G'Day Mates!

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Hello! Sorry that it's been a few days!

Saturday was a blast! We went to this bar called 'World Bar' it is in Kings Cross (a place that we were told not to go). I guess that Sydney-siders don't like it, but young people do and so do most tourists! Oh well. We had so much fun! World Bar is known for serving drinks in Teapots! Very odd, I know, but I feel as though it brought a level of sophistication to our partying. Haha. It was very funny to watch people from Australia drink their teapots beacuse they pour little bits into the shot glasses that they're given and they just sip... as though they're having a teaparty in an old building with raging techno music blasting your eardrums in the background. Oh well. Then us Americans, who are known for our out of control party habits only reinforced our glamours stereotypes by drinking our teapots as shots. Just lovely. Please do not be worried my mates, I was not out of control and did not drink too much because I'm the only one that understands Sydney's public transport!

Next thing... Sunday we went to Bronte Beach! It was gorgeous (I will post pictures later)! We were out in the sun so long and I put on sunscreen about 5 times, but to no avail (spelling?), I got scortched. I came into work on Monday and everyone laughed at me because apparently getting burned is a rite of passage here in Australia.

Yestarday was fun at work because I was working on a powerpoint for Jagermeister! Although I was a little disappointed that we didn't get any free samples. I have also acquired a nickname here at the office, "sunshine". For two reasons: 1. Because I smile at everyone and 2. because I'm burnt. Grrrreaattt...

Today at work has been really lame because I got to pack up all the financial files and put them in boxes to be picked up and taken to storage. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I thought I paid my dues at Alpha... haha, guess not! They are really taking advantage of the fact that I'm not being paid. Oh well... there is always tomorrow, right?

Wait a second, something exciting did happen at work today. I was asked about American politics. Apparently Aussies love politics and have a vested interest in America's and they're not afraid to talk about them anywhere. One lady came and asked me if I'll be tuning in at 4 in the morning to watch Obama take the oath of office, to which I politely replied, "Absolutely not." haha. Then she asked me who I voted for and I told her... she was very interested as to what I had to say and why I felt the way I did. The surprising thing was, she agreed and nodded her head to everything I said. I was shocked.

Here are some funny things I have noticed thus far:
1. I don't understand why public transport even puts times down for when buses are supposed to come. They're either early, 30 mins late or they just don't show up.
2. I have not seen one dog on a leash. Yet they are walked all over. They don't even approach people on the sidewalk. Weird!!
3. It's 90 degrees and if there is the slightest breeze, men and women break out their scarves! WHAT?
4. Every toilet has a pee and poop button. The pee one uses half the water, sounds like a good idea!
5. In the workplace, people swear a lot, wear flip flops, boardshorts (for surfing/swimming), and discuss things that wouldn't normally be okay to discuss in the workplace.
6. I just noticed a bottle of Jose Cuervo, Kaluha, and Bailey's Irish Cream.

I hope you enjoyed that one. Will someone please send me Stacy's email address?

Byyyyyeeeeee

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Comments

[Vickie Hilker]

Inauguration Day
Unfortunately, most of the world seems more interested in what Michelle Obama will wear to the balls than anything else that happens today. Historically it's been like that since Martha Washington. I so enjoy experiencing Austratlia through your eyes. You are young and adventureous and living the experience so I can have the thrills without the risk or expense. I know you will be successful at your job - you are intelligent and your exhuberance makes you a joy to be around. Keep the news rolling. You are quite the American Ambassador. Love you. V.