- ST. KILDA - Goofing around with my dear friend Georgia.

Week 13
January 19, 2002 - Melbourne, Australia
"There's no place like home…"

Dear Thor:

I've been in Melbourne, America…(I mean Australia) for two weeks now, and I'm learning that things are surprisingly deceptive here. It feels like I'm back home…even though I'm not.

Melbourne's hip, yet laid-back culture reminds me of west coast cities like Seattle and San Francisco. And its network of train-linked neighborhoods reminds me of east coast towns like Boston and Philadelphia. Melbourne's suburbs even look like the burbs in the Midwest. And its beaches to the south could be in San Diego, while the hilly vineyards up north could be in the Napa Valley.

Melbourne's people seem to be just as friendly as Americans too. Earlier this week, Ken the chiropractor treated my sore back while entertaining me with his friendly chatter. And at the Australian Open, Ginny explained the finer points of tennis as we watched Pete Sampras play. I have no idea why Ken or Ginny talked to me like I was their friend, but they made me feel like I was at home.

I've also discovered that the Aussies are just as sports crazed as Americans. Every evening, thousands of Aussies gather in Melbourne's pubs to watch 'the game on the telly.' And just like in America, everyone screams lots of colourful expressions at the players, coaches, and umpires.

"Open yer eyes, you bloody fool!"
"Cripes! He dropped the ball!"
"Come on, mate. One more hit!"
"Oh fer Chrissakes! Get that wanker out of there!"
"C-O! C-O-L-O! C-O-L-O-R-A-D! Colorad! Colorad! Colorad…OH!"
"KILL HIM!!!"

Adding to that "home" feeling, I'm staying at my friend's flat, so I'm cooking, cleaning, and laundering again. And I'm even buying groceries at a Safeway store around the corner! Before I left on my Search, I hated doing these mundane domestic chores, but now I'm actually enjoying them.

I'm also acting again. This week, I started exploring the Australian acting scene, and I've already met so many cool people! I've had lunch with directors, actors, casting people, and producers. I've even attended a workshop where Bruce Alexander of "Seachange" helped me fine-tune my character skills. And two days ago, I ran across a film crew working on the TV show "The Secret Life of Us." Robert the Lighting Assistant told me the show was an Australian "Melrose Place!" (Do you think I can I get cast as the pool-boy?)

So I'm having fun being back home in America…I mean Australia. And don't get me wrong - I do know I'm in Australia. Even though the Aussie flag is red, white, and blue, it looks nothing like the Stars and Stripes. And the people here talk with accents, drive on the wrong (I mean left) side of the road, and they love the game of cricket! And don't forget that it's summertime…in January!

However despite all the differences, the similarities make me feel like I'm home. And right now, I'm enjoying that feeling…even if it's just a brief illusion.

Tomorrow I leave "home" for Adelaide, which I know nothing about except that it's west of here and supposedly a lot hotter and arid. I'm going there to fulfill a promise to this bubbly older woman who works at this Greek deli in Denver. I eat there every so often, and during one visit, she convinced me to visit her family in Adelaide. So I am.

As with everything on this trip, I have no idea what lies ahead. (So much for the comfy predictability my "home" in Melbourne!)

I hope you're feeling comfy at your home - wherever that happens to be. Perhaps it's Adelaide. (Wouldn't that be a hoot!) Whatever the case, I'm sure I'll find a Thor clue, as I always seem to do. And as always, I'll give you a full report next week.

Please be well, be present. And Namaste!
Scotty