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Published: February 19th 2007
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Me in Canberra
Parliment building is behind me Hi everyone. Sorry this update has taken so long. I think the problem is that I have just been so busy with sunbathing etc that I havent found the time. No, seriously I have been pretty busy. I'm now into my 4th week of work, cant believe that has gone so quickly too.
We'll start at where we left off. After a few days back in Sydney in Jan I got back on the road again and off I went on a coach to Canberra. Many people seemed quite surprised when I said I was going there. It is meant to be one of the dullest places in Australia. But I thought it would be quite rude to come to a country and not go and visit the capital. Also I met someone on my travels who lived there and would show me the sights and put me up for free. So why not? I was also en route to Melbourne so it all worked out quite well. I thought Canberra was quite nice really. I can see why people would think it dull, and why I wouldn't want to live there. Though I thought it very pretty. We went to
Australia Day
My 1st Australia day, drinking in a park, true Aussie style! the war memorial as my token tourist gesture. That was very interesting and I learnt a lot about Australia's role in the war. It was a beautiful building too. I was quite taken with all the lakes and parks. It also helped that I was being driven round so I only had to sit in comfort whilst passing all the parliment buildings rather than trek round them all. I also saw the film Happy Feet, which was very cute. So I have good memories of Canberra.
Then my next stop was Melbourne. I loved Melbourne. I stayed with Tash (who I used to work with on Pevensey Ward). We had a really great time. She has a lovely flat and an even lovelier flatmate, so we all got on very well. She took me out to the Espy, which is a rock bar. Felt good to get back to my routes. Reminded me of my Hellfire on Tottenham court Rd days when I was about 16 (does anyone remember that place?). I drank a lot of beer, as when in Rome etc. I think the major accomplishment of that trip was the 40km bike ride that we went on.
Me, Tash and Tom
You all prob think we are Crazies too! My ass hurted for days afterwards. I'm glad I had no idea what Tash and I were undertaking when we started, or else I would never have agreed to it! And, just so you know the way back was against the wind, so it felt more like 80km!
On the Friday I went with Jules (Tash's flatmate) and another friend to the Melbourne open tennis. There seems to be a tennis theme emerging in this holiday! It was very good fun, apart from the rain, but we wont mention that! Tash and I also did some more Tom scattering. We went for a drink to the Espy first, I think the doorman thought we were crazies As Tash bought a drink for him and even rolled a fag!! Although I must say he wasnt much conversation! It was definately the most dangerous scattering experience, which involved us clambering over rocks whilst the waves broke all over us and soaked us. But we survived, and even managed to drink some Champagne.
The day of my return to Sydney I moved into my own flat. I was so excited with this. No more park benches for me! My new flatmate is
At the Tennis
Drinking as all the outdoor games were rained off called Madalina, she is really nice and we get on well. We are both very clean and tidy, so we all no I'm very happy about that! My flat is halfway between Bondi beach and Bondi junction. I also stared my new job. The work is ok, of course I would rather not work at all! But I was beggining to get bored, let alone run out of money! My Hospital is called St George and in the Southern suburbs. It takes me about an hour to get there and back, which is a slight pain. But on the plus side I am already on my 4th book! All my new collegues are very nice, the work is a bit different to what I expected. They have a lot of palliative care and oncology patients. Not so much with the heamatology, but I am definately learning new things. It is very busy too, 34 beds so largest ward I've worked on to date. I'm just feeling like I know what I'm doing now. The first full week I was a bit of a headless chicken. Also, I'm not gonna slag the Australian healthcare system, but I think nursing in the
Bondi Beach in background
I have just realsised how awful my sunglasses are-they were cheap! NHS is more advanced. It's hard to put my finger on it, I think you have more autonomy (as a nurse) in the NHS. So I am aclimatising to it all. Also teh uniform is gross, I will get a pic of me in it for next time. I could be working in Debenhams, it's quite corporate!
So thats what I've been up to. I havent mentioned much about the numerous parties and drinking, but I think you can all guess that I'm pretty happy in my social life! Especially those who get the drunk phone calls! I have met loads of nice people and have made some good friends already. I have also joined a gym, and am being dedicated in my fitness regieme (for now anyway!) I wont mention how much weight I have put on, but now I have my own flat I'm already shedding some of it. Also Alex Daggers arrived on friday, so we now have a truly international relationship! So on that note, I am now going to go to the gym, then meet Alex then off to the beach, gotta keep on top of the tanning. Also, so you guys can all
At Carolines house warming
Ilook drunk, but it is just a bad angle, I swear! feel my pain- I burnt my boobs yesterday! Classy!
Until next time (I promise it wont be so long). xxx
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Dadx
non-member comment
thanx for piccies too
Well, you really have settled in over there. Sounds like Australia has managed to accommodate your normal Emmy party-style existence rather well. And with sunshine thrown in too - they say that's the hardest part to leave behind. I see all your places visited are on the little map at the foot of your blog - very helpful. Keep safe!