Travel & reading

Back in Europe I was used to driving to work every day - I didn't have any good alternative as we didn't live near a metro station (in RO) and parking was free and not a major issue (that was 4+ years ago). 

When we came here, things changed. If not close to a train station, the available option is to drive to the train station/or walk, and take the train to the CBD. 

If you want to park in the CBD it will cost you - I'm not aware of any free parking excluding some areas in Port Melbourne (ok if working in Docklands/Southbank or Port Melbourne). If two people in the family work in the CBD and can travel together, it probably will cost same or less than taking the train, but that is not the case here.

So, after years with 1-2-3 hours a day lost in traffic, I could use the travel-to/from-work time for something else.  

My choice was not to join the candy, brain crash or other lollipops crush thing (never played, but many people on trains are either checking their face books or crushing .... things, not that I checked them but when it is crowded inevitably you get to notice these things). Not judging them, everybody makes its own choices, just saying I didn't go that path :)

So one of the things I rediscovered here in Australia is reading. Even though I'm not spending much time on the train, using this time to read makes the trip less boring and if a good read you might also learn or discover few interesting things. 

2-3 years back I got the first e-reader which made things easier. No need to carry a book, it is light (before getting it I tried to use the iPad but it gets heavy after few pages) and as easy as few clicks to get a new book.

The good thing I discovered some time back was that most or all of the libraries around Melbourne have an option to borrow ebooks, and the best part is that it is (for now) free.

So all you have to do is register with the library in your area (you'll get a card/pin number etc) and you can use a DRM software (eg Adobe Digital Editions) to borrow books and transfer them to your e-reader (after the initial setup, if your e-reader is supported; Kobo is).

Your local council website would have a link to the libraries, however there is also a website where you can see all of them Library link Victoria.

Enjoy ! and if you have any suggestions of good reads please let me know.