The people are eager to know you, and it isn't long before you call the local chemist, shop assistant, firewood guy, pub owner and post office personnel by name. You know their stories and what's been happening in their lives. And for us, it was awesome just to be able to make a completely fresh start.
In turn, they know what kind of car you drive, what time you come home at night, how late you were at the pub and what you wear to bum around the yard. In fact, we live across the street from some of our students. Needless to say, when we first got here we were closing the curtains every second of the day and night.
Initially I was really worried about feeling isolated and lonely. How could I, a girl with 'hip' interests, ever find someone to connect with in a country town so small?
Pretty easily, actually.
We made some close friends extremely quickly. It's really a matter of urgency out here. You have to be social. You have to make the effort. If you don't, you have no one to talk to. An no one really wants to be in that situation.
No, I don't get to see all the latest arthouse films. No, I don't get to wander the shops for hours on end. And no, I don't get to go to the newest trendy cafe. I had to make friends with online shopping. And I had to come up with something other than lazing away the hours shopping or sipping soy lattes.
The Head Teacher of TAS is a really cool guy. He and his girlfriend broke the ice and invited us for breakfast. We had a great time, and now we've taken up cycling with them. (Hey, you have to do something to stay fit when there isn't a gym!) It's been nice to take up a new hobby.
And you know what? Being hip is WAY over-rated.
Anyway, we were feeling a little dwarfed by our large home and yard. So we got some company.
Meet Starbuck. (The Sci-Fi character, not the coffee.)
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