Settled

Settled… or not. One of the biggest things I knew before starting this adventure was to have plans but allow them to be fluid and change as necessary. If I had had time to write last Friday I would have said that I was completely established in Sydney. Perhaps this was too big a feat to achieve in about two weeks. Within the past week a couple of things have shifted. But I’m not stressed about it. In fact, this whole process has still been surprisingly easy. In many ways I feel like I’ve been in Sydney for much longer than three weeks. I am working, meeting new people, living in a nice apartment, and can navigate the basic transportation system. I don’t know what the future holds, if I’m staying here or moving again in a year. But I can deal with that another time. For now, this is completely where I need to be and I am so happy that I took this chance. There have been a few moments of home sickness, especially when I was away from Sydney, disconnected from even the smallest contact with friends and family back in the States that I miss. There have been moments of utter contentment, especially when the weekends are nice. What I have not experienced in any way is regret.

Some of the things I’ve been doing:

Climbed the Pylon lookout of the Harbor Bridge. The real climb over the bridge is $200 so I’m going to skip that one. Once you’ve jumped from a plane, being tied to a bridge just doesn’t have the same thrill. There have been over 200 proposals at the top of the bridge. Apparently, it is only 60% effective as a proposal spot. The problem: if she says no you still have to walk down the other side tied to each other. The lookout, however, has some beautiful views.

Saw the Sydney Opera house and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Tried to see the view from Sydney Tower and was told by the desk lady that she just couldn’t let my group in because we were not dressed nice enough.

Saw the aquarium and wildlife park. Platypuses (Platypi?) are smaller than I expected, koalas are super cute, and I got as close as I need to a crocodile and a shark, until I go shark diving of course.

Went to the capital of Australia, Canberra. It is a terribly boring city that will be celebrating its 100^th anniversary in two years. On the way I saw a city advertising a population of 150 people, one fifth the size of my high school graduation class. The 10 year anniversary is coming up this year. When did I become an adult?

Saw my first real life kangaroos in the wild. Actually ran outside my hotel in the cold morning air and wanted to chase after them, and when that couldn’t happen, found myself imitating their hops. Maybe I’m not such an adult.

Went to see an aboriginal tree carving exhibit at the state (NSW) library.

Found an apartment, had an apartment party with my new friends plus a bunch of people I met when they showed up at my door with the previously mentioned new friends. Then moved into a nicer apartment.

Joined an ultimate freebie team.

Chased a person dressed up in a duck costume around the city with forks and plastic bags for no apparent reason but to have a blast with a bunch of other crazy people.