G'Day From Australia, Mate

That's right, Sarah and James have started their next Foreign Service tour and they've landed in Canberra, the cute, small town national capital of Australia. They reckon it's going to be a great place to live for the next three years.

Where are they living? What does it look like? Glad you asked. Canberra is one of those planned, green, efficient cities that some countries create specifically to be their federal capital. Looking at you, Brasília.

Let's start with the basics, the house and neighborhood. Here's their cute house. Except it's not their house. You know the drill: no giving up your location to the enemy. So, it's not their house. But it could be. Similar. Except, not.

Residential areas of Canberra are classic suburban. Elliot with ET could fly by on a bicycle. Subdivisions have friendly names, apartment buildings.

Oh, yea, a bunch of these things. Go left!

Planned can be good. Planned means room for green spaces, bike paths, nature. Don't forget to recycle. And compost. And rubbish. Check out the grass. It's astroturf. Canberra borders the outback and tilts to dry, especially during the summer. Why mow when you can vacuum?

That dry climate influences the architecture. Squint and you're in Palm Springs, California.

Going past astroturf and embracing rocks and 80s modern style. Proclaiming the style and edict of low density living. Enjoy yourself, now follow the rules.

Breaking the rules. A little artistic expression and spirit, peeking out from a bridge underpass. Spray it!