Glad you asked cause I just got back from my first visit. And, I can sum up the experience by saying it was much better than I expected.
I guess that’s why you need to go someplace before you can really have a valid opinion.
For instance, when I hear people say things like, “I hate the US.” And, believe me, I’ve heard a few people say that! I simply respond by asking, “Have you ever been there?”
Everytime I’ve asked the question, I get the same answer, “No.”
“Then how can you say you hate it?” I quickly respond wanting to make them justify their ridiculous assertion.
Then they start to falter usually saying something like, “Well, I don’t like Americans so I wouldn’t want to go where most of them live.”
“Ok, so you’re telling me you’ve met all americans?” I ask.
“No.”
“Then how can you say you don’t like them? In essence, you’re saying you don’t like every single American. How can you say that when you haven’t met them all? How can you say you don’t like someone you’ve never met; someone you know nothing about? The only thing you know is they live in the USA. That’s it. And for that reason alone, you don’t like them?”
They’ve usually turned around and walked away by this stage.
Well, this scenario sort of applies to me. You see, I had no inclination to go to Tasmania. Why go? It’s probably just the same as mainland Australia. Nothing special to see. Just the same old thing.
Wrong. BEEP! BUZZER! Do not pass go. Do not collect $200!
Tasmania is special. It is different. It is worth going there. I’m glad I went.
We only visited the Hobart area. Going to the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, Salamanca Markets, old town Richmond, Port Arthur, Bruny Island, Kingston, Sorell, and Huan Valley.
I was taken back by many things about Tasmania such as …
How is seems to be just the right size. Goldilocks (just right) population and land. Just the right amount of people. Not overcrouded, but not deserted. Plenty of land. One of the smallest Australian states yet it’s huge. Come on folks, how much land do you need?
Bruny Island alone is the size of Singapore. Bruny’s only got a few hundred people on the island. Singapore has … say 4 million and counting! (check my numbers here).
I think I heard a tour guide tell us Tasmania’s total population is about 500,000. That’s it. Plenty of people, yet plenty of room.
And, the landscape? The scenery?
Does the word “Gulp” mean anything to you?
Well, when I saw the Tasmanian scenery, I gulped. A lot. And, we were only visiting the Hobart area. I would imagine there may be more than a few Tasmanians who would whisper in my ear … “You ain’t seen nothin yet. Wait till you see the rest of the island!”
The place took my breath away. Jaw dropping views. Rolling hills-mountains everywhere. Seemed like all the homes had either a mountain view or a water view; many had both. The water view could be a river, a lake, a gulf or the ocean; or any combination thereof. How about I summarize by saying … picturesque scenes at every turn.
I can see why folks want to live in Tasmania.
“How about the weather? A bit cold?” I hear you ask.
Naw.
Ok, it was a bit chilly at night but the days were mild. Especially considering it’s the middle of winter. But, I saw folks walking around the mall with no jackets, jumpers, sweaters or coats. A lot were just wearing tee-shirts.
I’ve got to admit, it’s was a bit too cold for tee-shirts but nothing like the winters where I grew up. Back in the north east coast of the USA, winter means cold – very cold – for 3 solid months. And, winter also comes with the appropriate amount of snow. Lots of it. Shoveling snow gets old after a while. Especially, when you have a 300 foot driveway!
I didn’t notice any snow in Tasmania (except maybe on the top of Mt Wellington!). And, this is fine by me.
Tasmania, great spot. The locals told me not to tell anyone. Too late.