Adjusting..

It is fascinating how quickly and easy one adjusts to another climate. It took us a couple of days and we thought it was hot (31 C) but we dressed for it, so it was OK. But now the temperature dropped to 24 C and we are so cold! We are wearing sweaters!! That sounds so crazy!! In Sweden or The Netherlands that would be a nice summer temperature..

Anyway we are adjusting and getting used to the kookaburras who make an incredible noise when the sun sets at 18.00 o'clock, the kangaroos who come out for a bite of a bit of grass next to our house, the long distance it takes to drive to the nearest supermarket (45 minutes) and city, the very bright and strong sunshine every day, the many big cars (4 wheel drives with a snorkel), the driving on the left, the drought and the beautiful mountains and ocean we pass every day on our way.

But it still feels weird as well, so many things are different! The food however is very similar, it's a very western country, so we can buy and eat much of the food we are used to. The supermarket looks a lot like back home! That's a relieve!

I never thought I was so attached to certain things, but I guess for me it's about feeling safe and knowing more or less what is coming, especially with two small children who also want this and for whom I am responsible. 

So what we are up to now is exploring our new temporary home step by step and bit by bit. We know where to find the supermarket, a nice place to play and a nice place to swim, a nice safe nature area, the library (trying to become a member so that we can read some other children's books), a great animal park (we are a member there, so we can go every day now!), a great aquarium (also became a member) and of course the beach with its attractions. 

And the people here are great! It's very easy to talk with people, they are friendly and open :-)

Of course while we are out and exploring and discovering, Ronald is working every day with the starfish. Since we stay at the research facility we can see him much more than we used to, we can even have lunch together (when we are not out and exploring..) and we can pay him a visit :-)

In the weekends Ronald is free and we can show him what we discovered :-)

Next time I will ask Ronald if he can tell you more about his research!

More pictures of our exploring are here..

See ya!

By the way, we have trouble with our internet connection at our house, so I can only put posts on our blog from other wifi hotspots now and then and so far it has not been possible to use skype, but we can mail, use whatsapp and sent text messages via our Australian mobile numbers!