Australian There are two common set images of th

Australian
   Good morning, everybody. Today my topic is about the Australians.
   There are two common set images of the Australian male. The first is the naive and Neanderthal male -- great for a beer and a laugh. The other is the tough adventurer -- a businessman who conceals the dorsal fin of a shark under a grey suit. This entrepreneur-type figure is a firm sports enthusiast and takes well to putting Australia on the global map. Good examples are media giant Rupert Murdoch, and Alan Bond, who brought the America Cup to Australia.
   In general, Australians are not pretentious by nature. They have a casual, drop-in approach when socializing and working. It is perfectly normal for Australians to refer to each other on first-name basis. And if you can’t remember someone’s first name, "mate" is usually appropriate, even if talking to a woman. A typical Australian speaks his mind, and is known to tell you straight if there is something he/she dislikes. When taking a taxi in Australia, don’t be surprised -- it is usual for the passenger to sit in the front seat and have a chat with the driver.
   As in most cultures, men tend to get together to relax. This means drinking in pubs, going to the footy ( Australian rugby), and hanging loose away from the prying eyes of their wives and children. While it is not the rule, one who spends enough time in Australia will get a peek of these characteristics.
   The typical Australian party is said to separate men to one side of the room around the beer keg, and women to the other. Like the men, the women tend to be hugely self-reliant and tough. The modern Australian woman may lag behind her male counterparts in terms of average pay and status, but she has managed to enter traditionally male-dominated fields, like law, business, and polities.
   It is usual business etiquette for men to shake hands with men and women upon meeting and departing, but women usually do not shake hands with other women. A firm handshake and eye contact is important especially during the first meeting. With very god friends, males pat each other on the shoulder, women kiss one another, and sometimes good male and female friends kiss in greeting. A kiss or a hug is highly inappropriate during the first meeting.
   From a distance, greet a friend or acquaintance with a wave. Listen for "Good day?" (pronounced g’day, or g’die), which is the usual greeting. Expect first names to be used frequently, but wait till you are invited to use them.
   If you are invited to a party, expect the host or hostess to introduce you to each person. When invited to have a busi ness meal, it is customary for the person who issued the invitation to pick up the tab for the meal. It is common to exchange business cards, and it is normally presented with the right hand. Unlike in Asia, it is perfectly normal to present it with one hand.
   It is uncommon to bring gifts during a first meeting, but an invitation for a cup of coffee or a drink is popular. Expect to do business over drinks, and be sure to buy your round of drinks. Don’t, however, discuss business during such an occasion, unless the Australian brings it up first. Locals value recreation and their free time.
   Men should never wink at women. It is considered improper. Always be modest about blowing your own horn and achievements. Australian experts always pretend they don’t know much. Never say, I happen to know a great deal about such and such. Instead say, I’ ve had a little experience with such and such.
   Never make the gesture typically used by a hitchhiker, i.e. , a clenched fist with raised thumb. It’s considered ob scene.
   OK, that’s the general picture about the Australians. I hope that you’ ve found it interesting, and try your best to get to know more about them.