New Hostel, New Friends, New Adventures!

View from new hostel

I was a little anxious about leaving what I knew and changing hostels to the other side of town--probably more anxious then when I was leaving home to go to the other side of the world--go figure! Anyway, I'm so glad I did.  You can see for yourself the view from right outside my door is incredible.  Also, I'm the same distance from WTC and not far from the train station either. 

I picked up 2 more days of gift wrapping and must have pleased the boss because he's offered for me to run his chocolate shop the week before father's day--it's September 5 here.  I will have to be disciplined not to eat the merchandise but am excited about a full week of work and to be able to share my love of chocolate with each customer!:)
I had a group interview this week for a call center job--offering free hearing screenings to anyone receiving a pension--and I got it!  Basically it's a government contract that offers free hearing services--screenings, hearing aids, etc.  I just call and see if they want to participate and if so schedule their appointments.  The managers are very laid back and it seems to be a friendly office environment.  That will start after my week of being a chocolate saleswoman.

Sarah, Martina, and I

So with the new hostel came 2 new friends from the UK--Sarah and Martina.  We've been having a good bit of fun together already! We used coupons found on the back of the hostel map to land some cheap and even free drinks at the local bar and participated in some local beer tasting with our neighbors sitting at the table next to us. 

Today we went on a wine tasting tour through Hunter Valley--4 vineyards in all.  Other than the stop & go driving by our very sweet driver which made me horribly carsick--yes, I REALLY do get carsick to those of you who have thought I've made it up all these years!:)  We enjoyed the first vineyard, Iron Gate, immensely.  The 2 that followed were mediocre at best, though unfair to judge since the first stop was so incredible! The last one was recommended by a girl on our tour from Chicago--Tintilla Vineyards--and it was also wonderful! They even had crackers (which I ate almost entire bowl of due to upset stomach) with jellies & dips, bread with flavored olive oil and olive tastings.  A great way to end our day...oh, except for the 2 hour stop & go ride home making me sick once again---joy!

Did I mention we saw kangaroos while driving into the vineyards today?! Our driver stopped and let us out to take pictures and get a better view.  I know you can't see them very well in the picture but they were incredible! They hopped around and everything! I can't wait to see more of them!

Sarah and Martina are headed off to Bondi Beach for a few days but will be back for the weekend before Martina returns to work and Sarah will stay here in Sydney for a few more months.  Looking forward to more fun adventures with these two! I've convinced them to come to New Orleans but we can't decide on a time--I think running with the bulls may be it though! We'll have to wait and see.  I have to warn y'all I may be coming home with more of an English accent than an Aussie one being that seems to be who I'm spending my time with--called the elevator a "lift" the other night....I can't help it, I'm outnumbered and easily influenced! haha

That's all for now.  It's been a busy few days so looking forward to taking it easy for a bit. 

Take care!:)

xoxo