Has it been a week already?!

I physically embarked on my adventure one week ago today – and I have to say that I am rather pleased with how the trip has gone thus far! I have strained my body probably a bit more than necessary with my late-night outings and inability to sleep, and in result, I have swollen lymph nodes and a chronic sore throat. But needless to say… It is worth it!

Upon my arrival I reunited with Joylynn after five months of agonizing separation. Spotting her in the hostel lobby, we flew into each others arms as if some sort of tragedy had struck but we both made it out alive. It took no time at all to pick up where we left off. We got settled into our six-person mixed dormitory at the Wake Up hostel, and headed out to a going away party for our English friend we met seven months ago. Knowing the fun that was ahead of me on the first night, I took a nap in preparation. After staying up until 3am (10am was what my body was use to) and for nearly 24 hours, I managed to get four hours of sleep the first night… and then again on the second night… and once more on the third. My body and mind are tired, but it seems that the social euphoria only has expanded and I refuse to let it slow down.

Australia is beautiful for many regards, but I have to say that my favorite component is the amount of international exposure. In the first week I have met people from England, Germany, Jordan, Kenya, Russia, France, Canada, Fiji, Malaysia, Holland, Thailand, and even a few Australians (they are hard to come by in Sydney). And on top of that, I have been able to be with people again who had such an impact in my life during my first visa just four months ago and were part of the reason for my return! Being back in Australia feels great and as if I had never left. Though some things seem different, such as the absence of Joy in my daily life and being able to walk outside in a tank top, I can say with much confidence that this is where I want to be right now. I seem to appreciate Sydney with the more time I spend here. With about three hours of wandering each day, I am able to piece streets together and have a better understanding of where the different places I have been fit together.

I have made many beautiful memories already in my short time here: going away party for my friend Yvonne, coffee and making lists at Starbucks with Joylynn on our old stomping ground, sitting in the park with friends and watching the skateboarders, sneaking onto the roof of the hostel I use to be able to afford to take in the view, grabbed a drink at the famous backpacker bar Scubar, sitting in my favorite park and watched the ladies feed the pigeons, standing with friends on George Street to watch the Chinese New Year parade, met new people while having a BBQ at Bondi Beach (quite cliché but it is something you have to do), and simply indulging in the pleasure of people-watching.

The job hunt has proven rather successful for me thus far. I have managed to have an interview on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday with three different temping agencies in Sydney! A few positions have already come up, and I have faith that only more will from here. Life often is crazy and take many twists and turns, so in a way I am simply anticipating the inevitable and open to any jobs that might lead me in a different direction or city. I would like to stay in Sydney if possible, but if a job opens somewhere that seems like a thrilling decision, I have no problem with getting up and moving the next day.

Weekend agenda: Mardi Gras parade on Oxford Street. What will happen? Joy and I don’t really know that yet. Are we nervous? Perhaps a bit but I think anxious would be more suiting. Will I take pictures and share them with you? Without a question I say yes!

Thank you for taking the time to check in on me and read my blog – I sincerely value your interest in this stage of my life. Bless you heaps!