Another insight is that the Queenslanders figure that everyone who comes from outside the state is a foreigner. This is great as it puts you on the same footing as most everyone else in town. I have a sneaking suspicion that Queenslanders (like the rest of us?) generally think that everyone aside from their mates is a gumby/plonker/insert your phrase here. This is another bonus because it means that you won't be treated any worse than the locals treat each other. In fact, everyone has been extremely welcoming.
We're up in the tropics here - remember everything is upside down so "up is hot" and "down is cold". Having lived in Hong Kong for six and a half years, I really enjoy the slower pace here. People actually talk to you in stores, at the pool, everywhere. There is a lot of stuff going on. The locals have places to go and people to see, it's just that they know it will get done tomorrow if it doesn't get done today. A lot like South East Asia, and it's quite relaxing. Of course, I'm not sure if I would locate a factory here!
You know, I have never built a factory anywhere, but for some reason, it is always a consideration I have when I arrive in a new place. Would I build a factory here? Would I invest in this economy?
Lots of backpackers come
through Cairns!
A little known
fact...
there are more pools in Queensland than
Ireland.