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Sunday, October 25, 2009

Return to Oz

Well to say the least it feels amazing to be back in Sydney, truly my second home. From the moment that I stepped off of the plane it was pure bliss. Although it has been nearly two years since I left Sydney, it truly felt like it was just yesterday when I departed from my six month study abroad experience. It took a few days to get back to normal, but as soon as I bought my surfboard (referred to as my baby boy), I found myself back to my daily routine at Bondi Beach. My absolute favorite day ever is quite simple: wake up at 6:30, eat some brekkie (as they call it in Australia), take a walk along the stunning coastal beach path, then surf until I have no energy left.  Afterwards, I am content to just relax at the beach with a book or roam around the city. Although I haven't managed to do this every single morning, it is what I aim for!

Seeing a typical Bondi Beach sunset will quickly make you realize how easy it is to be a beach bum

Apart from my beach routine, I have just been enjoying re-familiarizing myself with the city. It only took a few days to master the bus and train system again and I managed to see most classic Sydney sites within the first week. Recently, I have really been enjoying time with my Australian family and taking advantage of everything the city has to offer. What I love about Sydney is that if you are a beach person, like myself, you can still access the heart of the city with a 10-15 minute drive. Since I visited nearly every place I wanted to see last time I was here, it is nice to have this time to feel like a Sydney local.
Returning on the ferry after a lovely day at Manly Beach
The Opera House at sunset
Additionally, I managed to take a quick break from the city by going on a surf trip up north with a company called Mojo Surf.  We went to a mellow, private beach location about four hours from Sydney and stayed at their surfside accommodation.  It was definitely a nice change of pace to have an uncrowded, peaceful beach with plenty of waves for everyone!
The wonderfully vibrant mojo bus
Nice, empty beach!
Well, lets hope that now I can get used to doing blog updates more frequently. I am aiming for updates at least twice a month.  Next up: diving in the great barrier reef

Lots of love to all! Stay well

5 comments:

  1. Hey Lisa:

    You are my hero! Can't wait to visit Australia and retrace some of your steps, either when we hit the lottery or the kids are out of the house, whichever comes first.

    I am forwarding your blog to my neighbor Walter the Surfer. He would love it.

    Chihiro went back to Tokyo on Saturday. She and Erica shed tears and shared hugs. Before she left, Chihiro asked Lora if she could vacuum the upstairs. (No problem) Then she thanked Lora for the privilege of vacuuming. She was so gracious, I offered to adopt her on the spot -- promised she could keep her Japanese parents but we would have primary custody. I don't think she got it. But she smiled and always laughed at my jokes.

    Jule and her law-school friend Dana came to visit. We had Dana over for dinner so the kids and I could "interview" her for some possible legal work.

    The Pullman Lane Halloween party in the park was another blowout. The winning costume was the five who dressed as "Three's Company" characters from the old TV sitcom. You had to live it to appreciate it.

    Julie taught me hulu.com. We watched the South Park episodes when the terrorist took over "Imagination Land."

    Keep us posted.

    Love,

    Uncle David

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  2. Lisa, this is incredible!
    It brings tears to my eyes! Your baby boy is beautiful too! Love his baby blues ;o)
    Tell your Sydney family I say hello and give them hugs and cuddle with Indy for me!
    xoxox Miss you like crazy!
    Erica

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  3. Lisa, Glad to hear you are having such a good time. It sounds great. Give me a call when you get a chance. Love, Dad

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  4. i am beyond jealous. also, im at work right now and i would appreciate more updates so i can kill time :)

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  5. Hey Lisa,
    Just now catching up with your blog. Sounds amazing and I wish I was there basking in the sun with you! We went to a beach party today and shared an amazing sunset, too. Connecting to you from across the Pacific......

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