I think I am finally adjusting to the city noises at night. Lavender St. is lovely but it is a main through road and exit off the highway, traffic can be busy, especially in the AM and PM hours. On a more welcoming note, we hear all the cool birds during the day; like the screech of the cockatoos, the chirps of the rainbow lorikeets, the alien sounds of the crow, beautiful song of the magpie and jungle sound of the kookaburra. At night, we hear the high-pitched sound of the Ringtail Possum, or at least we think that’s what it is, never see them unfortunately.

While one of the most beautiful and livable cities on the planet, Sydney is also one of the most expensive. In fact, the townhouse next door to us, 30B Lavender St. just sold for $1.6 million and that is on the cheaper side!

This is a shot of Milson’s Point train station, a 5-7 minute walk from our flat, note our street is right off the M1.

So, apartment living continues to be a challenge. Everyday I have to buy ice for the cooler to keep the food cold, no fridge yet. Isn’t that crazy? Apartments here don’t come w/ a refrigerator, w/ the exception of some of the newer flats, you have to bring your own. I cringe when I wake in the AM to find dinner soaking in the water of melted ice, what a waste. To add to the frustration, I have no cooking gas yet either so no working stove/oven… :-/

On a brighter note, my debit card was ready at Commonwealth bank so I was eager to pick that up in the CBD. As I mentioned previously, lots of boutique and hi-end chain stores in the CBD. Ugg stores, everywhere, no big shock, but many of them cater to the tourist. I would love to buy a pair but they are only slightly cheaper here than at home. Really disappointed to learn that the soles of the  “cheaper” ones are made in China, so you have to be careful of that scam too. Hope to find a store that is off the beaten path, where the locals buy them.

Did a little more grocery-shopping today and found crumpets at Woolworth’s, one of the major grocery chains, not like the department store we grew up with. Have never tried a crumpet before, this will be new! They look a little like english muffins. I also found Vegemite, but did NOT buy a jar, yuk! lol

Next up, desk assembly, after spending 2hrs at Lav Bay cafe for breakfast and to use their wireless connection to at least try to stay on top of emails and pay bills back home. Yes, you are seeing tomatoes for breakfast, a very British tradition that is alive and well here. ;-)

Finally, was going to get laundry done today too. The washing machines are in a ram-shackled out-building in the back of the apartment building. This was another tough adjustment that we took for granted, having our own washer/dryer in our own home. :-/ But all part of the adventure!