The hours upon hours of economy class, delays and shit airline food finally translated to something other than greasy hair and eight bathroom visits: a week-long trip to Sydney. Coming into the city was like a breath of fresh air...literally. I was so excited to walk outside that I walked long enough to get blisters on my feet. First stop, of course, was the opera house. Every aerial shot of the opera house in Hollywood movies makes it seem so small, but up close it's a monstrosity. It was like...(Hey!) Arnold's hair at age 75. Kudos to anyone who got that reference.
That first day was a big one: the opera house, Darling Harbour, Chinese Friendship Gardens, The Rocks, etc. As my friend put it, "So, you've already done everything?" Though all the touristy attractions had been hit in the first couple days, it was kind of a relief. After the shit storm that was the first quarter of school, being able to wander through parks, gardens and green spaces was the type of relaxation that was needed. Bar hopping during the happy hour(s) didn't hurt either.
A couple days of wandering aimlessly, lots of good beer and testing my luck at the casino allowed those blisters to heal enough to complete the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee beach. This may have been the best part of the trip. Not only was it stunningly beautiful, but it was just so simple: creating a running path along the water. Coming from a concrete jungle of 30+ million with little green and virtually no areas to walk/run, this was a treat indeed.
As I wrap up the last academic year at my school, I'm looking forward to the free agency period that is the job search. The international hiring period comes before the domestic (US), but I will be giving jobs back home a hard look as five years abroad begins to take its toll. Missing my grandfather's passing was difficult and, assuming I find a school silly enough, I'd very much like to venture back across the pond and be closer to family, friends and cheap wine. Warding off heart disease is expensive here...
Counting the days until my return stateside, which starts in Nashville for an athletic administrator's (NIAAA) conference in December. I'll be sure to bring back a good pair of boots, hat and a love of country music for my brother and family in Colorado. Until then, I'll enjoy my tank tops and 85 degree weather. 'Til next time...
