observationally speaking

We've settled in to a regular routine at this point, and frankly, our lives are pretty boring so these blog entries will either get more spread out, or more boring, or both. I do have a few things to share today nonetheless.

Things you don't see in Oz

• Hats. People just don't wear hats, especially baseball hats, in Sydney. That means you see a lot of bad hair, sure, and it also means I have to shower and "do" my hair before striking out early in the day.
• Beards. Coming from Portland (Hipster heaven) nearly everyone you meet has facial hair. You really don't see a lot of beards on people — not even the cool half-shaved look that I've worn for two decades now. Note: I don't do it because I like the coolness, I do it because I hate shaving. I started shaving everyday.
• Hatred of Americans. Prior to arriving I'd read that a good number of posts online that Australians didn't like Americans In particular, the American swagger and "We're Number 1" attitude of didn't sit well. I haven't experienced anything like that. Now, I don't walk around espousing the greatness of my country so maybe I'm exempt from the loathing, but the general attitude I've received has been welcoming and sometimes envious. I should note that anywhere in the world anyone goes with an attitude of "I am great, and you are not” will not be welcomed.
• Fast food franchises everywhere. There are definitely American companies in Australia but they are not on every street corner. It could just be a function of where I live but the scene here is much more European than American. In fact, I saw more fast food places in Europe than Australia.
• Good television programming. Just yesterday we got our cable installed (Sports package so we can watch NCAA football when we’re lucky [ GO DUCKS ]) and I expected a better collection of options. What we really got was more channels with an equally antiquated line-up. Typical line-up is Mash; I Dream of Jeannie; Bewitched; Get Smart. DAD! I'm thinking about your living the dream in Oz. All that is missing for you is Hogans Heroes and Barney Miller.
• Service. I'm not saying that the service is bad, just different. In most restaurants (except the tourist places) you have to seek out an employee to order, or re-order. You can sit and wait but you'd go either hungry, or thirsty or both. Again, not a criticism, just a difference.

Things that I do see that surprised me

• People thank the bus drivers and ferry workers when they get off the ride. Nearly everyone does that.
• Cool birds. They are all different, all colourful and really fun to be around. I doubt my neighbours would agree.
• Short business hours. Americans have insisted on businesses that stay open late so we can do our daily business after work. Here, banks close at 4, as do many retailers. Thursday nights is the one night each week you might find stuff open later than normal and even then, it's usually 7 or 8.

I've enjoyed having my VoiceOverIP for the past few days. OOMA allows me to make and receive calls to the US for free. It's been good keeping tabs on my kids and my parents/sibs. Except for the time difference, it's as though I live in Portland.

Today is date night for Julie and I. Not sure yet what we'll do — my knee has been acting up so too much hilly travel doesn't agree with me. If I'm having a good day by late afternoon I'll ferry into CBD and head to a swish place for dinner with my sweetheart. If I'm having a bad day she'll ferry home for some take away food and a night snuggling on the couch. WIN-WIN. I'm a lucky man and having Julie home with me every night is priceless.

Have a great day blog stalkers!