12/3/2016 I am enjoying a mimosa in the expensive airport terminal bar. The tears are finally drying, the heart is slowing down and the nerves are subsiding. I am starting to enjoy this new beginning :) 12/6/2016 I started work at ICC Sydney. This place is huge! I'll be ushering for special events like concerts and exhibitions. Here are some insights of my first two days in Australia * The toilet water does not swirl the opposite way * I apparently am the one with the accent * The humidity is 90% * I have to make a concious effort to walk on the left side My Australia phone number is +61(country code) 0410771483 12/8/2016 I dipped my toes in the ocean today....ok, i took a dive and swam around like a happy fish that was set free from captivity. It is blue, clear, the sand is fine and the sun is hot! Manly beach is 7 miles away by ferry. The view by ferry is pretty spectacular. I had it all to myslef for the first part of the morning. I also went to the Toronga Zoo. Saw giraffes, koalas, elephants, lemers and zebras. Very fun End of Week one: 12/12/2016 This week went by fast. I was full of adrenaline with all the new things and places to see and do. To recap my week....I established a job at ICC Sydney as an Usher, I lived in a hostel that never sleeps, I have visitied 5 out of 7 tourist hot spots, I have layed on the beach and visited a local zoo. I walked over 10 miles throughout Sydney and have bought lunch and dinner almost every day (not cheap). I went to a free concert on Darling Harbour and have enjoyed many drinks in the evening (including dancing and karaoke). Everyone I have met so far have been so nice, mostly everyone under 20. They have been from Sweden, Germany, Scotland, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and Colorado. For my future in Sydney I have loved it so much I plan to extend my stay thru February. I have been looking for a short term apartment in the area near my work. This place has something always going on, and they have excellent transportation options and not super expensive. I also enjoy the night life. I will stay here, working part time and going to the places I will begin to get familiar with. I like establishing myself here, at least for now. Maybe at the end of my journey, I will come back to the starting point...Sydney. Second Week I am feeling more comfortable walking around Sydney. I wish I had a fitbit or pedometer because I know I have walked well over 20 miles. This city is big and there is so much to see. I have been doing all the usual tourist stuff and have taken advantage of all the free sights like the botanical gardens, harbours, coastal walks and beaches. I mainly spend my money on coffees and groceries. I listened to my mom and bought bread and all the fixings for sandwiches every day, so I don't eat out as much. If I were to eat out for all three meals each day, it would be around $80AUS. I learned very quickly it is not cheap to live in Sydney, but I have been able to stretch the dollar a little more each day. I went on a coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach. It was 6km (3.7 miles). There were beaches along the way, and a huge cemetary that was beautiful. It was a quiet type of beautiful with a peaceful feeling. The water along the shores is so blue. I have always seeked out blue waters, even when hiking to lakes in Jackson. I have always been drawn to these wonderful places. And the clear and clean ocean water is magnificent, especially on blue bird days. The sand feels good on the toes also, not too hot and a light caramel color. Today, 12/18, I will head to Watsons Bay. This is more of a historical area with old brick buildings and an interactive walk through times past. Their public transportation is awesome here. I can take the ferry, bus, light rail and train all with one card, you just put money on it. And Sundays is "family day", so it's only $2.50 all day, wherever you want to go! So I am going to hop onto the ferry and take a look at Watsons. 12:00am on 12/25/2016 Merry Christmas from the Southern Hemisphere! I am just going to bed in New Castle, staying at my good friend Nikki's. With no snow, trees, presents or Christmas movies...I can't say I feel the spirit of Christmas. I am however so happy to share the day with friends. We will feast and drink all day :) My family will be on my mind of course. Merry Christmas to everyone, enjoy it with your loved ones! 12/29/2016 I learned something new today. Taiwanese women do not try to tan because being brown brings shame to their people. "To be white is preferred". I met a couple today on the ferry over to Royal National Park. Emile (Ameel) and Claire are from France and Taiwan. I asked if I can walk with them through the park. So we went on a walk about, longer than I thought. We did about 14 kilometers (8 miles) to the best beach I have ever seen so far, Marley Beach. Wow, this was a screensaver picturesque beach. The clearest blue water and calm waves, no one was there because we got there at 5. The sand was just cooling down from the hot sun all day, and man after 4 miles of walking that plunge into the water felt so good on the warm and sweaty arms and legs. The walk was along the coast of the Tasman Sea (my first sea!). It was colder water than the South Pacific which borders Sydney. The rocks looked like petrified sand that was blown over 1000 years into dunes along the shores, and the bushes were bent back from the harsh wind. The sand also changed colors from khaki white to caramel brown along the way. After a long trek, we get to the ferry and found out we had missed the last one for the day! So we settled on a taxi to the train which was spendy but was our only option after 7. When I head back to RNP I will go in from Otford and explore the Figure Eight Pools. To be continued.... 1/1/2017 Happy New Year! 2016 was amazing. There were adventures, loves and losses. I found my calling to travel and found that home is where you make it. To be in Australia for a new year and to be around others that have adventure in their heart, it is amazing and I feel full of love. The New Years party on the boat was spectacular. They welcomed us aboard with champagne and hors d'oeuvres. We took off from the Wharf (boat dock) around 6:45 and set sail with the rest of the big boats. The first set of fireworks were at 9 and we were 100 feet away from one of the barges. There were 7 barges in the harbour and they went off simultaneously. The night went on cruising the harbour under the bridge and over by the opera house. There were millions of people up on the hillsides and walkways. The boat stopped in front of the bridge for the big finale at midnight. Wow, what a sight. It felt as if it went on forever, and you couldn't tell what wasn't blowing up on that bridge. So many lights and colors. The pictures don't do it justice. I was so lucky to have met so many people, and from the states! There was a couple on their honeymoon from Washington, a single lady from New Jersey having a vacation a new good friend from up North that came down to have a good time. They all helped make my NYE memorable. I hope your new year brings joy and positive change. ________________________________________________________________________________ Hostel Living-Side Bar After moving into 3 hostels over the course of my one month here, I thought I would share some of the pros and cons of living in these cheap living spaces: Mad Monkey Hostel, duration: 1 week This was a big party hostel, they had tickets to go some where every night. And the TV room, though small, was always popping off with music and cheap boxes of wine. Really nice staff and somewhat clean, and ample fridge and kitchen space. This has overall been my favorite place. The girls I met in my room (plus private bathroom), and unlimited wifi. Close to everything also. Original Backpackers Hostel, duration: 3 weeks This hostel was pretty much across the street from Mad Monkey. The outside of it is Victorian with the old iron balconies and vines climbing up the sides. Inside, old wooden floors and staircase. Way bigger than Mad Monkey with I think over 20 rooms. The TV room was bigger and had Netflix. Not unlimited wifi so it was hard to stay in contact with the family and upload my photos. Other than the two owners, Brian and Bruce, the staff were terrible. They were not happy people, pretty much grunting while they worked. I think most of them got free accommodation if they work a certain amount of hours. I did get my slippers stolen from the TV room, was pretty bummed about that, They had a big kitchen and outdoor deck to sit on but closed at 9:45. This place was way overpriced. For 3 weeks I paid $800, no good. Central Perk Hostel, duration: Get me out of here! I was not smart and booked this place before reading the reviews. They were horrible. All about the cleanliness of the rooms, kitchen and TV room. I see it first hand now that I moved in, This is a short review on this one because....well let's just say I told reception I had a "family emergency" and have to shorten my stay to 5 days instead of 30 days and if I can get my money back, that would be great....so I am in the process of renting an apartment with 7 others. I checked it out and it's clean, has a big balcony, near my work and nice people there. Plus way cheaper. _____________________________________________________________________________ 1/8/2016 Just moved into a flat and I am so happy to have a clean kitchen and bathroom! I share a room with 4 other girls, not bad. And it is a 10 minute walk to work and the harbour. It is 2 bed 2 bath on the 7th floor of a big complex. There is a pool and gym also. We dry the clothes on the big balcony that catches the sun for the most part of the morning and early afternoon. I think I am going to really like it here. Today, I made a new friend whom I live with. Daisy, from Columbia, and I went to Manly beach and Shelley beach. Shelley beach is by far the best beach at this point I have been to. Instead of fine sand there are shells that have been broken down by the pounding water. And the water was a teal blue color, so beautiful. Sydney is in full summer swing, lots of people and the beaches are packed. Other things I have done in the past week is visit Sydney Olympic Park and Luna Park. I have taken the train to Cronulla and was a beach bum there for a day. I have finished 2 books and am on a third. I find something new to do everyday and take advantage of all the sunlight there is, unless it was a long night out, then I catch some afternoon z's :) When things remind me of home I definitely have a moment to miss it. So far I could really go for some real bacon and mac 'n' cheese. I have yet to find these items. Some food for thought: When travelling, is it better to meet people from that country or from all over the world? I have been missing my time getting to know Australians. By living in hostels I have met people from Germany, France, UK, etc. but I have only met a handful of Aussies, so that is my next plan...to meet the locals! Making Sydney Home I am finding myself settling into Sydney like it's Jackson. Well not quite, but I am sticking to my neighborhood, finding people I know on the street to say hi to. I have a go to grocery store and a cafe that I know the names of the employees. I have a group of people I hang out with at the beach or bars. It is really feeling like a third home for me. My travel plans may change now that I am finding it harder to leave Sydney. I keep extending my stay here, and I am OK with that. It is hard not to have time on my mind all the time. I mean, I have been here going on 2 months, that is only 10 months left! I can't even picture myself leaving, even a year from now. I really fit right in. I do however need to find a more steady job. I have seen most of all the tourist hotspots around here and now I am just going back to all my favourites (Bondi Beach, Scruffys bar, Botanical Gardens, Chain Valley Bay aka where Chris lives :), and at my flat with my roomies). It is even getting easier to speak a few terms they use here and they just roll off my tongue. Like sunnies, swimmers, arvo, and bogun. I have some February plans with Chris and hope to get another job in that time in a coffee shop. I will be rooting for the Patriots for the Superbowl and going to a Guns n Roses concert in a couple weeks. Days are turning into regular days with downtime and relaxation. I have spent less and watched more how I spend my money. I am 100% happy that I have taken this step in life and journeyed into the unknown only to be amazed and content in what has come my way so far :) First Date in Australia 1/27/2017... I met Chris singing karaoke one night at an Irish pub and we finally made time for a "first date". He is from Australia and lives about an hour and a half North from Sydney. He brought me flowers and took me to an Italian restaurant on the water at a place called The Entrance. This is where the lake feeds into the ocean, very pretty. We walked around the pier and got some Stone Cold Creamery type ice cream and watched the sunset. The next day we planned a beach day at Lakes beach. My last swim I felt some shocks to my arms and stomach. A blue bottle organism(not jelly fish) stung me! I was more in shock than actual pain. It just felt like a low level taser shocking me for about a half hour. I definitely was glad Chris was there because he calmed me down and said the pain will go away soon and to take a cold shower. It left some marks like a bunch of bug bites down my arm and around the side. My day did get better after that because we went to feed kangaroos at Morisset Park. They were just lounging in the sun and we brought some carrots. They were hopping over and eating them from our hands. They let us pet them and their fur is super soft. It is funny how I get upset with tourists feeding the wildlife back home but here I am feeding kangaroos! Later on we did some star gazing on the beach and I got to see the Southern Hemisphere constellations, so no big dipper last night. We did see some shooting stars, and there were night fisherman out. We ordered chinese food and watched a movie for the rest of the night. I have really enjoyed Chris' company and hope to have more dates with this Aussie man :) Change of Plans - Feb. 8, 2017 Well I got a second job as a bartender. I am excited to make cocktails and have more of a consistent work schedule. I might quit ICC to work full time at the bar. I have decided to stay in Sydney through April to make some more money to travel on. I will plan to do 3 months of travelling up the East coast and head to Cairns, starting in May. My sister will be meeting me in Fiji in August. Then I will plan to come back to Sydney for the remainder of the year. I feel like it is going by so fast, already two months. I have really grown to love this place and look forward to seeing more of it. Chris has been taking me on adventures North of Sydney like Port Stephens and Morisset. Next is one of his favourite places, Yamba. It has been really nice traveling with someone, especially an Aussie :) Some things I miss after 2 months away from home: Flavoured creams for my coffee, waking up to the snowy tetons, having my own place, living in a small town with way less pollution and people, more cereal options, cheaper drinks. Of course I miss my family and close friends, I think about you all often. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Aussie Trivia These are things I have learned here, can you answer any? 1. What is the capital of Australia? 2. True or False: People drive on the left side of the road 3. What city can you find the Opera House? 4. Name one famous celebrity from Australia? 5. What the notorious spread called for toast? 6. Who was the first explorer of Australia? 7. What three colors are on the Australian flag? 8. What season does July fall in? 106 Days in Australia I can tell you that the magic of being in another country and being far far away has worn off. I feel like I have made a normal home here in Sydney. Other than the fact that I live with 8 other people, my life is pretty normal. I have a full time job at Taste which is a restaurant/bar in Darling Harbour. I am learning to make cocktails and work under happy hour pressure. I also can make my own schedule and the managers are super chill. I am on my feet 6-13 hours a day but so far that is ok as long as I stretch after I am done. It helps that I take yoga 1-2 times a week. I go see my boyfriend Chris from Friday to Monday and we venture around the Central Coast and farther up North to new beaches and hidden destinations. He is really fun and funny. I don't explore much of Sydney anymore, like I said the magic has worn off and now it is an over run concrete jungle filled with pollution and cranes; there is construction every street almost and so many cars and people. I am so happy to get away on the weekends where Chris lives because it reminds me of Jackson, well not really, only that it is more open space and quieter. There are only a handful of shops and you have to drive a ways to get to the nearest mall. I have my favourite places to eat there already and a place with my favourite coffee :). I am looking into moving to Newcastle next which is 30 minutes North of where Chris lives. This will get me out of Sydney and I will be closer to him. Plus I need a change...and my own room. The girls I live with are lovely but it is kinda cramped and I would like my own space and privacy. From Newcastle I plan to head to Fiji with my sister end of July then move to Cairns where I will work at least 88 days, per my Visa requirements. I hope to get a job in bar work or hospitality, I am still researching my options. It is hard not to think about my future and where I want to end up. My plans have taken a complete 180 since the day I got here. I believe all things happen for a reason and I am so happy they are what they are. As I write this tonight, before I go to bed, I can tell you that I am happy, healthy and know that big things are in store for me here.... 17/4/2017 Goodbye Sydney, you've been a great starting point in my Aussie Adventure....
14 Comments
Flicka
4/12/2016 08:42:19
Oh what fun you'll have! The Rocks used to be an artsy area that I enjoyed. There's so much to see and do In Sydney!
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Flicka
7/12/2016 13:17:58
Your pic of Sydney Harbour reminds me of my sister's arrival there (by ship!) on January 26, 1968. She thought (not really) the fireworks were for her. Hahaha! Hope you're having a great time!
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John T
8/12/2016 13:33:46
looks awesome can't wait for a visit
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Flicka
19/12/2016 15:58:03
You've been busy! Would love to hear about some friends you've made. Hope you aren't lonely, you're such a fun-loving person!
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Bettie
21/12/2016 20:19:03
I have made a few friends from the hostels i have stayed. Most of the people I have met are from Germany and France. So far, so good :)
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Denise Euell
21/12/2016 16:34:07
Hi Bettie Ann, I love reading about your adventures!!In every word I can hear your voice!So glad you are loving it and that you are safe❤❄🌍
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Bettie
21/12/2016 20:19:50
Thanks sis! I am really enjoying it. So far, not homesick...I will skype you over Christmas :)
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Jenn
25/12/2016 22:52:28
Merry Christmas to you! Love and miss you! I look forward to reading these, keep up the blogging. 😘
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Flicka
27/12/2016 14:26:18
I'm so glad you were with your friend for Christmas! I just watched The Man from Snowy River again and got a bit "homesick" for Australia and my sister.
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Denise Euell
4/1/2017 06:02:35
Hi Sister!!!So glad you are not having to stay in that hostel!!!Iam so enjoying your blog,it makes me wish I could sell all I own and come travel all over with you!!!Iam very proud that you're following a dream you had from back in high school!!Love you so dang much❤🌍❄
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Bettie
4/1/2017 12:12:32
Thanks for all the support. And I know you would be with me in a heart beat, you got the travel bug too?. You are a big inspiration of mine, with your positive attitude through all you have been through. I admire your spirit and internal happiness. Love you to the moon ?
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Denise Euell
5/1/2017 16:21:30
In a heart beat...for certain,I've always had the travel bug but God had something else in mind for me being a mom has been a different kind of adventure!!!❄🌍❤But bet your bottom dollar I am coming to see you and hopefully I will return 😆
john taylor
11/1/2017 14:47:18
Wow I wonder if Shelly Beach is a Smelly Beach!
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Bettie
11/1/2017 21:50:37
Haha, Shelley beach was not smelly dad. And i'll send more Tim Tams when they go on sale, and shipping is free. Haha
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Blissful BettieAusI want to see, do, explore, wander, and live to the fullest. I hope to inspire the next generation travelers to journey on. |