happy anniversary

I realize that anniversaries typically celebrate the one year milestone, but in this case, despite the small tenure, there is plenty of cause for celebration. Not only did we actually travel from the USA to Sydney, but we managed to use thrift, imagination, and determination to stake out the beginnings of a new life. I also got a job to boot! Yesterday was our two month anniversary in Sydney and I am still amazed at how it feels like a century, yet at the same time, it feels so short. I hope we get the opportunity to celebrate many other milestones is a city that is big and clean and lovely and fascinating. Here's to life! Cheers!

australia day retrospective

For weeks Australian media encouraged folks to get out and celebrate Australia Day (January 26th). We were somewhat skeptical as to the number of people who would be out and about on that day. We left early in the morning and started our long journey. We visited Darling Harbour and the Maritime Museum. After emerging from the relative cool of the museum, we were surprised by the throngs and throngs of people.

People were polite and the streets remained clean. We were all sweltering in the gloriously humid sunshine, but no one seemed to mind. We were all sweating through our shirts!

As we continued on, we stole a bit of the breeze just under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Beautiful views of the Opera House sat prominently and oodles of sailing boats speckled our view.

We walked from Circular Quay toward Hyde Park and discovered a fantastic car show lining the entire way. Reconditioned vintage cars lined the streets.

After hours and hours of exploration, we grew tired, but powered on and walked back to our apartment.

Australia Day was a success!

working girl in the old new city

My name is Corinne and I'm a working girl in Sydney, Australia. I completed my very first week of work. Needless to say, my head hurts a little bit. But, with a little enthusiasm and lots of hot tea fueling my little engine, I'll be knocking some socks off in no time.

Being submersed here has been a joy. Sydney houses, streets, fountains, cemeteries, buildings... old (i love old!). Ancient intertwines with the new in a fluid, sweeping motion. On New Year's Day, we had the opportunity to tour Gore Hill Cemetery. This gorgeous place made me feel as though I were entering the "Secret Garden." New life springing up from every crack and crevice, mixed with old memories - not unlike the sense I feel as my eyes sweep up from street level to building top within the city. Fabulous!

Brambles and shackles
Honey and lust
Gooey and sticky
Iron and rust
Sweat and solitude
Milky and clear
Perfect and wild
Ancient and dear