I too moved to Hobart from Sydney, and will try this experiment.

Funnily enough, we did an exercise at the Transition Towns training, whereby we all rushed about, not making eye contact, as quickly as we could.  In fact it was difficult to make eye contact when you're busy trying not to bump into people, trying to guess where they'll step next.  Then, we progressivley slowed down, little by little.  I found a sort of calmness envolped me, and it was possible to make eye contact.  In fact, it was difficult not to smile when making eye contact.  The artificial 'strangerness' of the other people in the room seamed to be stripped away, simply by walking slower, and making eye contact.

Hobart is less manic than Sydney, and I'm sure the different pace, affects the people in a good way.

It is an easy place to share a smile.  This experiment should be a cinch.  I'll report back tomorrow.