The Land Down Under
It doesn't really help with packing light when the guide book says "expect four seasons in a day" in Melbourne, Australia. It was in the 40's when I woke up one morning. Then it hailed around noon. It got to the 80s in the afternoon. Finally, it showered right before I went to bed. Wicked, wicked weather. That's about the only thing I find unpleasant in Australia. Otherwise, getting used to driving on the "wrong" side of the road was a little tricky, but adaptable. I wish I had more time in the actual "outback" of Australia; I don't think 2 days on a farm really counts, though I was more than glad to get away from urban heck.
My writer and I spent 3 weeks in Melbourne, 3 days in Sydney, 3 days in Brisbane and 5 days in Perth. We finished a total of 4 assignments in some 40 days, which is waaaaaay too long, especially if you've only married a year ago.
Another consequence of the married life is, let's say, a financial strain. Right before I left, I convinced Alice that I needed a Canon 5d. Fortunately, she said yes rather quickly. Unfortunately, I will not have any more gifts for any occasion for the next 5 years...
I must say, however, the 5d is a pleasure to work with. Most of the time, I had a ultra-wide on it and a mid-tele on the 20d. It feels more natural, not to mention personal, with one's own equipment. I hate to dog the D2x, but I suppose I'll never get used to Nikon equipment. By the way, I finally made cover of the magazine for the first time in 2.5 years. The long strip followed by the cover is the actual layout as it appears in the magazine. You can tell that I'm quite proud, can't you? |
