Arrived!

Got here yesterday after an interminable flight! Watched three movies, slept a little, read, walked up and down and mostly yearned to arrive. There were a number of folks bound for the Parliament on the flight with me - a contingent of Sikh men in turbans were just a few rows back and a number of Hasidic Jews were not far in front. Just the beginnning of this interreligious bonanza! When we did finally arrive it was to a gorgeous summer Melbourne day. Sunny and temperatures in the 80s. After finding my hotel and getting showered, I spent the afternoon walking all over this beautiful city. It reminds me of a cross between San Francisco and London! And I could get used to this summer weather with no problem! Although it does seem weird to be seeing Christmas trees and lights and hearing Christmas carols in the shops as I walk around in sandals and short sleeves! I happened to walk right by the Anglican Cathedral just as they were doing Evensong so stopped in and chatted with the Dean after the service.

The Parliament begins this evening, so will get registered this afternoon and then we're off. Fortunately I do have much of today to continue some sight seeing. Going to take the free tourist shuttle bus that goes all around the city so that I can take in some sights that are not so close to my hotel.

More later.