Quote:
Originally posted by escorpio
O.K., Joe, I apologize for my presumption but I have never meet an Aussie on the road who wasn't accompanied by his mates from home. It's cool you enjoy solo travel also. I know a lot of people wouldn't consider it. As for hotels vs. hostels, in Mexico you just have to seek out the hotels that cater to nationals. They are very friendly and it's easy to meet locals and other travelers who hate the overpriced uptight tourist hotels. I travel by bus because I fucking HATE flying and only do it when absolutely necessary. Can't help but meet other travelers that way.Australia matches the U.S. in size, but is it really as culturally diverse? A sincere question I have wondered about - Is bilingualism encouraged in Australia the way it is in Europe? Spanish is becoming a begrudging reality here in the U.S. esp. in the S.W. Being an isolated English speaking island is language education a "why bother?" or encouraged (like travel seems to be) as a way to experience culture?
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It's encouraged - we learn Japanese and Bahasa Indonesia the same way an english person might learn french - but I doubt it's to the same extent.. all kids in government junior highs do those languages, but i'd guess once they're electives in senior years there isn't the same pressure to learn it as the cultures don't mix as much as europe or the americas.. It can't be compared as easily as a different languaged populatoin isn't an hours drive away.