The first post from a new country – Australia! Here we are. It’s about time. We have been here for a few days now, but it has been a huge pain getting a wireless modem for my computer. Everyone wants proof of address, etc. etc. Anyways, that is sorted out now and here we are in Melbourne.
We are staying at a hotel in South Melbourne Beach, with a balcony overlooking the ocean and a noisy pub downstairs. The photo above is the view of the sun setting over the bay from our balcony.
The weather is better than New Zealand but it is still rather crazy. So far we have had hot sun, heavy rains, and violent winds… all in the same day.
Melbourne city is a short tram ride away. It seems like a pretty busy city compared to what we grew used to in New Zealand. It has a population of about 3.5m, and everyone seems to be downtown during the working days. There are lots of little cafes, gardens, markets, music venues, and things of that nature around the city lending to a nice cultural feel.
We haven’t really done a whole lots since arriving. We have hung out with a couple of friends who live here (Beth knew them from when she went to school in Perth, Australia). Also we have been exploring the working options. We have been toying with the idea of getting jobs and staying here for a while to save up some money and continue traveling, but it seems like there may be work visa issues etc. We could probably get them if we really wanted, but we need to figure out exactly what it is we do want before going through all the hassle.
It’s good to hear from you in Australia. You must delight in sitting on the balcony with such a beautiful view–especially of the sunset. The presenter at a workshop last week was from Ontario, Canadia, but originally from Melbourne, Australia, so I can just imagine the voices you’re hearing around you. Enjoy your time in Australia. I’ve read a couple of good books describing various regions of Australia. TRACKS was published several years ago. IN A SUNBURNED COUNTRY, by Bill Bryson, is more recent and humorous. Have fun.
The woman on the ferry accross Cook Straight told us that Cook Straight was the third worst, the ferry to Stewart Island (Fervaux Straight or something liek that) is 2nd, and the one to Tasmania is the worst.
8 Comments »
Comment by josh — October 17, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
The first post from a new country – Australia! Here we are. It’s about time. We have been here for a few days now, but it has been a huge pain getting a wireless modem for my computer. Everyone wants proof of address, etc. etc. Anyways, that is sorted out now and here we are in Melbourne.
We are staying at a hotel in South Melbourne Beach, with a balcony overlooking the ocean and a noisy pub downstairs. The photo above is the view of the sun setting over the bay from our balcony.
The weather is better than New Zealand but it is still rather crazy. So far we have had hot sun, heavy rains, and violent winds… all in the same day.
Melbourne city is a short tram ride away. It seems like a pretty busy city compared to what we grew used to in New Zealand. It has a population of about 3.5m, and everyone seems to be downtown during the working days. There are lots of little cafes, gardens, markets, music venues, and things of that nature around the city lending to a nice cultural feel.
We haven’t really done a whole lots since arriving. We have hung out with a couple of friends who live here (Beth knew them from when she went to school in Perth, Australia). Also we have been exploring the working options. We have been toying with the idea of getting jobs and staying here for a while to save up some money and continue traveling, but it seems like there may be work visa issues etc. We could probably get them if we really wanted, but we need to figure out exactly what it is we do want before going through all the hassle.
Until next time…
Comment by Adam — October 17, 2007 @ 3:10 pm
Glad to see you made it! How far is Tasmania from there? It looks kinda close on google earth.
Comment by josh — October 17, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
It is about 600km, or something like a 10 hour ferry ride. The ferry is supposed to be the worst crossing in the world (so I heard).
Comment by Clara — October 17, 2007 @ 3:38 pm
It’s good to hear from you in Australia. You must delight in sitting on the balcony with such a beautiful view–especially of the sunset. The presenter at a workshop last week was from Ontario, Canadia, but originally from Melbourne, Australia, so I can just imagine the voices you’re hearing around you. Enjoy your time in Australia. I’ve read a couple of good books describing various regions of Australia. TRACKS was published several years ago. IN A SUNBURNED COUNTRY, by Bill Bryson, is more recent and humorous. Have fun.
Comment by josh — October 17, 2007 @ 3:51 pm
It’s weird, I don’t even notice the accents anymore. Everyone sounds the same to me no matter what kind of english they speak.
Comment by Steve — October 17, 2007 @ 5:45 pm
I doubt its as bad as the cook straight! Looks rad guys, hope you’re having fun
Exams in 2 weeks!
Comment by dadman — October 18, 2007 @ 8:25 am
Life looks tough!!!
Comment by josh — October 18, 2007 @ 11:39 am
The woman on the ferry accross Cook Straight told us that Cook Straight was the third worst, the ferry to Stewart Island (Fervaux Straight or something liek that) is 2nd, and the one to Tasmania is the worst.
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