Australia is on the other side of the planet, which is probably why life there is so different from ours.

1. The school year there begins in late January and ends before Christmas.

2. Christmas and New Year’s in Australia are celebrated in the summer, by the pool or on the beach, with sandcastle snowmen.

3. People here are very relaxed about their appearance and don’t have any dress codes: you can wear shorts and a T-shirt, or even pajamas, anywhere.

4. There’s no central heating in Australia, and during the colder months, it can be warmer outside than at home.

5. Public transport here has special areas for surfboards where you can secure them with straps.

6. Many Australian animals are dangerous to humans. To survive, you need to follow these rules: always inspect your personal belongings when outdoors and always shake out your shoes before putting them on.

7. Many Australians drive barefoot: it’s cool and comfortable.

8. Road signs are illustrated with explanations so everyone understands them. On the Great Ocean Road, which attracts many foreign tourists, there are special signs reminding everyone that in Australia they drive on the left side of the road.

9. You can buy fresh milk on tap in Australian stores: they have taps similar to those in bars.

10. Vegemite is a national Australian food—a thick, dark paste with a distinctive flavor that is spread on everything. It’s made from leftover beer wort, with the addition of salt, onions, and vegetables. The result is something similar to a salty meat broth with a hint of yeast and soy sauce.