A Relaxed Day Around the Home and Neighborhood

by Teressa Jackson

Sunday, February 23, 2014 – 8:45 p.m. Melbourne time

Our Lunch

I slept like a rock until around 9:30 a.m., awakening just in time to see Aidan and Frances off to church. I had some down time during the morning, and when they returned we prepared a delicious lunch of grilled figs (with salt, pepper, and butter), cheese toasties with three types of pesto (basil, pumpkin – my favorite, and beetroot), and a salad with avocado, olives, feta, cucumber, tomato, and grapes. I made the toasties and figs. The meal was delicious and complimented wonderfully by an Australian Riesling wine.

After lunch, we headed to the team briefing about 40 minutes away. There, we went over the details of our arrangements for the trip, which sound incredible (I'll just tell you about them as they happen!). I also got to meet some of the Australian Group Study Exchange team who will be visiting us in Indiana and the couples who will be hosting me in future weeks of our trip. My hosts all seemed very excited about having me with them and I’m sure I’m in for wonderful times with them as well.

When we returned home, Frances and I went for a walk about the neighborhood and I got to take in the architecture of the homes and the plant life more closely. They have an eclectic mix of ultra-modern and historic homes in the area. Due to the desirability of the neighborhood, people have purchased homes and torn them down to construct newer, larger ones on the lots. It’s not unusual to see a 90-year-old home next to new construction with completely contrasting architecture.

 

We enjoyed a ratatouille with penne, sour cream, and parmesan cheese accompanied by an Australian shiraz for dinner, as well as some great conversation.

My observations today:

• Yes, the water goes down the drain counter clockwise.
• Light switches turn off by flipping them up.
•  The hot water is on the opposite side of the sink.
• Power outlets all have switches to turn the power to them off individually.
• You walk on the left side up stairs, just like you drive. It’s a bit of a difficult adjustment to make.

View more photos from my day and evening and stay up-to-date with all our latest at our Facebook page:www.facebook.com/gse2014.