Thanksgiving Ain't Australian

As we approach one of my favorite holidays, I think a lot about my friends and family back “home.” Hopefully everyone is healthy and ready for turkey.

Australia has had a couple of milestone events happen this month. A couple nights ago, Australia celebrated the Socceroos’ win over Uruguay, qualifying the team for the World Cup in Germany next year! It was the first time Australia has had a soccer team in the World Cup since 1974. At the beginning of the month, on Melbourne Cup Day, Makybe Diva won her 3rd straight Melbourne Cup making her the greatest mare in the world. It was an incredible sight to see – brought tears to many eyes, including mine.

There are some funny differences that I have been meaning to share. There aren’t many Mexican restaurants here, including Taco Bell (although I don’t know if you can call that a “restaurant”). But there is a Taco Bill! We ate there the other day and it was nice, but their bean dip needed a lot more cheese. There is no Burger King, either. It’s called Hungry Jack’s! And under no circumstances do you ever “root” for a team here. Rooting has a very different meaning here…for mature audiences only. Anyway, you “barrack” for a team.

Also, as much as they talk about Aussies and drinking, I still think Americans drink a lot more. The drunk driving (drink driving) laws are enforced much more here than they are in the States. They aren’t afraid to shut down an entire highway to pull everyone over and give them a Breathalyzer test. And this happens a lot – it is more the norm than the exception. Plus, there is a gigantic beer tax, which makes drinking beer rather expensive! To give you an example, Lachlan and I each had a pint of beer last night and it came to $18! Ouch…

FLORA AND FAUNA

Last Tuesday, we went to the Melbourne Zoo and it was great fun. Some highlights from our visit were: petting a wombat, seeing the lions roaring, watching the African wild dogs play, talking to a red-winged parrot, and letting butterflies land on us in the butterfly enclosure.


NEWS FLUSH (OR HALF FLUSH)

Australian citizen Nguyen Tuong Van (25) has been on death row in Singapore for 20 months, for the crime of attempting to smuggle 396 grams of heroin through Singapore’s Changi Airport. Despite several attempts for clemency by the Australian government, Van’s mother received a letter yesterday from Singapore letting her know the date of his execution by hanging – the 2nd of December. This young man is not a drug dealer, and he has no prior criminal record. The actual “bad guys” (still at large) promised Van that they would pay off his twin brother’s debts of over $30,000 if he smuggled the heroin. Van has cooperated with the police every step of the way. Yet, the barbarians in Singapore still believe that he should hang. Please keep hope alive for this man, as his chances are running out. And let’s work toward ridding the world of the death penalty. Capital punishment is not a deterrent for crime, nor is it morally right under ANY circumstance. Revenge only causes more pain and suffering, and does not promote a peaceful society.

KANGAROO JACKIE

Jackie still loves to go to the beach. But her first swim proved to be a learning experience for her. She lapped up the saltwater with vigor, and yet she couldn’t understand why she was still thirsty… Once we found a normal water tap, she drank and drank and drank. About an hour later, her belly looked like a big balloon. Luckily she didn’t get sick, but she stayed bloated all night. The next time we went to the beach, she remembered not to drink the salt water!

WORK-A-BERRA

Not only has Lachlan’s job been extended, but also they are having him work full-time hours at least until Christmas. He likes the job, so it will be good from a financial and experiential standpoint. Hopefully he will still get in the time for race walking training. “Les Miserables” was a great show to be a part of. I loved the music and I made some friends in the pit as well. Through the contacts I made from that gig, I was asked to play in the Messiah, and I’m now rehearsing for the opera “Die Fledermaus” that opens next week (on Thanksgiving night). I also got the teaching position at Parkville Music School, and I have taught there for two weeks now (three tomorrow). I love being a part of the music scene here!

MOVIE REVIEWS

Elizabethtown
Before seeing this film, I wondered if Orlando Bloom could handle any roles where he didn’t wield a sword. Well, I was pleasantly surprised that he was quite good playing “understated” Drew Baylor. The story got a bit long and slow moving, but I was still compelled by the characters and wondered how things were going to play out. It was very touching at times, and had some humorous moments as well. But it was much more a drama than a comedy. I think it is worth seeing if you have time to spare and if you like Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst, and Susan Sarandon. Wait for it to come out on DVD, though.
Rating: B-

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."
Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

Happy Thanksgiving!

B.