The New Year has come and it's no longer new anymore so now I have to get used to writing -/-/10 when I had gotten so used to writing 09. As for getting used to Sydney things are coming along at a smooth pace as I am easing my way into a routine. I've moved into the apartment on Harbour St. and have just been enjoying my days pool side or reading on the roof. When I get somewhat bored I keep reminding myself that this is apart of what I came here to do......nothing. It's quite nice. I watched the fireworks over the Harbour Bridge from Macquaries Point. There were a few trees in the way but overall it was a good spot. I had to wait in what was probably the longest line I've ever seen. It went about 400 yards down a side walk and then snaked down a hill and then coiled in and around itself at the bottom. There were two sets of fireworks, one at 9 and then one at 12. I went with some folks from the hostel and we all enjoyed a good show.
As for the apartment I never thought I would find myself in such a situation but for the rent it is well worth it. And then I just have to remind myself of the pool and it really helps. I share a room with 2 Korean guys and 1 French guy. Yes, 4 people in this room. There's a few other roommates in the next room as well and I do have to say that although the language barrier poses some obstacles it really isn't that bad. The Korean guys are some of the nicest people I've met as they offer me to share in their dinner and are always very courteous. I went out with them, the Japanese and German roommates as well, one night to Jay's (one of the Korean roommates, not his real name but an English substitute) restaurant and ate Korean food and drank Korean whiskey. We played a Korean drinking game called 0-0-7-bang! which was actually pretty fun. We played another called Titanic but I am not sure where that one came from.
They were very excited to have me as a roommate because it gives them a chance to practice their English. Jay especially is filled with questions about how to pronounce certain words or what a word means when it is in a tense he has never seen. The Japanese girl, Nobu, is very funny and one of the most outgoing Asians I've ever met. She is addicted to Desperate Housewives as one of the roommates has all the seasons. Overall, I'm enjoying my new surroundings, especially the pool, and the location is perfect (right next to George St. which is the main street running through downtown).
I have a 3-day surf camp trip booked for next week and the forecast is supposed to be rain for two of the days. Hopefully they are wrong as usual. I've heard it is extremely tiring as the swimming alone wears you out, not to mention the paddling. I've done some site-seeing around the city but have yet to go to Bondi Beach. They really scare you about skin cancer here, and rightfully so, as there is some grossly large number of people who get it each year. I mean they really hammer it home with billboards, commercials, previews on movies, radio, etc. I got burned the other day after spending just about 30 minutes in the sun. That hole in the ozone is pretty big I think.
In the next week though I'll start looking for jobs and see what's out there. Evidently, in New South Wales, the only state that requires it's own special certification, you have to take a class to get certified to serve alcohol. Another way for the gov. to make money if you ask me. But it is essential and after planning the rest of my trip up until May I know it's necessary. First however, a little surfing is in order.
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