Rotary and Australian Citizenship
Fall has hit the Illawarra, at least that's what the locals are saying. There is a slight chill in the breeze and my coworker, Brett the Younger said he can smell the change. I don't know how the locals can stand it, only in the low to mid 70's. I'm sure I'll see parkas and wollen scarves out soon.
Last Wednesday, I was invited to a weekly Rotary meeting. One of my coworkers who is a great guy, a Land Surveyor, is very active in Rotary and had invited me to a BBQ (in Australia?) earlier and has been trying to persuade me to join. They are a great bunch of people so I decided to see what a regular meeting was like. That night was a special night, and anything from ordinary.
They have their meetings at the Illawarra Leagues Club which has a casino, bars, restaurant, dance floors and meeting rooms. “Clubs” in Australia are similar to Fraternal organizations such as Elks, Eagles, Moose, etc. however in most cases, I don’t think they’re part of a National group. Most appear to be fairly localized, often surrounding themselves with a local sports team or university. There are clubs such as the Returned Soldier’s Club that must be a part of the Veteran’s group I’d imagine.
Also in Australia, when you see a ‘Hotel,’ it most likely means a bar that has a few token rooms to let (rent) in order to be able to sell booze. Similar to Washington State requiring a certain percentage of food sales to booze sales in order to maintain a class “H” license to sell hard liquor. Most likely some carryover from the ‘blue laws’ of a former Puritan era. More research is needed and I’m on task, but enough of that for now.
The Rotary was hosting a swearing in ceremony for new citizens of Australia. An official from Immigration in Sydney came down to perform his official function and actually it was a very good ceremony. Very touching and I’m sure the new citizens felt very welcomed. As at least 25% of the current population of just barely 21 million are foreign born, there really isn’t much if any, bad feelings about foreigners and immigrants as can be found elsewhere throughout some parts of the world.
One thing in the Official’s speech that move me was describing all the different countries that were being represented that night. Germany, the Netherlands, Philippines, USA, about 12 people became Australians that night. The Official said these new citizens are not asked to leave their heritage behind, but to incorporate it into Australia’s culture as they learn to be Australians. Australia isn’t a melting pot but more of a tapestry that makes this a strong, resilient nation of citizens. For some reason, that sounded very good to me.
No, I’m not going Aussie on you. I just thought it was a beautiful expression of respect for people around the world who come from different cultures.
I’m not going Rotarian either, lol.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Update - Month 4.5
I keep thinking about my blog and wonder what I should write that wouldn't bore my friends too much. Only when you reach the end of this entry will you know if I've succeeded or not. This is thanks to my good friend since Jr. High School, Rick "the Bull" Walters and his kick me in the ass email in response to my self doubts as to whether this move down under was a good decision or not. Thank you, Rick.
I'd had a very bad week, mis-dealing with a client on a small project and in this company, especially in these troubled economic times, makes any mistake a deadly mistake as far as employment goes. My old work place went down to 30 hour work weeks at the beginning of February and just last week, laid off 5 people out of the Seattle office. With only about 28 employees, that is a huge hit. The middle of February, I had my 3 month review and was sweating it. That week they laid off8 people throughout the company so I wasn't feeling too confident. I even cleaned out all my personal stuff just in case I was going to be escorted to the door. In fact, I'd tried to get into the office one Saturday and my card wouldn't let me onto the floor so it could have been their way of saying, 'Your services are no longer needed,' and the DO it that way sometimes.
But I did get a pretty good review although will go though it again at the 6 month mark. This past week, I even got some under the table intelligence to expect a phone call from the woman who hired me regarding doing some marketing. That was the original plan, to put me in production to learn the company for 6 months then slowing move into marketing. Right now, they need marketing so the plan is going along as anticipated, that's great news.
The difference in Australia's approach to the world wide economic crisis is to invest. They government is giving money directly to home buyers for example. $14,000 for buying an existing home, $21,000 for new construction with some State and Local governments throwing in a few thousand more. With record low interest rates, I should think about buying, but my location is unknown as I could be sent to Perth or Brisbane or even stay in the meat grinder of Wollongong (at least, that's how others throughout the company view the corporate office).
I haven't be bought a car yet. Speaking of which, one of the usual suspects at the Charles (the local pub I usually go to) bought a car off a friend who is a mechanic for Mercedes Benz. He goes up to the auto auction in Sydney, brings a car down and goes through it mechanically to make sure it's up to snuff then sells it with a 12 month guarantee! This pub buddy bought a 15 year old Ford Falcon 4 door for about $1,200 and it looks very good! I told her to tell her friend to keep me in mind for something similar. When that happens, I'll be able to explore a far wider range of places during the weekends. This and the travel for marketing should make for more interesting reading and pictures.
This is just an update for my friends who care, and if you don't care...you're still my friend. I'm doing well in this late in life adjustment and wanted you to know. I miss Holly a lot and she misses me, too. This separation has made us appreciate one another much more. And I appreciate all of you.
I'd had a very bad week, mis-dealing with a client on a small project and in this company, especially in these troubled economic times, makes any mistake a deadly mistake as far as employment goes. My old work place went down to 30 hour work weeks at the beginning of February and just last week, laid off 5 people out of the Seattle office. With only about 28 employees, that is a huge hit. The middle of February, I had my 3 month review and was sweating it. That week they laid off8 people throughout the company so I wasn't feeling too confident. I even cleaned out all my personal stuff just in case I was going to be escorted to the door. In fact, I'd tried to get into the office one Saturday and my card wouldn't let me onto the floor so it could have been their way of saying, 'Your services are no longer needed,' and the DO it that way sometimes.
But I did get a pretty good review although will go though it again at the 6 month mark. This past week, I even got some under the table intelligence to expect a phone call from the woman who hired me regarding doing some marketing. That was the original plan, to put me in production to learn the company for 6 months then slowing move into marketing. Right now, they need marketing so the plan is going along as anticipated, that's great news.
The difference in Australia's approach to the world wide economic crisis is to invest. They government is giving money directly to home buyers for example. $14,000 for buying an existing home, $21,000 for new construction with some State and Local governments throwing in a few thousand more. With record low interest rates, I should think about buying, but my location is unknown as I could be sent to Perth or Brisbane or even stay in the meat grinder of Wollongong (at least, that's how others throughout the company view the corporate office).
I haven't be bought a car yet. Speaking of which, one of the usual suspects at the Charles (the local pub I usually go to) bought a car off a friend who is a mechanic for Mercedes Benz. He goes up to the auto auction in Sydney, brings a car down and goes through it mechanically to make sure it's up to snuff then sells it with a 12 month guarantee! This pub buddy bought a 15 year old Ford Falcon 4 door for about $1,200 and it looks very good! I told her to tell her friend to keep me in mind for something similar. When that happens, I'll be able to explore a far wider range of places during the weekends. This and the travel for marketing should make for more interesting reading and pictures.
This is just an update for my friends who care, and if you don't care...you're still my friend. I'm doing well in this late in life adjustment and wanted you to know. I miss Holly a lot and she misses me, too. This separation has made us appreciate one another much more. And I appreciate all of you.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Black Sunday 08/02/2009
As you've probably noticed, Australia caught on fire last Sunday. Actually, these 20 some fires that burned over 1,800 square miles, 700 homes and claimed an estimated 300 lives are about 800 miles to the south of where I live in the state of Victoria. Canberra, which is about 3 hours drive to the south is experiencing haze from all the smoke. It is awful and the worst part is that 5 or so of the fires were set by different people. I think they've arrested one person that they are holding, others have been booked and released. Some fires were set by copycat morons days afterwards, when the news reports started coming in on the mass destruction and death. What kind of sickness could do this?
This is a National tragedy, the worst in cost and humanity in the country's history and the Aussies are responding in incredible fashion.
The part you don't hear in the American media is how much relief effort is happening. Wednesday when fund raising really got into gear, an average of $1,000,000 per hour was being donated! As the rest of the world, Australia is in a recession but the donations keep pouring in! In Queensland to the north, summer monsoons have dumped FEET of water over the area for MONTHS. Over 1/3 of the state is UNDER water, 3,000 homes have been damaged and dozens killed yet a lot of these people have signed over their government relief checks to the relief effort in Victoria. It's incredible. We Americans think of ourselves as very generous people and we are, but the Australians are certainly on par. Just think, $1,000,000 an hour from a country who's population is barely 21 million! I think the total is now around $100,000,000 making that's over $4 for every person in the country!
Here's a link to some pictures thanks to Aunt Jeanne
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/02/bushfires_in_victoria_australi.html.
Please read and comment...or email!
This is a National tragedy, the worst in cost and humanity in the country's history and the Aussies are responding in incredible fashion.
The part you don't hear in the American media is how much relief effort is happening. Wednesday when fund raising really got into gear, an average of $1,000,000 per hour was being donated! As the rest of the world, Australia is in a recession but the donations keep pouring in! In Queensland to the north, summer monsoons have dumped FEET of water over the area for MONTHS. Over 1/3 of the state is UNDER water, 3,000 homes have been damaged and dozens killed yet a lot of these people have signed over their government relief checks to the relief effort in Victoria. It's incredible. We Americans think of ourselves as very generous people and we are, but the Australians are certainly on par. Just think, $1,000,000 an hour from a country who's population is barely 21 million! I think the total is now around $100,000,000 making that's over $4 for every person in the country!
Here's a link to some pictures thanks to Aunt Jeanne
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/02/bushfires_in_victoria_australi.html.
Please read and comment...or email!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Darwin's (as in Australia) newest tourist attraction..............
The theme park's 'cage of death' that drops tourists into a
crocodile's lair
Without the cage you wouldn't stand a chance swimming with a massive saltwater crocodile.
But for brave punters who still want to get cozy with a feisty croc, a new Australian tourist attraction is offering the chance for a close encounter in the safety of a clear acrylic box dubbed the 'cage of death'.
Just 4cm of acrylic, a pair of goggles and a swimsuit, will separate thrill-seekers from the jaws of Choppa, a saltwater crocodile.
The cage has no bars, unlike cages used in shark dives, which prevents the reptiles from gripping on but deep teeth scratches are visible on the sides, deterring some hesitant participants.
Top End tourists climb into the clear box before being lowered into Choppa's lair.
They then spend 15 minutes inside the 9ft high cage and watch Choppa, who lost both front feet while fighting other crocodiles, trying to take a bite out of them.
The attraction at Crocosaurus Cove in the heart of the city of Darwin in the Northern Territory has been given high marks by adrenaline-junkies.
Face-to-face: The experience is made even more thrilling for tourists because the cage has no bars.
Saltwater crocodiles, known locally as "salties," are the largest crocodile species, with the males growing up to 6m long and weighing up to 1000Kg.
They are found in across Southeast Asia but the highest numbers are found in northern Australia .
Michael Scott, who opened the attraction in July, said there was plenty of demand for the A$ 65 thrill.
'In the Northern Territory , the saltwater crocodile is an icon and is part of our life. They are always in the news, either in someone's swimming pool or killing someone's favourite horse,' Mr Scott said.
Hunting for food: Up to two people are allowed in the cage at the one time.
The most famous crocodile to be housed at the park is Burt, who starred as the beast that nearly ate Linda Koslowski's character in Crocodile Dundee.
Although saltwater crocodiles are dangerous, fatal attacks on humans are rare in Australia with only one or two reported a year.
Swimming face-to-face with a massive saltwater crocodile might not be everyone's idea of fun but thrill-seekers are snapping up Australia 's newest tourist attraction
I hope this isn't too tacky to post an email, but it is from a dear friend Char, who wants me to enjoy my time in Oz....I think.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Beach Criket?!
In the previous blog entry, I was mistaken. It wasn't hot then, at least compared to today. I think it's pushing 100! The wind is HOT! I sat down on the couch and it felt like it had just came out of the dryer! The poor little fan I bought recently is on high and close to me but not doing any good really.
I walked to the closer store, about 5 blocks and about died! I had thought about stopping at the pub but it' too early and I don't know if could make it home once I got there. I came back, drank several glasses of water and I'm still barely able to type this as my arms are shakey and sweat is stinging my eyes. I have about 5 or 6 various bottles filled with water in the fridge and I'll probably go through all of them. At least there's beer, too.
I thought I'd flop down on the couch (ouch, hot!) and watch TV while the fan is on me. I turned it on and you guessed it (from the title) Beach Cricket! These Aussies are crazy. It is hotter where they're at playing a rousing game as if its nothing! I was somewhat disappointed as I was thinking it might be more like Beach Volleyball and hopefully a girls team was playing but...NO! There are cheerleaders sort of, but what real manly sports fan wants to see that when a Criket match is on?! Anyway, its just more Aussie culture I'm learning about and isn't that one of the main reasons I'm here?
Write, comment, visit.
I walked to the closer store, about 5 blocks and about died! I had thought about stopping at the pub but it' too early and I don't know if could make it home once I got there. I came back, drank several glasses of water and I'm still barely able to type this as my arms are shakey and sweat is stinging my eyes. I have about 5 or 6 various bottles filled with water in the fridge and I'll probably go through all of them. At least there's beer, too.
I thought I'd flop down on the couch (ouch, hot!) and watch TV while the fan is on me. I turned it on and you guessed it (from the title) Beach Cricket! These Aussies are crazy. It is hotter where they're at playing a rousing game as if its nothing! I was somewhat disappointed as I was thinking it might be more like Beach Volleyball and hopefully a girls team was playing but...NO! There are cheerleaders sort of, but what real manly sports fan wants to see that when a Criket match is on?! Anyway, its just more Aussie culture I'm learning about and isn't that one of the main reasons I'm here?
Write, comment, visit.
Friday, January 16, 2009
It's Criket!
Thursday January 15, 2009
Today is the HOT day of the week, expected to reach 93 or so with 80% humidity. It’s one of those days where you wake up hot. I recently bought a fan and had it on me all night. It’s one of those mornings where you step out of the shower and realize you’ve been trying to towel off for quite a bit and its of no use. A cup of coffee doesn’t even sound good, just some water from the fridge.
The evenings are nice though as a cool breeze develops in the afternoon and makes the heat much more bearable. It’s the perfect weather to sit in the stands of the nearby park and enjoy a game of cricket. Like baseball, balls bowled, batters swinging, hitting and running, cold beer and the smell of sautéed onions wafting through the air, reminds me of summer games (and Vashon High School football) back home.
Recently they’ve come up with a variation in playing Cricket called 20Twenty. Typically in what they call ‘test matches’, the game is very slow like baseball, with no time limits. For example, when I first arrived here in Australis, the test match between India and Australia was being televised and every day for a MONTH this test match was on. I started calling this channel ‘The Cricket Channel, All Cricket, All The Time (the Ocho!). It got to be my personal joke as no Aussies appreciated it. The game or match, literally lasted a month!
But with 20Twenty (and another version 50Fifty), the games are relatively quick since they’re limited to 20 sets called ‘overs’ of 6 pitches or bowls. Not every bowl is successful for a variety of reasons, but the game moves quickly. One side is up, then the other and if they get more runs than the first team, the game immediately stops without finishing all 20 overs. It actually is an interesting game and going with my next door neighbour Mark, it was great as he explained the game to this dumb Yank in Oz. His son has been accepted onto the team at 17, which is about the right age to begin at the bottom of a 1st Level Men’s League team. He didn’t get to bat, but did get to field for a few bowls before his team had handily won.
Mark is my age exactly, he teaches high school science specializing in chemistry and marine biology. In true Aussie fashion, they collect sea life, watch it grow and at the end of the year, eat the tasty ones. Can you imagine the brouhaha that would erupt if that curriculum were offered in a USA high school? He’s a great guy with 3 wonderful kids about the same age as mine and we all get along great.
I told him yesterday that I caught myself pronouncing some words in Australian, I said “I’m started to lose my accent!” He just stared at me incredulously and after regaining his composure said, “There’s no danger in that, Mate.”
I have my first real Project Management assignments finally after 3 months and my review to end ‘probation’ should occur this week or next. Soon, I’ll see if I’m going to be able to stay in Australia for the entire 2 year contract or not. I hope they like me and I can stay for a bit, it is very nice here. It really is like a 1950’s TV show in many ways, although I know there are areas back home that are just like this, too.
There are 2 butcher shops, a fresh seafood shop and a fresh pasta shop along with modern grocery stores. I go to a barber Hugo, who is a 60 year old Italian and a very nice guy. He just got back from his winter break in Switzerland and Italy saying he loved visiting in the winter, his first time from the usual summer visits he’d made in the past. This was my second time and I really hadn’t been to a ‘barber’ for decades. I should get a 20 year copy of Field and Stream to add to his collection of antique magazines for that American Barbershop touch.
People here are very friendly, if you catch the eye of someone walking past they smile and “G’day” or “How ya going?” There are some very bad people in the news, but I don’t think near the extent as back home, but with the media the way it is, who knows really.
Exciting news last night as I was copied on confirmation for Holly’s Spring Break flight. Qantas had a sale and she took advantage of that! Now I’ll party like a college kid with the coed of my choice. Of course, going to bed at 9:30 as I still have to work that week.
Comment, write me, do as Holly does and come and see me. Really!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Family Christmas Vacation in Oz - Part Deux
Its Sunday morning and after 2 weeks off, it'll be back to work tomorrow. In a lot of ways it seems unreal. Unreal (as a formerly being employed in the US) in getting that much time off when only being employed for 2 months, unreal having the family here, bursting onto the scene then leaving all too soon. We had a great time doing a little exploring, being a part of the fierce lawn bowling competition between the survey and mapping departments at work. Nick and Carly loved the new experience, I think having beer available was part of the fun.
Through Carly's Sydney friends, we were invited to view the start of the Sydney-Hobart Yacht race, pictures above. That was great, seeing the start of the race and meeting such wonderful people. Several couples our age were there for their annual, family get together on Boxing Day. Big BBQ (of course, its Australia) plenty of sun and beer and really a very good time.
We also did some touristy things like the Illawarra Fly, which is a treetop walk in the rain forest. The views are incredible but I really didn't think it was a rainforest, still it was a good time and I think the kids were glad they went as well. Before we left the parking lot, I had to stop because a wombat was out in the field and of course Holly had to try and get a picture.
In the empitness of a flat without the family, I went shopping to buy those things absent and pointed out often. So, should you visit me down under, the flat has been battle tested and improved for your comfort. The invitation is open those I really care about and you know who you are. If you're unsure, just ask!
Please comment, too. I can take it...I think.
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