Tasmania...

     Made it to the airport in Melbourne and caught our flight into Hobart...the land mass of Tasmania as we flew over was much greater than we'd expected. The airport is a very small affair and simple to negotiate...everything is right there, meaning baggage and rental cars...
     Got our car and now I'm hoping Vee's driving lessons will pay off...I haven't driven on the left side of the road since 1997 when I was in Australia last time...it is a bit tricky, everything is backwards...Vee's advise (which really helped) was just remember long rights and short lefts when you turn, roundabouts go to the left and when possible find another car to follow (let the Aussie's lead you)...so now the only thing I need to get use to is keeping track of where I am in my lane, this is harder than it looks. My 1st drive with Ken (within 2 blocks of their house) I smacked my sideview mirror against another cars and broke it...I was lucky I didn't smash in the whole side of the car! There sat Ken just as relaxed and easy going as ever, I of course was a nervous wreck...God I had already smashed there car and in only 10 seconds, not a good start. Anyway, after a couple days I think I have this down a little better...Nancy is now riding with her eyes open instead of tightly shut.
     Our 1st day in town was a little walking, a little driving and some exploring...kind of easing our way into Tasmania. We arrived the day after Boxing Day and all the restaurants were closed...we ended up buying some microwavable food from Woolworths and eating at the Orana House. Our walk was great, we found the little local community of Lindisfarne (just around the corner) and a lot of what was available in our area.
      On the 28th we got up early and ready for our day...The taste of Tassie starts today and the Sydney to Hobart big sailboats should start showing up today...we wanted to be there for the finish and get some pictures. We found the park and ride after a couple attempts (a lot of streets are one way here, so when you miss the turn there is a big loop you have to do), and decided to walk down to the wharf area where all the action is. We walked thru the area the boats will arrive in and watched them erecting the winners stand...lots of action and excitement...The Taste of Tas is just down the way and very easy to find, just follow the aroma of food...if its grown in Tasmania it is here and cooked to whatever style you can imagine...it looks to me like the specialties here are endless, fish, beef, lamb, pork and even kangaroo. The food was a tad expensive but we've found that to be true throughout Australia...by a tad I mean 40 - 50% higher than in the States...you don't have to tip but even without it still cost more.
     After checking out the food (most important) we wanted to find the entertainment venues...there is lots of music and street performers during the week and we hope to enjoy ourselves with lots of this and a little of that. We love all kinds of music and most of these street performers are either amazing or very funny...we love to laugh.
     The central business district (where the Taste Of is happening) is not very big and is surrounded by residential areas on one side and the Derwent River on the other. We took a little stroll up into one of the neighborhoods and found it to be very quaint and inviting. Nice homes that seem to fit perfect with the area and town.

wharf area

community center

museum

happy camper

B and B

cool street scene

music lover

work boat

genetics

large crowds

families enjoying the day

rockin grandma

red on red

bean bag park

big venue

Tall Ship

Frenzy Fish House

     Hobart will be a great base for us to discover Tasmania...our plans for the rest of today and tomorrow are to listen to some music, eat good food and be on hand when the winners arrive this evening...tomorrow more of the same and come back and check out all the boats that will show up while we are sleeping...