It's 7:29pm on Friday night in Auckland.
I've arrived! I don't have much time to write since I'm on some pre-paid internet usage thing (and since I'm exhausted and hungry), but I wanted all of you to know that I made it to New Zealand!!!!
I've got to tell you a little bit about last night before I go into today...I got back last night from taking a shower (so I didn't have to get up earlier than 4:30am to get the airport) and I had a new roommate in the room! Her name is Erin and she was super excited that I was going to New Zealand since she considers herself a Kiwi (all New Zealander's are called Kiwi's...fyi). She was born in Australia, but grew up in NZ and still loves it! She called herself a gypsy since she hasn't lived anywhere for more than a year for a long time. She was most definitely the most unique person I have met thus far. She talked really fast and reminded me ( I just figured out who) of how quick Cambree used to talk back in like 6th grade...Oh, I just realized most of you don't know who that is. Anyways, it was funny seeing her interact with Marika! Haha, let's just say there were two opinionated people that didn't see eye to eye...
Anyways, the thing just buzzed so I got to go! More later, I promise!
-Lisa
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Last Day in Sydney!
It's 3:47pm on Thursday and I'm getting ready to fly to New Zealand tomorrow!!! My flight leaves bright and early at 7am and I'm flying on Air New Zealand. I arrive in Auckland at 12pm and the time bumps up another 2 hours....so this means that I'm about 19 hours ahead of everyone on the west coast!!! Whoa! Anyway, I'm staying at the City Garden Lodge...so we'll see how that goes. It has high ratings and is pretty cheap, which is what I'm looking for. I've already sent out a few applications and I'm just super stoked to get my butt out of here and start a job! It's going to be a bit cooler...but hopefully it won't last long!
I'll write to you all tomorrow or over the weekend once I have some New Zealand stories. But for now...it's back to the laundry and packing and all that fun stuff!
-Lisa
I'll write to you all tomorrow or over the weekend once I have some New Zealand stories. But for now...it's back to the laundry and packing and all that fun stuff!
-Lisa
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Yet another wonderful day exploring Sydney!
It's 6:41pm on Wednesday...
I didn't write about yesterday because I didn't really do anything super great. I kind of hung out, finished my book, ate 2 fabulous meals (pad thai and a stracchieta--which is a flatbread/pizza--at one of the best Bakeries in Sydney according to Marika) and spent some time in the park. But there was one more awesome thing to point out...they had what they call a "blood moon" here! Basically is was some type of rare eclipse that turns the moon red! It was amazing! I tried to take a picture...but that definitely didn't work. It took about 1 and a half hours last night, so I kept getting up and looking at the window.
Today I woke up decided that I wanted to follow another one of Marika's suggestions by going to Palm Beach. Palm beach is way north of Sydney, and is apparently where all of the British tourists go because there's an Australian Soap Opera that is famous in England and is filmed there. The bus ride is about 1 hour and 40 minutes, but I definitely didn't mind because I was able to see so much of the coast and North Sydney on the ride. The beach was beautiful, of course! But it was different than the Southern beaches in that the sand was a darker color. I could also tell that this area was more upper class than Bondi or Coogee. I put my feet in the water (and some of my pants on accident) and then decided to ride back and stop at some of the towns along the way. I bought the bus ticket and then asked if it would be all right if I got off at some of the stops, but then got back on the same bus back to Central station. Nope. That's not how it works in Sydney. Next plan...
I got off at Central Station and decided I want to go East through the Surry Hills area, past Moore Park where the rugby and cricket stadiums are and maybe I'd end up in Randwick. Randwick is the area I passed on the bus back from Coogee beach the other day. Well after walking up a couple of hills and through a couple of miles (not exaggerating) of Centennial Park, I climbed another hill and found Randwick! This was about 2 and 1/2 hours later. So it was about 4pm and I hadn't ate since 10am and that was a muffin. I finally decided on some Doner and then maybe dessert! For those of you that don't know, Doner is basically lamb that is slowly cooked on a long metal rod and then placed in a gyro-style wrap with veggies. Sounds weird and looks gross, but is absolutely amazing! Just ask my brother! Anyway, this was still good but not near as good as I remember the Doner in Paris to be. It was kind of salty. So I had already decided that I would have to take the bus back, but I really wanted one of the miniature desserts I kept seeing all over the city. The place was called "The Sweet Spot" and every single thing looked amazing! I had to have the gal working come onto my side of the counter and tell me what everything was. I ended up having what she called a "Banofee" because it was a banana, cream and toffee tart. WOW! I actually took a picture...you'll see it! It was so amazing I wish I could send one to all of you!
Here are the pictures from today:
-Lisa
I didn't write about yesterday because I didn't really do anything super great. I kind of hung out, finished my book, ate 2 fabulous meals (pad thai and a stracchieta--which is a flatbread/pizza--at one of the best Bakeries in Sydney according to Marika) and spent some time in the park. But there was one more awesome thing to point out...they had what they call a "blood moon" here! Basically is was some type of rare eclipse that turns the moon red! It was amazing! I tried to take a picture...but that definitely didn't work. It took about 1 and a half hours last night, so I kept getting up and looking at the window.
Today I woke up decided that I wanted to follow another one of Marika's suggestions by going to Palm Beach. Palm beach is way north of Sydney, and is apparently where all of the British tourists go because there's an Australian Soap Opera that is famous in England and is filmed there. The bus ride is about 1 hour and 40 minutes, but I definitely didn't mind because I was able to see so much of the coast and North Sydney on the ride. The beach was beautiful, of course! But it was different than the Southern beaches in that the sand was a darker color. I could also tell that this area was more upper class than Bondi or Coogee. I put my feet in the water (and some of my pants on accident) and then decided to ride back and stop at some of the towns along the way. I bought the bus ticket and then asked if it would be all right if I got off at some of the stops, but then got back on the same bus back to Central station. Nope. That's not how it works in Sydney. Next plan...
I got off at Central Station and decided I want to go East through the Surry Hills area, past Moore Park where the rugby and cricket stadiums are and maybe I'd end up in Randwick. Randwick is the area I passed on the bus back from Coogee beach the other day. Well after walking up a couple of hills and through a couple of miles (not exaggerating) of Centennial Park, I climbed another hill and found Randwick! This was about 2 and 1/2 hours later. So it was about 4pm and I hadn't ate since 10am and that was a muffin. I finally decided on some Doner and then maybe dessert! For those of you that don't know, Doner is basically lamb that is slowly cooked on a long metal rod and then placed in a gyro-style wrap with veggies. Sounds weird and looks gross, but is absolutely amazing! Just ask my brother! Anyway, this was still good but not near as good as I remember the Doner in Paris to be. It was kind of salty. So I had already decided that I would have to take the bus back, but I really wanted one of the miniature desserts I kept seeing all over the city. The place was called "The Sweet Spot" and every single thing looked amazing! I had to have the gal working come onto my side of the counter and tell me what everything was. I ended up having what she called a "Banofee" because it was a banana, cream and toffee tart. WOW! I actually took a picture...you'll see it! It was so amazing I wish I could send one to all of you!
Here are the pictures from today:
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| Palm Beach and Eastern Walk |
-Lisa
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Pictures!
I'm having a rough time trying to get all my pictures uploaded onto this blog, so I decided to use the photo album option that's attached to my gmail account called "Picasa". This way you can click on the picture and see it up close/bigger. Here's the link to all of the albums I created (so far):
Hopefully this works! I'll keep putting pictures up there and hopefully I'll put a link in future blog posts that can link to specific albums. I haven't put any captions on the pictures yet either...that'll be later too!
-Lisa
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| First Week in Sydney |
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| Coastal Walk |
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| Parramatta River Ferry Ride |
Hopefully this works! I'll keep putting pictures up there and hopefully I'll put a link in future blog posts that can link to specific albums. I haven't put any captions on the pictures yet either...that'll be later too!
-Lisa
Monday, August 27, 2007
The Ocean
It's Monday night at 9:02pm! I woke up to more sunshine this morning, which definitely put a smile on my face. Once I finally got going, I went for breakfast at the cafe (James Pitt's) around the corner. I can't believe I hadn't noticed it before! After a cappuccino and a bacon and egg roll I made some phone calls and other necessary crap like seeing if my phone will work in New Zealand...yes, but I have to buy another SIM card there and I have to pay a large unlocking fee. I also found out that I should hear about my visa in 1-5 business days, so I'll definitely know sometime this week! Whew!
After getting my butt in gear, I grabbed my suit and a towel and took off for Bondi beach again! It had to have reached 80 here today because I was warm in my tank top and skirt. Marika told me about this great hike/walk along the coast from Bondi beach to Coogee beach, so I figured that would be something fun to do today. Oh my God! If any of you ever come to visit Australia, this walk is on the top of your list along with seeing the Opera House! It was that awesome!!! I took a ton of pictures and there wasn't a cloud in the sky so it was just a beautiful day. I passed quite a few beaches and walkers/joggers/and hikers of all ages. It took me about an hour and a half or maybe 2 hours, but I was walking at a leisurely pace and I stopped several times to take in the moment. It was as beautiful as Malibu (in California), but without all the smog! So even better! I definitely saw some of the neatest houses I've ever seen too. At one point I was walking through a quiet area with a lot of vegetation on the hill side and I heard some sort of slithering sound. I was like, WTF is that? I looked down and there was this snake-like salamander that was literally slithering on the ground! It must have been as long as my forearm, or just under a foot long! I've got a picture so I'll try and put it up ASAP!
I finally finished the walk and got my legs into the water for a few minutes--it was still freezing--and then tried to decide what I was going to do next. I ended up going to this cafe, another thing Marika told me about--that is just off Coogee beach, and is called "Five-o" because they have a bunch of meals for just $5! She said the food was good too, so I decided to check it out. I got a side salad and a huge piece of lasagna...for $5! It was like I was in Vegas or something...
After eating I hopped on a bus all the way back to Circular Quay. I decided that since I bought the Daytripper pass I should use all of it's capabilities and get on another ferry for a trip around the harbour. Of course, being me I decided not to do the short trip but to take the longest one offered so I could see all of the harbour. The sun was setting and I didn't really think it was going to take too long...almost 3 hours later I got off the damn ferry, completely freezing my butt off! We went half way up a river for gosh sakes. I'm just glad I had already eaten or I would have been dying. The first half of the ferry ride was pretty cool though...it's fun too see all of the harbour lit up at night.
I'll try and post the pictures soon...
-Lisa
After getting my butt in gear, I grabbed my suit and a towel and took off for Bondi beach again! It had to have reached 80 here today because I was warm in my tank top and skirt. Marika told me about this great hike/walk along the coast from Bondi beach to Coogee beach, so I figured that would be something fun to do today. Oh my God! If any of you ever come to visit Australia, this walk is on the top of your list along with seeing the Opera House! It was that awesome!!! I took a ton of pictures and there wasn't a cloud in the sky so it was just a beautiful day. I passed quite a few beaches and walkers/joggers/and hikers of all ages. It took me about an hour and a half or maybe 2 hours, but I was walking at a leisurely pace and I stopped several times to take in the moment. It was as beautiful as Malibu (in California), but without all the smog! So even better! I definitely saw some of the neatest houses I've ever seen too. At one point I was walking through a quiet area with a lot of vegetation on the hill side and I heard some sort of slithering sound. I was like, WTF is that? I looked down and there was this snake-like salamander that was literally slithering on the ground! It must have been as long as my forearm, or just under a foot long! I've got a picture so I'll try and put it up ASAP!
I finally finished the walk and got my legs into the water for a few minutes--it was still freezing--and then tried to decide what I was going to do next. I ended up going to this cafe, another thing Marika told me about--that is just off Coogee beach, and is called "Five-o" because they have a bunch of meals for just $5! She said the food was good too, so I decided to check it out. I got a side salad and a huge piece of lasagna...for $5! It was like I was in Vegas or something...
After eating I hopped on a bus all the way back to Circular Quay. I decided that since I bought the Daytripper pass I should use all of it's capabilities and get on another ferry for a trip around the harbour. Of course, being me I decided not to do the short trip but to take the longest one offered so I could see all of the harbour. The sun was setting and I didn't really think it was going to take too long...almost 3 hours later I got off the damn ferry, completely freezing my butt off! We went half way up a river for gosh sakes. I'm just glad I had already eaten or I would have been dying. The first half of the ferry ride was pretty cool though...it's fun too see all of the harbour lit up at night.
I'll try and post the pictures soon...
-Lisa
Sunday, August 26, 2007
The First Sunny Day!
It's Sunday at 9:27pm and I am happy to have a friendly roommate! Her name is Marika and she's from the Netherlands. She's been in Sydney 2 and 1/2 years!!! She's going to the University (she never finished Undergrad earlier) and she's literally travelled everywhere. She's going into International Politics and she has already rattled off a shit load of info about Australia's government and laws, along with American policy! Very interesting...
I woke up to the church bells ringing this morning and cloudless sky! I'm sure it reached somewhere in the mid 70s today! I finally got going and decided to walk around in the sunshine until I decided what I wanted to do. I ended up strolling all the way down to the botanical gardens again and I just layed out on the grass and read my book. I can't tell you how awesome that was! There were tons of boats/yachts out on the harbour and everyone else was definitely either in the park or walking around the harbour. I decided that it would be really nice sometime in the future (when I have a ton of money), to rent a yacht for a month and drive it around Australia and New Zealand. Who wants to join me?!
When I finally sat up, I felt light headed and figured it was because I hadn't ate since like 9am (it was 2:30). I decided I would try and find the cheapest meal on the warf since I wanted to continue looking at the ocean. I scarfed down a sandwich and fries as I watched all the people walking on and off ferries. I've noticed that there are a lot of trendy girls, more girls than guys (at least it seems that way), and a lot of bad hair...but it's still better than the hair in Europe. I've also noticed:
-They use pumpkin in everything and there isn't one restaurant that doesn't have pumpkin soup.
-They use avocados alot...which is awesome!
-Every residential building I pass smells like curry.
-I didn't hear any American accents until yesterday at Bondi Beach.
So then I got on a bus, walked around the Queen Victoria Building and saw a movie before I came back to the Hostel. If I ever make any money "down under" I've decided I really want some opal earrings! There are opals and pearls everywhere. I saw the movie that came out in the states like a million years ago--"Amazing Grace." It's about the guy that abolished slave trade in England...very good! I once again just wanted to sit down for awhile and since there isn't a tv/vcr/dvd at the hostel, I went to the movies again. So it doesn't seem like I did much today, but maybe that's because I walked slower and I can tell because this is like the first day they haven't ached.
Anyway, I'm going back up to watch some more crappy Aussie soaps with Marika. Oh! But before I go, she told me a couple of things:
-There's this spider here called "Huntington" or something like that, that's as big as my hand and it's bite hurts really bad...but that's it. Ha! That's it? She said, "Well it doesn't kill you or anything." Ha...
-Apparently the Prime Minister here (Howard?) is called Bush's little cousin because he just copies everything our President does. And...Bush is supposed to be here in like a week and a half which apparently sucks because they literally have to shut down all of Sydney.
-And...she told me that an appeal or something is happening within the next couple of weeks to make things easier for Americans to travel/work in Australia! Ha! I might end up back here anyway!
Ok, that's all for now! Good night!
-Lisa
I woke up to the church bells ringing this morning and cloudless sky! I'm sure it reached somewhere in the mid 70s today! I finally got going and decided to walk around in the sunshine until I decided what I wanted to do. I ended up strolling all the way down to the botanical gardens again and I just layed out on the grass and read my book. I can't tell you how awesome that was! There were tons of boats/yachts out on the harbour and everyone else was definitely either in the park or walking around the harbour. I decided that it would be really nice sometime in the future (when I have a ton of money), to rent a yacht for a month and drive it around Australia and New Zealand. Who wants to join me?!
When I finally sat up, I felt light headed and figured it was because I hadn't ate since like 9am (it was 2:30). I decided I would try and find the cheapest meal on the warf since I wanted to continue looking at the ocean. I scarfed down a sandwich and fries as I watched all the people walking on and off ferries. I've noticed that there are a lot of trendy girls, more girls than guys (at least it seems that way), and a lot of bad hair...but it's still better than the hair in Europe. I've also noticed:
-They use pumpkin in everything and there isn't one restaurant that doesn't have pumpkin soup.
-They use avocados alot...which is awesome!
-Every residential building I pass smells like curry.
-I didn't hear any American accents until yesterday at Bondi Beach.
So then I got on a bus, walked around the Queen Victoria Building and saw a movie before I came back to the Hostel. If I ever make any money "down under" I've decided I really want some opal earrings! There are opals and pearls everywhere. I saw the movie that came out in the states like a million years ago--"Amazing Grace." It's about the guy that abolished slave trade in England...very good! I once again just wanted to sit down for awhile and since there isn't a tv/vcr/dvd at the hostel, I went to the movies again. So it doesn't seem like I did much today, but maybe that's because I walked slower and I can tell because this is like the first day they haven't ached.
Anyway, I'm going back up to watch some more crappy Aussie soaps with Marika. Oh! But before I go, she told me a couple of things:
-There's this spider here called "Huntington" or something like that, that's as big as my hand and it's bite hurts really bad...but that's it. Ha! That's it? She said, "Well it doesn't kill you or anything." Ha...
-Apparently the Prime Minister here (Howard?) is called Bush's little cousin because he just copies everything our President does. And...Bush is supposed to be here in like a week and a half which apparently sucks because they literally have to shut down all of Sydney.
-And...she told me that an appeal or something is happening within the next couple of weeks to make things easier for Americans to travel/work in Australia! Ha! I might end up back here anyway!
Ok, that's all for now! Good night!
-Lisa
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Saturday's Adventures
It's Saturday at 8:22pm now! I just went and to grab some food and figure out what I was going to do tonight. I headed toward Town Hall/QVB building because there always seems to be a lot of people and a lot going on. Well, it was almost all closed up but I found this amazing store! It was called something like "Woolworths" and it was like a Fred Meyer or something because it had everything in it! And it was 4 stories!!! Everything was priced really low too. I decided I needed something healthy since I hadn't had anything to great today. I ended up with a tupperware dish filled with 7 or 8 cooked chicken thighs (for $5), a thing of 4 different european cheeses (for $5.80) and a container with celery sticks, carrots and cherry tomatoes! All together, it was under $15 for probably more than 3 meals. I was very proud of my budgeting capabilities!
Okay, so I should have started with how I began my day, but first I forgot to tell you all how much the movie cost me last night: $12.50! WTF???!!!! That was the student price too! Anyway, I got up this morning and extended my stay at Alfred Park another night (I'm going to have to do that tomorrow too) just because it's easier to stay here than find another spot. They told me I had to move rooms though, to another all female room with one more girl. It's all the way at the top, bigger than the last one, but I can't hook up to the internet for some reason.
After moving everything I walked down to Central and got on the train to Bondi Junction. I was not about to leave Sydney without seeing this super famous surfing beach! I took the bus from the station down to the beach, which was awesome!!! The weather was actually pretty nice and there were a bunch of people out surfing. The waves weren't very big, but they all had full-on wet/dry suits. I took my shoes off and walked on some of the best sand I've ever touched...it was soooo soft! The water was really cold too. There were some great-looking cafes and restaurants down by the beach along with some fun surf shops. I took some great pictures so I'll get them up here A.S.A.P.
The other thing I really wanted to do today was ride on one of the ferries in Sydney harbour because my little transportation pass allowed it! I took the bus all the way back down to the harbour, passing a great area that I'll come back to. I just took the North Shore ferry that looped around something like Normal bay. I totally can't remember the name. Anyway, it was sweet! There were sailboats anchored everywhere and the condo/apartment buildings overlooking the water are awesome! The stops that the ferry made were at little docks where a couple people would hop on or get off. You would seriously have to be skilled to captain one of these boats.
Once I got back to the wharf I decided I really wanted to go back to the area I had passed on the bus: Oxford street and the Paddington area/suburb. There was this market (which in all originality was called "Paddington Market") that was set up by the church. I can't even explain how awesome it was! There were unique/hand made clothes by local designers, some of the best silver and beaded jewelry I've ever seen, Paintings, photos, food...and it was all multicultural and quality stuff! I looked at everything and then had to get out of there because I knew I could seriously do damage to the amount of funds I have. I continued to walk down Oxford street, stopping only to grab a cup of blood orange juice (naturally). This was definitely the hip and fun part of Sydney. I saw the University of New South Wales close by and just a billion different shops, boutiques and cafes.
I made it back to the Circular Quay station and came back to the hostel. That's when I wrote the last blog and checked out the room (which had 3 other girls in it). Now I'm back and 2 of the girls left and one is still here. She leaves early tomorrow morning and she has the heat cranked on so it's like 85 or more f-ing degrees in the room! How am I supposed to sleep in that? Anyway...there are a couple more random things I've noticed here:
-One of the suburbs is named "Tempe"
-The Sydney rugby team is called "The Sydney Swans"
Well, that's it for today!
-Lisa
Okay, so I should have started with how I began my day, but first I forgot to tell you all how much the movie cost me last night: $12.50! WTF???!!!! That was the student price too! Anyway, I got up this morning and extended my stay at Alfred Park another night (I'm going to have to do that tomorrow too) just because it's easier to stay here than find another spot. They told me I had to move rooms though, to another all female room with one more girl. It's all the way at the top, bigger than the last one, but I can't hook up to the internet for some reason.
After moving everything I walked down to Central and got on the train to Bondi Junction. I was not about to leave Sydney without seeing this super famous surfing beach! I took the bus from the station down to the beach, which was awesome!!! The weather was actually pretty nice and there were a bunch of people out surfing. The waves weren't very big, but they all had full-on wet/dry suits. I took my shoes off and walked on some of the best sand I've ever touched...it was soooo soft! The water was really cold too. There were some great-looking cafes and restaurants down by the beach along with some fun surf shops. I took some great pictures so I'll get them up here A.S.A.P.
The other thing I really wanted to do today was ride on one of the ferries in Sydney harbour because my little transportation pass allowed it! I took the bus all the way back down to the harbour, passing a great area that I'll come back to. I just took the North Shore ferry that looped around something like Normal bay. I totally can't remember the name. Anyway, it was sweet! There were sailboats anchored everywhere and the condo/apartment buildings overlooking the water are awesome! The stops that the ferry made were at little docks where a couple people would hop on or get off. You would seriously have to be skilled to captain one of these boats.
Once I got back to the wharf I decided I really wanted to go back to the area I had passed on the bus: Oxford street and the Paddington area/suburb. There was this market (which in all originality was called "Paddington Market") that was set up by the church. I can't even explain how awesome it was! There were unique/hand made clothes by local designers, some of the best silver and beaded jewelry I've ever seen, Paintings, photos, food...and it was all multicultural and quality stuff! I looked at everything and then had to get out of there because I knew I could seriously do damage to the amount of funds I have. I continued to walk down Oxford street, stopping only to grab a cup of blood orange juice (naturally). This was definitely the hip and fun part of Sydney. I saw the University of New South Wales close by and just a billion different shops, boutiques and cafes.
I made it back to the Circular Quay station and came back to the hostel. That's when I wrote the last blog and checked out the room (which had 3 other girls in it). Now I'm back and 2 of the girls left and one is still here. She leaves early tomorrow morning and she has the heat cranked on so it's like 85 or more f-ing degrees in the room! How am I supposed to sleep in that? Anyway...there are a couple more random things I've noticed here:
-One of the suburbs is named "Tempe"
-The Sydney rugby team is called "The Sydney Swans"
Well, that's it for today!
-Lisa
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