title: Nursing down under.
abstract: Australia has always been a popular choice for British nurses interested in working abroad. The two countries have strong historical links, and many Britons have relatives living in Australia. The country seems to represent endless good weather combined with a relaxed and egalitarian way of life. The recent bicentennial celebrations and the media attention they have received during our damp British winter, have made many of us, and not just nurses, think seriously about spending some time in Australia. It is however, important to remember that Australia has its own distinctive culture and its own brand of the English language, and Australians are proud of both. Although 'convict chic' - acknowledging that many of the first Australians were convicts from the UK - has replaced national defensiveness about this episode in their history, Australians want to be judged in their own right and not compared with Britain. Those who make unfavourable comparisons may find themselves labelled 'Whingeing Poms' as well as having broken one of the golden rules: 'Don't shout Britain is best'. Not everybody will agree with you!