The moment I finally arrived in Sydney I knew right away I had chosen the correct location for my upcoming adventures in the new year. Once my friend Rhodri arrived we took a taxi to the his friend’s apartment in Coogee Bay, where I would be staying for the first week. By 4 pm I was getting ready to head to a New Years Eve party at Rhodri’s friend Mick’s apartment in Kirribilli, which is just north of the Harbour Bridge. He had a low-key house party and I drank and mingled with an entertaining group of friendly people, who were all astonished that I was still going strong after my long travel day. We all headed to the rooftop at 9 and midnight to watch the World’s best fireworks display over the harbour. I can honestly say I’ve never seen or experienced anything like it and it was an amazing way to bring in 2010 and welcome myself to Sydney. Check out my video of some of the highlights of the fireworks!
Sydney Harbour filled with boats awaiting the fireworks to ring in the New Year
- Sydney Harbour glowing on New Years Eve
Since New Years I have been enjoying exploring my new city and getting used to the laid back lifestyle that is lived Down Under. It seems crazy to think that I’ve only been here such a short time considering how comfortable I feel with my new surroundings. This first week has been devoted to relaxing, doing some sightseeing, learning how to get around, and enjoying some quality beach time. I have made my way to Manly Beach via the ferry out of Circular Quay, (pronounced Key) obviously taken dozens of photos of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and have also made the trek to Darling Harbour. When the sun has been shining, which has unfortunately been a rarity since I arrived, I’ve been tanning myself on Bondi Beach and Coogee Bay, which is minutes away from where I’m staying.
Gorgeous Coogee Bay
On the ferry ride into Sydney Harbour from Manly Beach
Overall the transition of moving on the other side of the world has been surprisingly quite painless and has gone rather smoothly. I give partial credit to the connections I made before making the journey, which gave me a place to stay, and the fact they speak English also helps a great amount. I feel that Sydney is a nice balance of The United States and Europe. It’s hard to explain but it still possess some of the character and Old World feel and charm that Europe has to offer, like England of course, but it contains just the right amount of New World American flare to make it livable. For example the concept of “Take-Away” or “Fast-Food” isn’t foreign to them. This is very American of me to say but there is a time and a place where quick and convenient is just more important than an enjoyable leisurely 4-hour lunch, like the Spaniards tend to do.
A spectacular sunset in Coogee Bay
Now that my “vacation week” is coming to an end, I’m slowing getting into the mode to look for an apartment and a J-O-B! I’m getting my RSA, which is like an alcohol certification, done Thursday so I can begin to look for jobs first thing next week. I hope to find a laid back serving job in Bondi Beach along with a cute flat in the same area. Wish me luck as my adventure in Australia continues! Continue to be in touch and please leave comments and feedback about my posts and journeys. Also check out some more pictures and videos on my Flickr account!
