"Long time no see" prophetic words from a well educated Englishman getting used to a completely new way of life here down under a statement that could be applied to my blog page very easily right now, but I do solemnly swear to right that wrong! I have to admit the transition into a "Pom" has not been without it's problems and indeed sometimes fraught with all manner of translation issues (yes translation) and the reality of work and all its new working practises.
One thing that strikes you very quickly over here is that although we English wrote the book on health and safety buffoonism my Australian counterparts have designed a new computer program on the subject and written it into their working life. Some of the rules over here regarding safety are taken to another level, it is almost laughable but I guess also endemic of a society that is emerging and growing and still very young. I hope that it doesn't become a major issue for the future of this wonderful country as although safety is an issue it has to be weighted against progress, a lesson the rule makers would do well to heed.
While mentioning the rule makers it was viewed with dismay that the Police patrol cars were thick on the ground over Xmas and New Year, not so much as to protect us but to give out some speeding fines and something called "double demerits" the points system over here is based on merit points for your licence and during the festive period they are doubled if caught speeding or jumping a red light and considering Newcastle City has more sets of lights than the Milky Way in mid summer that's very easy to do. The Police have been damned right sneaky of late parking in some very sneaky places that can only be reasoned with making revenue rather than contributing to road safety a move that only alienates the general public rather than endears them.
Newcastle is a wonderful welcoming vibrant and growing city, it has the makings of giving Sydney a black eye as the jewel in the crown of New South Wales if only for it's beautiful beaches and fantastic local cuisine.
Every city however has it's growing pains, of late there has been much controversy over the main railway line being dismantled from its occupancy at the centre and heart of this metropolis so much so that many protesters have taken to the street to stop the break up of the tracks short of the city centre. All to no avail however, as on boxing day the line was closed and a new drop off station was commissioned to ensure continuity of services with buses running more frequently to help with the extra traffic. This has not been one of Newcastle's more defining moments as the whole thing is a bit of a shambles, ill thought out and for no logical reason rushed through, leaving the city without a decent terminal for people to be greeted in, bit of an own goal there councillors!
Its not all doom and gloom and I really do have to try and steer away from the "whingeing pom" stereo type, as indeed the sense of humour of your typical Aussie is very different to your average Anglophile. This city has a thriving port, wonderful beaches and great restaurants along with a wonderful multi-cultural population. It breathes life into your tired veins and lifts you like nowhere else I have ever been to, I love this city and I love the people of Newcastle, I love the people I am working with and they are patient (mostly!) with my huge readjustment to their country, that to me is the makings of a good start, only time will tell if that love is the lasting kind!
One thing that strikes you very quickly over here is that although we English wrote the book on health and safety buffoonism my Australian counterparts have designed a new computer program on the subject and written it into their working life. Some of the rules over here regarding safety are taken to another level, it is almost laughable but I guess also endemic of a society that is emerging and growing and still very young. I hope that it doesn't become a major issue for the future of this wonderful country as although safety is an issue it has to be weighted against progress, a lesson the rule makers would do well to heed.
While mentioning the rule makers it was viewed with dismay that the Police patrol cars were thick on the ground over Xmas and New Year, not so much as to protect us but to give out some speeding fines and something called "double demerits" the points system over here is based on merit points for your licence and during the festive period they are doubled if caught speeding or jumping a red light and considering Newcastle City has more sets of lights than the Milky Way in mid summer that's very easy to do. The Police have been damned right sneaky of late parking in some very sneaky places that can only be reasoned with making revenue rather than contributing to road safety a move that only alienates the general public rather than endears them.
Newcastle is a wonderful welcoming vibrant and growing city, it has the makings of giving Sydney a black eye as the jewel in the crown of New South Wales if only for it's beautiful beaches and fantastic local cuisine.
Every city however has it's growing pains, of late there has been much controversy over the main railway line being dismantled from its occupancy at the centre and heart of this metropolis so much so that many protesters have taken to the street to stop the break up of the tracks short of the city centre. All to no avail however, as on boxing day the line was closed and a new drop off station was commissioned to ensure continuity of services with buses running more frequently to help with the extra traffic. This has not been one of Newcastle's more defining moments as the whole thing is a bit of a shambles, ill thought out and for no logical reason rushed through, leaving the city without a decent terminal for people to be greeted in, bit of an own goal there councillors!
Its not all doom and gloom and I really do have to try and steer away from the "whingeing pom" stereo type, as indeed the sense of humour of your typical Aussie is very different to your average Anglophile. This city has a thriving port, wonderful beaches and great restaurants along with a wonderful multi-cultural population. It breathes life into your tired veins and lifts you like nowhere else I have ever been to, I love this city and I love the people of Newcastle, I love the people I am working with and they are patient (mostly!) with my huge readjustment to their country, that to me is the makings of a good start, only time will tell if that love is the lasting kind!
So you are having fun the Austin way! All I can say is..."good on ya mate", said in a male oz tone, doesn't sound the same in a sheila voice. Be careful of the demerits, we don't want them chucking you out of their country. Wishing you much happiness and time to write.😂
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