June 27

Things I find interesting about Oz:
-it's hard to buy socks in more than a three pair package
-there are blokes drinking beer at the pub 9am everyday
-shops usually close at 6pm unless it's Thursday, late night shopping
-my DVDs don't play on Dave's machine
-Aussies call drinking fountains, "Bubblas"
-no one leaves gratuity
Those are just a few of the many differences I noticed.

Following are more pictures Dave or I have taken over the past month. Enjoy!


The view from the Taronga Zoo is incredible! Photo:David





I made lots of friends at Featherdale Wild Life park!!!! Photo:David




The Following set of Photos is from a coastal walk I took from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach with David's mom. The walk was long, but was absolutely beautiful.



The Australia cost is lined with beautiful standstone.



Cemetary.



One of the oldest cemeteries in Sydney just happened to be a portion of our walk. One of Dave's ancestors is rumored to be at rest in here.



Little Inlet.



Veiw through the bus window on our way back to Bondi.




Fortunately enough, the Queen's Birthday is a national holiday in Australia. David and I took advantage of the day off to take a 10km bush walk from Manly beach to the spit.



Rocks along the hike.



Making my way to the spit. Photo:David



We came across this small inlet and many more like it.



A very rare picture of Dave smiling on the hike!



Photo:David



Veiw from the end of our hike. Photo:David

June 21

In two days I will have officially been in Australia for a month. I have to admit, my time here are been nothing short of relaxing. I departed from Seattle on Friday May 18th and ventured to my first destination: Hawaii. I spent four nights with my grandparents in Mililani...talking story, battling over word searches and savouring Melona Bars. Surprising, I made only one trip to the beach. On my last day on Oahu I drove past the Dole Plantation, through the pineapple fields and rows of sugar cane to Alii's Beach on the North Shore. It was hard to say goodbye to my grandparents; my entire life has been shaped by their rich, vibrant culture.

The plane ride from Honolulu to Sydney was much smoother than anticipated. With hardly any turbulence and rays of sun seeping through our tiny windows, the nine hour flight flew by. Luckily, I was able to pass through customs and quarantine with no problems once on the ground.

Sydney is a beautiful city. Surrounded by the blue Pacific, it feels warm and inviting. I have been fortunate enough to stay only a short walk away from the heart of the city in colourful Darling Harbour.

I have been lucky to have David playing tour guide since I arrived. I have had the opportunity to visit the Taronga Zoo, play with kangaroos and koalas at Featherdale Wildlife Park, enjoyed a breathtaking coastal "bush walk" (hike) from Manly Beach to "The Spit" and of course explored all the shopping districts (without spending much at all surprisingly).

David's mom has also been incredibly hospitable. Almost every Friday since I've arrived she has taken me out into the city. We have done everything from a lovely walk from Bondi to Coogee Beach to going to the movies. The past couple weeks I have been privileged enough to have her walk me through the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Besides all the sight seeing and tourist activities, I have been able to keep myself busy by sketching, exploring Sydney on my own, exercising, and indoor rock climbing.

I am going to try to blog at least once a week to keep everyone updated on my Australian adventure. I will also be posting a selection of the photographs (as I've done below).



Veiw of the Sydney Opera House from the Museum of Contemporary Art.





View Sydney Opera House on a rainy walk.





Syndey Harbour Bridge.





Colourful sunset on the Pyrmont Bridge in Darling Harbour.





David sweating it out on the treadmill while I go for a relaxing swim. We are lucky to have a gym and spa in the building.





David loves corn on the cob.