Cindy's Travel Bits: Heaps and keen, keen and heaps....

It has officially been one week since I arrived in Australia.....I can't believe it is already one week. It feels like just yesterday I was at work dreaming about Australia. I literally pinch myself every day to make sure I am here.

This week I have surfed almost every day. The water is refreshing but I can't say it's warm. Everyone says if you travel north to Queensland then the water will be warm but for now the water is perfect. Its been extremely windy though with winds from the North East. When the winds come from that direction they bring the nasty blue bottle jelly fish that sting. No thank you. For those of you who are wondering what I am talking about here's a picture:

I had my first Australia BBQ on Sunday and it was so good....or rather heaps good. Jeremy, Jess' fiance, bbq'ed and we all sat on the patio enjoying the day. The weather has been nearly perfect and its been nice to sit, relax, and enjoy the day. Its definitely been a slower pace since I left San Diego but I realize that I've needed it.

On Monday, January 26th was Australia Day. It is a major holiday that everyone celebrates.....it's like the 4th of July. Everyone gets very patriotic and wears the Australian Flag. It was the day that Captain James Cook discovered Australia however many years ago. That day we went down the harbour to watch the Aquathon that many people compete in. We came back to the harbour that night to enjoy the fireworks. It was about 15 minutes of fireworks that are choreographed to songs by Australian artists. One of the songs was on a mixed CD that my friend Belinda had made for me. I used to listen to this song in my truck back in San Diego to get me pysched on my new adventure. I got a little teary knowing that I was finally here in Australia.

Anyways....to celebrate Australia Day I put fake tatoos on me and I walked around with an Australian flag. I chanted along to AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE....OI OI OI. It was a great day!

This weekend I am heading north with Ashleigh to Newcastle. Its on the other side of Sydney. Some say that Newcastle and Wollongong are the roses between the thorn....Sydney. I'll let you know how it goes!

Oh yeah, the heaps and keen are the most frequently used words by ALL Australians. Its funny to always hear them but I have found myself using them heaps. :)

Cheers mate, Cindy

Oh yeah and some pics to go along: