A big train set

This post is about my first of impressions of Germany. Well technically I've been here before when I was five, but I'm not counting that.

You know how in flight simulators there's always at least one hot-air balloon floating around somewhere near the camera viewpoint? I always assumed that was because it makes the scene look cool; but now I'm not so sure. My first morning here, and I've already seen at least three.

You know how model train layouts always look too clean, tidy and well-planned to be real? I always assumed those were just the inevitable unrealities of the model train world; but now I'm not so sure. I've felt all day like I'm in a Märklin brochure, or a Lego town.

There's more I'd like to say, but the 8hr timezone shift is making me go cross-eyed while trying to type, so I'll just leave you with some photos. Suffice to say, very happy to be here and feeling very well looked after.

Strip that Willow

Yes, that's a full set in our tiny appartment - five couples, counting Sal and me. When asked to run a bushdance for some Aussie flavour at Alice and Michael's wedding in Germany, we thought it only proper to stage a practice run. Our dhal-night friends, being the good sports and get-up-and-into-it movers that they are, kindly obliged us; Sal did a great job of instructing and calling, and a good time was had by all. I was too busy stripping (the willow), polkaing with both heel and toe, waving at Bondi and, um, drongoing to get many good shots, but you get the idea.