Southern Cross

Not only is Southern Cross a constellation in the sky as well as the stars on the Australian flag, it is also a small town in Western Australia. I am living in Southern Cross. The town is located about 3 1/2 hours east of Perth. I arrived on the train on Monday February 2nd just before lunch. Cheryl, a friend of the salon owners picked me up at the train station. She brought me to the local cafe which the salon owners also own. Lyn owns and runs the cafe. Harry owns the salon, and his daughter, Bec, manages it. Sam, another backpacker from England, is currently working at the salon. I am her replacement. She and her boyfriend Brad are leaving for Perth on Sunday morning. Right now they are living in the suite behind the salon where I will be living for the next 6 weeks. Currently I am staying with Lyn and Harry, and their son. Sam is showing me what I need to know for the salon since I will be there mostly on my own. Bec just had a baby a few months ago so she isn't real up to leaving her little one to come to work. Doesn't matter to me, I am fine working on my own. The salon is nice, and there is lots of room. I look forward to moving into my suite so I can have my own space. My accommodations are included with the job, as well as lunches. So far I am enjoying the town. It seems like a very friendly place. There was another Canadian working at the salon before Sam started. Everyone really liked her, so they are excited to see another Canadian. They already have to start looking for another stylist because I won't be here long and it can take awhile to find someone. So far it has been hot! On Tuesday the temperature got up to 43 degrees and even today seemed close to 40. I can tell I will be spending my days off either inside or swimming at the local pool. Everyday after work Sam and I go over to the cafe and play cards with Ray, a local. Sometimes Lyn joins in as well. Diana and Helen taught me the game while I was in Melbourne (can't even remember what it is called) so it didn't take me long to catch on again. Each of them thinks the others cheat so it is pretty interesting. After today, Ray is sure I am a card shark. He saw me deal and now thinks I count cards and worked in a casino. I didn't want tell him I learned from watching my big sister deal. But I don't do so bad at the game so he can think whatever he wants. Other than that, I haven't met too many people yet. I have done a few men's haircuts, mostly #2 clipper cuts to either miners or farmers. Everyone is really friendly. So far so good, even though I am counting down the days until Cairns.
Until next time,
Cindy