Welcome to Oz

Toto, we're definitely not in Kansas or even Colorado! George and I have been here three weeks now and it is different than the US or New Zealand.

Freo - Estes Park by the Sea

Fremantle, or Freo, as it's known by the locals, is a charming and historical town and home to the first prison on the West coast. You can actually stay there overnight if you're so inclined. The town is brimming with cafes, art galleries, shops and the occasional Hungry Jack (Aussie Burger King). People are friendly but not as friendly as the Kiwis. No one's even invited us to dinner yet! However, we did get a free ride home in an ambulance our first night here so they are accommodating.

I find it easy to get lost here because nothing is built on a grid and streets change names frequently with infrequent street signs. When I was asking directions for the umpteenth time, a shopkeeper explained it's because it was designed after Glasgow because many of the first immigrants were Scottish. Luckily, they usually think we're tourists and are very patient when giving directions.

Carless and Loving it Most of the Time

We decided to try living without a car and are managing quite well due to the efficient mass transit. There is a free CAT bus that comes every ten minutes and goes in a figure eight pattern throughout the town. Our first place is about a half mile from the bus stop but we'll be a block away when we move. We can get all around Freo on the CAT bus or walking and Perth is only a half hour away by train.

Hood Ornaments and Hoons

I am proud to say we are not yet hood ornaments! I've got to remember to look the other way when crossing the street and to watch out for the hoons. Yes, hoons! This is a term peculiar to the Aussies that's short for hooligan. We've learned all about them in what seems like a million political commercials. (And yes, those ads are almost as annoying here as in the States.) Anyway, I digress. A Hoon is a person (usually a young male) who speeds dangerously. They want to enact new laws here like those in New South Wales where hoons' cars are confiscated and destroyed on television for all to watch. Presently, they are just fined.

Hoon control is one of the main hot political issues in the Western Australian election. Others include longer shopping hours and some of the usual ones we worry about - welfare reform, health care, and the like. We find it interesting that this election was called early by the incumbent premiere (governor) because he feels the timing is good for his party. My new friend I met online, Toni, is running for the lower house on the Green ticket so I have learned a lot about their system already. The lower house does all the research and drafts bills and the upper house decides which bills to adopt. Anyway, enough politics - you probably want to hear about the fun things!

However, it is late and my little brain is still jet lagged so I will post this and leave the rest for tomorrow. I promise I will post photos soon!