Sydney to Melbourne Transition (August 5)

It’s been a rough 2 days. I’m sure it was compounded by the fact that I’m still tired from last week’s event as well as didn’t really catch up on sleep this weekend.

Before flying into Melbourne Sunday, I tried to reach my accommodation’s contact to find out where I was staying in Melbourne; she didn’t respond to my texts, emails or voice mails. After landing in Melbourne, I talked to my AU boss (Philippe) who let me know that my contact didn’t check her work phone/emails over the weekend. Sigh. He was kind enough to book a hotel for me, so I had the treat of semi-unpacking for one night, in my 5^th place

·         Chews Lane (Wellington)

·         Wakefield (2 different apartments – Wellington)

·         Bondi (Sydney)

·         Stanton Hotel (1 night – Melbourne)

·         Medina Executive Northbank (Melbourne)

At this point, I’m tired of my clothes and they’re probably tired of me too. I’m trying not to think about having to pack/unpack a couple more times before I do my last packing. Since I will be going somewhere for last week of August, I need to figure out the smoothest way to get from here to Sydney to the destination without having to spend a night in a hotel in between. As well as, I’ll need to stay in Sydney for at least one night before I fly out on Sat. Sept. 1. Ok, that was rambling, boring stuff, but I miss talking to y’all so, tolerate my written rambling J

I jumped into a cab from the hotel to work Monday morning. The cab driver ended up dropping me 2 blocks away from the office, so I got to wheel my crap the rest of the way. Not a good way to start your day..cussing as your sweating.

After being in a fog all day, my blackberry got wiped out. The phone was asking me to type in “blackberry” (a first) and then the password. I typed in what I could have sworn was my password (haven’t changed it since I’ve had it) but the system didn’t like it, so it wiped out everything. I’m hoping that when I switch back to the US Sim card, it’ll still have that information on there, but at this point, I don’t have anyone’s number in my phone, including my AU number. No clue what it is, so I get to scrounge around for my paperwork and hope I can find my number.

I was tempted to order room service, but I figured I needed to get some fresh air. I wandered down the street at ended up at Bertha Brown’s. I asked for Jameson and Ginger Ale, nope, they were out. Then I asked if they had Hendrik's Gin..nope, out of that too (“sorry, that’s an empty bottle on the shelf). At that point, I was tired of asking for drinks they didn’t have, so I didn’t even want to think about what to have for dinner.

The friendly bartender told me about their special “Parm and Pot.” Parm is chicken parmesan and Pot is a specific size of a beer (Pony = 5 oz, Small glass = 6 oz, Glass = 7 oz, Pot = 10 oz, Schooner = 15 oz, Pint = 20 oz). I’m not really a fan of chicken parmesan or beer, but I was happy that someone did the deciding for me and am a sucker for anything that sounds tempting...parm and pot? Who'd pass that up?! 

The hotel I was in Sunday night was in a busier area (think it was near Chinatown), but about a 15 minutes walk from work. My new place doesn’t have much character (set up like a typical long-term corporate apartment), but it does have a nice balcony view and is a 5 minute walk from work. I’m going to try and get motivated in the mornings to do a short walk before work...get a feel for the hood. And by hood, I mean, a lot of gentleman's clubs...odd. 

I haven’t seen much of Melbourne, but the downtown seems to have a different feel than Sydney’s CBD (Central Business District) with trams running throughout the city. Weather wise, it’s colder here. 

I’m already thinking about what I can do this weekend. I may tackle the Queen Victoria Market and/or do the Great Ocean Road (full day outing). I only have this weekend to explore; next weekend, I am working both Sat. and Sun for a two day event (Mon-Tues) and then I fly out Sat. the 25.

I continue to be grateful for my experience, but I can also be human (tired and crabby), and I definitely had a human moment(s).  

July 28 - Turbo Tourist and Sydney Observations

I started the day with a jump into the bondi icebergs pool (landmark of Bondi Beach for over100 years). The pool temperature was a whopping 18 degrees Celsius, 48 Fahrenheit. When I jumped in, I literally had a moment of just standing there, then I figured I better get to swimming if I was going to warm up. I was only able to do 2 laps, and then figured I could check that nonsense off my list, and jumped out as fast as my frozen parts would allow. Bondi Icebergs

I thawed out with a cup of flat white and muesli for my brekki :) After regaining feeling, I headed to Paddington Market (every Saturday, there are over 200 stalls). I actually picked up a few items and then went downtown to catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly beach (seven miles northeast of Sydney). The 30 minute ferry ride was a great way to see the Sydney harbour on the way out, and on the way in...sunsetting on the harbor.

The Info lady (was born in Chicago) were talking about the Bondi scene, both of us agreeing that it is very young. She said that Manly is definitely more "grown up" than Bondi ("prams" all over the place). She figured Bondi was in the 20-30 yr range, and Manly is more 30-40+. Guess that makes me Bondi assisted living :)

Yeah, I'm loving the apartment and the proximity to the ocean, but I know that the crowds (backpackers, skateboarders, etc) would get on my nerves in the summer. For all the tourists that come here, the stretch of beach is relatively small (.6 miles).

The Bondi look and environment  
Girls: leggings/tight pleather pants (a la Sandy in Grease), sunglasses, tight shirt or baggy sweater (both not long enough to cover the hiney). The girls are in shape but wear too much makeup, even when they're in workout wear. Odd, considering that's why Iove the beach...flip flops, no makeup, etc.

Guys: Surfer scrubs and scraggly for the most part, but at my bus stop during the week, you see some suits.

People are active; multiple boot camps on the beach by 8am, yoga at Bondi icebergs, surfers, joggers... A la LA but less fake body parts. 

Observations: 
No signage on busses to identify routes
They use large headsets, not earbuds
The Up escalator is on the left side..just like they walk and drive
The $2 coin is bigger than the $1 coin
Trading hours = Business hours

First Week in Oz

I've been here one week; it feels longer. Maybe, it's because my brain hurts a tad...figuring out how to get around a city of 5 million, and working with a group that does things pretty much the same, but enough nuances to make a difference.

On the former, the busses do not let you know which stop is approaching. I took the bus to work on Monday, and asked the guy sitting next to me how people know when their stop is..."they don't." He was kind enough to let me tag along (he thought his stop was the same as mine, it wasn't). I haven't figured out how to get home yet since I was working late last week and was able to expense my cab, guess that'll be on my list to figure out this week. Good thing people speak English.

I did the tourist thing and rode the 'sightseeing' bus Sat. It was a nice way to see the layout of the city, and I jumped off at Chinatown (wanted a big, ole bowl of soup) and the Sydney Fish Market. Even though the Chinatown ramen soup was good, I wish I had saved room for the amazing looking seafood at the Fish Market.

Sunday was kinda crummy, raining off and on. I initially wanted to take the ferry to Manly beach, but instead, figured I would wander around the harbour, do the Sunday market at The Rocks (Sydney's oldest preserved colonial district), and do the Art Walk (18th biennial of Sydney). The markets validated that I am not a souvenir scooper, the only thing that was tempting was the jam and fudge :)

I stopped in for lunch at a restaurant near the wharf (Fratelli Fresh), it wasn't as good as the restaurants in Wellington, and it was definitely more expensive (grilled fish, brussel sprouts salad and a glass of wine - $50). I was trying to get a sense for Sydney people, and this spot (close to the city) seemed to be a place with money. It's funny, the people looked really dressed up, but their clothes don't look as modern as the states (this includes shop windows). The girls love leggings/jeggings and yes, they actually wear Uggs (typical Uggs look..leggings, baggy sweater).

The AU dollar is really strong right now and Sydney's not a cheap place to live. I was asking my co-workers what was inexpensive here, they mentioned meat and gas (saw a sign for $1.42 a gallon). Guess, I could try Atkins again, but last time my hair fell out in clumps, so I may need to pass on that.

After feeling guilty about my snack of flat white (pouring microfoam [steamed milk from the bottom of a pitcher] over a single shot of espresso) and carrot cake, I decided to walk home from the CBD (Central Business District). The walk wasn't that long (close to 7 miles) but they're kinda sparse with the street lights and the route isn't the most streamlined. I probably won't do it again, but passed some places that looked interesting.

I miss talking/texting my friends. I continue to research who offers free international texting, needs to be iPad, iPhone, Android, Australian friendly...think Viber may be the best bet. Let me know if any of you are on it. Oh, and the times I've tried to use Skype for calling, it constantly drops. This may be due to my wireless connectivity, but it drives me bananas.

Going to enjoy a glass of red wine, and watch the Blind Side. Hope you're having a good weekend, wherever you are.

Sydney Next Chapter

I've unpacked at my fourth place in six weeks. I received some recommendations from my co-worker, and ended up in Bondi. I wanted to be by the water and didn't mind doing a commute if it meant I'd have a community feel to where I lived. I've included a link to my new abode (it's adorable). http://www.stayz.com.au/98481 


I'm a five minute walk from the beach, and I feel safe living in a place that has three other apartments in the complex. I get to try out the bus system tomorrow and find my way to work (office is in the CBD [Central Business District]); according to the website, it should be 40 minutes from door to door. Right now, I'm slotted till August 5 to be in Sydney, then I could have the apartment extended or possibly go to Melbourne. I would love to see Melbourne, but don't look forward to making another move.


I'm worn out. I did the Coogee Coastal Walk today and have been up since 3:00am. Yawn.

Wrapping up Wellington

Hmmm...let's see, since I last wrote, I went to Queenstown the weekend of July 6. Yep, I bungy jumped! I also did a one day tour to Milford Sound. On the bungy jumping, I had signed up for Nevis (134 meters 440 feet 40), but wasn't able to do it due to 1) they had to fix something on it 2) we were the last group of the day so they were backed up. I figured I had to do something, so I ended up jumping off of the Kawarau Bridge (43meters, 142 feet), the first bungy. Suprisingly, once you can shimmy your way to the edge and jump, it's pretty exhilirating! Milford Sound was beautiful, but I actually enjoyed Queen Charlotte Sound more (on my way to Marlborough). I guess I'm getting jaded :)


The town of Queenstown reminded me a bit of Breckenridge, CO, and I actually enjoyed the place more once I got out of town. The scenery from town to Milford Sound was amazing. Every turn had a different landscape..beautiful..especially with the winter frost.


I was able to wrap up my Wellington time with a true NZ activity...I went to a rugby game! Loved it! It was really fast paced, and it only has 2 halves (40 minutes each) and we won!


I flew out this morning (Sunday, July 15) on a rainy, windy day (epitome of Wellington wind) and landed in Sydney around 8:00am for the next chapter of my adventure.

Earthquake!

Tuesday, July 3

"A strong earthquake has been felt throughout much of New Zealand, but there have been no reports of injuries or damage.

In the capital, Wellington, homes shook as the quake rumbled for about 20 seconds Tuesday.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude-6.2 quake was centered about 105 kilometers (65 miles) south of New Plymouth on New Zealand's North Island. The temblor's epicenter was 236 kilometers (147 miles) below the surface, and the depth may have helped reduce surface damage.

Media reports indicate the quake was felt widely across both the North and South islands."

I'm sitting on my couch, sipping some wine, when the room started to shake. I first thought it was construction outside of my apartment (jackhammer). Then it kept shaking, and finally, my delayed response was, "oh, I think I'm feeling an earthquake." I felt like a little kid, excited by the whole thing. Especially, since it wasn't that big of one and no one was hurt.

Wednesday, July 4

My co-worker Catz (Catherine) decorated my desk with American Flag stickers..she really is the cutest little mom to our group.

Did a very civilized pub crawl (including dinner) with my co-worker Rob, we hit the following places:

The Establishment (decorated with July 4^th crap) http://www.theestablishment.co.nz/node/399

This is the kind of place that has drink specials for the Ladies..not my usual hangout, but Rob has a crush on one of the bartenders there, so we hung out for a beverage. The good thing was that they had champagne for the drink special.

Hung out at Malthouse  http://www.themalthouse.co.nz/ while we waited to get into the bar that I really wanted to try (The Library). If I was more of a beer drinker, I guess this is the place to be.

The Library http://thelibrary.co.nz/ Loved it! Cozy, dark sitting areas, with low key music and books all around. Hopefully, I'll be able to hang out there again.

Dinner at The Tasting Room http://www.thetastingroom.co.nz/ (once again, great service, food [squid for my appetizer and a burger] and wine..love Pinot Noirs from Central Otago)

I'm heading to Queenstown for the weekend. I've signed up for the Milford Sound tour (includes bus and cruise) and a bungy jump! Yikes! I'll let you know how it was.

Off to pack for another move. At least the next move is in the same apartment, but it's still a move :(

Martinborough and Misc.

I really just wanted to be mellow this past weekend, but I figured I didn't know how long I was going to be in NZ, so I just needed to suck it up and rally! I decided on Friday to take the train to Martinborough (Wairarapa region) to visit some more wineries. The train ride was short (approximately an hour), and it was another scenic ride.

Initially, I was the only person on the tour, and then after an amazing lunch (poached egg on a caesar salad and antipasto), we picked up two more people (a young couple from Wellington). I went to Te Kairanga, Schubert, Muirlea Rise, and Murdoch James Estate. Muirlea Rise was my favorite, purely based on the funny guy (Shawn) the owner of the boutique winery.

On Sunday, I had to move to a new apartment since Chews Lane (loved it) was booked for the next few weeks. This is an example of how ridiculously nice people are here. The realtor came to Chews Lane to get the keys as well as helped me move my stuff as well as my co-worker's stuff (he had to go to Sydney for the weekend for his personal apartment move) to the new place (Wakefield). And then, not only did he help me move, he also took me to a tourist spot (Mount Victoria lookout) to see a 360 degree view of Wellington...ridiculous, right?

I'm trying to make the most of my short time here, as well as, it's better being busy to not let my mental hamster over think things with Jens. Yep..he's gone. I was able to hang out with him the Mon., Tues., and Thurs., before he left on Fri. the 29. He had one day in Sydney to unpack from NZ and then pack for a 3 week trip to Thailand (sun, surf, shrines). He'll be back in Sydney on July 21, we'll see if we reconnect.

Right now, plans are for me to head to Sydney on either July 13 or July 15 for work, and then possibly splitting my time between Melbourne and Sydney. I would love to spend time in both places, and heard to get the most out of both places, stay away from the city in Sydney (not much going on there vs. the beach areas), and in Melbourne, the city was the best place to be (European feel, with great restaurants). My work contract ends Aug. 24, but I'm planning on spending an extra week for pure vacation time.

I just bought a ticket to Queenstown for this weekend, it wasn't super cheap due to my last minute decision, but I figure I may never be back here, so it'll be worth the splurge. I'll be flying there Friday morning and then return Sunday around noon to move to a new apartment (the current one was only available this week). I'm going to check on a day tour to Milford Sound (the Realtor recommended it, and the pics look amazing), and then I'll do at least one adrenaline-rush activity. Really not much time to do anything else (Milford Sound is 8am-8pm).

I checked the weather in Queenstown..it's in the low 40's...brrrrr....I'm sure those of you sweating right now wish they had a chilly day :)