aem wrote:

>Old Mother Ashby wrote:
>
>
>>Steve Wertz wrote:
>>[snip]
>>>From what I've experienced in Australia, this is typical of any
>>
>>
>>>restaurant or home cooking down under. It all sucks.
>>>
>>>
>
>[snip]
>
>
>>I realise that you're just stirring possums with this drivel (goodness
>>knows Pete invites it), but honestly you only make yourself look like
>>the stereotypical loud ignorant Yank. And there's always the danger that
>>some people will take you seriously. Give it a break.
>>
>>
>>
>
>Oh, I doubt anyone will take him seriously. Many of us loud ignorant
>Yanks have visited and enjoyed Australia. We spent three months in New
>Zealand and Australia and found excellent restaurants in the big
>cities, high quality ingredients at the markets, outstanding home
>cooking from our (new and old) friends, and even interesting meals at
>RSL's in the smaller towns. I will say that when Americans talk about
>Oz, though, the friendliness of the people is a more likely topic of
>conversation than the food. -aem
>
>
>
Aaawwh! Now you're making me feel all embarassed!

I've also had meals at RSLs that I would describe as "interesting", but
more in the sense of veal parmigiana garnished wth kiwi fruit. ;-) For
what it's worth, while we're having tihs love-in, I think that
Australians and Americans get along pretty well - I enjoyed my long ago
visit tremendously. There is a subtle difference in what you might call
the world view of each nation - Americans are devoted to the ideal of
heroic individualism, Australians more to a group ethic known as
"mateship" - but there's no harm in that.

I just wish that if Steve wants to have a go at Peter he would stick to
personal abuse and not make halfwitted attempts at insulting the whole
country, which obliges people like me to defend the national honour!

Christine

Christine