TWU by Jeff Rehmar | January 30, 2025

Kangaroos, Beards, and Aussie Rules

Jeff Rehmar
January 30, 2025

Australia’s Unexpected Adventures

Travel isn’t just about ticking off landmarks—it’s about the unexpected moments and the people you meet along the way. Last year, we were lucky to spend our honeymoon in Australia, where we had plenty of those experiences. A barber with stories as sharp as his scissors, a wild kangaroo sighting, and the energy of an Aussie Rules Football game all made the trip unforgettable.

Here’s what stood out to me—plus a few links if you’d like to explore for yourself.

Sammy the Barber: A Beard Trim in the CBD

In Melbourne, we stayed in the CBD (that’s what Australians call downtown). One morning, I wandered into Sammy’s barbershop, just a short walk from our hotel, looking for a beard trim.

Sammy wasn’t your average barber. While trimming my beard, he told me about growing up in Morocco, living in NYC, and what he loves most about Melbourne’s culture. He also gave me a cookie his wife made and invited us to dinner.

It wasn’t just a haircut—it was a conversation I won’t soon forget in a tiny Melbourne shop. If you’re ever in Melbourne, get a trim from Sammy. You won’t regret it.

Aussie Rules Football: Chaos in the Best Way

We’re not spontaneous people. But one random Tuesday night, we broke out of our routine.

Around 6 PM, we were ready to settle in for the night at our hotel when we flipped on the TV and saw a sport we’d never seen before. It was fast, interesting, and live. A quick search revealed it was Aussie Rules Football, and the game was happening 15 minutes away.

“Let’s go,” I said. I reminded my wife, Tori how much I loved the baseball game I went to in Japan—sometimes the unplanned stuff is what you remember most.

Within minutes, she had the tickets, I called an Uber, and we asked ChatGPT to explain the rules on the way over (pro tip: this video is way better).

The game was incredible. The fans were loud, the chants were contagious, and the atmosphere? Pure electricity. Even if you don’t know the rules, it’s the kind of experience every sports fan should have once.

The Motorcycle Guy: Kangaroo & Connection

After relaxing at Peninsula Hot Springs (do yourself a favor and check this out), we headed to Arthur’s Seat (here’s why it’s worth a visit), a scenic spot with views you’ll remember forever.

On the way up the hill, we saw our first kangaroo in the wild. And we lost it. We pulled over, took way too many pictures, and marveled at how unreal it felt.

Nearby, a guy on a motorcycle had also stopped to enjoy the view. Feeling a little embarrassed, we said, “Sorry—we’re visiting, and it’s the first kangaroo we’ve seen.”

He grinned. “First roo, huh?” That broke the ice.

Turns out, he wasn’t just a friendly local—he gave us tips about the area, shared a bit about his life, and made us feel like less of the goofy tourists we thought we were.

Lesson: Don’t judge a book by its cover. Kindness comes from the most unexpected places.

Dinner with Sam & Ben: Familiar Faces in a New Place

On one of our last nights in Melbourne, Tori and I had dinner with her family friends, Sam and Ben. They’re originally from New Zealand but have made Melbourne their home.

They took us to a cozy Italian restaurant, where we shared pasta, stories, and a lot of laughs. It was the kind of night that reminds you how food and familiar faces can make any place feel like home.

Quick List: 8 Aussie Quirks You’ll Love

CBD = Downtown: Australians don’t say downtown—it’s always “CBD” (Central Business District).
“How you going?” A casual, friendly way of saying, “Hi, how are you?”
Meat pies: These are their go-to stadium snack, much more common than hot dogs.
Tomato sauce = Ketchup: It’s always called tomato sauce—ask for “ketchup,” and you’ll get some looks.
Turkish bread everywhere: A café staple for sandwiches, often grilled or toasted.
Minimal napkins: Aussies are less wasteful—you’ll usually only get one napkin per meal.
“Ta” for thanks: A quick, informal way to say thank you, often used in everyday conversation.
Bookings: A reservation (at restaurants, hotels, or activities) is always called a booking—and they’re essential for popular spots.

More to Explore

Melbourne Golf: How Alister MacKenzie’s 1926 visit shaped the Sandbelt—world-class courses, unmatched design.
Jayden’s Flight Review: Inside flying Qantas to Melbourne—last week’s guest breaks it down.
Melbourne Coffee: Why Melbourne’s coffee is world-class—proof Aussies take coffee seriously.
Flying to Australia: Did you know you can fly non-stop from these U.S. cities?
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane
- San Francisco (SFO) to Sydney and Melbourne
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Sydney

If you’ve been dreaming of visiting, it’s easier than ever to get there!

Final Thought: Life Happens in the Margins

Australia wasn’t just about beautiful landscapes or bucket-list stops. It was about the little things:

A barber who turned a trim into a story.
A wild kangaroo and a friendly motorcyclist.
A spontaneous new sport.
A cozy dinner with friends that felt like home.

The best moments in life aren’t always the ones you plan—they’re the ones you say yes to.

What’s a moment you didn’t plan that turned into something unforgettable? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear it.

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🎉 Shoutout to Gabe from Cleveland for winning this month’s $20 Target gift card!