Two of Us

..have been very busy touring Melbourne. One big thing checked off our list is we set up a bank account. Here we are on our way to the Exxon Mobil building in the CBD (Center Business District) to finalize our account with the credit union.

View over the Yarra River

     So far we've visited six schools and for the most part we like what we've seen. Class sizes are all a lot smaller (max of 24, compared with the 32 at home) and there is plenty of technology. We're looking at both Catholic and goverment (public) schools and much to Alanna's dismay and Alexi's delight, every school requires uniforms. Most of the schools have large play areas and often they are covered. Better yet, most of the schools have new buildings and classrooms, or are in the process of building them. The Australian government spent millions of "stimulus" money on schools. Every school, whether public or private, received money. What a concept! Can any of you point to something built with US stimulus dollars? Anyway, here are a couple of pics of two schools we like so far.

     In other possibly interesting tidbits, seems like mail is delivered on moped. How fun.

Mailman (?) following the ubiquitous trams

     Also, in all of our driving all over south and eastern Melbourne, I have seen exactly one Starbucks. I have seen hundreds of Milk Bars, though I don't know what they are. They also have drive-through liquor stores, hmm.
    Last night, Andy and I had dinner with an ex-pat couple, Brian and Mary. Andy works with Brian, and they've been here 10 months so they had a lot of useful tips. We met at a Mexican restaurant, or at least, the Aussie version of it. Named Areeba, rather than Arriba, but close enough. Lamb enchiladas, anyone? They did have 20 flavors of margaritas, but frozen only. Despite a well stocked bar, they didn't know how to make a real margarita on the rocks! And for those new to Mexican food, the menu helpfully explained what to do when your order fajitas. All in all though, it was a nice evening with good company. We are slowly coming to the realization though, that we won't be eating out much when the family is here. It's outrageously expensive. Of course, hopefully we'll find some less expensive, fabulously tasty, hole-in-the-wall joints, but if not, well, time for Alexi and Andy to expand their cooking repetriore.
   Finally, a huge shout out to Nana and Gram for taking such good care of the kids and the house while we're so far away. We are very blessed.