There IS such a thing as a FREE lunch!!!

I was so busy yesterday that I didn't have the chance to update my blog -- but here I am now with a super big blog entry to catch up!

Yesterday, I spent the whole day with my 2 German roomates (the french girl left to go to a host family). We went to the Sydney Aquarium where we walked in a underground see-through tunnel. The animals were HUGE!!! There were stingrays, sharks, turtles, and fish. Trust me, these things were humongous. The giant turtle is bigger than a man and they are actually 25% larger than we see them through the protective tunnel due to the curvature of the structure. Yikes.

Then onto the Taronga Zoo via ferry! We passed by the famous Sydney Harbour bridge and the Opera House. Magnificent. The zoo was awesome because we got to get close to the kangaroos and I was able to pet a joey (baby roo)! We also saw the koalas and I learned that they have 2 thumbs (I'm told they are vicious little buggers).

We were so exhausted from our day that we stopped by the grocery store and back on home. I bought groceries for ~$18 which should last me a couple of days. Yay!

Today, I woke up early for my 10am orientation at the IEP (Int'l Exhange Prog) office. I learned about what the office can provide me with in terms of helping me with taxes, resumes, housing, etc. Then I went to the Canadian consulate to register myself - that way, they know I'm in the country in case of emergency.

I discovered another strange thing about crossing the street at large intersections - that you can cross on the diagonal! That is so weird to me...I keep thinking I will get hit. But I just follow the crowd and I know I'll be ok.

Ok, about the free lunch. I was walking around today when I stumbled upon free BBQ at Martin Place, a plaza type area where you can sit on the steps and there's a Christmas tree in the middle. The food was given out by a Christian organization...I guess to promote giving at Christmas time. Now the strange thing is, they did not ask for anything nor were they trying to preach to us!!! They were just happily giving out food and coffee without a word about their faith! The Aussies have the right idea unlike the westerners. Now what did they have? Grilled snags and coffee. Snags are sausages and here it is eaten in a white piece of sliced bread with the snag sitting diagonal on the bread. Then it's topped off with tomato sauce (ketchup). As for coffee, it wasn't any cheap regular coffee either! They had their cappucino machine there and they asked me what kind of coffee I wanted. The woman behind me got a hot chocolate. Wow, I can't believe I got a delicious lunch for free! This is great! :D

In Sydney Safe and Sound!

I arrived in Sydney about 2 hrs ago (it is 2:30pm on Friday) and I am now in the IEP office using the internet (IEP = International Exchange Program). These guys are great! They will brief me on things in an orientation on Monday. I will learn about cell phones, accommodations, jobs, etc. What a great support system away from home.

The city feels like the size of Montreal....I guess after being in New York City for so long, every big city seems small to me. One thing I must consciously keep in mind is to LOOK RIGHT when crossing the street! They drive on the left side over here. There are even large white lettering painted next to the curb reminding pedestrians to look right. I actually almost got hit by a car today (hey, there was no warning at that street). 

Alright, I have to go take care of some things before they close at 5pm.