Espresso

I have an income! I am working at a small cafe, called Vispo Espresso Bar, right in teh heart of the city. Its sor of a high end cafe that caters to wealthy business professionals who work in the area, but our main sales are our 'coffees' to all the regulars. Now I must exlain to you that 'coffee' in most places around the world is done very differently than in America. Our pot of hours old brewed coffee (that waitresses carry around offering refils with) is made fun of in these places where coffee is: espresso shots pulled fresh for each cup.

Some of the blessings about my job: The day I went out to look for a job, I walked around for about 45 minutes and handed out TWO resumes and then started work the next morning. Also, hospitality wages are very high here in Australia, so I get payed quite a bit of cash every week. And the people I work with are great, very friendly and helpful. Oh and one other thing, my hours are excellent. I work Monday-Friday from 8am to about 3pm and the place is closed on the weekends so I have nights and weekends off.
The downsides of hospitality work: I hate waiting tables! But I suppose I can manage for only three months. And as much as I like accents, I have to admit that there are times when I have the hardest time understanding what people are trying to order. But alas, all is going very well.

Ummmm....coffee is good!

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More good news!...I have a place and no longer have to live out of my backpack! Halleluia! It was fun being in a youth hostel meeting so many people in similar situations as me, but its so good to have a place to go 'home' to after a full day at work. It is just north of the CBD (Sydney's central business districs, where I work), across the bridge, in an area called North Sydney. It is a three bedroom apartment and is fully furnished. Katie and I share a room and we are living with two other guys from California who we met at IEP (the International Exchange Program). And I must put a strong emphasis on the fact that we have an INCREDIBLE view of the harbor, opera house, and the bridge from our balcony!

Cheers Mate!

After a lovely time relaxing in Fiji, Katie and I arrived in Sydney anxious and excited to experience life with Aussies. We checked into the Sydney Central youth hostel, where we'd be staying for a few nights. And I have to mention, I have never stayed in hostel quite like this. It has over 500 rooms and is practically like a hotel, except for the fact that you share a room with five other complete strangers and use a communal bathroom down the hall. The hostels have been a great place to meet other young travelers and people who are also doing short term work while they're here, like ourselves.

On our first few days in Sydney we took some time to do a little sightseeing. We visited Darling Harbor, The Rocks, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, the all famous Opera House, the Botanic Gardens, and Bondi and Manly beaches. At Darling Harbor Katie and I had fish and chips overlooking the many boats that filled the harbor. At the Rocks, we walked through the many shops and booths during the lively weekend market. The Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House were, as expected, spectacular, especially by ferry (night or day). The walk along the Botanic Gardens was beautiful and a nice change of scenery from the busy Sydney streets. Bondi beach is very nice this time of year, winter, because you're not having to walk over hundreds of people laying on the beach. There were still plenty of surfers in the water though. And oh my goodness, I can't remember if I have ever seen waves so big. Its still hard to believe that I'm actually here after an unexpected and random idea that Katie brought up just a few months ago and all the planning that followed. And then to think, this is just the beginning, I have four months to enjoy and live this big adventure.

Now Katie and I are spending our time in Sydney getting to know the area while looking for work and a place to live. Basically trying to set ourselves up to feel 'at home' for the next few months. Its time to get out of the vacation mindset and into more settled and work thinking. Transitions and new places have a way of causing stress at times, but Katie and I are so excited to be here and have full faith that God will direct us, care for us, and place us where He knows best.

PS For all of those who are wondering and have been asking. Here is what I look like with curly hair.

BULA!

Katie and I just spent the first three days of our travels on the beautiful beaches of Fiji. We took a ferry along the Yasawa Islands and then stayed in a Bure (a bungalow) right on the beach. Here we spent a few days relaxing in the sun, admiring the many different shades of tropical blue waters, and watching the sun set right over the horizon of the ocean! We have now arrived in Sydney (pinch me I must be dreaming) and tomorrow will be a day of exploring and sightseeing!