Arrived

I came into Kingsford Smith Monday morning after a series of problem free flights. Infact the 14 hour haul was probably the nicest flight I've ever had in my life. I had absolutely no jetlag - amazing! It has been sunny and 70 the last few days and it will only get hotter as the summer months get closer. I had my orientation today so am now on my information overload mode. The last couple days have been spent wandering around the city and trying to figure out what is what. I have not really done any flat or job searching yet. I should probably do that instead of updating my blog! In short I feel overwhelmed with the possibilities of what I can do in terms of work, fun, travel and living.

Initial thoughts on Sydney after a couple days are that it is very much like both the US and UK, but also distinct on its own. The city itself is beautiful, sitting on the harbour, surrounded by beaches and lush with green. It reminds me of London/UK because of its multiculturalism, the place names, and certain cultural icons (union jack on the flag, the queen). It reminds me of the US for the most reasons though. Suburban sprawl dominates the country and thus most people rely on cars and highways. They have huge pollution problems (and have not signed up to Kyoto like the US). I read that almost 60% of the population are overwight or obese, though no one in Sydney really fits that descriptor (Brits are getting close to this too, though). The Aussies past and present relations with the Aboriginees are nearly identical to ours and Native Americans. Every single aboriginee from Tasmania has been wiped out of existence because of British and Australian policy. Today there are huge chunks of land that have been given back, though it is all in mostly Uninhabited and remots areas of the country.

So for now everything is cool. Just have to think about what I want to do in the short time I have here.