Observations and Snapshots

Here are just a few comments on the miscellany of being in Melbourne (blog-ettes?)

Pensione...hotel camping at its finest...no chairs, only "tuffets" (you know, Little Miss Moffet, sat on a tuffet eating her curds and whey), no drawers and if you are lucky, a few shelves, and folks they have the smallest bathroom sinks in the world. Imagine a sheet of notebook paper (not legal size mind you) tucked under a narrow shelf, and imagine trying to spit out your toothpaste, you either bang your forehead on the shelf, or miss the sink entirely. Very funny, but not if you are tired and cranky in the morning (which of course I would never be!)

Food...most urbanites here eat on the run in the morning living on whatever the 7-11 offers (one on every corner) and finding fresh fruits and vegetables is not so easy. The main staple seems to be sugary baked goods, and specialty cake stores on every block. And expensive?? Food budget right out the window, but incredible selection of ethnic restaurants with delicious sit-down dining. Been living on yogurt, almonds, apples, and a daily gelato (yum!)...healthy eating plan right out the window too.

People...perhaps the friendliest most helpful and gracious people I've ever met. If you even think about needing help, someone will stop you on the street and offer assistance.

Smoking is NOT politically incorrect here, in fact, it seems quite popular.

Downtown architecture is a visually eclectic, colorful, creative juxtaposition of old gothic-style buildings with stark and sleek modern sky scrapers with curves and asymmetrical lines. Really incredible. The Southbank of the Yarra riverfront a favorite place to stroll, and eat, and people watch.

Christmas decorations seem really out of place, kinda like Florida. No pine trees, but a creative array of towering art-as-pine-tree in city squares. Am trying to capture them with my trusty little Blackberry camera ("real" camera decided not to work here)

Protestors outside the Parliament, against oneness if you can imagine, unless of course you follow their way and their way only (faith tradition shall remain nameless) Very interesting.

News coverage here is great, just attended an ABC Compass live recording of a truly inter-religious debate with real and quite provocative questions being addressed by a Jew, Muslim, Aborigine, Fundamental Christian, and others. Excellent! Wish it could be shown in U.S.

Technology...spotty wireless, and inconsistent internet...kinda nice not to be tied to my cell phone and computer...Internet cafes are fun, but it is a different experience to compose while the clock is ticking and the meter is running :)

Speaking of the meter, am out of time and ready to head over to the next presentation by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Love and blessings to you all