Well, I'm in Sydney

... but my furniture, clothes and importantly bedding aren't. So I sleep on the floor tonight. Also I'm having horrible times trying to get the University of Sydney's IT to give me access (it seems not to like Google Mail or Firefox). So blogging and replies will be slow for a bit. Sorry.

Later: the motorcycle ride down was tiring and a bit fraught. Cars changing lanes in front of me at 120kmh without indicators or clearance, that sort of thing. I got here in time for peak hour, and rushed to get to the real estate agent (realtor for Mericans) so the movers could unload, only to find that the movers didn't think they were moving me today. Or any day, really. So my furniture, clothing and most of all my bed are in some TARDIS somewhere waiting for a time lord to give the order.

But I have figured out, with assistance, the university's internet, so I can do that, at least.

Anyway, it is hot here, though not as hot as yesterday on the road. I have sunburn where the gloves and the sleeve of my jacket didn't meet, and a delayed case of heat exhaustion. On Saturday night I stayed in Coffs Harbour in a motel and last night at my GF's sister's and husband's place in Newcastle (the secondary one, not the original). They had a pool, thank the fates.

So I may be a little dazed, but I am now where I am meant to be for a while. Next, some work...

More like this

So I suppose a thickshake at genies is out of the question?!

Look up my friend Melanie in the archaeology dept if you get a chance.

Welcome to Sydney John

You'll like it here.

What area have you ended up in? If you're at usyd I'm assuming Inner West?

Aaah...

The fun of interstate relocations. I've done a couple of those too. Let us all know when you're ready for a formal welcome - I'll shout you a quiet Coopers.

Newcastle (the secondary one, not the original)

That would be Newercastle, then.

I've moved into a new flat for 3 months whilst they tear out and rebuild the bathroom and kitchen. I transferred my internet access to the new place, and they're saying it's working. But I can't find the phone outlet to plug in to. Aagh!

Rule of Nomenclature No. 1: Never call anything new "New anything". New College Oxford is more than 700 years old. Newcastle-upon-Tyne got its name in 1080.

real estate agent (realtor for Mericans)

FWIW, we call them that too.

In my all-too-practised opinion, the coast road is Not A Fun Way to get from Brisbane to Sydney. The New England route looks longer on the map, but takes less time and is actually quite a nice trip. Apart from what the denizens of Tenterfield laughingly refer to as coffee.

Your timing is shit, John. Had you arrived in Sydney six months ago I would have been glad to introduce you to some well-hidden culinary secrets. Let me know if you're coming to Auckland 8-)

I had to go via Newcastle, so the inland route was not an option.

Csrster: is that a postmodern view?

By John S. Wilkins (not verified) on 03 Feb 2009 #permalink

Glad to hear you arrived safely after such a long haul. Since you're so far away I can say that it made me think of a movie title - "Wheezy Rider" (or something like that)

By Ian H Spedding FCD (not verified) on 03 Feb 2009 #permalink

Cool. What's your bike?
I'm keeping a list of scientists (and now I guess, philosophers of science) who ride. I can't tell if if my survey is biased but I know a lot of biologists with motorcycles.

Hey! I'll be in Sydney for a conference (HDA '09) at UNSW Feb 16-20. Would love to meet up for a beer & chat. Have some info on the new Centre for Science & Values here at Western.