|
|
Back to Daily Updates Menu
| December 20th, 2002 | |||||
|
Driving in Australia What is the best way to get around in Australia? If you want to get dinner, there are restaurants of every kind and flavor on the block. Looking for a shopping mall? No problem - you couldn't visit all the ones within walking distance in a month. But when it comes time to venture into the dangerous unknown (i.e. - go to the ball field,) I would like to call attention to those brave souls who valiantly chooses to take the task of driving upon themselves. Let's start with the car. As you may have expected, the drivers' seat is on the right-hand-side of the car. Hence, if you pass a moving vehicle with no driver, don't panic. The person in the passengers' side with the wheel in his hand has it all under control. Next, most of the controls are backwards (and there are just enough that are NOT backwards to make it really confusing.) Flip the turn signal lever, and you get a brilliant display of windshield wipers. This is important to know, because if you see anyone whose wipers turn on at each intersection you should stay away from them, figuring that they are about as familiar with right-handed driving as you are (a scary thought.) The gear shift sticks out from about two inches to the left of the steering wheel base, and the panel displaying what gear you are in a vertical list on the dashboard above the gear shift. The turn signal shaft is on the right side of the wheel. This is an automatic transmission (don't even try manual.) After you have mastered the car, let's get on the road. The most important thing to remember is: THINK LEFT. We drive on the other side of the road over here. It's enough to give you a heart attack when you make a turn and almost rearrange three lane of traffic heading right towards you. Also remember to go into the drive-through in a clock-wise motion and don't stop and turn right on red. When you are trying to follow a map, don't wait until you are sitting at the intersection to find the street signs - more often than not they aren't there. About 100 yards in front of your turn, you will usually see a big sign in the middle of the road with the intersecting road names on it. Not a bad system, once you get use to it.
A few more important tips: if the speed limit sign says 80, don't get all exited -were talking kilometers here. This is especially important to remember when someone gives you directions (you don't get the luxury of hearing them in miles.) A round-about is this circular thing in the middle of an intersection, around which you drive until you find your road, and then turn. They are actually kind of fun (if you only have to go around once.) Once you get the hang of it, driving in Australia is really not that hard. Maybe some day we'll all decide to drive on the same side of the road, but until then, ode to the multi-cultural driver! |
The Ball Games Brewers Vs. South Australia Metro Team The Brewers lost today in a match with the South Australia Metro Team. The final score was 6 - 14. Andy Saastamoinen, Jermiah Garcia and Paul Garritson shared the pitchers mound. No Man of the Match was named.
Blue Jays Vs. South Australia Under 18 Rural Team The blue Jays walked away with a 9 - 3 win today in a match with the South Australia Under 18 Rural Team. Mat McCarthy was the starting pitcher. Brian Shaver was the winning pitcher, with four strike-outs and no runs given up. Tyler Stevens smashed a home run, with Nick Vaughn getting a triple and J.T. Unumb a double. Brian Shaver was named Man of the Match.
Astros Vs. South Australia Under 16 Metro Team The Astros recorded their first loss of the tournament today in a close match with the South Australian Under 16 Metro Team. The final score was 10 - 13. Pitchers were Darrien Acy King, Kodiak Reed, Ryan Stiles and Spenser Dennis. David DiNatale hit a triple, giving him one triple for every game the Astros have played. Brandt Walker hit a double. Spencer Dennis was named Man of the Match.
Mariners Vs. South Australia Under 14 Metro Team The Mariners won their game today against the South Australian Under 14 Metro Team, with a finishing score of 11 - 2. Garrett Trezona and Joe De Pinto pitched, with Trevor Gee as Man of the Match. |
||||
| "Updates from Australia" generously provided by Sarah Brown | |||||
Back to Daily Updates Menu
|
Goodwill Series Inc. P.O. Box 213 Santa Rosa, CA 95402 Fax: 707.525.0214 Email: rwilliams@goodwillseries.org Information contained within this site is Copyright 2002 Goodwill Series, Inc. Site by Cael. |
