My thoughts for the day

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OK, I've officially been here a week now. I know, I know... slow with the pictures. I'll try and rectify that but it's an absolute pain uploading them onto this site.

Quick recap:

• mosquito bites = 10
  
• giant lizard sightings = 1
  
• kangaroo sightings = 0
  
• koala sightings = 0
  
• Bridge Climb = 1
  
• sugar plum consumption = ??? (but I got restocked today YIPPEE!)
  
• people who can't understand me because of my accent = 3 (not bad)
  
• days its rained = 3 (including today)
  
• frying pans burned and replaced = 1
  
• Tasmanian cherries left to eat = 15
  

Because of the torrential downpour today, my plans to go to Bondi Beach got kaiboshed. So I've spent my time blogging and going to the mall. Oh joy, oh bliss.

Dinner tonight with Shintaro and the Princess (AKA Stephen Gregory-Jones and his wife Ann). Apparently I've been volunteered to help cut down a tree. We'll see...

Dave's at work, all is quiet on the western front. Burnt the frying pan but replaced it with a non-stick version (much better).

Here are some random thoughts on my stay in Australia to-date:

• contrary to public belief, the toilet water does NOT flush counter-clockwise
  
• speaking of toilets, there is the full flush, and the half flush. Just depends on your output.
  
• taxes are included in the price, so what you see is what you pay.
  
• gratuities are not expected or welcomed. I tried tipping someone the other day and was politely rejected.
  
• to turn the lights on, you flip the switch down
  
• to use any electrical outlet, you must first turn the power on (and I was wondering why the phone wasn't charging)
  
• 911 = 000
  
• tea = dinner
  
• entrée = appetizer
  
• when crossing the street, look to the RIGHT first
  
• capsicum = green peppers
  
• how're you going = what's up
  
• food is expensive!!!
  
• no Tim Horton's but there is Gloria Jean's coffee. I've yet to try this Oz institution.
  
• the Golden Arches has a McCafé area in their restaurants; it sells upscale coffee and pastries
  

Tomorrow is Taronga Zoo day as my host has taken another day off and we've scammed the free zoo pass! I've checked the weather and although they're calling for "clearing showers", the rain should be done in the morning. Maybe providence is on our side... rain = less people, happier animals.

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Comments

[Laurie Feast]

Oh My God !!
Hey Lisa: Sounds like everything there is backwards!! Are you sure those are mosqutio bites or are they from Simmsy ?(Tony asking). Let Dave know he might be able to see Tony on the news Wednesday...he's going to Winnipeg for the funeral for the 2 Captains that lost thier lives. CBC,CTV,Global live it starts at 9:30 a.m.. So how is the Aussie treating you...I hope like the princess you are !!. Anyhow sweetie I'm glad to hear that your having a great time...Will check back in a couple of days. P.S. What was your big surprize for your Birthday ??? Love Laurie