Australians wear thongs, and not just at the beach. I know what you’re thinking, just how would I know that. Now, before you get all worked up, what I call flip-flops are called thongs in Australia.
It took me back when someone asked if I wore thongs. I didn’t know exactly what to say especially since the Aussie asking was easily twice my size and half my age. The fact he was asking me to go to the beach, I started to feel just a little uneasy. Once the footwear issue was sorted out, everything went just fine and we made plans to go to the beach. Australia is a ‘beach culture,’ so after beer drinking, going to the beach is the most favorite activity. In fact, doing both at the same time might be the number one activity in Australia. My kind of multitasking.
I was at the beach in my usual attire, boots, jeans, and a shirt, just like what I wear everywhere else. Seems I was the only one wearing practical footwear. To me, all of the other people really stuck out. I did buy a pair of slip-on boots because footwear is generally removed before entering homes. I kinda feel like a 5-year-old when I wear boots with no laces. I hope I remember how to tie bootlaces if I ever need to do so again.
Anyway, all Australians don’t wear thongs, many don’t wear shoes at all. I watched a long-haul trucker get out of his rig and fuel up — barefoot. Shopping in the grocery store, a fair few people were shopping barefoot. I guess formal wear in Australia means wearing thongs and a singlet, but that is a different story. Just don’t expect me to go native and wear thongs — not gonna happen.
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