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disclosure

american flags

I’m starting to put in a couple of applications for some apartments I like. There is one that really had a lot of character, it’s part of a very old townhouse building, and has a loft bedroom – total novelty, I’ve never seen a house in Melbourne quite like it (unsuprisingly). So that’s on the top of the list, then there are a couple of others that are your standard beige carpet, creamy coloured walls apartment, that seem to be everywhere.

As part of the rental application for the houses built after 1978 though, you also have to fill out a Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and Lead-Based Paint Hazard. Theres a brochure that goes with the disclosure, that has helpful bits of information like: “Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces.”

(Oh, and the flags? They’re just up infront of so many houses here. It’s a very American thing to do. There was talk about putting up a boxing kangaroo flag infront of this place.)

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efficiency

I’ve been hunting for a place to stay. Apparently studio apartment style places get called “efficiencies” as well here. So I went to have a look at an efficiency. It was a bit dark and dingy for my liking, so I’ll keep looking. Still haven’t been climbing here, but I’m still spending most of the day feeling like a wet dishcloth, so that might be a good thing. The photo below was taken from Mount Vernon. It’s down south from DC, and this is the view looking further south down the Potomac River.

view down the potomac
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wading through the red tape

Acres and acres of red tape – I’ve been filling in endless forms, signing in and out of places, having photos taken, the lot.

Observations so far – the speed limits of American roads, particularly the freeway type areas, seem to be lower, but less observed. Totally ignored might be closer to it. They don’t have the fixed camera system set up here that we do in Melbourne – in the DC area anyway, and apparently they’re fighting to have it stay that way.

Also, I watched the superbowl last night. Well, actually, I watched the first half then fell asleep sitting on the sofa, drooling on my hand. Apparently it was an exciting game. I do remember watching Paul McCartney singing at half time. And the ad making fun of the boobgate episode with Janet Jackson last year.

Touristy activities so far: went to Mount Vernon yesterday. It’s George Washington’s farm – well, a smaller part of the original farm that he owned. A lot of things have been either preserved or recreated. It’s on the banks of the Potomac River, some really nice views. I was going to write a bit more coherently about it, but I’m still jetlagged after the flight, and my brain isn’t working particularly well at the moment.

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in transit

Melbourne…
Went to the counter to check in, and discovered my tickets hadn’t been paid for. Convenient. After an hour and a half of wrangling, we got them paid for, and I got on the plane.

Sydney…
Having found my Ipod managed to unlock itself and wear out the batteries somewhat, I’ve bought a battery pack in duty free. Tried connecting to the wireless network here, but of course I would have to pay, so I don’t think I’ll play that game. The United Airlines people are going frantic calling for a whole heap of passengers who haven’t turned up to board the flight to San Francisco. There’s been a constant stream of final boarding call announcements, followed by dire warnings that the aircraft will leave without them, and their bags are being unloaded as we speak. Then a call listing all of the passengers who still hadn’t turned up, repeated every minute with the number of names called dropping every time.

LA…
Get through passport control, clear customs, then jump on the plane.

Chicago…
Glowing yellow grids next to a dark lake. Hungry, and no wireless. Damnit. I think I’ll go find food.

Washington…
Tired now. Arrived.

flying
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four seasons

Melbourne, 35oC clear and sunny one day; 12oC and 120mm of rain the next. Below are a couple of my photos from the wettest 24 hours in Melbourne in recorded history. One of my flatmates went for a paddle in the park down the road, now a lake.

wet park
Continue reading “four seasons”