It’s been a couple of weeks since we arrived in Sydney, and a couple of weeks working for me! We’ve tried out a couple of the districts to see which one to call home for the next few months, and no surprises that Bondi Beach won! The photo is the view from the rooftop pool, the beach is in the background. The other contender was Newtown, set to the west of the city near the main uni it has a young and vibrant feel, but alas no beach! It was also a bit closer to the IBM site I spend most of my time at, West Pennant Hills. It’s a leafy suburb on the outskirts of Sydney with the office set in a forest with Kookaburras and Gallahs chirping away, not to mention massive lizards (30cm IS massive when it’s a lizard at your feet!).
For a change of scenery, or days when the bed is just a wee bit too comfy, IBM Darling Harbour comes to the rescue. Based in the CBD*, with the treat of a ferry ride for the first visit, it’s only later that I realise the station is only 500m away, but that’s boring! Working on the 12th floor and doing lunch is actually great fun, and a new experience for someone who’s never worked in a city before. Having a commute is also a novelty, and actually quite relaxing, plenty of time to read, play and email.
The final work topic is Caroline having found a job as a nanny (i.e. playing with kids all day…), just for a couple of weeks as she continues to collect the required mountain paperwork to allow her to teach (thanks for posting it Dad, I’ll let you know when it arrives!).
As for the sightseeing, it’s slowed a bit compared to the first few weeks. We’ve mostly been walking around markets, along beaches (ferry to Manly, Bondi etc) and eating fish & chips, or chish & fips if you’re in Coogee. Today was a nice sunny day down at Bondi, people out surfing, sitting on the beach and playing catch with their dogs along the front – bearing in mind it’s still essentially winter here, makes you wonder what the summer is going to be like!
*CBD – Central Business District, in case you didn’t do that in Geography…
Hey guys! I’m a little squiffy just now but thought I’d say hello! Glad everything is working out, can’t wait till I’m out there too. Hope the sun is shining – I think it may be raining tomorrow here in Canada but them’s the breaks!
Eh up you too, great to see your having such a fab time in OZ. Big congrats on the engagement, well done Simon, good work on the proposal that should see the Brownie Points nicely topped up for some time. Hope your enjoying Sydney its a great city a feast for the eyes especially around the harbour. There are some really nice walks at the mouth of the harbour in the national park. Lovely views there (I saw a glamour model shoot on the beach when I went). Got to get yourselves into the blue mounatins when you can thats great, as well as some of the national parks south of Sydney. I haven’t managed to get in touch with my mate Chris yet, I thought he was in my facebook list be he doesn’t seem to be, will still try to find his details though. Well continue to have a great time, which no doubt you will.
Cheers
Peter
Hey,
First of all, congratulations on the fantastic news. Sounds like a great way to propose Simon – just glad Caroline said yes!!!! Hope you are planning a massive engagement party when you eventually return from your galavanting round the world!
Sounds like you are having a great time, to be honest i am very very very jealous! Edinburgh is a lovely place, but it doesn’t compare with Sydney! Just bad luck for you both having to work for the next few months!
Still hoping to make it out to Oz or NZ to see you but that might depend on when i get round to selling my flat.
Anyway, am sure i have lost of news but will send that in an e-mail to you Simon.
Iain
xx
Hey guys,
Glad to hear you’re settling into the aussie lifestyle – not at all jealous now that the bitter cold of winter is starting to set in in the UK!
I’ve been into the IBM office at Darling Harbour Si – very nice place! Have you taken many trips across the other side to Star City yet?
Also, I noticed that there was a world record made the other day at Bondi Beach – largest ever bikini photo shoot! Did you guys take part? I can just imagine you in a bikini Si – although now I have I wish I hadn’t!!
Chris.