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1971!Far out. You are refreshing my memories. Yes i can still remember what the clothing fashion for that period was. Us down under bunch usually followed anything in clothing, that was popular in england, canada, america and europe. Bell bottom trousers as in heavily flared. For women a certain hair style was all the rage. Popular expressions used to be " Cool man" or " Groovy baby".

For australia the house interior decorative themes changed during the 1970's. Wallpaper mural themes for the lounge, dining or family room. For example there would be a background picture of an alpine scene, or a country road with a bridge. If anyone had double swing doors with glass, there was an option of the glass having a picture etched onto it. On the kitchen floor lino was available, with a choice of black and white or red and white in huge squares. So henceforth when polished it looked quite attractive.

When i think back it seems a bit retro and odd. But for down under anyone who could afford to decorate their house interior like that, it was regarded as upmarket and elegant in the 70's. Not sure but i think body shirts were popular. Would not dare to attire myself now with a body shirt, because of middle age spread. But in my junior years i used to be slim and trim with muscle tone. So off to the discos i went wearing a very snug fitting shirt. Now i am more humble. Can recall the shirts having all sorts of designs. Also the colours had to be striking and bold.

The 1960's seemed to be sort of milder and conservative. My analysis of the 1970's was a time of change. Bright and visually striking colours. People appeared to have a change in attitudes towards other cultures. I am not being biased towards my fellow aussies. The 70's was a time when the australians became adventurous in their food choices as in diet and menus. Some people have a mind set. A good example would be my primary school years. Especially for adelaide because my capital city is quite odd. Once upon a time in 1961 i had a crewcut. This was when i was eight years old in primary school. Everyone else had short back and sides.

Oh! my goodness. Shock and horror. They thought i shaved my head. Can imagine that melbourne and sydney school lads would be more tolerant. Basically the pupils in my adelaide primary school were lacking in a sense of culture. So at least for a month i was teased because of something they could not in their ignorance accept, or were willing to comprehend. There was constant laughing and ridicule because of my haircut. Just because i was comfortable with a " Crewcut" they thought it very american.

Henceforth i was called a yankee. A close shaved head has no relevance to any nation. But for some reason their ignorance did not allow for the hygiene factor. My very short haircut was intentional. It being a very hot summer allowed for comfort. As a general rule of thumb we accepted each other. On the other token they allways kept a certain reserved distance in their attitude. It was never openly admitted but somehow they resented my ability of being bi-lingual.

My teacher respectfully appreciated the two languages. Unfortunately for my school in 1961 this ability was frowned upon by other students. But then this is to be expected for adelaide during the 50's and 60's. These days i hear the tolerance level has vastly improved.

I sincerely apologise for venturing all pear shaped from the chosen path. My first Ford? It was a ford cortina. :)
 

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Hi Tribby. The other language is german. But this is only because of my grandma. I am not quite fluent as i used to be. But if i was to travel to europe, i know enough of my grandmas native tongue to get by. During my junior years grandmas spoken english was sketchy. But she knew enough for neighbours and shop owners to comprehend her.

So from about six to 11 years of age i would go with her to town. She would explain to me what she needed in fluent german. Henceforth i would translate in english to the shop staff, exactly what my grandmother required. Never thought anything of it at the time and took it for granted. But i have fairly clear memories . Can recall on a few occassions, when i was eight years old, of shop keepers looking totally surprised at my ability.

Parents are alive and doing well. Dear beloved granny passed away several years ago. Always had a good bond with her during my junior years. My parents including myself and friends thought the world of her. Do not wish to submit details but i am the youngest of our tribe. I have resigned myself to her passing away by now. But on random moments i can be sentimental and emotional. Christmas and easter seem to be the difficult periods.
 
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