Week 1 - First Impressions
As some of you might already know, I’m currently Down Under in order to improve my English as much as possible during six short weeks. But where am I in this gigantic country with sleepy koalas, poisonous spiders and noisy parrots? The main aspects for choosing a location were simple: It had to be a small town where I could not get lost like I did in Tokyo. As well as that, there had to be a language school which provided a Cambridge Proficiency course. Noosa did, and thus I am momentarily living in a city which is a moderately small and a 2-hour-drive away from Brisbane.
It was already dark when I arrived on the 3rd of January, but I could instantly feel the difference – not only because I began sweating right away because of the heat (26°C), but also because the air smells differently: The eucalyptus, the freshness of the sea, childhood memories of holidays in Corsica… all those things come up and you are overwhelmed not only because it’s summer when it should be winter, but also because it’s just this sensibility for impressions one seems only to have when leaving home and going somewhere else, somewhere unknown.
I’ve been here now for one week and I’d like to tell you about a couple of experiences I’ve made so far. First and foremost, there are the parrots. Having awakened at 4am in the morning, they seemingly have no other interest but to wake me up as well. So instead of getting my well-earned sleep, I yell at noisy birds in the early hours. A luxurious problem you might think. At least I can enjoy the warm or rather hot weather…
Secondly, there is this strange phenomenon called “Christmas” and which is – in my opinion and memory – strongly connected with winter, cold and, only maybe, snow. In Australia, however, while driving to school by bike, I have seen several palm trees with Christmas baubles on them. What a strange custom!
Finally, I want to mention the fauna of this huge continent. When I was a child, I once mistook a snake for a “lizard-mother” and wanted to play with it. I immediately recalled that moment when I, only a few days ago, canoed up a river, went on land and saw the most gigantic reptilian I had ever seen (apart from the ones in the zoo). There it was: The lizard-mother from my childhood. Almost 80cm long and with a black, split tongue, glazing at me and, most certainly, wondering whether I would make a good lunch or not. Totally amazed by that creature stood I there while the other canoers devoured their steaks. The lizard, however, ssssed with its tongue, turned away, and went looking for something more appetizing. Apart from that particular meeting, I’ve seen a kookaburra, far too many parrots, a sting ray, the evil cacadu from the Ryo-movies, spiders, not to mention flies, ants and mosquitos. There’s no trace of any koalas, kangaroo or shark yet. In case of the latter, I’m happy for that fact.
Next weekend, I will be on Fraser Island, the biggest sand isle of the planet, trying not to be eaten by sharks, snakes and spiders. I will keep you posted.
(By the way, if you realized that I am using some pretty awkward vocabulary above: This blog will also be misused for language exercise purposes.)