Well, it’s that time of year again. It’s State of Origin – when QLD and NSW battle it out to find out which state (or at least which 17 Rugby League players) reigns supreme.
It’s a time of fierce competition, but the rivalry doesn’t end when the series does. For you see, Queenslanders and New South Welshman are very different people every day of the year. I should know – I grew up dividing my life between the two states.
These differences influence every part of our lives, including how we holiday. So here, just for fun, are a few things no Queenslander or New South Welshman would ever say while on holiday outside their own state.
No Queenslander would ever say…
“Gee, it’s hot today!”
True story: One time going through security at New York’s JFK Airport, I was pulled aside for an extra pat-down because I was wearing “a suspicious amount of clothing”. “But it’s snowing!” I exclaimed. The security agent shrugged. “But I’m from Queensland!” I wailed. They didn’t get it. But my fellow Queenslanders do. Outside our home state, the world feels like a frozen tundra.
“Wow! This beach is amazing.”
It’s hard to be impressed when you’ve got beaches like Nudey, Noosa, Palm Cove, Burleigh, and Whitehaven in your own backyard. We’re a state full of beach snobs and we will not apologise.
“No XXXX? I guess I’ll have lemonade.”
I don’t mean to knock our state beer (although I will say that Great Northern is better – fight me). But when we Queenslanders put our minds to it, we can achieve anything, including drinking strange new beers. Truly inspirational.
“Whoa! I’ve never seen a storm like this before.”
Yes, you have. You see them every other day in QLD, especially in summer. We may not get snow (generally. It has happened), but we do get skies as black as onyx, lightning that threatens to tear the world apart, and hail the size of golf balls. Compared to that, anything else is a drizzle.
“The people here are so friendly.”
I’m not saying everyone outside of QLD is a jerk… but sometimes it feels like it, especially in a big city. It’s a comparison thing. Even in Brisbane, people are usually chilled-out, friendly and keen for a chat. To a born-and-bred Queenslander, anything less than instant mateship can feel like a snub.
No-one from New South Wales would ever say…
“Wow, what an amazing harbour!”
Look, I’m sure there are other great harbours in the world. Hong Kong, Alaska, and Cape Town are famous for having some of the best. But they’re not a scratch on iconic Sydney Harbour. Sorry, not sorry.
“You’re right – togs does sound better than cossies.”
Cossies trump togs. Scallops beat potato cakes. And devon crushes luncheon, fritz, polony, Windsor sausage, Belgium and stras (seriously, who says those last five?). Sorry other states, but your regional words are just wrong.
“Gee, I wish we had national parks like this.”
No way! NSW is home to hundreds of incredible national parks including the Blue Mountains National Park – home to the world-famous Three Sisters, Kosciuszko National Park – where you can climb Australia’s highest mountain, Lord Howe Island – a snorkelling and kayaking paradise, Warrumbungle National Park – Australia’s only Dark Sky Park perfect for stargazing and Mungo National Park – a stark sand-and-clay landscape that was once the site of the world’s first human cremations. We New South Welshman are absolutely spoilt with natural beauty and it takes a lot to impress us.
“Yeah, this nightlife is great, but you know what would make it better? Lockout laws!”
Sydney is awesome, but its silly CBD curfews? Not so much. You can always pick us Sydneysiders when we’re out for a big night in another city. After 1.30am, we’re the ones going in and out of pubs and clubs for any and every reason. We’re drunk on our own sense of freedom (and power).
“Whoa! Rent is so expensive here.”
HAHA! I laugh because otherwise I’ll burst into heaving, racking sobs that will terrify my co-workers. Sydney is now one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, especially when it comes to buying or renting property. On the plus side, it means we get incredibly excited about any form of property that costs less than a cool mill, regardless of what – or where – it is. “Only $750,000 for a parking space in Lichtenstein? I’ll take it!”
But for all our differences, there’s one thing that unites Queenslanders and New South Welshman. No matter where we are, no matter when, you’ll never hear either of us say…
“This AFL/soccer/gridiron game is so exciting! Who needs Rugby League?”
Yeeeeah, no. No proud QLD or NSW fan has ever said these words – especially not during State of Origin. Bring it on!
