Sydney- A bird's eye view!

The view from my window :)

Some of the facts that I have learned in my first couple of weeks down under….

Did you know that Macadamia nuts are originally from Queensland, Australia?

How about the pickup truck- the first “utility vehicle” or ute as they are know here was designed by Ford Australia in the 30’s.

I was lucky enough to spend some of the holidays in Sydney. Flying in, I tried to bring a bit of blue sky and sun from Queensland, by all accounts the Aussie summer has been off to a slow start although to my mind the weather seems fantastic for December.  Arriving in Sydney I was greeted by the fabulous 

Anna and Ben and whisked away to the lovely shores of Palm Beach, one of Sydney’s northernmost beaches. There, I was treated to a holiday vacation getaway full of sand, sun, friends and fun.  Ben’s parents, Julie and Chris are delightful, interesting hosts and were so generous and wonderful in sharing their home and family with me for the holidays.

  wow I am up high!

the bridge- imagine me on the top!

For my first day in Sydney, Anna had told me to prepare for a surprise experience, all I was told was to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes, and knowing Anna I was ready for anything. Still, imagine my surprise when after careful planning and secrecy on everyone’s part I found myself getting ready to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge! It was the perfect introduction to Sydney-exciting, historical and with an incredible view. Although it sprinkled a bit it did not dampen the spirit of adventure or the views, though it did seem to influence my fashion sense a bit for the day.

Palm Beach

Over the holidays I tried many new things: a paw paw, fruit mince pies, Christmas cake, watched cricket, surfing ( yes! I got up),  and paddle boarding. I also saw lots of new animals such as a shark egg, a goanna, beautiful birds and I also fed a Kookaburra.  I also had a chance to catch up with IU connection Alex and her son with a fun lunch at the famous Doyle's.  Dance was also represented through  a Luna Dance connection- Julie and her daughter Lulu in lovely Manley.  It was an exciting and relaxing trip as well as a priceless opportunity to spend time with old and new friends.

a kookaburra

me feeding a kookaburra!

Looking at the lighthouse on Palm Beach

a goanna

Sydney- the view from the famous Doyle's where I had fish and chips.

Arriving in Oz :)

After all of the hustle and bustle to wrap things up and packing up to leave-( thank you to everyone who helped my throughout the process :)! my flight to Brisbane, Australia was relatively uneventful. Fifteen hours to Auckland and then another three to Brisbane where I was met at the airport by the wonderful Janet Lawrence- the local  Rotary Peace Fellow Coordinator.  The first couple of days were a bit of a blur, although I do remember several times as a passenger in the car I tried to step on the brakes on my side. :)  I started my time off staying in lovely Fig Tree Pocket- a south eastern neighborhood of Brisbane.  

One of the lakes on campus

The Great Court

The campus is beautiful with big sandstone buildings and lots of trees and flowers.  I registered, now have my student ID and  started trying to figure out how to get around on the public transit system- I can choose from  buses, trains and river ferries.

I will head to Sydney for the holidays and to visit with friends.

Thank you so much for all of the cards, gifts, the send-offs and well wishing to send me on my way!

Cockatiel on campus!