Just a week into my stay in Melbourne I was waiting for a bus at a bus stop when a man started speaking to me.  “G’day mate”, he said, with a strong Australian accent.  “G'day”, I replied.  “How’re you going?", he continued.  “By bus”, I answered confidently.  The man suddenly paused before asking  the next question, “Are you ok?”.  “Yes, Sir, I’m fine",  I replied. The man then kept silent until the bus arrived.  I was worried I made an impolite reply so I told my friend what I had said.  He laughed and explained that I shouldn’t answer “by bus” because “how’re you going?” equals “how are you?” and you are supposed to answer “just fine”.

Different Pond  Different Fish

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I was employed in a remote place in Australia called Tennant Creek.  Before I left I had a small farewell party in the classroom.  I was expecting to shake hands with everyone in my class, but some of the girls approached and kissed me on the cheek.  I felt very shocked, but kissing on the cheek is just a way of saying goodbye to good friends in Australia.

HI!
Different Pond Different Fish is back - and with a change of editor.  As you know, Jools left IALF Bali last year for a job ‘down under’, and I am very pleased to take over her position.  We’ve got some changes for you in this issue, including a section focusing on academic writing.  You’ll also find your old favourites, too, like Ask Bruce and Sheila, Bundhowi’s fantastic cartoons and, of course, your letters.  I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to this issue.  I hope you enjoy it and that you find the information useful.