10 Things I like about being back in Sydney

Been back in Sydney now for 3 days and its been absolutely superb. This is the third time I have returned “home” since moving to PNG in early 2005. Each trip has had it’s own twist or flavour with different personal reactions to the external and internal nuances of each culture. In a way it feels like I have moved from one end of the spectrum to the other – the contrasts in culture and custom between the two places is difficult to put into words or description.

Here’s a list of the 10 Things that have hit me and crossed my mind about this visit so far:

1. It’s been absolutely wonderful to see the family again. To sit down with Mum, siblings or cousins – share a coffee, meal and a story – has almost given me instant relief from the intensity and overwhelm that PNG had become for me.
2. Have been given access to a loan vehicle by my cousin Carol and her partner Noel. It’s exhilarating to experience and control the steering wheel again. Been almost two years since I last drove a car!
3. I know I’m definitely going to be putting on the pounds. Mum’s home cooked meals and cakes will probably see me go back to PNG a stone heavier.
4. It’s been great to just chill out the past few days and not do any running around. A new experience for me in Australia – as I was always one never to sit still long enough to have a quiet evening at home.
5. Internet baby! Yep… it’s everywhere. Right now I’m at my cousins writing this post from my own laptop connected to an ADSL2 wireless point. Better not get to used to this luxury because when I return to PNG it will be back to shitty dialup.
6. I rather like the custom here in Australia of how folks generally mind their own business. In PNG I really miss the freedom of being able to move into seclusion at will. Being alone in a crowd is rather appealing at this point in time.
7. Jack Daniels #7 tasted really nice when I got stuck into it with Noel the other night but produces an equally painful hangover as a cheap grog or wine.
8. The general obesity of many Australians is also obvious – a clear consequence of unhealthy living and eating habits. Many a folk should really be getting around with a sign hung to their arse saying: “Warning: Wide Load”.
9. Ah yes… the recent financial crash – folks are talking about it everywhere and at a level I sense a deep fear in people.  Back in the PNG village it doesn’t mean jack shit… in a way I’m already missing the village and the “Hut”.
10. Within two hours this morning – I had my private Health insurance reactivated – appointments setup with the dental and eye clinics and also the Travel Doctor. One thing nice about Australia is the general efficiency and speediness of paperwork and bureaucracy.