There's one in every city.

That neighborhood.

That trendy, unique square-mileage, housing frilly street signs, local bands, and hipsters. That place that

claims to have the best coffee in the world, organically roasted and served in mugs that actually make the drink taste better. 

If you're from the Pacific Northwest, think 23rd Street in Portland or Ballard in Seattle.
In Sydney, you'll find Surry Hills.

But let's be honest, these neighborhood are actually pretty cool. There's a reason why they've made a name for themselves and Surry Hills is no exception.

Its streets are lined with beautiful homes, hanging flower pots, and unique bars. The tiny, hole-in-the-wall cafes are literally packed to max capacity because their food and coffee drink are THAT GOOD.  And there is nothing like a fresh chocolate croissant to bring home the win.

What are the trendy neighborhoods in the city you live in?

Much love,

It's been awhile

Remember that time when I was like, "Can't wait to blog ALL THE TIME about my adventures in Australia!"??? Clearly, that hasn't been happening. And I'm sorry.

I've been finding myself overwhelmed by the amount of new things that are to see and new people there are to meet. It seems like my days fill up fast and my time is better spent out doing things rather than blogging. But by the request of several friends and readers, here is a snippet into what's been happening down under.

LOTS OF WALKS!

And more practice using public transportation.

Taking the train places always makes me feel like I've stepped into Narnia.

Ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay

A few updates...

Still no kangaroo or koala sightings.
I tried Vegimate, which is surprisingly ok when prepared properly.
I'll be spending a week in New Zealand at the end of the month (LOTR fans, holla!)
MY MOM IS COMING TO VISIT THIS WEEK!

Much love,

Ariel

Photo diary update

These past couple days have been filled with much time exploring the city. So, rather than write about my many adventures, I present to you, my first photo diary entry.

Happy Thursday.

Much love,

On a walk about

The above picture is of a bus stop, in case you couldn't tell. A typical, well-marked bus stop.

In moving to Sydney, I gave up the privilege of having my own car. Meaning, my only mode of transportation during my time down under is the public bus system. Buses are easy to use, right? I've lived in the heart of Seattle for the past four years, I know how to use public busses. 

Upon arriving, I quickly found the need for a working phone. The closest mall is too far to walk, so it was time to make my bus debut. I looked up directions to where I needed to go, wrote them down on notebook paper (since I didn't have a working phone at this point), and head out! 

I spent the next 20 minutes looking for the bus stop.

It was literally, NOWHERE to be found. I double checked that I was on the right street, which I was, and continued searching. A few minutes later, I noticed a small yellow sticker on one of the telephone poles labeled, "BUS STOP". Oh, and did I mention that the pole was in the middle of someone's front yard? Needless to say, bus stop set-ups are NOT universal. 

With the bus stop located, I continued to wait another 20 or so minutes until a bus finally showed up. I boarded and then, with my very American accent, double checked with the driver to make sure that I was, in fact, on the correct bus. He proceeded to inform me that the bus I needed would pick me up on the OTHER side of the road. Because the roads are opposite in Australia. Duh. 

Another 15 minutes and the correct bus showed up. On the correct side of the road. 

I made it to my destination, purchased a working phone (with access to maps and GPS), and somewhat more successfully found my way back home. 

Cheers to you, Australia and the beginning of an exciting relationship.

Much love,

Landed & Learning

Well, I made it! 22 hours and 7,652 miles later, I've landed on the other side of the world. And what an incredibly place it is. The weather is warm, the beaches are beautiful, and the people are amazingly friendly! 

In case you were wondering, the woman lying on the beach is, in fact, topless.

Watching the sunrise over the beach. Absolutely breathtaking. 

A few important things I've learned since arriving...

Everything is expensive.

There is nothing cuter than a small child with an Australian accent.

Money is waterproof.

UGG boots are sold in every convenience store and souvenir shop.

Everyone is a "mate".

Shoes are not required.

Parking in the city for one hour costs thirty dollars.

There are spiders the size of my face.

Coffee is one thousand times better here than in the states.

And since I like food so much, I'll throw in that everything here tastes good. Literally EVERYTHING. The Italian dressing from the grocery store quite possibly is just as good as an authentic Italian personal chef. 

More to come!

Much love,