What a great trip! I’ve posted all the updates below, so enjoy!
What a contrast to Japan. I could understand everyone I talked to – I was able to do more things because I could read signs, bus routes, and schedules. I was the one who helped my Japanese students and teachers get through English conversations, instead of me relying on them.
There was great food – I ate so many hamburgers, steaks, and prawns! The seafood was excellent, with a little more of a western style to the cooking. The wine was excellent – my cousin Steve took good care of me and let me try some great Australian wines. I was able to try lots of different Australian beers – I never saw Foster’s anywhere.
Australia reminded me a bit of England, without the clouds and more relaxed. I bumped into a surprising amount of English expatriates. After living in Japan for four months or so, it felt like I was back in the United States for a little while.
