Off to a gray start - well sort of (Melbourne, Australia)
Well the spring weather isn't cooperating with my trip plans. Instead of giving me glorious sunny weather here in Melbourne, Australia I am dealing with gloomy gray and rain. Not too heavy, but consistent. A bit on the chilly side. A far cry from the weather I experienced in Melbourne 2 years ago. This must be the Seattle vengeance. My 6 weeks in the Seattle area consisted almost entirely of glorious 70+F weather. Very unusual as any Washingtonian would state. My last full day there was a record 80 degrees + F. Not normal for late September. I did live there for 11 years so I'm sure of that. Hmm..changes in global weather patterns.....good for some, crappy for others.
On the bright side I just had my dentist appointment and it was a great experience. Very modern office and friendly. The receptionist stated that while they've had non-Australians referred by local hotels, they have never had someone make an appointment from another country. First time for everything.
I'd post a picture, but I'm staying at a youth hostel so not possible. The irony...I fly to Australia in business class but I'm staying at a youth hostel.
My hygienist commented that Melbourne has the worst weather in Australia of all major cities. Well..at least I'm getting an authentic experience. As for interesting tidbits, she commented that Americans have the best teeth in her experience because kids have been getting good treatment for a long time now in America. This after working in Switzerland for a number of years cleaning teeths of American ex-pats, working with American hygienests(sp?), and the like. I commented that this contrasted with some article on a website I read about Australians having good teeth. Then we talked about the impact of candy and soft drinks. Who knows...maybe a different standard of measure or age group was used? The folly of statistics sometimes.
She did mention that dental teeth cleaning is relatively new in Australia. The concept of a hygienist in areas outside of South Australia (Adelaide) is new in the past 10 -20 years. I would have never thought. Who cleaned people's teeths before? Either no-one or the dentist himself. Of course if we go not too far back in time - there was no teeth cleaning period. Everyone in the modern world should be thankful for modern times and medicine! I only wonder how my teeth will fare 6 months from now after being on the road. Maybe I'll get them cleaned in some other country?
On another positive note, I met several friendly and interesting people while getting to Australia. One of them is from Melbourne (Coming back from the US) and even ended up picking up the tab for the cab ride that we shared. My hostel is near his office. Plane rides are great ways to learn more about other cultures. On my flight to Dallas I even met a US Air Marshal. Fascinating brief life story. Although he didn't tell me this until later in the flight -- I suspect after he had determined I wasn't a "terrorist."
So..yes, it's gray and depressing (Not many smiling faces on the streets or trains) but I have met a bunch of good folk.
On the bright side I just had my dentist appointment and it was a great experience. Very modern office and friendly. The receptionist stated that while they've had non-Australians referred by local hotels, they have never had someone make an appointment from another country. First time for everything.
I'd post a picture, but I'm staying at a youth hostel so not possible. The irony...I fly to Australia in business class but I'm staying at a youth hostel.
My hygienist commented that Melbourne has the worst weather in Australia of all major cities. Well..at least I'm getting an authentic experience. As for interesting tidbits, she commented that Americans have the best teeth in her experience because kids have been getting good treatment for a long time now in America. This after working in Switzerland for a number of years cleaning teeths of American ex-pats, working with American hygienests(sp?), and the like. I commented that this contrasted with some article on a website I read about Australians having good teeth. Then we talked about the impact of candy and soft drinks. Who knows...maybe a different standard of measure or age group was used? The folly of statistics sometimes.
She did mention that dental teeth cleaning is relatively new in Australia. The concept of a hygienist in areas outside of South Australia (Adelaide) is new in the past 10 -20 years. I would have never thought. Who cleaned people's teeths before? Either no-one or the dentist himself. Of course if we go not too far back in time - there was no teeth cleaning period. Everyone in the modern world should be thankful for modern times and medicine! I only wonder how my teeth will fare 6 months from now after being on the road. Maybe I'll get them cleaned in some other country?
On another positive note, I met several friendly and interesting people while getting to Australia. One of them is from Melbourne (Coming back from the US) and even ended up picking up the tab for the cab ride that we shared. My hostel is near his office. Plane rides are great ways to learn more about other cultures. On my flight to Dallas I even met a US Air Marshal. Fascinating brief life story. Although he didn't tell me this until later in the flight -- I suspect after he had determined I wasn't a "terrorist."
So..yes, it's gray and depressing (Not many smiling faces on the streets or trains) but I have met a bunch of good folk.
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