In our short time in Sydney, we have witnessed 2 major (well, one is major, the other not such a big deal) events in Australia's history. The first is the overthrow of the former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, who served as PM since 2007. His ratings had steadily gone downhill since his election and it seems most people who were fans of him in the beginning are now very much opposed to his policies. The overthrow happened fairly quickly and did not involve a vote of the people or re-election (although one will take place in the coming months). In a matter of a day, Kevin Rudd was challenged and forced by his labor party to step down and Julia Gillard was sworn in as the leader of the Labor Party, as well as the Prime Minister of Australia. Julia is the first woman to hold this office, the first PM to never have been married and the first foreign-born PM since 1915 (she was born in Wales). A lot of firsts! She is dating a male hairdresser and there are constant jokes and stabs about her fiery red hair and unique personality.
So, the Labor Party here would be close to our Democrats and the Liberal Party is close to our Republicans...I think...it's confusing. But, it seems like there isn't a fine line between the two - within both parties are far right and far left wing policies. So, it's hard to compare them with American politics. Another interesting thing is the PM's can hold office for as long as they are elected, unlike our Presidents who are only allowed 2 terms. Ok, enough politics!
The other history-making thing is that Sydney experienced it's coldest weather in 61 years!! It dropped down to 4.3 degrees (Celsius) which is only about 40 degrees (Fahrenheit)...but still!! It's very cold for us, but we're surviving. Zach is enjoying a round of golf in the sun while I'm sipping my tea and trying finding a place to stay when my mom comes in July. It'll be here before we know it!
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