I think most people might have expected that we would be settled in quickly with our new lives here but honestly, it’s been a pretty rough start. We’ve been in our apt for a week and still no fridge, gas to cook or internet access. Without a car it’s very difficult to get around to buy the essentials and set up house.

We moved into our new digs on a Friday and Jim flew out the next day to teach in Tokyo so it’s been a bit challenging for sure. His trip this week was bad timing but this will be the nature of our new life here, lots of travel and adventure! The first time traveling to Japan was eye-opening for Jim. Japan is a very clean, pleasant and conservative country. In a professional setting, they have a tradition of exchanging gifts with their guests. So Jim bought some very nice, high-end chocolates to give to the consultant of the company, in exchange they gave him a bottle of Japanese black raspberry wine called Bokbunjajoo. Haven’t tried it yet but looking forward to it.

I discovered the library in North Sydney, an oasis and refuge for wireless internet access where I’ve been able to catch up with emails and bill-paying. Amazing how much problem-solving can be done with an internet connection! Also checking out second-hand stuff for sale on Gumtree, like our Craig’s list. Yesterday I bought a local phone to be able to make local calls as needed and started to coordinate the utility hookups.

The utility companies are difficult enough back home to deal with but now in a foreign country, it has been exasperating. I tried to connect with one, Origin, but I was not getting anywhere with them.

Update: We also finally got a refrigerator, yay, no more coolers full of ice! Decided to rent one for only $19/month, alot less hassle. And after several days of no cooking gas, EnergyAustralia finally turned on the gas and I cooked my first meal using the oven’s stovetop, voila, beef and veggie stirfry!

Love our new neighborhood. Took a walk along Lavender St. at dusk, this place is beautiful, day or night.

Finally, it’s worth noting that even though we are living in an english-speaking country, we are quickly learning the many different Aussie words and phrases that take on a whole new meaning. So with that in mind, each day I will write a word or expression at the end of each blog post. Then all my readers will learn Aussie too. And if you happen to be Australian and reading this, feel free to offer any corrections or additions that I overlook! G’day Mates!

“Good on ya” = good for you

Our new fridge

New fridge

Our side gate to Lavender St. w/ the beautiful city skyline across the harbor.

Side alleyway