Hornsby

[miladycarol]

This afternoon, I ventured out on my own. I strolled to the train station, purchased a return ticket to Hornsby, and set off to explore new territory. Along the way, the train passed Normanhurst and some other very lovely suburban areas full of nice houses nestled in beautiful green trees. It was a much nicer ride than the one to the city.

In Hornsby, I headed for the Piazza on Florence Street. Hey, that's what they call it. It's not very Italian, but it sounds great. There is a beautiful multi-clock fountain in the centre. The water powers several different types of hydro-driven clocks. It's quite a centrepiece. All around it is a large mall complete with sidewalk cafés and grocery stores. There's even a Borders and a Starbucks. Little glimpses of home... although it's far warmer here than home in the moment. Our high was 86 degrees F as opposed to your 39 degrees.

Cultural note: For those that aren't aware, even public schools here require their students to wear uniforms. Each school as its own colour scheme and style. I greatly approve of this as, in my own experience, the uniform takes a great deal of pressure off those of us who may be low income and are not able to afford the right styles and name brands. I would just happen to "forget" about dress-down days where we could eschew our uniforms for our casual clothes. Ooops. *grin* Although I'm grateful for that minor equalizer, I still will never wear neither plaid nor pleats. Ever. Just sayin'.

Weather report: Ever since the first official day of summer on December the first, the weather has been acting the part. We switched from nightly thunder and lightening storms with temps no higher than 65 or 70 degrees to in the mid 80's. I've purchased a straw sun hat and begun wearing my miniskirts.

Miscellaneous notes: I continue to pass a chain of stores named General Pants Co. Each time I walk by their door, I only see tops. No pants. Surely, they must have originated in Gondor.

I shopped in an honest-to-goodness, old fashioned K-Mart. Yes, folkes, they are not an extinct species all over the world, just in the US. Down under, there are no evil Wal-Marts!

Comments

[cmdr-zoom.livejournal.com]

I keep hearing this about school uniforms and their intended effects. I've never been to a school with a uniform code, and as a classic introvert, I never really cared about fashion until adulthood; it just wasn't on my radar. That said, I've heard (and would tend to believe) that if the clothing is standardized, humans will find other things to use as social markers and establish pack heirarchy. As noble a thought as it may be, you can't get rid of alphas and omegas just by making them all dress alike.

[miladycarol.livejournal.com]

I completely agree. But, it was one less thing about which they could point and laugh. I was still the bottom of the heap, but that was where I was going to be regardless. They couldn't mock me for my grades, learning ability or clothes. They found other things, yes, but they were personality flaws. As a child, I can work on my personality and change how I present myself in the public eye, but I cannot change my parents social standing nor their ability to buy the "right" clothes.

[gwyd.livejournal.com]

My uniforms were used and had things like frayed hems. They seldom fit. I still had the wrong shoes. It isn't any better. Trust me.

[karinablack.livejournal.com]

I love the idea of school uniforms!!!