't know that about Australia. I always complain about the Japanese red tape. To get my working visa renewed I have to...well nevermind; I won't bore you all with the details. Let's just say the process involves many steps that must be done in order and a lot of waiting around.

Keep 'em coming! Please don't hesitate to write a long list, I won't hold it against you. Being critical doesn't mean the same as insulting.