Things etc Part I

Apart from the obvious (family, friends, pets, home, places of notable significance in my life), I know that I will miss a a few key material things and some key "American" things.  I like to consider myself a relatively non-materialistic person, but nonetheless there are a handful of things that I am lamenting having to leave behind once I leave the States.  So in no particular order and by no means comprehensive:

1. Taco Bell- Yes, this is the first item on my list, and yes, I am kind of ashamed.  Nonetheless, Taco Bell and its quality 83% beef products hold a special place in my heart. When I was applying/searching for universities, it was actually a consideration that a Taco Bell was within a reasonable distance.  When living in Athens, I on occasion would walk the dodgy two miles from downtown to Taco Bell and back to my house (yes, alcohol was involved). While I don't enjoy this delectable cuisine regularly (if I did, I likely wouldn't be here to author this post today), it is definitely a favorite that will be sorely missed.  Coincidentally, another Yum! brand is found throughout Australia, albeit a less appealing one: KFC
2. My Car- Don't get me wrong, I am very excited not to have to worry about all the hassles of owning a car; gas, maintenance, parking, traffic, insurance etc.  But for all the costs there are a number of compelling benefits. I know I will miss the freedom and convenience of being able to jump into my car and drive directly where I want to go.  After traveling for two years for work, often utilizing public transportation or even just flights, it's amazing how much longer it takes to get to where one is going when it is not direct, even when taking into consideration traffic.  Factor in the convenience of having a vehicle to carry other people, things too big to carry, and to get to places otherwise unreachable, and the idea of not having a car becomes a bit less appealing.
3. The letter Z- I rather like the letter Z; it's exotic, it holds an important place in our alphabet, and it looks cool.  Which leads me to lament the fact that the Aussies (and to a lesser extent, the Brits) either detest the letter, or fear it outright.  I no longer "organize" my sock drawer, I "organise" it.  I'm realising and recognising how odd it is going to be to relearn how to spell those words.  Now can you tell me, where might I find a soo? (jk, it's still called a zoo).
4. Beer!- So this one really should be at the top of the list, if I were trying to organise (see what I did there) it in order of importance.  I should note that this one is still up in the air, as there could very well be a microbrew scene in Austalia of which I am unaware, but I am almost certain that should one exist, it will likely not come close to rivaling the US.  All I can recall when I was in Oz in 2007 are otherwise unremarkable carbonated beverages that vaguely resemble beer.  Toohey's New, Victoria Bitter, XXXX, they were all primarily light, over-carbonated lagers, akin to our Bud Light, Miller Light, and Coors. Coopers is really the only brewery I found that offered up some variety, but their pale ale was sadly disappointing.  I have grown to appreciate the variety and quality of microbrews available here in the States, and there a few beers in particular that I will miss dearly: Terrapin Rye, Dogfish Head Aprihop and 90 Minute, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Torpedo, Allagash White, and Great Divide Old Ruffian. Contrary to popular belief, most Aussies do not drink Fosters; in fact they are adamantly opposed to the notion, as they consider it crap beer. Ironically, it appears that Fosters brews or licenses the vast majority of the beer in Australia.  I am sure this will not be the last post mentioning beer...
5. Electronics, clothes, shoes, things in general for a reasonable price- So not having moved to Australia yet, I can only base this on from what I've heard from others and read online.  Shit is expensive.  Really expensive.  In general, it looks like Melbourne is 42% more expensive than Atlanta.  A standard pair of running shoes runs about $70 here... in Australia, $130.  Not only are their prices higher nominally, we're also facing a weak US dollar, which will only compound the expense, at least before I have saved up a substantial amount in AUD.  I will take this as an opportunity to hone my understanding of international trade and finance, although ultimately it's not going to save me a shilling.

As noted above, this is by no means a comprehensive list and I am sure once we are down there and settled, I will supplement this list.