Beginning to Enjoy Myself

It's my third day here in Tassie and I'm liking it more and more. Hobart is such a gorgeous area, and everyone is incredibly friendly. I have also taken quite a liking to the local food. Yesterday I had my first experience with "Fish 'N Chips" ... it's something we Americans only read about but never actually see on a menu, as those little potato slices are actually called "Fries."

My lunch is pictured below, a big bag full of fried Flake fish and lots of potatoes, along with a side of tartar sauce, all for $8. I wish I'd have had some way to carry it all home, I could have had dinner as well. That was the greasiest, most filling meal I think I have ever eaten. The bright spots you see on the fish isn't the bright sun, but the glistening grease that the fish was fried in..so tasty and great for the arteries. (click to make larger)




This is not the only food or beverage I've become fond of in the last few days. Aussies forego preservatives and fake sugars in most of their sodas, if not all of them. I never realized how much better a Coke tastes with real sugar.

I've come out of my shell a bit and started making small talk with locals. At first I was a bit put off by the tilted heads and smirks I got when people realized I am American, but now I have gotten used to it and frankly do not care.

I may have mentioned before about my lost bag. United Airlines decided to leave one of my bags in LA, even after I was delayed there for an entire day. I called today and can arrange to have it delivered whenever I want, so I will just have to get by on what I've got with me in my smaller duffle bag. However, my International Student Identity Card paid for itself in this respect. The card gives me $100 for delayed baggage, so I'm renting a car for the weekend in light of this. I don't know where I'm going or what roads I'm taking to get there, but I assure you that I will get somewhere.

Pictured below is Hobart's City Centre with snow-capped Mt. Wellington in the background. My apartment and university are somewhere off to the left. (again, click for a larger photo)