It's the End of the World As We Know It

Well, dear readers, the last day of the Mayan calendar has come & gone. And we’re still here. Unless, of course, we were unknowingly transferred into an alternative reality and just don't know it… Either way, it's still nice.

Melbourne, Australia, is a city that has grown on me rather quickly. I’m not surprised by this, nor am I drawn to dissect my satisfaction here. On the most fundamental level, my basic needs are easily met, the sun is shining a lot of the time, and the opportunities for exploration continue to seem limitless.

Bridge over the Yarra River on my route to work. I make an effort to look over every time, as it always seems different. Mostly based on weather conditions.

When I say my needs are met, I mean, literally, the water from the tap is nice, the food is diverse and copious, and I have found a comfortable bedroom in a quaint little house in which to reside.
Food markets are plentiful.

Vic Market in the CBD. Not my market of choice, but fascinating for its size.

They vary in size and quality no doubt, but I’ve already found a handful that satisfy my needs. The organic food movement is present, but consistently more expensive. This is common in the States as well, but I think I’ve been more aware of it because there aren’t many basic natural food stores (think food co-ops, Whole Foods, etc.). The natural foods are found in specialty shops, or in my experience in their own sections of the big grocery stores. Therefore, the prices variations are all the more evident. More often, though, I’ve been trying to frequent the outdoor markets. This saves money as well as encourages a fresh food diet. And at least I then know from where the produce derives (which, for some people, is more important and potentially more sustainable). Anyway, I have ready access to fresh food, which I’m quite thankful for.

Veg Out Community Gardens in St Kilda (my neighborhood)

I’m also working full-time, which has been a welcome change. Two jobs, both as “barmaids.” The first is in my neighborhood bowling club. Lawn Bowls (think Bocci Ball) is a huge pastime in Australia, and a cool one too. Outside, barefoot, beers, friends, etc. And spans generations too, which I appreciate. There are clubs in every neighborhood, but I think I lucked out in my endeavors (thanks to some friends) because it’s a very laid back place. Actually, my boss is also my flatmate, which has worked out amazingly well. I live very close to work (just a short bike ride through Albert Park) and also near the beach, which is sweet. It’s funny because Melbourne is not known for its beaches, but for a life-long inland dweller such as myself, they more than satisfy. I also work at this cool beer bar in Richmond. Live music, lots of local beers on tap, laid back but busy, and friendly co-workers. I will say, however, I have found that most Australians (as I was warned) are crazy friendly. Very welcoming, cordial, and pleasant. There’s been a good exchange of culture with some of the older gentlemen at the bowls club. I won’t lie: it initially made me feel strange how much more some of them know about the United States than I know about Australia. Admittedly, I felt some level of guilt. However, it only proves to illustrate how prominent the United States is in the world, especially concerning terms of foreign policy and export of goods & culture. Naturally, the United States influences Australia more than is reciprocated. So, now I’ve been on a quest to learn as much as I can.

Famous Luna Park, celebrating 100 years of existence. I got a free wristband for the rides on their birthday. Without having been on a rollercoaster in probably 10 years, I wasn't sure how my body would respond... I giggled like a 10-year-old.

Anyway, working in bars is fun. And admittedly, exhausting! I’ve met lots of very interesting people. And it helps me learn the accent better, which, believe it or not, is sometimes like a foreign language. So, they serve beer in pints, like in the United States. But most people, when they don’t specify, actually just want a “pot,” which is like a half-pint in the US. But regardless, in a loud bar with lots of distractions, the difference in sound between pot and pint (with an Australian accent) is negligible. And I’ll get stopped pouring halfway because they notice I’m using the wrong size. I feel like I pour more beers from a pot to a pint & vice-versa than I do from the tap itself! Also, they’re really funny with some of the things they say. Naturally, they have a number of expressions that are regionally unique (indeed, that could comprise another entire entry). However, I really like the genuine enthusiasm they seem to have for communication. Most people in greeting each other also inquire as to the other person’s state. From counter staff, to check out clerks, to librarians, to quick conversations on the phone, people will still say Hi or G’day and How are you going? It’s nice. Something I also like is the use of exaggerated appreciation. I mean, I use “awesome” probably more than it’s warranted. Not everything I deem awesome actually puts me in awe. However, some Australians (blokes, especially) will take it to the next level. “Here’s your beer.” “Ah, amazing, thank you.” Or “I’ll put it on your tab.” “Magic! Thanks.” Or "beauty" or “miracle” or “legendary,” which I think is my personal favorite.

Okay, well I think that’s enough for now. Hope you’re having fun too. And, Happy New Year!

Now this is what I call a bike path. Completely separated from auto traffic, and quite lovely.

Flinder Street Station in the CBD. Hub for all forms of transportation (bus, tram, train). I haven't explored the options much because I'm happy on my bike, but I imagine at some point I will. I can take day trips all over Victoria on the train! It's great.