Tuesday, January 26, 2010

first day of school

WE are all saying our vacation is over and now we are really living here. Which still seems a little unreal...those are palm trees out the window, that's the Pacific out that other window, and weirdest of all none of us have donned anything warmer than tank tops and shorts since we arrived. Word has it February is the warmest month. Hopefully we'll be hardier than we are now!

In a bit the kids will be up and putting on their snappy new uniforms. We got them on our trip to the school on Monday, which was also the day we braved the gigantic shopping mall about 20 min away. They needed school shoes(all black)socks(all white)backpacks and stationary supplies.Turns out the shoes Mel picked out were pictured under "incorrect" in our booklet so she and Tom went back to mall yesterday. Kmart had heaps of shoes on the floor below the racks evidencing the back to school shoe buying frenzy.
They will traipse down the street to catch the city bus about 8:05 and then it's a 7 min ride to school. We were told that aussie schoolies catch the bus for free but int'l students are supposed to pay so they have instructions to only communicate with the bus driver by pointing.



Aussie day was yesterday. We had the great idea of riding the bus into town. We were at the stop at the appropriate time and a bus whizzed by bearing the banner "out of service." Another bus was not forthcoming so I can only hope the same thing does not happen today. Tom and I have been banned from accompanying them to the bus stop this morning. If the bus doesn't come today they have phones now so I'm sure we will hear about it in short order.

Anyway, Aussie day. The parade was cute. For anyone who has ever traveled to the wilds of Weaverville, this was about that speed. Essentially, there were heaps of nippers riding on vehicles of businesses in town sporting t-shirts with advertising, squirting water and throwing lollies at revelers clad in flag-themed clothing. The highlight was the modern day hook and ladder with it's hose cooling everyone down. The hue and cry was "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi" and many had this written on their bods as well, presumably the greatest indication of national spirit.That,and small tattoos of flags on arms, faces, legs. Flags were flying on cars,hats,prams,bags,anywhere one could be stuck. The more Aussie style red, white and blue the better.


After the parade was the skydiving display, which was nifty. The wilting Perretts then retreated for a dip in the pool. We returned to catch what we hoped was the true excitement of the day, the toad race. Eagerly we approached the stage area keen to observe this competition...but oh no, that morning a dog had knocked over the box of toads and they all hopped away! We caught a little of the tug-of-war, some music (they played waltzing Matilda)and a sack race for the nippers.


We have survived some near calamities: Tom backed up to get into a parking space he passed up but, oops there was a car behind us.The friendly nurses in their government car were willing to excuse their now broken license plate holder. Next, I made a right hand turn onto incoming traffic and managed to not get hit by the car speeding at us, but Melissa did scream. Also, a few days ago I grabbed the side of the car between the doors as I was getting in, at the same time Eli slammed his door shut with my fingers in the door, guess who screamed this time. Somehow, all I ended up with is a bruised middle finger even though the door was closed all the way. So, it appears the angels that had been watching over us in Arcata have found us here as well.

Signing off for now. We have a home phone now, and we can call you for less than a dollar for 30 minutes. Give us a call and we'll call you back. It is 6 hours earlier the next day here. For all of you time challenged like we can be, It is 6:30 am on Wednesday here so it is 12:30 on Tuesday for all of you in California. (I think that is everyone except the Morlands)
Dial: 011 61 754 717 462 We'd love to hear from you!
s

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Saturday afternoon, lazing by the pool

A few days now into our new life and communication issues have been a huge time suck. We have 21st century American needs: contact (frequent and prolonged) with back home, and each other when we are not together. Therefore we are seeking DSL, cell phones, and the ability to talk to ya’ll without keeping the conversation to 5 minutes.

As we are not in a third world country, we did not foresee the difficulty in getting these things up and going…but alas it has taken up way too much of our waking hours. Hopefully by the end of next week all these issues will be solved and we can move on to the grit of life and working out how to be proper Australians. Or, actually just Americans pretending to be Australians.

Australia Day is Tuesday. It seems evident that the national pastime is drinking, and this holiday of national pride is the grandest of drinking days. A local newspaper has noted that aussies are known for their excessive drinking as America is known for its guns. Hmm. Apparently, one and all take part in the celebration of having a Barbie(not the doll but the gas or charcoal) on the beach with some beers, draped in the flag, as in wearing it like a cape. This is a good thing here, but I think it would get you arrested in the U.S. or at least shunned by all morally high standing individuals. Australia day also reportedly consists of fun sounding activities such as mud crab races, a citizenship ceremony for the entire sunshine coast (thousands of people, it might take awhile), “gone bonkers thong throwing” and “bush poets bash.” Rounding out the day will be other swell festivities such as a skydiving display, a parade, and a junior tug-of-war. We’ll be there so I’ll report back.

Eli was on the deck Thursday and was visited by a 4 foot goanna. This iguana type beast most certainly smelled new humans on the premises; either that or he had previously not ventured this close to the house as our landlords have a dog. We were pleased to incur his interest, as he didn’t actually get close enough to nibble Eli’s toes so that is a good thing.



Melissa is a waterlogged youngster, thinking this having a pool in your backyard situation is about as good as it gets. I have to say it is a handy thing, Tom and I went out for an early morning jog this am and were back here by 7:30 and way sweaty so into the pool we went.

We took trip to Wooly’s the other day, to buy capsicums, sultanas, tomato sauce for the chips, and bickies. We also bought heaps of other food to stock our pantry. There is no such thing as “a lot” here, it is just heaps. works for me. The fruit and vegetable selection is surprisingly similar, but organic seems to be not as common as Arcata, no surprise there. I do like our jug toaster, a great invention. Coffee/espresso places abound, but at home it seems to be tea or instant coffee. Tom’s being a sport about the instant and claims he’s going to try tea but I’m not convinced.
Time for a swim. Back at ya later.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Arriving

Finally!!!!!

My grand plan was to post this on Monday, but as some of you know our flight from Arcata was cancelled, so we had to leave 2 hours earlier. A bit of chaos to say the least. We had a make shift party at the airport, Eli garnering the largest number of fans. As Tom put it, this leaving stuff is "buttering his popularity toast"

anyway, into the skies we sailed and then from El-lay to Sydney and on to Brisbane. We packed our rented van chock a block full with our 17 (really) bags.

After delays too boring to mention we arrived here at 6 Wunnunga Crescent, Yaroomba Qld 4573 early evening. It is a fabulous house and we love it. Picture large grins on all Perretts.

so on day one at our new abode we are still working on connection to U.S. issues like internet and phone. We've been in the pool for a dip, to the beach where Eli caught some waves and thinks he's daydreaming that we actually live here, and to the IGA to get groceries.

It is hot, about 85, breezy and humid.
all good........


Coolum High's first day is January 27, following January 26 which is Australia day, which sounds similiar to Columbus Day here. It is also called "invasion day" it marks the anniversary of the brits ariving in Syndey 300 some years ago.

as we this this adventure, we have a range of emotions: excitement, trepidation, panic, sadness, anticipation.......and more. We have been planning for a year and now the day has arrived!

What we will miss: first of course, our incredible friends. the plaza. Fahrenheit measurements. my sewing machine. Los Bagels. ease and convenience. our home. seeing so many friendly faces almost anywhere we go. chai from the frozen yogurt shop.the redwoods. our friends.

what we will gain: a perspective of the world that is not American, ear training for an unfamiliar dialect, a broader understanding of an educational system in another country, an opportunity/requirement that the other 3 people in my family learn to cook,watching out the window for 'roos, new friends,more family time, unforeseen challenges, lots of time to read.

photos coming soon......