Day 15- our local beach

Ry and I walked the beach today. (Our local beach is only 4 minutes away- driving, and 15 walking.) It is gonna ROCK during the summer!

lunch on the beach... noice day

Week Two (day 14) Bay-be, yeah!

I am quickly learning that if I don't update every couple of days, I kinda of forget to talk about certain things....I am not great at all this talking about the random stuff I do all day. BUT, last night was exciting for me, I got to see Coldplay rock Sydney! JRev came along with me, and we had a good time. They played all their good songs- some well known, some songs only true fans would know, and a couple of covers. When they came out for the encore, they were sporting Socceroos t-shirts, and the crowd went wild. Chris even changed the lyrics on one of the songs to support the Australians getting screwed over by that Italian penalty kick. If you have NO clue what I am talking about check this out.

I am really taking a stretch with Australian TV. They have several American shows here, but the filler shows are (for lack of a kinder word) horrible. If you have ever been to a country with a similar set up, you know that you end up watching shows you would NEVER watch otherwise. I am all about Big Brother- Aus version. And, they are showing Disney's 'High School Musical' on Saturday. I AM SO THERE! (as I hang my head in semi-shame). Thanks to a techhead boyfriend, he is hooking me up with my fav american shows( LOVING 'the hills' with Laguna Beaches' LC), but sometimes it takes a minute to download. I know that you might be wondering why I am sitting around watching the tele while I am here, but it's winter, and you have to something to do at night! Its too cold to be treking around the beaches, etc.

More pictures to come soon....

another rockin' view from the bus. Is it just me, or does the big S look a bit like the mediterranean?

My bus gets on the bridge to get into the city (noice!) note the tippy top of the Opera House. This guy (below) was playing the didgeridoo with techno mixed into the background. Tight!

Thumbs up for the Sydney Harbour Bridge and a smoosh for the Sydney Opera House.

Sydney Centerpointe Tower (above) , random drunk guy who kept on falling over on the bus, so I took a picture of him (below, note my cool green jacket!)

Day 7- one week strong!

They have run out of names!

There is an unfortunate problem happening here. The Australians have run out of names for their shops. So, they have started to add the word 'world' to whatever they are selling. A lot of the shops I have seen are suchandsuch world! Cartrage world! Sport World! I rue the day I see 'Meat World'. eww.

Well, congratulations are in order. I have made it a week here without death or dismemberment by a deadly insect, croc, or kangaroo. Yes, a 'Roo. They may look nice, but they are deadly! Like that rabbit in Monty Python and the Holy Grail! Gah!

It felt like a sauna in here our apartment for a copule of days because the hot water tap in the bathroom wouldn't fully turn off. Everything felt vaguely damp. My hair is a giant frizz puff because I didn't have a hair dryer, and no converter so I couldn't straighten my hair either... but I did a run to the mall today and got all those things. They probably thought some wild animal was loose in the mall, ma hair was so large and in charge.

Then, when I tried to get on the bus, it was like a game of double dutch. uh, is this my bus? does this go to DeeWhy? umm... (me walking up to bus and then changing my mind). I think I waited a full 45 minutes before I finally bit the bullet and just got on one and hoped for the best. I think anyone who has been to a foreign place has been though that feeling of impending bus doom. You never know whats going to happen if you get on the wrong bus.

Aus v. Brazil It's ON!

Man, its crazy here! The game is on at 2 a.m. local time, and you'd better believe that everyone is going to be up watching it. This is the second bid the World Cup the Socceroos have ever had, and they are full on with the fan support. I am personally going to take a nap before the madness ensues.

Day 5-

I had such a good day yesterday and today. I got to visit with friends and have lunch on Manly Beach. It was very idealic, and how I wish everyday could be... beach time, in a cafe while people watching. Overall I am settling into the basic everyday things. I am trying to figure out how to order my coffee. Thanks to my time at Starbucks, I have a princess drink (single, grande, 2%, vanilla latte). I would be happy with a regular latte, as long as its got loads of milk in it. Is that a short white? Someone tell me! I think I am going to have to ask someone in a cafe, but I don't want to look like a dorkus. (too late, eh?)

AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE! OI! OI! OI!

Days 2 & 3- Keeping it low key, but I found the Wal-Mart!

R and I walked around our new hood today. For those who have been jealous that I was moving to Aus, take heart, we live in a very unglamorous, working class part of town. Regardless, it was good to get out and see where stuff is- the grocery, the shops, etc. I still have not found one good cafe yet. I have to admit I miss the 'third place' that Starbucks is- they don't have many here. They don't really want you milling about at the cafes here. Boo to that.

Yesterday we did some badly needed shopping. Its cold here, and they DON'T HAVE CENTRAL HEAT in homes here, so you have to buy a portable heater. R, being a typical boy, was using a sleeping bag as his comforter. So, we had to go and buy some new pillows, a new 'dunna' (thats what they call comforters here) and towels. R took me to a shopping center, and thats when I discovered Wal-Mart- the Aussie version. Its called The Big W. It really is walmart corp, just redone for the Aus market, I guess.

I am currently freezing my arse off here. Because there is no central heating, you have to run around with a fleece and thick socks on at all times! I am kind of salty at B for telling me that the worst of the cold was over. LIES! ALL LIES! It's cold. NOT freezing, mind you, but think of how you would feel if you were in a constant state of 50 degrees at all times. Thats me, currently.

I am looking forward to tomorrow- heading to the city! We drove through on the way home from the airport, but I will get to run around and check things out. Its the weekend, and I imagine there will be tons of people milling about, and I love to people watch. Pictures to come soon!

Day 1- I GOT TO DRIVE!!!

{Okay, not really. I actually just got to park the car. But I am on my way...}

So, after a quick trip to Vegas, I am finally here in Sydney!!!! My flight was looooong, but rather good. There was a school group of 160 students that were in 6th & 7th grade on my flight. It was fun to talk to them. I brought UNO cards with me, so we all played and hung out. I didn't realize how much I miss working with kids until yesterday. Maybe I will get back to it someday.... I am very greatful that Qantas has an extensive entertainment system, it keeped me occupied most of the time.

We flew into Sydney just as the sun was rising. The kids 'oooed' and 'awwwed' their way through the decent and clapped when we landed. Ah, to be young again.

I haven't done anything too exciting today- we went to the grocery and, as I mentioned, I got to park the car when we got home. Good practice!

I will defintely write more tomorrow, and hopefully I will be back to my witty self. Over the past 3 days, I have only had 8 hours of sleep TOTAL, so I hope to get some good sleep tonight.