February 22, 2002.
I've been here almost a week now and things grow curiouser by the day. We have spent the last two days in the
bush where time runs slow and technology is low. I awoke this morning not to the sound of an alarm clock but to the screeching of three fighting cockatoos (and they weren't in cages). But I get ahead of myself.
On Wed, our first real foray into the bush took us over the Inland Range and to the capital city of Canberra. For this extended trip, we had as our trusty guides Des the knowledgeable and Sue the lovely. Both barraged us with information. Des would often "misinform" and follow it with a howling laugh from deep in his gut.
It seems that the Sydneyese and the Melbournites fought fiercely over the right to be the capital city of Australia. In the end, they were sent to their rooms and it was decided that a brand new city would be built to be the capital. A contest was held to chose a designer and, out of 175 entries, it was awarded to a husband/wife team from Chicago. Neither had ever laid eyes on Australia, let alone the site of Canberra. What finally arose from a treeless granite plain is the most beautiful of cities.
All spanking brand new. Even the suburbs are designed and built to be self sufficient so that those that live there do not have to go to the city proper to shop or school. And they have planted trees everywhere. One thing that continues to strike me, under the authority of the "Crown" many things are done for the common good without concern for the benefit to others far away. On the other hand, perhaps this is similar to our "pork".
Thursday we left Canberra and crossed the Snowy Mountains through the Kosciusko National Park. We climbed into the ski country where Des explained that this was the most expensive ski area in the world. Many people find it cheaper to fly to New Zealand than to go there. This is caused by the fact that they only get snow a few days during the year and the demand is great.
We finally left the winding road of Kosciusko and discovered ...ROOS! There were roos before us, roos behind us, roos to either side of us. Roos seem to do three things - they lay in the grass, they suckle if they are young,
and, most of all, they scratch! This was truly a unique experience. According to the lovely Sue, they often see only one or two. Our mob probably totaled 20-30. This alone was worth the price of the expedition.
Today, we made our way from the town of Beechworth to Melbourne. Beechworth is an historic town primarily because of the gold rush of approximately 150 years ago. Whilst in Beechworth, aside from being awakened by screeching cockatoos, we were entertained by a local gent of some renown known as "Lazy Harry". Lazy sang us songs of the Outback, songs about drinking, songs about how Ozzies talk and dress, but mostly he sang songs about his dearest love, Australia. And we all joined in for a rousing rendition of "Waltzing Matilda".
Now this is the de facto national anthem of Australia, though not the de jure (nor the du jour).
On awakening and taking breakfast, we were escorted to spend some time with a local named Jeff. He has a last name, but I do not recall it. Now Jeff is the real deal. He talks dirty, spits between his teeth and brews as good a billy tea as any bloke in the bush. He also has two mixed breed Clydesdales and two scruffy looking, though friendly, dogs.
We then had a tour of the town with a local named Ian who has written several books on the historical significance of Beechworth. He also related the story of Ned Whatshisname and his family. He was either "Robin Hood" or a murdering scoundrel, depending on whom you ask.
Finally crawled back out of the bush to Melbourne. We are established in a hotel of great fancy. The rooms do not start until the 35th floor. I reside on the 41st and look out over the sea!
Supper tonight was in the local Chinatown. No #3 with egg roll here. I had pot sticker dumplings, dried scallop soup and clams with garlic sauce and the special fried rice. Take my word for it, this cannot be found in Tennessee!!!!!
As usual, time is short and here I must end. I have another day here in civilization before
heading for the Outback and reuniting with my dear daughter. I must leave Sue and Des and many of my traveling companions at this point. I will write again before I go since who knows when I will find access in the godforsaken interior.
Glenda, tell Frank I've had three meat pies. However, not that rough Scottish stuff but such delicacies as meat with mushrooms and tomatoes and meat with curry sauce. No HP sauce to be found.
Lottie, not to worry, no strange meat for you! A coin, how could I forget that?
Ken, I have your vegemite. It comes in a package and is made by Kraft. I have not eaten the crap.
Until later, just one of the mob,
George
I've been here almost a week now and things grow curiouser by the day. We have spent the last two days in the
bush where time runs slow and technology is low. I awoke this morning not to the sound of an alarm clock but to the screeching of three fighting cockatoos (and they weren't in cages). But I get ahead of myself.
On Wed, our first real foray into the bush took us over the Inland Range and to the capital city of Canberra. For this extended trip, we had as our trusty guides Des the knowledgeable and Sue the lovely. Both barraged us with information. Des would often "misinform" and follow it with a howling laugh from deep in his gut.
It seems that the Sydneyese and the Melbournites fought fiercely over the right to be the capital city of Australia. In the end, they were sent to their rooms and it was decided that a brand new city would be built to be the capital. A contest was held to chose a designer and, out of 175 entries, it was awarded to a husband/wife team from Chicago. Neither had ever laid eyes on Australia, let alone the site of Canberra. What finally arose from a treeless granite plain is the most beautiful of cities.
All spanking brand new. Even the suburbs are designed and built to be self sufficient so that those that live there do not have to go to the city proper to shop or school. And they have planted trees everywhere. One thing that continues to strike me, under the authority of the "Crown" many things are done for the common good without concern for the benefit to others far away. On the other hand, perhaps this is similar to our "pork".
Thursday we left Canberra and crossed the Snowy Mountains through the Kosciusko National Park. We climbed into the ski country where Des explained that this was the most expensive ski area in the world. Many people find it cheaper to fly to New Zealand than to go there. This is caused by the fact that they only get snow a few days during the year and the demand is great.
We finally left the winding road of Kosciusko and discovered ...ROOS! There were roos before us, roos behind us, roos to either side of us. Roos seem to do three things -
and, most of all, they scratch! This was truly a unique experience. According to the lovely Sue, they often see only one or two. Our mob probably totaled 20-Today, we made our way from the town of Beechworth to Melbourne. Beechworth is an historic town primarily because of the gold rush of approximately 150 years ago. Whilst in Beechworth, aside from being awakened by screeching cockatoos, we were entertained by a local gent of some renown known as "Lazy Harry". Lazy sang us songs of the Outback, songs about drinking, songs about how Ozzies talk and dress, but mostly he sang songs about his dearest love, Australia. And we all joined in for a rousing rendition of "Waltzing Matilda".
Now this is the de facto national anthem of Australia, though not the de jure (nor the du jour).
On awakening and taking breakfast, we were escorted to spend some time with a local named Jeff. He has a last name, but I do not recall it. Now Jeff is the real deal. He talks dirty, spits between his teeth and brews as good a billy tea as any bloke in the bush. He also has two mixed breed Clydesdales and two scruffy looking, though friendly, dogs.
We then had a tour of the town with a local named Ian who has written several books on the historical significance of Beechworth. He also related the story of Ned Whatshisname and his family. He was either "Robin Hood" or a murdering scoundrel, depending on whom you ask.
Finally crawled back out of the bush to Melbourne. We are established in a hotel of great fancy. The rooms do not start until the 35th floor. I reside on the 41st and look out over the sea!
Supper tonight was in the local Chinatown. No #3 with egg roll here. I had pot sticker dumplings, dried scallop soup and clams with garlic sauce and the special fried rice. Take my word for it, this cannot be found in Tennessee!!!!!
As usual, time is short and here I must end. I have another day here in civilization before
heading for the Outback and reuniting with my dear daughter. I must leave Sue and Des and many of my traveling companions at this point. I will write again before I go since who knows when I will find access in the godforsaken interior.
Glenda, tell Frank I've had three meat pies. However, not that rough Scottish stuff but such delicacies as meat with mushrooms and tomatoes and meat with curry sauce. No HP sauce to be found.
Lottie, not to worry, no strange meat for you! A coin, how could I forget that?
Ken, I have your vegemite. It comes in a package and is made by Kraft. I have not eaten the crap.
Until later, just one of the mob,
George
To Day 7 in Oz