Down under...

Should anyone wonder what it is like to move to Australia after having spent the majority of one's life in Europe, I recommend reading Bill Bryson's 'Down Under'. This book is not only absolutely hilarious but it also quite accurately frames the thoughts that have been going through my head since I touched down in this weird and wonderful country down under. Wollongong failed to make a big first impression on me. To be quite honest, I did consider relocating again immediately after my first day in 'the Gong'. It was unfortunate that my first real day was a Sunday and that Wollongong somewhat resembles a Hicksville on Sundays. Had I only been pre-warned about this, I would have spent the whole day on the beach and nowhere else, for what Wollongong lacks as a town, its beaches most definitely makes up for. Miles after miles of sand with waves breaking onto it. The sunshine is likewise absolutely gorgeous. And as I've commenced my second week in the Gong, what initially seemed like total Hicksville has slowly started to appeal to me. People are incredibly friendly - so much so, that I've several times spent the first 30 seconds of a conversation wondering if they were taking the piss - but no, just friendly. They talk to each other on the streets, each neighbourhood have an area with small private shops with names like 'Kieraville Friendly Grocer' and street names like 'Pleasant Avenue' - it's a bit like going back in time... The university campus is fantastic. Green spaces and cafes creates a pleasant working environment, where the academics seem to have a fabulously laid back approach to their profession - a wonderful change from academia in London. My actual PhD project is still waiting to take off, which reminds me that I'm suppose to be working....! xxxC