Vegemite Kids unite!

Finally, after filling out countless papers, collecting stat decs, old photos and letters, bank statements, police clearances, translations, a multitude of signatures and stamps, not to mention a hefty fee… we received the news that Laurent de Schoutheete (or Lozza as he may now be known) has officially been accepted as a resident of Australia!! Yippeeeeeeee…

I can personally attest to the fact that Laurent had, in fact, already passed (& with flying colours) the true test of any future Aussie resident, he:

1. Not only tolerates vegemite, he actually eats it voluntarily (albeit on a baguette, with Belgian cheese)
2. Has already owned a 4WD (AND it was a Holden)
3. Has lived in the “Outback”
4. Uses “mate” in conversations with Aussies
5. Has watched The Castle and found it funny
6. Knows what a Tim Tam is
7. Has watched an entire Test Series on the telly, and enjoyed it

But, of course, there is no denying his Belgian blood. It will probably take a long time to adapt to certain aspects of Aussie life and culture including the:

1. Mere existence of plastic cheese
2. Pre-packaged, pre-sliced supermarket bread
3. Absence of beer with a 12% alcohol content at the corner store
4. Absence of mayonnaise with your “frites” (that’s hot chips from now on)

Laurent has to set foot in Australia before February 2007 for the visa to take effect… In the meantime, we are already stocking up on the BBQ coals and preparing the green and gold face paint for June. Unfortunately, I will be watching the World Cup games from a hotel room in Bangkok, but Laurent has promised to cheer loudly and raucously (in true Aussie style) for both of us!