It is good to be back in the Western world, even though its leadership seems to be fraught with even more idiocy than I had imagined. I’m in Oz now, and I’ve got to say I had no idea how much I’d missed the whole urban living thing until I set foot here. I feel great! There are museums and operas and parks and people on the street speak a language I can actually understand! Not only that, but in the 5 days I’ve been here nobody has tried to sell me something I didn’t want. I’ve walked past no less than a hundred taxis and not one of them has insisted I go with him or asked my why not. I bought stilettos and a jacket (it’s chilly – at least, compared to SE Asia it is) and didn’t haggle over the price. OK, the prices are pretty painful, but still. You get the idea.
This is not to say that I didn’t enjoy my time in Asia – I had an amazing time, and may go back there before long. I just don’t think I could live in a place like Bangkok or Chiang Mai or Hanoi for an extended period of time. Much as I like to think of myself as an adaptable and cosmopolitan chicky, I do have my limits. It’s just not in me.
That said, I’ve got a lot more to write about – but I’m tired right now and I’ve been replying to backlogged email for the past hour and a half, so you’ll have to wait. Look for upcoming installments on: the Gili Islands, the utter stupidity of war, nightlife and wildlife here in Sydney, etc. etc. But for now, it’s off to take a little nap before the evening begins…