The interesting thing to note at the moment is that time seems to be moving slower. I have been in this country just under three weeks now, and it seems as if it has been a few months.

The other interesting thing is the lack of any noticeable culture shock. It can be boiled down to a few major differences and several minor ones, but nothing that is causing my neurons to pop and fizz. Measurements are in metric. I learned this in junior high school. No big deal, although I have to smile when I see a speed limit sign saying '100'. Yo - we're flying, even though it's 62 MPH in reality. We drive on the left. And the locals pronounce 'a' and 'r' a bit differently than Silicon Valley, but it's no different conceptually than listening to conversation in Appalachia, which I've done. That's all the big stuff. The little stuff has to do with a different set of laws and governmental structure. There are different products in the supermarket. But as far as culture shock, I had more of it going to New York City for a week than I have out here on the other side of the world. 

Today is a major holiday in Australia - the commemoration of a disastrous battle against the Turks in WW1. It's similar to Veteran's Day in the U.S. - except the differences are huge. In the U.S. it's more just a work holiday, with the president laying a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier - and which nobody really watches. 

In Australia, every town has a wreath ceremony. Every town has a list of the fallen in a prominent location. Everybody is involved. A parade in Sydney that's bigger than the Macy's parade in NYC. And at every occasion you are reminded that people died in wars obeying orders (good and bad) - and you should be grateful. A continuous stream of military remembrances on TV.

And at the end of the ceremonies (right after the Australian national anthem) is a rousing rendition of 'God Save the Queen'. I'll have to admit I'm not quite ready to belt that one out. But I hummed along anyway since it's the same basic tune as 'My Country Tis of Thee'.    

The last week has been spent mostly getting settled in and acquiring all of the necessary things to function in this country. A bank account (I mean one that can be used with local currency). A car (Toyota Corolla - hey it was cheap). Picking it up tomorrow. Medicare, which is the state health care system; not just for the elderly. Today was the driver license. I think that's all the important stuff. At least now I can claim to be a legal functioning adult person instead of in some transitory state.

Now to find a job.

The quickest way to immerse oneself into Aussie culture is a day at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Think of your typical American county fair, but with maybe half a million participants. But ag is what it's all about. Horses, cows, sheep, dogs, crops. Riding contests, polo matches.  

The interesting thing to a fresh mostly foreign observer from California is that a) the majority of the population is of European descent, and b) the majority of the population have no evidence of eating disorders, being mostly average body mass. This is in stark contrast to any California audience of similar size.

The first thing to get used to here is that you're a day ahead. We just had our Easter. Yours hasn't arrived yet.

The next thing that hits is the fact that everybody is driving on the wrong side of the street - just like England. Now I haven't driven here yet, so I'm glad to be an observer before I have to get about on my own. And I honestly don't think I'll have a big problem with it. See - I'm left handed. I do everything backward already. My brain has no problem thinking in mirror images.

Here in the Southern Highlands, it's been miserable cold. I'm told that it's not always like this, but they say that about Minnesota too. With luck the sun will come out in the next few days.

Tonight we had a couple drinks at the bowling club. Very fifties establishment. They hold a raffle every week and the winners take home about 30 worth of meat or veggies. When you're paying $5 a gallon for gasoline, little potential bonuses like this take on added significance.

Still finding out what beers are good. I'm really not fond of the local favorites, but I think I found one I can live with. Now I just have to figure out where to buy it.