I’ve been on holiday in Hobart for several days now. When my husband and I first arrived at the airport, we jumped in a taxi. The driver was perhaps the most ocker person I’ve ever encountered and had an accent broader than Hobart itself. When we asked to be taken to Hobart he enquired, “Are you guys goin’ to the Big Smoke?”
He really said that. Outside of a Paul Hogan film, I didn’t think people still used that phrase. But I’m extremely delighted to report that they do.
And I love that ‘Hobart’ was not enough information but ‘the Big Smoke?’, well now we’re talking the same language!
At one stage during the drive in, we had to swerve to miss a burnt-out car, which was very exciting. Plus I find that abandoned, burnt-out cars send a nice welcoming message to visitors. Hobart Tourism should include them in brochures.
After we checked in to our hotel, we explored. It is truly a contradictory city, a capital city but with a small town mentality. For instance one of its main streets has a sushi restaurant nearby a lawn mower shop. You don’t see that on Sydney’s George St.
It’s these little quirks of the Apple Isle’s capital that make it so fun to visit. There is a simplicity here, but that’s entirely the charm. It’s a simplicity where things like food, beer, and people are good, and often very good.
I think I like it here in the Big Smoke.
