Still here in apartment hell so I just hang out inside our bedroom when I’m not out exploring. We’re in the Pyrmont section of the city, just yards from the Anzac bridge and less than a ten minute walk to Darling Harbor, really nice location.

I realized after the first time I went grocery shopping that I do not have a car to put all the bags in – I need to walk and carry them, even if it’s several blocks. So used to just hopping in my car at home. That was a major reality check that completely slipped my mind! Doh, hence the reason I needed to buy the ‘trolley’… but I did not want to look old and frumpy so I bought this stylish one as I mentioned. Of course it’s turned out to be a real problem. It’s flimsy and flips from side to side, really small wheels and lacks support like some others I’ve seen. I must admit that I was having trolley-envy as I noticed other trollies were larger and sturdier, like the one below. Now that’s a nice trolley.                                           

Feeling accomplished today since I found a dry cleaner, hardware store and post office so it’s nice to begin to feel a sense of place now. It wouldn’t be so bad to stay in this part of the city if we hadn’t already found a place on the lower north shore. No matter the location though, is that I can’t adjust to all the city noise coming from the woods of Clinton/Killingworth. I know over time I will acclimate but right now I am so sensitive to it and not liking it. I think living out of suitcases now for weeks can really get old too so I am REALLY looking forward to our new flat in Lavender Bay – it’s certainly been worth the wait, arguably the most sought-after part of the city to live!

Not having a car sure is inconvenient but there are perks too – keeps our expenses WAY down and I walk everywhere, it’s been great exercise, plus train travel here is super reliable, gets you where you need to go quickly and the trains run frequently. There are many car rental options too if we needed one for a day.

Today is also St. Patrick’s Day, of course, so it was fun to see all the green and beer flowing with every bar packed. Even if it was not a holiday, this is a drinking culture here. Every Friday, the alcohol cart gets rolled out for happy hour at Jim’s workplace! It’s very much like the ‘60’s culture here professionally. Think “Mad Men.” How different it is in the U.S., imagine drinking alcohol in the office at home?

The morning after St. Patty’s day…