Men in Tights

And now it’s time for a few of my random observations:

* Walking the streets of Sydney is like walking into a Robin Hood movie. No joke. I think I mentioned before the tights, but the fashion also seems to be to wear them with big boots and sweaters or dresses with belts, plus hats. If not Robin Hood era, it’s definitely an updated version of the ‘80’s. Oh, and in case you thought you men were in the clear, I just saw an advertisement for a new line of tights for men. Yeah, that’s right. Run! Run far away before the trend gets all you guys I know and love!!!

* I've heard that Americans are perceived as loud by other countries, and while I cannot stand generalizations, I've never before thought of myself as being in that category...and truly, I still don't. But wow - Australians sure are quiet! And by quiet, I don't mean that they never speak or raise a ruckus. Oh, no. I mean the volume of their voices while engaged in normal conversation. When the locals say something to me in an accent, with Aussie slang and their shortened versions of words, all in just above a whisper...well, it's already made for a few mistaken messages. At least I can tell they're talking by the moving lips - you've no idea what a help that indicator has been. Now to be fair, I have met more of the Aussies lately who favor spending Saturday nights in trendy cafes & bookstores and therefore probably prefer the quieter lifestyle, so it is not true of all Aussies... but it's true of quite a few!

* Men here aren’t afraid to hold cute little flower-patterned teacups. Hmm…as opposed to some nameless American men who refuse to set foot inside a tea parlor in the States… (And I’m talking about the tough-looking guys, not the tights-wearing ones).

* I gave someone directions!!! And I was able to give tips for a good afternoon in Sydney! And to recommend the best way to get places! And to recognize street names and rail stops and know where they are without looking at a map! I’m adjusting to life in the city, and it took one conversation with a newbie to the area to realize just how much I’ve learned. I’ve much, much more to learn, however…so don’t get too excited for me yet.

Poll of the Audience

I’m working on my travel plans for seeing more of Australia in October. (Updates to follow as I finalize my plans.) But it’s time for a poll:

Melanie would like to do all of the following, but as time and money are a factor, some may need to be eliminated from the itinerary. If you were her, which would you do no matter what?

* Skydiving in Cairns
* Shark Diving near Sydney
* Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef
* Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge
* Ballooning in Cairns
* Jungle Surfing near Cape Tribulation (in which she is attached by a harness to a zip line and “flies” through the rainforest)
* Zorbing on the Gold Coast (in which she is rolled down a hill in a giant plastic bubble)

Life's been busy since I started working in Sydney, but more updates on my life here are to come shortly! I love and miss you all!