Australia Days

Year 6

Tim seems to be happily settled in his new school, where he's arriving and leaving each day with a jaunty smile.

I don't get many of the details about friends -- the only reply Tim offers up is belting out "A Stranger's Just a Friend You Haven't Met" from the Simpsons (Episode: A Streetcar Named Marge). His charming teacher, Miss Hutchison, assures me that Tim is "very social" and is fitting right in with the mix of locals, returning Australian expats, and international students. 

The uniform and its many rules (fleece vest within school property only; wool sweater or vest on the tram) and the more formal conduct have taken some getting used to. The children have to rise when an adult enters the classroom ("Good afternoon, Mrs. Knight") and remember to straighten their shirts and pull up their kneesocks. The head of school commands respect, and treats the children with an ideal balance of British rigor and Australian sunshine. I think Tim's thriving. 

Perfecting the eyeroll

My attempts to get a first day of school picture were met with dirty looks, eyerolls, and a surprisingly colorful command of the English language -- I guess Tim does listen when I talk, after all! This shot is the best I could do. He set off cheerily enough, albeit ten disdainful paces ahead of me, and the school seems warm and welcoming.

Back to school

We formally enrolled Tim in a school today. We checked out a range of public and private schools, but this one looks like it has the magic combination of strong academics based on an individualized approach, both Australian and international students, and a great sports program.

The commute is about 40 minutes on the tram, with one change. We'll escort him for the first month or so, and then take it from there.

Night view

The casino at night looks something like a cruise ship, with large bursts of flame that go off every hour. Unsteady hands made me miss the flame and blur the shot, but you get the idea.

Tim, Allison, and I ventured into the casino to see King Kong yesterday. Tim has already convinced Rob to take him to a Gold Class showing next time, complete with hot food, bar, and plush reclining seats. Oh, the hardships of international travel.

1997 redux

Have a dial-up account set up from our home, thanks to this provider. How long before that modem sound is heard on NPR's Lost and Found Sound?

Window view

This is the view we wake up to each morning. Here's the  complete photo album.

Limited connectivity

Am writing from our Southbank neighbor's house --  a giant casino complex complete with garish, oversized holiday decorations, upscale stores,  and food courts as well as miles of gaming opportunities.

Since our apartment does not yet have internet access, I am sitting in a casino lounge and buying access from Telstra, a company that brings to bear the full meaning of the word monopoly.

The rates are astronomical. I regularly saw more competitive pricing last summer in the tourist-trap internet cafes in Lima. Internet access is hideously overpriced here -- a tech support guy explained to me that his mother back in Bangalore pays about 10 USD for what a Melbourne resident pays about 100 USD/month. People are so damn cheerful, though -- no easy solutions, but until I develop a slots addiction, this casino-office will have to do.

Anyone want to hazard a guess how long it is before Tim finds out there is a full arcade with laser tag in the casino complex? I'm guessing he's going to find a way to siphon our 401Ks for that.   

Old friends

Given their international families and frequent travel schedules, it seemed natural that Tim and Allison would be friends. Always hard to predict what the middle school years will bring, but for now it's all pillow fights and fake grins for the parents with the cameras.

Safely arrived

Survived the 25+ hour trip with no mishaps -- it's surprisingly easy, if tedious, to travel around the globe in an airplane. We had enough electronic support to watch the entire fourth season on the Simpsons and then a few movies on PSP. Read an Australian novel to get in the mood, but nothing prepares one for the effusive cheeriness of their immigration and customs people.

Drove from the airport (northwest) over to a friend's due east of Melbourne in Canterbury. Bucolic suburb, with an eclectic mix of styles. 70 and cloudy, so no swimming. Off for more coffee...