Running on sand

Since my last post I've done a bit of a beter job at settling into Oz life: I've experienced my first beach BBQ, my first night out in Fremantle, my first swim in the ocean (its not as cold out here as in Melbourne) and I've accidentally added 'eh' on the end of a sentence more than once (which is more Kiwi than Ozzy, but close enough) AND miricle of miricles I still have managed to escape getting sunburned! I mean I have to wear factor 30 to bed, but still I'm quite proud.
The hostel has become incresingly friendly over the last week as well- I now have a group of friends to spend my non working hours with. I finally had a break through on this front with several beers and a pack of Uno cards- suddenly realising that everyone else was waiting for someone to organise an activity that would give us an excuse to talk to each other. I think this is a result of there being too many English people here- the much more diverse South Am backpacker culture would rip your arm off on the way in to befriend you. Anyway, that hurdle hurdled and we were away... enjoying my first night out here, but suprised that flip flops and boardshorts are unwelcome pub going attire (unlike England where they are welcome)... who knew the Australians were so highly strung?! I wont be doing much Amber Necter sampling out here either as the prices are through the roof- think London priced and add a couple of quid for a beer!
Since that night out there have been daily trips to the beach or swimming which is nice as I only work evenings and afternoons so can go with them all in the morning.
Work continues well- I've even managed to persuade my workmates to come for a night out this Friday after work... they've never done it before but we're planning on getting a box of Goon (box wine) and then heading into the bright lights of Freo! You never know... it migh become a weekly thing!
And the hostel fills up with new people everyday: I'm currently sharing my bunk bed with a violin playing Texan (very odd- doesn't take off his boots to sleep and insisted on playing a drinking game subistituting Cheddar for beer). Unfortunately the token German in our room (who nearly died laughing when I told him about Imke's love of the word 'Schiebenkliester') has moved on. But new people come in everyday.
And I've even managed to keep up with my running training out here- still a huge luxury after so long in third world countries where exercise really wasn't a possibility. I've even managed to factor some beach running in- something I'm really going to miss when I get back to Blighty I fear...