Walk, Don't Run.

Well its been quite a journey getting to Australia.  After over 2 months of travels around SE Asia, I finally arrived in Australia to begin my work and holiday year, and it was surprisingly an even greater adventure than I anticipated.  After spending the holidays with my family in the Philippines, I landed in Sydney on December 28, in time to relax for one more week before the apartment and job hunting began.  Sydney was as beautiful as ever, greeting us with great summer beach weather during our stay at Bondi Beach.  This has definitely been an endless summer. It was only fitting that we first arrive in Sydney, as I started my incredible year of travel exactly 1 year ago in the same city.  Full circle.  Not only that, but Sydney is arguably one of the best cities to ring in the New Year--and we had a blast indeed!  We walked a block from our apartment to attend the Shore Thing festival on Bondi Beach with the Chemical Brothers = One of the best New Year's celebrations.  We spent New Year's day back at Bondi Beach for some sun and a nap, however when we were there I encountered my first shark sighting alert.  The Bondi lifeguards quickly sounded the alarm forcing hundred of swimmers and surfers out of the water for 45 mins.  It was interesting to watch actually, as eventful situations seldomly happen in our Southern California beaches.  We were just becoming comfortable in Sydney before time came to pack up again and really start our Work and Holiday.  

Toast to start of our adventure year

Bondi NYE fireworks

Shore Thing 2012 Chemical Brothers

New Year's Day on Bondi Beach

Beach closure

So Long Sydney. Till next time.

Off to Melbourne…

I've heard that Melbourne has been rated the World's Most Livable City several years running now.  Although it doesn't have the beautiful beaches of Sydney and the weather is pretty bipolar (the day we arrived it was 105 degrees F, the following day had a low in the 60s).   I am fascinated by this city with all the graffitied lane ways, countless cafes and boutiques, and all together gathering of people for various events and festivals.  Not to mention how nice people from Melbourne are. This city is filled with culture and there's just so much to explore!  So that is why I decided to start the year by settling here for a least 6 months.  Finally unpacked my bags and got settled in a tiny 2-bedroom apartment in the heart of the CBD.  Can't wait to see where these dancing shoes will take me.

Melbourne

View of Flinders Street Station from our new "home"

Got to see the Australian Open 2012

Checking out Blender Lane Artists' Market

The Quarry Mountain Dead Rats and delicious food at Suzuki Night Market

Not going to lie, there have moments of slight anxiety from this crazy travel year, but I've never had a moment of regret from coming all this way and making it happen.  Looking back on the past year, I can honestly say that I am thankful.  Thankful for all the loved ones in my life and for all the opportunities to truly live life.  Somehow things have fallen into place. Luck or fate? Whatever it is, I can't wait see where the rest of this year takes me.  2012 was a year of experiences and exploration; a great year. Although,  I believe this year will be even better and I intend to bask in it. Don't fail me, 2013.  

 “To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is ken to choosing immobility as a means of transportation.”
― Yann Martel,  Life of Pi

Now to find a job….

Colleen and I, tramping abroad.

Tramp Abroad