h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi!

I've had the pleasure of talking to a several Australians during my months on h2g2, but never to an Aussie who's braved the terrors of the Northern U.S. of A. as you have.

I'm a native Ohioan myself, so I understand the intricacies of balancing oneself on slippery ice and slush. It's rare for me to fall. I think the last time I did was over a decade ago. So ... worry not, with the practice of ... oh ... let's say about twenty more winters, you should be able to stand steadily upright with the best of us.

I was once sent by my employer to Minnesota for a five-day training session during January, which, of course, struck mortal fear in my heart. While Ohio is cold, Minnesota is FREAKING COLD. I'm sorry to say that there was an unusually warm weather pattern during my visit, so I wasn't able to get the full experience of painfully frozen extremities. Darn! I miss everything!

At any rate, you have my deepest sympathy for the suffering that you have most certainly endured at the hands of Minnesotans, guised as 3M salesmen. Doesn't everyone in Minnesota work for 3M? No?

It sounds as if you miss home and are finding your new place more than a little challenging. I'm curious, what brought you to the wilderness? (I hope you don't mind my asking.) Thanks for sharing your experiences in your introduction. I've enjoyed reading them and seeing some of the differences between our lands. I hope you'll have time to write more. I find it fascinating.

Lastly, but not leastly ... I'd like to extend a warm welcome to you, Aussie-type person. I hope you'll enjoy h2g2 thoroughly, make lots of new friends, and stay a long time ... no matter where in the world you may roam.

G'day Mr./Ms. Washcloth.

I really like your name there. These crazy Minnesotans are also brainwashing me with their country/western crappy music. I often find myself with the one obnoctious song stuck in my head all day.
I'm ashamed to admit it, but there is actually one that I like. No one can save you, there is no escape.

To answer your question, I am here on a one year working exchange through a company called Stablemate. I am living and working at a horse boarding and training stable. It is long hours of phyical outdoor work, but I am enjoying it, and the people I work and play with are really nice. I have made a few life-long friends too, one of which is a fellow Stablemate Exchange Slave from England.

I actually came to Minnesota for the snow. I have never seen it before and was really looking forward to it. I am looking forward to it again this winter. I will leave in the middle of winter early next year.

I was disappointed that the summer was so hot and steamy (just like home) I don't function well in that weather.

I don't really miss home that much. I do somewhat miss my family, cat, horse, snakes and swimming pool, but not heartwrenchingly so. I am much less homesick than I expected. The fact I am living with a family and they gave me a horse to ride has probably smoothed my exchange.

I haven't met a 3M salesman yet. Perhaps I should seek one out. What do they sell anyway?

If you would like to continue talking, here are some of my intrests, perhaps we have something in common, besides balancing on ice. I like reading Sci-fi and fantasy novels (why else would I be on a Douglas Adams site), I like cooking (Italian, Thai, cakes etc.), snorkeling and body surfing, horse riding and driving, and lately, Harry Potter Slash Fan fiction.

If you would like to discuss any of these, or anything else (I could tell you exaggerated stories about Oz) write back. It usually takes me a few days to reply, but I will (not my computer you see)

From the Aussie.