Where has the time gone................

3rd November 2012

Wow I cannot belive that it is 3rd November already! It has been a few months since my last blog and life as usual has thrown in some ups and down but all in all still good.

The weather is beginning to warm up here in Sydney which is nice, and it looks like it is going to be a hot summer. It was a little strange to here that it was snowing back in the UK at the weekend when it is so warm here, not sure if I will ever get used to that.

I have started getting ready for christmas, bought my christmas cards and already bought a couple of presents and am having them delivered to the UK. Can I say thank you ahead for the people who will be helping me with my santa deliveries.

In the past couple of months I have had some great experiences and fun, from watching Legally Blonde the musical, Whale Watching, Swan Lake Ballet, Madam Tussauds in Sydney to a fantastic Halloween party.

On the 22nd September I went to see Legally Blonde Musical with Monica and Karen at The Lyrics Theatre it was a great musical and I would recommend it to anyone.

Whale Watching on the 6th October 2012 was excellent apart from the the sea sickness that came along with it lol, but the experience and the pictures were worth every single second. 

On the 15th October I crossed another item off my bucket list with going to watch Swan Lake Ballet, it was a lovely evening with Karen and Sue.

Over the bank holiday I decided to test out my new camera by attending Madam Tussauds in Sydney, it is a shame that they let so many people in at a time as you really cannot get great pictures as people are forever walking in front of your camera.  

Last weekend started with a Retro dinner and dance cruise in Sydney Harbour, and then Saturday was my first Aussie Halloween party. It was an amazing party and everyone made such an effort with their costumes.

 

 I am so excited as I have booked a 5 day trip to Auckland in New Zealand over the xmas period, it is always somewhere that I have wanted to go. Will ensure that i take some pictures and upload them onto blog.

Will keep you posted on everything else as well, including my first Aussie christmas.

Karaoke and Michael Jackson Show

Karaoke and Michael Jackson Show ......

Firstly I would like to say Congratulations to Lisa and Pete on the birth of their son Howie Daniel.

The last couple of weeks has been busy, with Podiatrist and Physio appointments trying to get my foot sorted. It is a slow process but hopefully now on the right track, should pick up my new orthodics on Thursday next week.

Thursday evening I had a wonderful catch up on Skype with H from the UK, it was great to see you and catchup. If anyone fancies a Skype call the best time is either Saturday or Sunday morning UK time ((which is Saturday night (as long as I am not already out or Sunday night in AUS.))

Socially I have also been busy getting out and about meeting new people. The highlights have been Girls Night including Karaoke Private room this Friday, thanks Karen for inviting me.  Friday was a blast, we went for dinner at Encasa on Pitt Street which is a Spanish restaurant that offers Tapas, Pizza and Pasta options and we managed to get 2 free jugs of Sangria (well played Karen). Couple of drinks at Malloys and then headed to K2 Karaoke club, 8 girls singing and dancing in was an absolute blast. Then the final stop was the Three Monkeys for a few drinks and listened to a band, finally arrived home at 3am.  Met Sue (Barbie girl), she is such a blast and originally from Plymouth will definitely be planning more nights out with Sue, Karen, Ros and the others was good fun.

Last weekend I was checking out the Theatres to see what shows were on, and found out that Michael Jackson History II show so decided to book myself a ticket.

History II - Program and ticket

My view was I that when you are watching a show you are not talking to anyone, so therefore why not go on my own. I am so pleased that I decided to go it was amazing, the atmosphere was electric.  While I was there I saw that the Ballet was on this coming weekend, so I have booked to see Sleeping Beauty by the Imperial Russian Ballet Company.

Sleeping Beauty

Also booked to see Swan Lake in October and going with Karen and Sue, that should be good as always wanted to watch Swan Lake so excited.

Organised my first Meet up 'Man in the Mirror' show is on at the local RSL and so far got 8 people coming along.

Catch you laters, hope all is well back in old Blighty....

Settling into Sydney

5th August 2012

It has been just over a month since I arrived back in Sydney and I am beginning to feel like I am settling back into the swing of things. Getting back into exercise and starting to get a social life as well, which is nice. 

Well what can I say about the Olympics, apart from Well Done to all the competitors competing on our behalf in the London Olympics 2012. Yesterday was such a good day for us with 3 Gold Medals, it was a nice feeling to here that first thing this morning. Keep up the good work it is nice to be third on the medal table, would be nice to get higher. 

Since my last blog my social life has gone from zero to a steady pace of activities. Starting with a After Work Drinks and Nibbles at the Crown Plaza in Norwest on Friday 27th July.  This was with a group called 'The Hills Social Group + 30', this is based in the Hills area and therefore gave me a chance to meet people who live near me. On Sunday 29th July I met up with the Sydney Diners Club to go round 'The Rocks Aroma Festival', this was another really nice meet up and a lovely group of people.   On Wednesday 1st August I met up with a group of ladies at the local Coffee Club, this was a great evening and exchanged numbers with a few people.

Yesterday I joined the local RSL Club, and had a girls night out with Karen and Roslyn. We headed to the RSL to see the Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Show (and the Beach Boys). It was a good night we were up dancing away to the music and had a few drinks which was nice.

I am surprised that I am still able to type as I have written 8 letters this weekend, all of which will be posted tomorrow. Writing that much bought back memories of my exams and getting cramp in your hands for writing so much.

Will keep you posted on my adventures, to those that I have written too and others if you feel like putting pen to paper it would be much appreciated.

Finally would like to sign off by singing Happy Birthday to my friend Amy Batchelor who celebrates her birthday on Monday 6th August.  So here goes:

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Amy, Happy Birthday to you...... Love and miss you loads


  Happy Birthday Babe, Enjoy your Day

Ups and Downs

Ups and downs Down Under

This week has had it's ups and downs emotionally, which is to be expected when you are so far away from your friends and family.

Beginning of last week I decided it was about time I increased my social circle so starting looking for social groups in and around Sydney. I found Meet up.com for Australia and joined 15 different Meet Up Groups [Professional Female in Engineering & IT, Belles and Bubbles, The Hills Social Group (this is my local area), The Girls in the City, Sydney Dinners club and a British Expat group]. It was a good feeling seeing so many groups and social activities in around Sydney so I reserved some places.

On Friday night I decided to try out the Gold Class Cinema experience, this was great as they have a restaurant menu and a bar. The idea is that you order your meal and they bring it to you during the film, while you relax in your leather reclined seats. If you need anything else you press a button and someone arrives to take you order, all in all very nice. It is not something you would do every time you go to the cinema as it is more expensive but it is nice to spool yourself or make a night of it with your friends.

The film was a great experience but left me feeling a little home sick as I could image doing the Gold Class Cinema experience with my girlfriends from back home. An alternative to a girls night in, I could even imagine Amy falling asleep in the Leather reclined seats lol.

Sunday morning was a lazy day, again initially due to my home sickness, but I kicked myself up the proverbial and decided to get out and about. I decided to go and have my nails done and then went shopping and met a lovely lady called Becky. Becky and her husband moved from the UK some years ago and regularly meet up with other English people (Becky affectionately calls it the Pommes in the Park social), she has kindly given me her number so I can meet up with them and also become a member of her book club.

Looking forward to going to the first book club as they are talking about the first of the Fifty Shades Trilogy, so I can imagine the giggles that will bring.

Last night I attended my first Meet up with the Professional Females in Engineering and IT, and don't worry it was not as dull as it sounds. There was 8 ladies and we all came from different parts of the world England, Malaysia, Italy, France, Poland and Spain. At least 2 of the group have been in Sydney less than 6 months same as me, so it was nice to meet some people in the same situation. 

This weekend should be good as I have going to 2 other meet ups, the first is on Friday for After work drinks and nibbles and then I am attending the Rocks Aroma Festival with a group of people from the Sydney Diners Club.

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for your support in the past week when I was feeling low, it was great to receive your messages of support and encouragement.

Photography Day

Photography Day ...............

I had a lovely day wondering round Sydney taking pictures and found Hyde Park again (long story I have been wanting to go back there and could not remember where it was). Thought you might like to see some of the pictures I took.

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed the pictures ....

Beginning to feel settled ....

Beginning to feel settled........

It has been 9 days since I arrived back in Sydney, the jet lag is beginning to ease now. Already back into my routine of daily commutes to the City, now need to add some social and exercise aspects into my life again.

I joined the local gym last night and am looking forward to starting Body Balance, Pilate's, Zumba, Body Pump and general work out to.  Got my first PT session this weekend to try and get my exercise plan in place with the aim to build up my muscle and flexibility to start running again. So looking forward to the feeling of being out running again enjoying the great outdoors in the process.

When I arrived I only had 2% free space on the Fox tel box, I have managed to that up to 39% so give it another week and I should be all up to date with my Aussie programs.

I have joined some Walking groups and other social groups on the Meet up website so looking forward to attending some meet ups and exploring with new people.

Well that's all for now folks

First day back at work

First Day Back in the office..........

Managed to stay awake yesterday until 9pm and sleep through till 3am and then on and off again until 7am. Just back home from my first proper day back in the office, as did pop in to say hello yesterday. The day went surprisingly quickly with discussions and handovers, my brain started to get con fuddled from about 4pm so decided that was the time to head home.

It is funny how quickly you get back into the routine of things, already feel at home again in the house with food in the cupboards and everything unpacked. I think I over did the recording on my planner as when i got back I only had 2% free space, so now busily trying to catch up. Managed to catch up on all my New Girl episodes, now got Lost Girl, The Mentalist, Supernatural, Once Upon a Time, Fringe, NCIS, CSI Miami to catch up on .......... do you think I will be busy lol

Will start looking for Gyms next week and possible social groups, also going to sign up for Rosette Stone Online to learn Italian as one of my Bucket List items is to learn a couple of languages.

Best be going before I bore you all to sleep, catch you all soon

Jet Lag - at least I was not as bad as this ...





Arrived Safely in Sydney

3rd July - Arrived Safely....

Flew with British Airways for the first time, the flight was ok not as nice as Emirates or Ethiad. At least with BA you get the additional luggage at a reasonable price and you get a Laptop bag and a carry on luggage as well which is not offered with other flights. Think next time will pay the additional amount to get a bigger seat or possibly upgrade (ooh get me lol)!!!!

I met a nice lady called Vicky, who sat next to me and we chatted away for hours and spent time together when we arrived at Singapore airport. I did feel sorry for her as she was 5 ft 10 inches and she really did not have much room for her legs, she had also already flown from Glasgow to Heathrow before joining the flight to Sydney and then she was heading to Adelaide to see her brother. 

Singapore Airport was much the same as other airports, and I was very good and did not feel the need to indulge in any Duty Free.

This was the first time that I have flown that my ankles swelled up it was horrible, I am pleased to say they have now gone back down to normal size and no longer look like tree trunks lol ... It was my own fault I forgot to put my flight socks on for the first 13 hrs journey as I went to the wrong gate at Heathrow and had to run all the way from Gate 1 to Gate 34 which was a long way and just made it to the Gate in time.

Arrived at the house around 7am, unpacked and then went shopping for coat hangers and food. I have spent most of the day catching up on missed programmes before making a rookie mistake of falling asleep at 3pm this afternoon and then sleeping through my alarm Doh!!!

So my 9 month adventure starts now and I am looking forward to seeing more sites, meeting more people and popping across to New Zealand to see Kerry as well as popping up the coast to see Keith at Sun Shine Coast.

Will miss everyone back in the UK but as before I know the time will fly by, so see you all in 9 months and keep up with my adventures on my blog................

Today is the start of my 2nd Adventure to Oz

1st July - flying back to Sydney for 9 months

Well that was the quickest 5 weeks of my life!!!!!! The week in Calabria in Italy with Heather and Amy was just what the doctor order so to speak. It was a much needed catch up and relax after almost 4 months in Sydney. I fell in love with Italy and will have to explore other regions in the future.

The last 4 weeks is a blur of catching up with friends and family and packing up my flat, apologies to the people that I was not able to catch up with we will catch up upon my return.

Thank you to my Dad, Red, Sandra and Amy who have either helped me move, let me stay over or transported me to Windsor you all were great for helping me out.

Next 9 months

I am looking forward to what the next 9 months brings, getting to know my work colleagues better, seeing more sights. Really looking forward to getting across to New Zealand to see Kerry and catching up, also popping to see Keith at Sunshine Coast.  

Already planned to go see Legally Blonde with a few girls from work, also planning to go on a Whale Tour, visit Watson Bay and Bondi as never got round to do that last time. 

I will keep you all posted on my adventures and upload new pictures as often as possible, if you click follow this link you will automatically receive an email each time I add a post.....

If any of you decide to venture across the pond while I am out here let me know, it would be great to see you ......

Well English Girl signing off for now and will update you all when I have landed safely in Sydney.

Final Weekend in Sydney

Final Weekend in Sydney (well this trip) - 20 May 2012

Saturday 19th May 2012 - Dolphin Tour

Not sure my body appreciated being woken up at 4.00am to ensure Amy Jones and I got into Sydney to meet our bus for our trip to Port Steven to go Dolphin Watching.

We arrived in Sydney around 6.15 for Coffee and McDonald's breakfast before heading to meet the bus.  The first stop on the tour was the Australian Reptile Park, we were introduced to 3 year old alligator and then to some Koala's.

We then wondered around the Reptile Park saying hello to the other animals, below is a picture of two Tasmanian Devils enjoying the sun.

Then back onto the bus for another two hours before we arrived at Port Stephens for lunch before jumping onto our boat Moon Shadow for our Dolphin Watch.  Initially the Dolphins were not interested in the boats around them and just kept chasing each other. So we just headed round the bay and the boom net was put down for anyone mad enough to get into the cold water!!!  On our way back we came across the Dolphins again and this time they were more interested in putting on a show. It was amazing seeing such beautiful creatures in there own environment just playing. I managed to get some pictures see below:

The final stop of the day was to the 4WD and Sand boarding experience at Burubi Beach. We got to the top of the Sand Dune sat on the Board and got to the edge and suddenly thought OMG how high and then immediately decided I can do this and just pushed. It was such a rush and it felt like my heart was in my mouth but loved it and then went straight back up and did it again.

Once we got back to the main beach I took some more lovely pictures, definitely have to come back here for a day for a long stroll along the beach.

 



Last few weeks

Saturday 12th May 2012

Apologies that it has been a while since my last blog, but life and work has kept me busy.  I am in my last 2 weeks of my initial trip to Sydney, I cannot believe that the time has passed so quickly.

Since my last blog I have been busy:-

• 28th March was my birthday, which passed quietly and work got me a nice present and we went for a drink at the Mean Fiddler after work.
• 30th March my brother married his lovely partner Emma. I got up at 3 am in the morning so I could video conference into the speeches.
• Easter Bank holiday consisted of me attending a half day photography course, the Hoopla Festival and the Maratine Museum
• Sunday 6th May met up with my cousin Jackie and her partner Marty at Darling Harbour. It was really lovely to catch up after such a long time.

This week started with Amy Jones arriving from the UK, it was really great to see a familiar and friendly face from home. 

Yesterday was an early start for our Hunters Valley Wine Tasting Tour.  The first destination was Wollombi where we had a nice coffee before strolling around the small village.  We arrived at McWilliams Winery in Hunters Valley, where we had a tour of the vineyard and then a nice lunch and some wine tasting.  Then off to Lindermans for more wine tasting, and our final stop before returning to Sydney was the Hunters Valley Garden Village. 

Woke up this morning very excited as today we went to see An Officer and a Gentleman at the Sydney Lyrics at The Star.  I was right to be excited it was really good and I would recommend it to anyone. After the show we headed to the Shangri La Hotel for a Cocktail and to enjoy the amazing view from the Blue Bar on the 36th Floor. Then off for a lovely meal before heading back home.

Next weekend will be amazing as well as we are off on a Dolphin tour and I promise to update my blog with the details and hopefully some amazing pictures too.

Very happy English Girl, I found salad cream and PG tips

Sunday 25th March

It has been two weeks since my last blog (oh dear it sounds like I am coming to confession lol)......

I cannot believe how the smallest and simplest thing can make you happy! I found PG Tips, Weetabix (British version) and best of all Salad Cream. I have so missed Salad Cream and have been craving it since I arrived. Before anyone says anything no I am not pregnant, just an English girl craving UK things.

This week has been good as I my foot and leg have healed enough now that I did my first baby step back into running this week.  Decided to go for a run on Monday evening in the rain and managed 1.34 miles in 17 minutes and no pain.  I did ache the following day and my ankle was a little tender the following day, but no major pain. So have continued stretching all week and massaging my tendon on foot, ankle and calf.  Decided to try a flatter route today so drove to Norwest Lake which is around 5 minutes in the car, and did some stretches and completed 3 laps 1.5 miles in 18.34 minutes which was a average pace of 12.20.

Yesterday was Tarango Zoo with my Zoo buddy Lexi, it was a great day. When the tourist books say it is worth a visit they are not under estimating that, so if you ever come to Sydney definitely visit Tarango Zoo.  Whilst watching the Bird show, a plane over head was writing the words Marry Me Jen?, and then She said Yes.  I think for those few minutes both Lexi and I both thought wish we were called Jen!  Now that is an amazing proposal and a very romantic guy.

Also printed some pictures of friends and family and put them in frames around the house, to make my new place feel more like home.

This week has also been great as I have had Skype calls with Dad, Heather, Suzanna and a supprise telephone call from Naomi. Last weekend also had a call with Sandra which was lovely.

It is my birthday on Wednesday which I imagine will feel a little strange being so far away from friends and family, also my Big Brother and Emma get married.  Really hope we can manage to get Skype up and running at the reception so I can say hello and pass on my love to them both. 

Beautiful Big Cat

The weather so warm, Lexi and I just wanted to
stand under it

Such a beautiful Giraffe

Hippo

1st Month gone already

Sunday 11/3/2012

Wow the first month has just flown past, it only feels like a few weeks since I got of the plan at Sydney International Airport on 10th Feb 2012.

Now settled into my new pad in Castle Hill, every room including the garage has been insect bombed.  Also completed external perimeter spray today, to hopefully keep out any nasty spiders.  The house is really nice, just need to get the TV working but landlord should be doing that next week. 

The commute to work is good as found a bus stop and now go to work most days via bus, which on a good day takes around 45 minutes.  Instead of 20 minute drive to train station and then a 45 minute train into the city.  However I still get my multi pass so I can go on the train and the ferry to other locations if needed, like Parramatta on Thursday and today.

This week was the first week that felt home sick a little, you know when you have a bad day and you just want to pick up the phone to your family or bestie!! Well that happened on Tuesday and guess what that is hard to do when your family and bestie are 11 hours behind you. 

Would like to say a big thank you to my Big Brother and Emma as they have really been there for me this week, when I needed a pick me up.

This weekend has been lovely even with an early start on Saturday!  Went to Reptile World with Sylvia from work and had an amazing time (thank you very much for inviting me).  I got to see the infamous Funnel Web Spider definitely do not want to come face to face with one of them. Believe me you will hear the scream from the UK!!!

The park was great as you could walk around look at the animals and also have lunch there. Some kids were even having birthday parties there, which was really cool.

I finally got to see a Tasmanian Devil who had managed to evade me at Feather dale Wildlife park last weekend.  Also had my picture taken with a Wombat and a very large Python. Sylvia said she had to laugh at how chilled and relaxed I looked with a Python around my neck see what you think ......

After Reptile world popped to see Syliva family and they were very welcoming, again thank you for letting me into your home and making me feel very welcome.

Had to laugh on the way home five minutes into the journey realised I had left my mobile phone and had to go back to collect it.  Sat Nav sent me again to the wrong place, it was expecting me to drive through a hedge with some substantial trees to get to the street I needed to get too.

I slepted really well last night that I almost missed my Skype call with Sandra, it was great speaking to her and cathcing up. Am looking forward to catching up with her and others again on a regular basis.

I have posted losts of letters and postcards to people, so I really hope they arrive safely. I know Rachel received her card today, but no one else has said anything so hope the others have not gone astray.

Went shopping in Westfield at Parramatta today to get a pair of slippers, couple of light jumpers as has been colder than I thought in the evening.  Found a Fossil shop so bought myself an early birthday present as not seen a Fossil watch in the UK for ages and believe me I have been looking.  Well my reasoning not that I need one is that is cost me the price of 2 nights out if I was in the UK, but I am not and not going out drinking so used that money instead to treat myself to a new watch. 

Currently investigating ideas for Bank Holiday weekend as do not want to be doing nothing and it is weekend after my birthday as well.  So will let you know what I end up doing.

Blue Mountains Tour 3/3/2012

Blue Mountains Tour & Goodbye to Naomi

Saturday - 3/3/2012

Woke up at 4.00am, and got the train from Seven Hills that got us to Wynyard Station for around 6.40.  Got a much needed coffee and then headed to Holiday In Old Sydney for the hotel pick up at 7.20.   Once we were dropped off at Star Casino/Bus station we got our bus for the tour.

There was around 20 people on the tour, so we had plenty of space on the Bus. The first stop on the tour was at Featherdale Wildlife Park and the first thing I will say is WOW!!! 

In the write up they say that you will be able to get up close and personal with the wildlife, and they were not joking. As we started to wonder through the park we you noticed that the birds were flying freely, then you came to the Koala's area. At first I just noticed one Wallaby on his own eating, so I took the opportunity to stroke him and so did Naomi. 

We noticed a large queue and it was people waiting to have there picture taken with the Koala, at this point we grabbed some food for the animals and headed into Wallabies central (well that is my name for it).  Every where you turned there was Wallabies, Kangaroos and Emus all wanting your attention or the food that you had.  Naomi quickly handed the food to me when she kept getting followed by a very persistent Emu wanting some food.

At this point I started to feed the animals and two Emu's decided they wanted what was in my hand lol.  Naomi has a couple of pictures of me hand feeding the Emu's and the Wallabies.  Just a couple of pictures below of Naomi feeding a Wallaby and a Wallaby feeding itself:

Continued round the park, the Tasmanian Devil did not come out so could not get any pictures. I did get some nice shots of one of the Dingos:

Once I had been round the rest of the park, I headed back to the Koala area and both Naomi and I had our chance to pat the Koala the pictures are below:

On the way to the next stop we tried Kangaroo and Crocodile Jerky they were both very strange and cannot see me eating it again.

The next stop was Echo Point to go and have a look at the Three Sisters, unfortunately due to bad weather we could not see them but it did not spoil the day. 

So on we went to Scenic World, we went on the steepest incline railway and then walked round the Scenic Walkway which had some amazing sculptures.  Finally we went back up to the top on the Scenic Cable car all in all it was a wet but great experience.

We stopped off at Leura on the way back, before being dropped off at Olympic Park to pick up the Captain Cook Cruise back to Circular Quay.  I can safely say that I slept really well last night and am still tired today. 

This is the bottom of the steepest railway

Sunday 4/3/2012

Another early start of 5.30am, to get Naomi to the train station in reasonable time to catch her flight to Melbourne.  I do not know how Naomi is still awake with all the travelling she has done in the past month, but wow she has had an amazing adventure. She started in Japan, then came to Sydney, then New Zealand back to Sydney now on to Melbourne and then back home to the UK. 

It has been great having Naomi here for the past couple of weekends as it has meant I have had someone to share my activities with. But I am now going to take some of Naomi's energy for adventure and will be doing more tours and if I am lucky enough to come back to Sydney later this year I will be planning a trip to New Zealand.

The rest of the day I have been getting to know my new surroundings, also had manicure and pedicure and as usual I am not patient enough and ended up smudging my nail varnish. I bought and cooked some Dory fish for the first time today, it was quite nice and very easy to cook.

Well I am a very exhausted English Girl in Sydney so I will bid you farewell for now.