Week 10 in Sydney

The last week has been pretty fantastic.

My stay at the backpackers in Maroochydore ended nicely, with a few trips to the pub and shopping centre, and a bit of swimming. I nearly went to get my nose pierced the day that I flew, but ran out of time... I'm sure many people reading this will consider that a good thing! Maroochydore airport was tiny and with minimal security- less so, in fact, than the security for the Senedd in Cardiff Bay! Nevertheless, the flight was quick and easy, and flying over Sydney at night was simply breathtaking.

I caught a train to the backpackers, and then a taxi after tiredness and silly mistakes caused me to get lost. When I arrived in King's Cross, where the hostel was located, I couldn't help but notice an abundance of strip clubs and prostitutes- perhaps that is a lesson to research the area I plan to stay in more thoroughly? The hostel was not too bad, with an en suite bathroom and a bath (which I found pretty exciting).

The next day, I was feeling pretty positive and excited to be in Sydney. It felt a lot like being in London, and I was glad of the familiar atmosphere. In the morning, I went for a walk down to Elizabeth Bay and had breakfast on a floating jetty with a beautiful view of the harbour in front of me- a perfect start to a perfect day! At 11am, I went for a trial at a cafe in Elizabeth Bay and got the job. It's a lovely little gourmet cafe run by a Greek couple, where locals come to buy fresh takeaway meals. The job comes with the added bonus of free meals- yay! I spent the evening relaxing with some of the guys at the hostel.

Whilst all of this was happening, a friend in the UK arranged for me to go and stay with friends of hers in a suburb outside the city. I moved in the next day, and am so glad I did! The family are lovely, with 3 daughters- one of which (Eleanor) is very close in age to me, and has planned a wide variety of things to see and do whilst I am staying here.

I have worked almost every day since so far. When I have not been wotking, I have been exploring the city- the harbour bridge, Sydney Opera House, China town, Paddy's markets and Darling Harbour. I have also been using train journeys and the occasional lunch time in the park, to work my way through six Ibsen plays- it is lovely to have the time to read so much out here!

This weekend, I went for a night out with Eleanor and her friends to a club in King's Cross. I was wary, after what I had seen of the area, but pleasantly surprised. The club, which was called World Bar, was tastefully decorated to resemble and old fashioned apothecary shop. The place was very quaint, and even gave its cocktails in teapots. The laws on alcohol misuse in Australia are very strict, and so it was a very relaxed and tame night out compared to those back at home.

On the Sunday, we went for a drive down to Manly with the intention of going to the beach. The weather wad dreadful, so we went for lunch in a beach themed restaurant on the sea front, and then took a stroll along the esplanade (where I took a picture of these surfers who look pretty perplexed to be having their photo taken by a random tourist) before driving home.

So this week has been busy, yet absolutely wonderful! With Eleanor ' s plans and my birthday presents arriving from the UK, I have a lot to look forward to!