The post that got stuck in Drafts

MY BAD it's now February and I just found this post in my Drafts from December...LOL. Figured I might as well post it since it gives a bit more of an update of life here.

I feel as if every post starts off apologizing for my lack of writing...this one being no different. So it's been nearly a month since I've given an update on everything in the land down under!! I moved into my apartment on December 4th. The apartment is on George Street which is the main street downtown!! It's honestly so amazing to live in the middle of everything downtown; I love the energy and chaos and noise all around! We are so lucky to have a balcony overlooking the city as well!

Darling Harbour around Christmas time

Work has been keeping me busy; I work usually 6 days a week so it's been a lot, but it's good money! And oh boy do I need it to pay rent, and also attempt to save some money so I can travel. Speaking of work, a few weeks back I was working a banquet and made conversation with a guest who had asked where I was from. Turns out she has a sister who lived in Michigan...and lives in St. Clair Shores! GO FIGURE! She also said she got her engagement ring from the Ahee jewelry store on Mack and Oxford and I then explained to her I live on that street...how nuts!! There have been so many crazy connections like that..it really is wild how connected strangers can be, even from across the world.

As much as I love Sidebar, I have branched out from the hostel bar and have been exploring a bit more places at night. Been having lots of fun going to new places with friends! I've been here nearly two months now and I feel as if I truly live here now. This is my city and I'm starting to think like a local instead of a tourist. I love being able to help people with directions or transportation, because it confirms to me that I know what I'm doing here and that this is actually happening aka I'm really living in Sydney.

Christmas Eve Boat Cruise

Our wifi in our apartment has been pretty sketchy so I decided to suck it up and just pay for the $60 a month phone plan which gets me 500 mb of data a day..so basically 15 gb of data a month (that's a LOT), so now I can connect to social media and apps to talk to people from back home whenever I'd like. I wish I could just have three days straight so I could catch up with everyone from back home because I feel so clueless on everyone's life back home. It's weird going from UD where I am surrounded by my best friends 24/7, knowing absolutely everything, to now being 16-19 hour time difference, and not being able to easily pick up a phone and catch up. I need to get better about making plans to Skype and what not. To summarize, sorry if I haven't reached out to you, I promise I think about you all from back home ALL the time. The good news is my messaging is officially turned on and working so as long as it's blue, give my Australian phone a text!

The best part about Sydney is definitely the weather. I've adapted to Celsius since no one else in the world uses fahrenheit, but we've ranged from 20-40 degrees! There have been some crazy hot days and it's so unbelievable because uh..it's December! I'm so not used to this, but I absolutely love it!

'Snow Queens' on Christmas Eve in Darling Harbour

This past Wednesday was Christmas Eve, and my English friends and myself went on an Oz Cruise Party! We sailed around the Harbour for three hours and got an amazing view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, while also having unlimited free drinks and food! On Christmas we all went to Coogee Beach and had a bbq (if chips (crisps) and dip count as a bbq) on the lawn and just hung out all day! Defintely got caught in the storms later on...but made for a good day! My Christmas dinner of course consisted of Mcdonalds (take the girl out of the country, but can't come between her and Mcdonalds). Did a secret santa with the roommates, and also exchanged gifts with Lexi, making it feel a bit more like a real Christmas. Also, got a couple of packages from my mom with great essential items, thank ya mom, way to come through! Definitely a different feeling at Christmas this year with no snow, no traditional celebrations, and no familiar family and friends around, but still a great time. Everything here is going to be different from back home but it's just a matter of embracing it for what it is. This whole experience is going to go by way too quickly and that already makes me so sad! I can't believe in the next month or two I'm going to have to start seriously thinking about where I want to be placed for my second six months (Working holiday visa says you can only have one employer for up to six months, and as much as I love Sydney, I want to see more of Australia and do my second six months somewhere new). It will be winter when I move in May so I am planning on going somewhere north, maybe Gold Coast or Cairns, we will see! I have lots of time to figure that out.

Christmas Day at Coogee Beach

New Years Eve is this Wednesday, don't have many plans yet, but will figure it out! I work the following morning, so nothing too crazy, probably just enjoy the firework show over the city. How exciting it will be to ring in 2015 in Sydney with new friends!

As a closing, I will now get annoying and sappy about 2014. Truly what an emotional year! I was
challenged and overcame obstacles like never before with student teaching, felt like I got dumped by UD when they made us actually graduate, had to learn to live at home as a post-grad wishing everyday I could just go back to UD in the fall, planned 6 weeks of trips across the US visiting friends who meant the world to me, and then finally fully committed to Australia, landed the job, and flew to Australia less than two weeks later. I am officially living in Sydney and loving life. I can't say enough how much I love this city; I'm seriously so happy. I never thought I could be away from UD this long since that's been my happy place and my home the past four years..but I'm managing quite well. To be honest, I can't believe the current seniors only have one semester left...where did the time go!? Have I really been graduated that long? Time truly goes by SO fast. I'm so happy with this decision to move out to the other side of the world on my own. I've become so independent and confident in my abilities of figuring things out and getting by and providing for myself. I really wish the U.S. allowed the working holiday visa here to be extended because if that was the case, I honestly would do it in a second. We will see what I end up doing, but let's just say this travel bug has hit hard :)

Best friends at the best place in the world- University of Dayton

-just to add

Being here surrounded by people from all over the world really makes you think about the country you're from and how you were brought up. It's so interesting meeting people from all over and hearing how different their lives are. One girl I met in the hostel was from Israel and told us all about how everyone in the country is required to go to army boot camp essentially, for two years so that they are prepared for a war if need be. She described everything they went through and I honestly could not imagine myself in that situation. She said it was hell at the time, but she really appreciates her time spent there now because it made her overcome so much and grow as a person. I personally couldn't imagine not having a say though in going..there is no choice. Another thing I found interesting is that in England you could be done with school at 16 if you choose. At 16, you either choose if you want to go full time into work, or into college (university comes afterwards). A few of my friends have been working full time and have been done with school since age 16! How crazy is that! Thinking back to how immature I was at 16, I personally couldn't imagine being already career focused. I think it's so impressive that the country trusts the maturity of their own at that age. My thoughts still come back to not knowing what I want to do with my life at 22 though...so probably a good thing I didn't have to know at 16.

New Years Eve in Botanical Gardens

Also, random note, but everyone here has tattoos all over. Whether they're from Australia, or some country across the world, tattoos are common, even in the workplace. It's very different, but I really like it! Makes me feel kind of ridiculous for feeling like I need to hide my little one on my ankle back home when not with friends. It's nice how accepting people are here of personal expression. Not to mention that everyone wishes everyone a 'Merry Christmas' here regardless of religion, and no one gets offended. I never once heard someone say 'Happy Holidays'. Merry Christmas simply was a friendly expression used to great others...no hidden agenda, or dig at one's beliefs. Everything just makes sense.

Anddd that's the end of the post that got sent to drafts. An actual update will be posted soon, since so much has happened since this December post! If somehow anyone is actually reading this, you are too sweet and I'm sorry for all my nonsensical ramblings! :)

The Entrance - Giant Pelicans, Almost Drowning, & Failed Hiking Attempts

Let me start off by saying how much I love Sydney. Can't get enough of this city, however, repeating the same routine every day can get boring. I'm lucky that my work is consistently giving me off Thursdays and Fridays in a row so I can plan little mini-holidays! Last week I went to Cronulla and this week I decided on The Entrance.

I didn't really know much about this place before heading out on the train, besides that there was a beach and a coastal walk, but I was sold. I downloaded a couple new books on my kindle, and I was off! The view alone to The Entrance was incredible..lots of water and hills. I stayed at The Entrance Backpackers, which was a really, really, nice hostel. Small, but very friendly and you get free breakfast (took full advantage of that both days). 

I got there later on Wednesday night but decided to take a look around as the sun was setting. I was blown away as soon as I got to the beach. It's truly beautiful there...puts Cronulla to shame. The Entrance has a channel because it links the sea and a lake (to the best of my knowledge lol). There would be shallow pools of water, then sand pits, then more water, then more sand, and it just kept going forever! Not to mention all the rock cliffs and intense splashing waves. It was seriously so pretty! I was occupied taking pictures, wondering if the flash going off was bothering the fishermen or scaring away the fish. This area did not have a lot of backpackers or travelers, it seemed much more like a summer getaway place for Australians. For everyone who knows the charm of Northern Michigan, picture that. Families doing cute activities together in their summer, enjoying one another's company and just hanging out and having the best time in a small, cute, town. Fishing seemed to be a big part of their culture as there were people fishing every couple of steps! I sat on the rocks for a while listening to my music and thinking about UD and everything that's happened in the past year..I can't believe it's nearly been a year since graduating..I simply don't understand how time could pass so quickly! It was super relaxing just hanging out, and then I noticed I wasn't alone down by the water. Around ten at night the water became FILLED with people. I'm talking like hundreds of people. I left my rock to go up to the pier to investigate. People of all ages were in the water with head lights and flash lights and giant nets. I finally asked someone what in the world they were looking for and found out they were prawn hunting. It was truly a sight to see, never seen something quite like it before! It seemed so normal for them too..nothing out of the ordinary. Some people take their kids putt putt golfing..others take them prawn hunting. Go figure. There was also a carnival in town to just top off the cuteness of this place.

Thursday I walked up and down the beaches, read my book, laid out (with sun cream, no worries) and then went to the Pelican Feeding at 3:30. The Entrance is apparently the Pelican Capital of Australia...with reason. These pelicans are MASSIVE. Literally up to my waist, if not taller. They're so important to this town's culture they have a feeding show for them every single day. They use this time to not only get the pelicans fish, but also to inspect them to make sure they're healthy and haven't been caught in any rubbish or are hurt. This show attracted dozens of people and I somehow managed to get in the front row. I was sitting, so these pelicans were towering over me at this point. They are very bold and will go right up to you which was quite interesting. May or may not have been slapped by a pelican wing once or twice. If you have me on snap story you saw my over snapping of these birds..but honestly such a cool experience watching them get fed! I even got to throw a fish head to the pelicans!

Afterwards I went and bought groceries aka fruit and successfully figured out kg again! Then headed back to the beach with my kindle and fruit in tow, hoping to catch the sun going down. Being prissy and high maintenance I couldn't settle for having my back facing the sun...I needed to be facing both the water and the sun. So I decided I would get to the other side of the Channel and sit there. Easier said than done. The water looked shallow enough..I had seen babies playing in it earlier, so I thought no problem I'll just cross here and be across. Wrong. Keep in mind I'm wearing a dress and have my giant long champ bag with my phone, kindle, and Nikon camera inside...aka things I can't afford to break. I'm trekking across the water no problems, until the water goes from my ankles to my knees. I try and hike up my dress but then give up. Okay no problem dress will get wet. The water is about waist high now but I'm already half way across, so we will be fine right? Next thing I know the sea floor is suddenly gone and I'm treading water. The only thing is my dress has fallen to my ankles and both my arms are holding my bag above my head so my precious electronics don't get wet. I couldn't exactly use my hands for paddling and I probably was making faces that looked like I was going to die. I somehow managed to swim the rest of the way and did a walk of shame out of the water and plopped on the sand (dress still around ankles). Remember when I said fishermen seemed to be every couple of feet? Oh yeah, they were ALL around..witnessed the whole thing. I've honestly never been quite so embarrassed...but then couldn't stop laughing at myself. I kept picturing how this strange foreigner would look if I saw this all go down and then hoped I at least made a few people laugh at my expense. After finally enjoying my fruit and book (the sun had already set too, of course my luck), I had to figure out how in the world I was going to get back to the hostel. I had two options, to either go back through the unknown, miserable, deceiving water, or to find an alternate route through this random island land I had stumbled upon. I got advice from a local fisherman who told me I should NEVER cross the water where I did because the currents drag you out there, and instead he pointed to a better area to cross. I stared at this area for a good 30 minutes before chickening out. It was dark out now, and I really didn't want to look like a drowning puppy in the water while children went out to prawn hunt. So I tried Google Maps (life saver) and found the alternate route. By taking this way I actually discovered another beach, more land area, and also was able to walk across the big bridge I had seen the day before! Took me about an hour out of my way, but was well worth avoiding the damn Channel.

Friday I went on the Coast to Lake walk ( Coast to Lake Walk ). The entire hike is supposed to take about three hours if you're 'casually strolling'. I don't know how anyone could possibly do it in that time unless they sprinted and never took a break. I consider myself to be a fast walker as well, but I took several breaks- in parks, in the woods, on piers, on beaches, in the city, all over essentially, and it took me about seven hours to do the entire thing. For everyone back home who knows me, I clearly don't exercise so I hope you realize what an accomplishment 7.6k is for me LOL. Quite sad how long it took though. On the bright side though, I managed to not get lost! The walk was actually incredible, took you through all different kinds of nature and really showed you the entire area. I could have spent days in those parks and on those piers..but I had to catch a train home and leave. But before that I finally treated myself to a restaurant experience in The Entrance, and let me just tell you how good that fully loaded jacket potato was. Damn. That's all. Oh and I remembered to pay this time, so that's an improvement.

Caught my bus around 8pm, made it to the train station at 9 and was confused because my train wasn't supposed to be there until 9:40 but a train happened to be there at the time I arrived, so I just hopped on, realizing later I forgot to tap on with my Opal Card (here you have to pre load money onto your Opal Card, then tap on and off as you get on and off public transport). Got called out by the security for not paying but he let it go because I was traveling alone. Not sure how solo traveling versus if I was with someone else makes a difference, but I am quite happy I got away with a warning because the fine for that is a couple hundred of dollars! And then finally made it home around midnight and crashed hard. 

The Entrance honestly put Cronulla to shame. It was probably one of my favorite vacations ever. IT WAS JUST SO PRETTY. I'm honestly looking forward to the next time I can revisit.

But as of now, I've planned a solo trip to the woods for a couple days. All I know is they said pack light (HA), don't bring rolling luggage (all I have), and to bring my own food (so two-minute pasta and pb&j). Should be interesting. Also have to get on a couple ferries to get there which I have not yet navigated while being here. Fingers crossed. 

ON ANOTHER NOTE I HAVE A BABY BROTHER!!!! Welcome to the world Baby George!!!

Taking on Cronulla!

Before coming to Australia I had imagined myself traveling throughout the country quite frequently, and as soon as I got here. I somehow forgot that I would be working practically every day, which doesn't really allow me the time for travel. I was lucky enough to get two days off this week (in a row!) and decided to plan my first trip in Australia.

Cronulla Beach in the early morning

I knew I couldn't go too far since I had to be back Friday night for work early Saturday, so I decided on a cute beach town called Cronulla and booked two nights in a hostel there. Wednesday came, I overpacked (a huge duffel bag) per my usual ways, and headed off to the train station a couple blocks away. I was lucky in how easy it was to get there...Cronulla was the last stop for this train, so all the signs said Cronulla...hard to mess up. I arrived Wednesday night, met some German girls in my room, and called it a night.

The great thing about how early I work is that my body is used to waking up early. Both days I was up by 7 and managed to be on the beach/in town by 8 in the morning. Thursday I spent 12 hours exploring this little beach town and my red skin is the result of all that time in the sun. I can't even describe how peaceful it was sitting on the rocks staring into the sea. The sun had a way of sparkling on the water, it was really really beautiful (trying not to sound too much like a sap). It was seriously so nice though just relaxing, and having time to reflect and think about everything. There's no better feeling than spending some time alone and having your mind wander to the thought, 'I am completely happy where I am in life.'

Beautiful Cronulla Beach

Once it turned about 11 I decided it would be a good time to check out the cute cafes and grab some brunch. This was my first official restaurant style meal eating alone. I'm not going to lie, I was a tad nervous beforehand about people judging, but it was totally fine. The fruit was so fresh and perfect, and I read my book while looking out at the water. All was well, and then I left the restaurant and started wandering around taking in my surroundings. ...Until a man tapped my shoulder looking angry. He yelled at me saying, "YOU FORGOT TO PAY!" I had never been so embarrassed....I just dined and dashed and had an employee chase me down the pavilion to bring me back to the restaurant. I felt like I was doing a walk of shame. I apologized over and over and over and over again telling them my brain is mush (I wonder if they understood that phrase) and that in no way was that my intention. I honestly have never been so embarrassed, especially with the looks the customers in the restaurant were giving me. I was THAT backpacker. From working in food and beverage, I absolutely despise when people try to steal a meal, so in no way was that what I was trying to do! Sometimes I'm seriously such an airhead. To my defense though, every other restaurant/food place I've been to in Sydney you pay at the counter, then they bring you out your food. I've never been brought a bill to the table after eating the meal...guess two months being away from that made me forget normal procedures! At least it's something to laugh about now!

After that hoopla, I went to find somewhere to lay out on the beach. I was on my way to the perfect spot when I heard someone call my name (weird, I had only met three people the night before and knew no one else here). One of the German guys who I had talked to maybe 3 minutes the previous night was waving me over and invited me to lay out with him and his friends. Score, I made a friend! It was nice being invited over, but then everyone talked in German the rest of the day, so I just read my book. The waves at Cronulla Beach were absolutely insane and I was taken out quite a few times. It was also extremely windy on Thursday, which was nice because it kept the beach cool! Sun was super hot, and as mentioned before, I am still recovering from the heat that day lolz I am currently in the peeling process! Overall, it was a wonderful day at the beach!

Relaxing in the park

Then I decided to spoil myself and treat myself to a fancy dinner for one. At this point my phone was on 10% and I needed to charge it so I could keep posting to Snap Story (of course). The only outlet in the restaurant was next to an 8 person table, so I was that annoying customer who took up one of the largest tables...just for myself. This time I didn't feel awkward at all dining alone. My mindset was that people are going to stare, let them I'm happy! The waitress recommended a meal; not quite sure what to choose I agreed, especially when I heard crab meat in pasta. When it came out my jaw dropped. There were literal crab legs on my pasta. The plate also came with a set of tools that you apparently should know how to use to crack open the crab legs and scrape the meat out. I had had no previous experience in using these tools, and am sure was causing quite the scene. The worst part is every time I attempted to crack a leg, you never knew where the parts of the leg would fly! The table was a mess, my hands were a mess, I was a mess. Definitely felt myself being judged, but once again, Whatever I'm on vacation! I'm learning! I ate every last bite on my plate and it was incredible. I still think all that work to get the crab meat out though is terribly overrated. I like the simplicity of crab cakes, all ready for you to eat.

Nothing better than eating fresh
strawberries under palm trees!

After 12 hours in the sun, I headed back to the hostel. So exhausted after being in the sun all day, I fell asleep by 8:30 pm, still in my bathing suit.
Friday, I woke up early and headed into town. Knowing how burnt I was, I planned to avoid laying out on the beach. I walked around all the shops and parks. I bought some fruit at a market and ate strawberries under a palm tree. I went to another park that overlooked the sea and people watched and read my kindle. Had a wonderful, relaxing, peaceful day. There was a bed bug incident in the hostel, but luckily I got away scotch free! Can't say the same for the other girls in my room....red bumps all over their bodies...not too pretty. The owner of the hostel was super friendly and told me about his travels in southeast Asia and couldn't stop raving. He was so nice and helpful and it was great how open he was!

Hopped on the train back, and the vacation was over. Even though it was only a couple of days, it was SO needed. As much as I love Sydney, I needed something new. I hate getting settled into a routine and needed to switch it up a little bit. It was also super nice traveling on my own. It just reinforces for me that I came out here alone, and I can manage things alone. I've been lucky that I've made and been with friends since Day 1 out here, but I don't want to have to rely on that. I want to keep pushing myself into new challenges and experiences. Every little thing I do on my own is another achievement for me, like 'see you can eat alone in a restaurant and not feel embarrassed', or 'you found the hostel all on your own without relying on someone else to do it for you'. Lots of great feelings!

Also side note, I finished my book and it was incredible. Highly recommend it. It's called 'What I was doing while you were Breeding' and its a travel memoir of an American comedy writer (writes for How I Met Your Mother, That 70's show, The Neighbors) who travels on her off time all around the world. She's hilarious and tells about her foreign love affairs, and talks about how she'd rather travel than get married young. This book just reinforced for me there is not a 'right' age in life to do things, just do what makes you happy and the rest will work it self out! No reason to go through life not ecstatic about everything, right?

Now I'm back in the city back to the normal life. I have two days off in a row again this week and may just have myself another adventure! Cheers!

OH ALSO HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BROTHER PETER AND HIS NOW FIANCE SHERYL ON THE ENGAGEMENT!!!! So excited for you two!!!!

Couldn't resist a palm tree selfie..

Sydney Siege

This past Monday and Tuesday were horribly tragic for the city of Sydney. While tragedy unfortunately happens everywhere, and quite often (especially being from the US), this event was simply different. The main thing I couldn't get over when I first came to Sydney was how SAFE I felt here. Last summer I traveled through the Mediterranean and constantly felt that I was being targeting for pick pocketing (actually happened in Malta) and that I couldn't trust anyone. Sydney is different. Everyone is seriously so friendly here in the city and I honestly felt I could trust anyone with anything. I don't even feel as safe in the US as I do here which kind of says a lot being that that's my home. Strangers are just genuinely nice to you here.
Monday I had my normal breakfast shift at work. I was doing closing duties when I overheard my manager mention a 'hostage situation'. I then received several texts from my roommate warning me not to walk through downtown on my way home because of a gunman holding hostages in a chocolate cafe. My hotel is located in Darling Harbour which is just outside the city center, but still pretty close. When the managers came and told me and my fellow worker to stop what we were doing and to evacuate, I knew this situation had gotten a lot more serious. We were briefed on the situation at the hotel next door, and were told to lock all the doors to the hotel besides the front, and also to tell guests that if they don't need to leave the hotel that day, then they should stay put. Many workers were worried about how they would get home to their families since they live outside the city and most transportation had been shut down. Having this explained to me at work made me a bit nervous being so far away from home, not having any of my friends or family here, and realizing that this actually was an incredibly serious situation. It was comforting having my boss check in with me about the route I would take to walk back to my apartment being that I live in the city. I called and checked in with both my parents around 11:30 am Sydney time, surprised to find out neither of them had heard of the situation going on. The next few hours that definitely changed though because people kept checking in with me shocked and worried about my safety (thanks y'all). We had the news on for a solid 9 hours straight and didn't move from the living room. While I felt so much safer being in my apartment with my roommate, and that I was a good 8 blocks away, I couldn't stop worrying about the four 'packages' dropped around the city. I live in the city. For all I knew, it could be right around the corner from me.
As I said before, these horrible events aren't that rare in the US. Two years ago almost to the day Sandy Hook happened. I remember everything about that day, being at UD after our finals had finished, spending time with my roommate while campus was deserted. We stayed the whole day in her bed just shocked at the news that was unfolding across the country. And then of course 9/11, but I was only in fourth grade and it was a bit hard to grasp. This situation was different. I've never been so close to a terror crime. The attack could have easily been on one of the places I frequent for my cup of coffee or god forbid a grocery store or mall or something. Bad things happen everywhere. There's honestly no 'safe' place in this world, as sad as that is. Unfortunately bad people are everywhere, no matter how many good people there are, it just takes one messed up person to completely change people's lives for the worst. The news kept talking about how these things don't happen in Australia because they are so far away from everything and are surrounded by water. I could understand exactly what they meant. Just being here the past 6 weeks I have never felt so safe. I relate with the Australian people now. Even though I'm still new to this country, I feel as if this is a personal attack on my people. I've never felt so accepted before in a foreign place, and it's absolutely horrible that this happened here. Walking back from work to my apartment that day, and then walking to my friends apartment later that night, you could just tell the mood of the city was different. The city was eerily deserted. People weren't smiling per the usual, some were crying, others on the phone with loved ones, shops shut early. Everyone's thoughts and minds were on those poor hostages being held in that cafe.
16 hours being held in that cafe with a crazed gunman...could you imagine? The terror would be unreal for even one hour...but 16!? Insane. Absolutely insane. Two lost their lives. It's absolutely horrible and unjust. I still can't believe everything that has unfolded. And how fortunate I am that it wasn't me. I don't believe in luck, but I am very thankful I had my job that morning, keeping me away from the 'wrong place' at the 'wrong time'.
Seeing the memorial of flowers started for all the victims and their families is truly heartwarming. Tragedy brings people together. We are all human at the end of the day, no matter all our differences and where we may come from. Everyone knows heartbreak and we take comfort in having one another to turn to. There really is nothing more we can do now besides appreciating the people in our lives and being as kind hearted as we possibly can to one another. As I watched a street performer yesterday, he explained he doesn't normally do Wednesday shows, but that Sydney really needed a laugh right about now. I teared up along with most people in the crowd. A horrible thing has happened, but we are still here. We are okay, and we will get through this.

Playsuits, Goon, and Lost Phones

I apologize in advance for being all over the place. I posted about a week ago but the time frame jumps around and is a hot mess. My bad. So I’ve officially been in Sydney for almost a month now! It’s so crazy how fast time is already flying by. I love this city so much. My perfect day here is getting out of work and exploring the Darling Harbour and just wandering around in the sun. Or going to Bondi or Coogee beach with new friends. It really is amazing here.

Nights out at Side Bar

This past Thursday was Thanksgiving which was really hard to get through. We did bring an apple pie over to our friends place for a mini-celebration. While I am loving it here and everything, it’s still hard thinking that life back home is going on without me. FOMO to the max. It also doesn’t help that I can’t find/misplaced/lost my American phone…if you’re reading this Dad sorry I’ll call you soon (may want to cancel my service). So now I just have my Australian dinky phone which doesn’t let me imessage or viber or anything. Not to mention I’ve already recharged my data 5 times in less than a month…whoops!

These past couple weeks I’ve been going out a lot more and have been having so much fun! Met even more amazing people as well! Alcohol is crazy expensive here, like $35 for a fifth of Smirnoff and $55 for a fifth of fireball…so I’ve been getting the cheapest possible alcohol. Here their version of Franzia is called Goon. People think its horrible, but at $11 for 5 liters of wine…I am perfectly fine with it. Burnetts has trained me well in cheap alcohol. I introduced my hostel room to the game of fours and OMG they loved it!!! The things people had to do…LOL. Definitely made me think of UD and all our shenanigans.

The hardest part is meeting new friends in the hostel, becoming super close since we’re together basically 24/7, and then them leaving. While some people in the hostel are here with hopes of finding an apartment and a job and settling in Sydney, a ton of people are just here as a stop on their way in their Australian travels. It’s really hard knowing when you meet someone they are a ‘temporary’ friend. I’m getting more used to it though and just trying to appreciate the little amount of time I have with people and to make the most of it.

For work I’ve started taking on more responsibilities and also have began working night functions in addition to my breakfast shifts. Best part about work is that I get free breakfast (chef makes the most amazing mushrooms) and coffee! I’m still sticking to eating sushi practically everyday. Can’t. Get. Enough. Oh and I tried vegemite! You’ve got to spread it with butter on toast though or the vegemite is too overpowering. It was actually fine! Most people dislike it because it's so salty.

People are absolutely fascinated by my accent haha. I mainly have ben hanging out with people from England and surprisingly have a very difficult time understanding what in the world they are saying. I’ve learned that they have a ton of vocabulary words that simply do not exist in the states. And also different names for the same things. Apparently everyone else calls rompers playsuits! How fun!

Things in Australia just make sense. You get paid high wages during the week, and even higher or Saturday and even higher on Sundays because you are giving up your weekend. I personally love working the weekends simply for making that much more money. Bars here have a lockout at 1:30 meaning you can’t get in anywhere after 1:30 (it sucks but it’s smart). They also aren’t afraid to cut you off in the bar and only serve you water (may or not have personal experience lolz). Everything has a purpose and I agree with it all so far. Another example is that the light rail that I take to work was being worked on this weekend so I had to take the replacement bus. Being that they believe we are being inconvenienced by the change from rail to bus, they didn’t charge at all this weekend for transportation! Little things like that just make me love this place.

Amazing friend Sarah from England, miss you!

We get to move into our apartment in a few days on Thursday. I am honestly SO excited. Every time we get a new hostel roommate they are always shocked to find out that all the bags and suitcases on the floor belong to me. I seriously have a mountain of clothes and it just keeps growing. I need a closet ASAP. Lexi and I have the master suite in the apartment, and then there are two doubles. Two late twenties British guys are already living in one double, and the other double is still up for rent. Hoping our roommates are cool and like going out and are fun! I’m also so excited to have a kitchen so I can cook (aka cereal and soup) and not waste money on eating out. I seriously just spent $16 at Mad Mex (Australia’s version of Chipotle) on a burrito, chips, and a drink. Da fuq. The hard thing about moving out of Wake Up is that I’m afraid I won’t meet people. Wake Up makes it so incredibly easy to meet people around my age that have the same mind set as me regarding travelling. Recently I’ve met and hung out with a lot of 30 year olds/ late twenties and they seriously have impressed me so much. They didn’t act too mature to hang with a 22 year old. They were all single and loving life. None were married, had kids, or in a serious relationship. They were focusing on doing what made them happy and that was traveling. It just kind of reassures me that just because I’m doing something different than what most people would do after college, doesn’t mean I’m doing something wrong. People keep telling me how they wish they would have done what I’m doing at my age and not have waited so long. I’m seriously so happy I made this decision. I’m supporting myself and it’s really such a great feeling. Being here pushes me to do things I normally would be too afraid to do back home. Yesterday I managed to find two buses to take to the beach about a half hour away all on my own! Back home I would’ve just driven…I couldn’t imagine trying to figure out the bus situation back home.

View from work at the Darling Harbour

I will hopefully figure out my phone situation soon so that way I can keep in touch with people again (free wifi in apartment starting Thursday THANK GOD). Until then facebook is still the best way to get ahold of me. I know I’ve been bad at updating, but bottom line I’m having so much fun and meeting so many amazing people and LOVE this city. Miss you babesters so much! Please feel free to message me and update me about YOUR life haha I wish everyone could just have a blog for an easy way to stay updated. I promise I’ll post pictures soon too, I’m so behind with everything! Hopefully the next update will be soon after I move into the apartment so I can post pictures! How the f do you close out blog posts..I just keep writing aka rambling.  Trying to resist typing ‘Until Next Time!’ lolz bye babes.

Amazing view for pre-drinks with my girl Lexi

Making Moves

I honestly have no idea where to begin since the last time I posted. So let's try and organize this sitch.

Summit Apartments! 569 George Street!

Housing: I'm sure I've said it before, but I LOVEEEE the city life (who knew!?)! Nothing makes me happier than just wandering up and down George Street, not knowing a single person, yet somehow being a part of the crowd. I don't know how I got so lucky, but I managed to find an apartment in DOWNTOWN Sydney in my price range! The apartment building is BEAUTIFUL and even has a pool, sauna/spa,  and even a gym (we will see if I ever make it there....)! I am sharing a double room with my friend Lexi who is from Texas (met her here in AUS, but she went through the same program I went through). We went for the master suite so that way we have a bathroom in our bedroom, not to mention it has a shower and a separate tub (who am I, a real person!?). We will be two of six people living in the apartment. We don't know who the others are yet, but fingers crossed they are fun! This is so exciting to finally do something on my own and grown up! We put the deposit down last week and now just have to sign the contract. The only downside is that we can't move in until December. AKA living in hostels for TWO MORE WEEKS. I love meeting all these people from all over the world in these hostels...but I really just want to unpack my several (4) suitcases/bags and buy groceries (aka soup, and cereal).

Hotel Ibis Darling Harbour (on the right)

Work: First day of orientation for work had us travel a good 40 minutes outside of the city by train. Let me just say while I tend to be pretty good with directions and knowing my way around a city, public transport has never been my strong suit. Ended up taking 5 or 6 buses to get there when we really only needed two. At orientation I learned that lolli means candy and bugger means damn it (amongst the other job things of course). I have been working every day all week and I'm so exhausted. Tomorrow will be day 8 in a row. My shifts this past week have been at 5:30 AM so I've been waking up at 3 so I have time to shower, get ready, get coffee, and walk there. I was a little skeptical about walking around 4 AM downtown alone...however SO COOL! This city is seriously so safe (don't worry I'm still being cautious), I was never worried on my walks! It was really interesting seeing the crowd of people out at that time (lots of business men, construction workers, and joggers). Okay so about my work; I'm a food and beverage attendant at Ibis Hotel in Darling Harbour. Darling Harbour is an AMAZING spot in Sydney. You're right on the water, there's tons of parks and restaurants all around it, the casino, mall, aquarium, and IMAX theatre are all right there too, and the best part is it has an amazing view of the Sydney skyline. I am seriously so lucky to work here! Okay so I kind of came in expecting to be a waitress since that's what I have experience in and love doing...however my shifts are for the morning which is the breakfast buffet. So basically I am a glorified busser. To be honest though, this is the hardest job I've ever had. There's over 30 tables and it's always insanely busy and I am the ONLY one on the floor. So I'm in charge of clearing all tables, resetting the tables, and constantly restocking all the food and drinks. I'm hoping it will get better with time but as of right now I honestly am not doing well at all. I just need to stick it out and hope it will get better. Australia is amazing because their minimum wage is incredibly high because they have a no-tip culture. They also believe people should be rewarded for working late nights and weekends and pay you higher when you work then. So basically the pay is incredible and it is absolutely needed if I want to pay rent for my apartment and survive the living costs in Sydney.

Beautiful Bondi Beach

Adventures: Last Saturday I went to Bondi Beach with a group of friends and spent the day relaxing. Bondi Beach was gorgeous and reminded me a lot of the Mediterranean Sea. Last Sunday the girls and I booked a trip that took us to a wildlife park and to the Blue Mountains. At the wildlife park I got to meet koalas and wallabies (they're like baby kangaroos)!! It was amazing they were all just roaming free and would come right up to you!! Blue Mountains is about two hours inland from Sydney and is so pretty! We hiked a bit (I know shocking..exercise), but my favorite part was CLIMBING UP A WATERFALL! Like what...who gets to do that! It was such an amazing feeling afterwards! But then we had to figure out how to come down..and thank god for strangers who weren't alarmed at me grabbing onto them so I wouldn't wipe out down the whole thing. Monday I went to Coogee Beach with some people I had just met, which was so random but also seems to be quite the norm here. Today I went to Bondi Beach again and it was amazing weather. Accidentally fell asleep in the sun and let's just say I need to buy aloe vera and more sunscreen pronto.

Feeding a baby wallaby

Friends at Bondi Beach

Food: I swear to god every day I alternate eating sushi and greek salad. There's a sushi place around the corner from my hostel that sells about half a roll for $2.50!!! It's an amazing deal and it's so cool because the sushi isn't chopped so you eat it like a sandwich! And the soy sauce comes in little fishy containers which are too cute. There is a mall right next to my workplace so I find myself eating there (always ordering a greek salad which is too, too good) and shopping. It's actually painful that I have to go through the mall after work to get to darling harbor..way too tempting!!!

Nightlife: What a dumb topic name. This may shock all of you...but I really have not been drinking!!! Being that my shifts have had me waking up at 3AM I've been going to bed early! I did go out both Saturdays I've been here and they were fun! The first Saturday was after we spent the day at the beach. Our hostel has a bar in it called Side Bar and it's actually really fun! Every Saturday they have a beer pong tournament which I participated in. No one plays the way we do though...no heating up, on fire, swat the ball if they try to bounce it in, grab the ball after your shot before it lands on the ground gets you a free behind the back shot, etc. Finally I played against a guy from California so we could play the real way haha. Didn't win but still had fun (so tacky)! The bar then turned into dancing and my arms definitely came out....for sure scared quite a few people and got some weird looks and odd comments the next day. Whatevs lolz. This past Saturday went to the fireworks in Darling Harbour, then drank with our German friends in the hostel, then back down to Side Bar! Last night I went to a bar around the corner called Scubar with Lexi and friends from Denmark. They actually had crab races and gave away prizes like skydiving and a trip to fraser islands! Everyone picked really clever or funny names for their crabs...mine were named 'Crab' and 'Ralph'. They both lost. Oh and to everyone who told me I'm going to meet my Aussie husband here...hasn't happened yet haha.

Climbed up a waterfall!

Solo Travel: I totally had a breakdown the Sunday before I left. Not excited about it at all and just basically freaked out. Monday I became neutral and shut off all emotions. Tuesday I was happy and ready! I surprisingly didn't cry at all this time at the airport (unlike last summer before Semester at Sea). Haven't cried once since being here. I like that I'm doing my own thing. It's something different. This really is an amazing experience and I am so happy I'm doing this. It has been tough being so out of touch with everyone and of course major fomo. Time difference makes it nearly impossible to talk to people who I consider to be my best friends. I have no idea what is going on in anyone's life and no one really knows what's going on here. There's a huge barrier between my old life and this new life and I don't know how I feel about it. The major issue besides from time difference is wifi. PAYING FOR WIFI SUCKS. I've already spent at least $50 to get wifi in my hostels. Not to mention, I already used up all my data on my Australian phone. It's Day 13 and it was suppose to last a month...whoops! I blame it all on SnapChat lolzies. Anyways though, I hate being out of touch with my friends since they are the world to me, but at the same time, if I've learned anything this summer in my 6 weeks of non-stop trips, is that no matter how long you go without seeing someone, if you were close then it's like nothing changes when you do see them. Everything's going to pick right back up when I eventually do come home. Okay so solo travel. I LOVE IT. While I never had a problem going to a movie theatre by myself or reading my kindle in a chipotle alone, this kind of independence is totally different. I've spent several afternoons just wandering the city completely by myself, and it's a great feeling. I've learned how to get around on my own, have discovered some amazing parks, tanning spots, and gelato, and have really learned to like being alone. This being said, I still do find myself wishing my besties could be here with me so I could show them this amazing city. Seriously guys, come visit me. It's been around 80 degrees and sunny everyday, and it's only getting closer to their summer season.

Hiking in the Blue Mountains!

 I feel like I'm really growing up here. I have a job, am leasing my first apartment, have an Australian bank account and phone/monthly plan, a bus/train card, and am just being on my own in a new city! I seriously love Sydney...everyday something new surprises me and makes me so grateful I am here. I am probably forgetting a lot per the usual but at least this is something. I apologize for it being so long as well...the girls trying to nap in my hostel room must want to kill me after all this pounding on the keyboard.

Arrived in the Land Down Under

Well hellooooo from the other side of the world!!! Where to even begin? Departed Tuesday and arrived on Thursday...never spent Wednesday on the ground haha! The plane rides weren't as bad as what I was expecting; I actually got 3 meals and was able to watch 3 free movies!

Managed the Sydney airport by myself as well! And by that I mean I somehow was able to push/pull/shove/drag my suitcases without causing a scene.

I'm staying at the hostel called WakeUp! which is actually QUITE a nice hostel compared to some of the ones I stayed in in Europe. Everyone here is very friendly and I lucked out with my room! I'm with five other girls, all from different countries! They are from Italy, Canada, Austria, Sweden, and Germany! I also met a girl from Texas who went through the same program as me and is working at the hotel next to mine, which is super nice having someone going through all the same experiences!
Yesterday I bought an australian phone and plan (if you wanna try texting me, my aussie phone number is +61 0468 960 635) and set up an australian bank account. Today I went to a RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) class for 6 hours to get certified for my job and bought a bus pass so I can get around town! Walked probably 8-10 miles today around the city, which I didn't even mind because it was so exciting! Also went and saw the Darling Harbour and my hotel that I will be working at! It's BEAUTIFUL!

The hardest part so far would definitely have to be the time difference...I'm 16 hours ahead of east coast and 19 hours ahead of west coast...making communicating very difficult (not to mention the lack of wi-fi / australian data charges). While I definitely had "WHAT AM I DOING" thoughts on the plane ride over the Pacific, and I still am questioning whether I am actually in Sydney or not....I do love it. This city is BEAUTIFUL. It reminds me a lot of New York City or Chicago. It's just so NICE. It's got the big city feel but with very friendly people. The buildings are beautiful as well. Not to mention the Darling Harbour where I AM WORKING. I seriously don't know how I got a job in such a breathtaking place.

All I really want right now is just to lock down my housing. I have been messaging people like crazy trying to make apartment inspection appointments, but haven't heard back from too many people. I'm just eager to get situated so I don't have to live out of suitcases anymore!
Other random things....everything here is SUPER expensive...there's a mall every block it seems....everyone cringes when they learn I'm from Detroit and then proceed to ask me how scary it is (which led me to tell some people I'm from Ohio)....I had a sushi roll last night that was whole, like not chopped up! You eat it with your hands like a sandwich! And my favorite thing about being here is how people are from ALL OVER THE WORLD. I've met people from so many different countries and have already learned so much! And don't get me started on all the accents ;) Oh and another amazing thing-my Australian phone is a smart phone...aka I HAVE ACCESS TO SNAPCHAT WITHOUT NEEDING WIFI!!!! Y'all know I love that snap story lolz.

Sorry I am all over the place...wording things is definitely not my strong suit, so bare with me please! I miss everyone from the states so much it's ridiculous :( hopefully will make lots of friends here in the next few days or weeks or so! Today I'm off to meet some koalas and kangaroos at the Sydney Zoo! How do you close out a blog? I've been debating tacky 'Until next time!' and 'Update ya soon!' but no, lame. Okay bye miss and love y'all!

These pictures are from the Darling Harbour and the hotel I work at is on the left called ibis hotel!