Twenty Questions

It seems the easiest way to begin our blog is with a little Q&A. These are all actual questions we've received, and are presented in no particular order:

1.Q: Why are you creating a blog? A: Marlys and I are moving to Melbourne, Australia, which is a long way from St. Paul. Almost literally on the other side of the world. So, thanks to the wonders of the world wide web, we're creating a blog as the most effective way to keep friends, family, and an as yet undetermined number of late night internet surfers current on our lives.

2. Q: Melbourne? Sounds Cool. A: Yes. It is cool in August, but hot in January. Sort of like Bizarro St Paul.

3. Q: When are you leaving? A: We're planning to go this summer. Exact time depends on the good graces of the US, Australian, Canadian and some local governments, as well as our ability to transition from our current jobs.

4. Q: Do you both have jobs awaiting you? A: Yes. Although the Australian dole does get high marks, they don't grant visas in the "shifty freeloader" category.

5. Q: What are you doing with your house? A: As of today (5 April 2007) we plan to rent it. But watch this space.

6. Q: What will your jobs be like? A: Pretty similar to the way they are now. Marlys will be the account executive for Melbourne, which includes western Oz. Matt will continue as corporate attorney supporting Asia-Pacific and corporate initiatives. The real change will be increased responsibility and working in a different culture.

7. Q: Can we visit? A: Yes. Although we ask visitors to bear in mind Oscar Wilde's comparison of guests and fish.

8. Q: When? A: Any time - rooms are first come, first served.

9. Q: Aren't you afraid of the box jelly fish, funnel spiders, king brown snakes, blue ringed octopi, etc. (thanks Jared and Corrina)? A: Only a little. These critters are rarely encountered in an office environment. But we'll heed Corrina's advice: "Watch out. They're deadly - and they can kill you too!"

10 Q: Why is your blog called "Alian Travels"? A: Title courtesy of our nephew Will. He was a bit nervous about Australia because when he was told it was full of Australians, he tuned out the first syllable. A few sleepless nights later, he was assured there is a real difference between "stralians" and "aliens". Although I think there is a lingering doubt there nonetheless. Fear not, Will! The only aliens in Australia will be resident aliens -- like us!

11. Q: Why Melbourne? Why not Sydney or somewhere else? A: Because that's where our work is. Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, was settled by regular people (i.e, not convicts), is the sporting capital of Australia (and if you know Australians, that says a lot), and did you know it's thrice been voted "World's Most Livable City" by no less an authority than The Economist?

12. Q: How long will you be gone? A: We've committed to two years. After that......

13. Q: Won't you miss us? A: Terribly.

14. Q: Will you get a sexy Australian accent? A: One can only hope.

15. Q: When will you come back to visit? A: Yes, Mom, we'll be back for Christmas. And as often as we can otherwise.

16. Q: Where will you live there? A: TBD. We'll be in temporary housing to start and look for a place to rent. Right now the only criteria is that we are on the ocean (Port Phillip Bay actually). We've lived in the dead center of the continent so long that we've earned an ocean view.

17. Q: How is the food in Australia? A: Just like the TV commercials tell you. Blooming onions, shrimp on the barbie, and Fosters three times a day. Seriously.

18. Q: Does the toilet really swirl backwards when you flush in Australia? A: Yes. And if you flush when directly over the equator it creates a rift in the fabric of time and space. I know. I've done it.

19. Q: No pictures, no links, no video. Why is this blog so lame? A: Agreed. Will learn to do all of the forgoing.

20. Q: Just what is "fair dinkum"? A: Don't know, but we will find out!