While our electronics have the paradoxical effect of leading us to feel so interconnected while isolating us from eachother, it seems that our reliance on an automobile just isolates us.  It has been quite an adjustment relying on public transportation.  Melbourne has an elaborate tram, train and bus system which is what we are relying on to get around.  Purachasing a "Myki" gives you acess to all these forms of transportation and we have already become old hands at taking the tram into the CBD.  At first the idea that we wouldn't have a car, wouldn't be able to just jump in and drive anywhere we wanted was very unsettling, leaving us feeling stranded and stuck.  I have to admit that there is still some of that feeling at times but looking at a road/street system where they drive on the left side of the road and have roundabouts everywhere I am thankful to have reliable publich transportation. 

Traveling by tram involves alot of walking and patience.  The trams run often and it is quite easy to get one, but they stop every few blocks so a 14K trip which would talk very little time to drive becomes at least a 45 minute ride.  This requires alot of planning a willingness to give up our impatient hurry to get every where quickly.  It also reaquires a willingness to be in contact with alot of other people - strange people, interesting people, smelly people, loud, kind, and rude people.  I didn't realize how isolated I have become living in the bubble of my car and house;  how little contact I have with other human beings being so connected to my car.  If nothing else this adventure may open my eyes to our interconnectedness (and shed a few pounds from all the walking).