In my typical fashion, I managed to get sick within a few weeks of entering this foreign land. I had my first diagnosable (i.e. non- “common cold”) illness in a long time, an ear infection. Ack. It was awful, but luckily being in a country with socialized medicine has great perks. Even though I’m not working, I have a medicare card with which I was able to see a doctor on a Sunday afternoon, get a prescription and get it filled in less than 30 minutes. I’d probably still be waiting to see my doctor in Arlington. I’m on the mend and trying to enjoy my last week of unemployment…

… That’s right – I got a job! I start on 4 May and so wish me luck!

I haven’t been doing much since I’ve been sick, but Jon and I managed to get out of the apartment to celebrate Anzac Day (Australia’s version of memorial day) . We went to the Caulfield RSL (Australia’s version of the VFW) and took in the culture. The Caulfield RSL is quite the place and includes a full bar, restaurant, pokies (slot machines), a sports book and more. On Anzac day and only on Anzac day, an Aussie-invented game of chance called two-up is legal and enthusiastically played throughout Australia. Jon and I observed this custom which is quite entertaining, progressively so in fact which I attribute to the cumulative amount of beer consumed.

In other news, Jon shaved his head so those of you worried about where this hair thing was going can breathe a sigh of relief.