quicko: the lodge

I knew Australian culture was casual, but I must admit I was rather floored to learn their Prime Minister lives in a lodge, even if it does come with the definite article. It's their equivalent of the White House, but it's called, yes, The Lodge.

Are they having an identity crisis? Do they think they're Canadians? That he'll just drum up some foreign policy after shooting (make that mounting ...) the lone moose in the zoo?

Or perhaps it's the ski kind of lodge. You know, so he can draft economic stimulus packages after experiencing a real downhill ride of his own.

Whatever it is, it's home for Mr. Rudd. No wonder he keeps a spare place in Kirribilli.