Oops...

I felt the same way. My internet connection was down I thought the modem went bad. So I was ready to call my provider and have them come out to check. I figured before I make a call I'll check the cable line and sure enough it was just a bad connection. I cleaned it and had my internet back.

Wow, "trepidation" that's a big word for an Aussie.

Who's an Aussie?  I came from England but have been here 46 years, married an Aboriginal girl, plus I had convict ancestors who settled here in the early 1800's after their sentences were complete. 

That makes me a Pomoriginal.

Fancy that, eh!  One distant relative stole a hat in England, and for his crime he was sent to the best country in the world.  'Tis hardly a punishment, really.  True, the first 5 years wouldn't have been easy, but after that he was a free man who did alright for himself in business.

Yeah, but back then Australia was one huge penal colony with some fairly tough conditions.... and the trip out here, in the hold with 200 - 300 other prisoners, was no 14 day cruise, either.  For many, being hereded ashore in Botany Bay was the first time they saw daylight in 3 - 4 months or more.

So no, being sent to Australia wasn't necessarily better than jail.  However, those who survived those rigours went on to have better lives than many of those prisoners/former prisoners left behind in England.

And to think, Jafo may well be descended from a loaf of bread stealer.

Always soooo relevant...