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.