Our First Week

Week one done. We have been on the MOVE. 

View from down Saint Thomas St

I think in total, we’ve walked 30 kms (that’s ~18 miles for those in imperial). The majority of the walking was done along the coast. There is a boardwalk-type walk from Coogee to Bondi beach. We are staying in the neighborhoods right between, so we’ve taken the 40 min, windy walk, to Bondi a couple of times. 

Overlooking Bronte Beach

We also walked back and forth to Bondi Junction multiple times for COVID testing, Drivers License applications, and getting Ferg pots and pans. This was done prior to seeing that there a bus stop around the corner from us that will take us to Bondi Junction for $3.20 AUD. That knowledge and power, lead us to taking the bus for the first time! We set up our Opal Cards with $20 AUD and hailed the bus to Randwick, to walk around UNSW and get our Tax File Number* (*see translation guide below).

In between all these adventures, I also had my first day of work! I think I put a total of 30 hours in and most of it was from my manager calling me twice a day to talk. She’s been extremely kind and everyone else that I’ve met at work has been extremely warm and welcoming. No official work assignments yet, but I’m learning about the Australia’s FDA, which is TGA and all their regulations (yay).

Other than ~admin~ things, we had a lot of fun! I went swimming at Bronte Beach and Clovelly Beach. The water is a tad cold (20-22C) so I didn’t spend much time in the water, but it was fun playing in the waves and getting salty! Clovelly Beach and Gordon’s Bay are suppose to be good snorkeling in Sydney, so I’ve just purchased swimming goggles and am excited to check that out. 

Bronte Beach

Bondi Beach

We’ve also tried the local cuisine, including, Dominoes, McDonalds, and Hungry Jacks*. Lessons learned from these places: 1.) Every size is off by one i.e. medium size meal in Australia is an American small meal. 2.) The French fries, or chips, are SO much better. 3.) Ranch for chicken nuggets does not exist.

This is a medium drink

We’ve done America proud by primarily eating at these places, while we’re out and about. In our defense, Ferg needs to do more research into what he can eat in Australia with his allergies, and I have gotten smoothies and juices from places on the beach, because that seems to be “the thing”.

Here is an Ibis for your enjoyment:

*Translations of Australian to American:

• K-Mart = Target
• Myer = Macys
• Coles = Meijer
• Woolworths (Woolies) = Kroger
• Aldi’s = Aldi’s 
• Bagel = Toast
• Hungry Jacks = Burger King
• Tax File Number = Social Security