Hey People!

Sorry for the delay in updating my blog! This is the first real opportunity I've had to spend time online. It's Sunday afternoon here and, as is the case in England, there isn't a lot to do except chill out and take a walk around the local area.

I arrived in Australia with my fellow Bunacers on Monday morning (9th July). Having watched a lot of border control documentaries on television, I expected security to be tight and thought that it would take a long time to get through Customs. This didn't turn out to be the case though, and we all got straight through within about 30 minutes without our luggage being searched.

A representative from "Work 'n' Holiday" (Bunac's Australian partner) met us at the Airport (a very nice French lady I should add!) and showed us to a mini-bus which took us to the hostel that we would be staying at (Sydney Central YHA).

On arrival at the hostel, first impressions were good. It was situated in a nice location (close to shops, restaurants, and more importantly fast food joints!) and there were boards up giving details of events which would take place during the week (BBQ's, movie nights etc.)

Having checked in, we then headed to our rooms which were 4 person shares. This was the first time since booking the trip that I began to feel a little unnerved. The rooms were nice enough - fairly spacious and had bunk beds to sleep on - but the reality that I would be spending the next 12 to 18 months living in similar accommodation to a student at University really started to hit home! It also became clear that there would be no privacy whatsoever, which was difficult for me to come to terms with as the type of person who enjoys my own company.

We were all feeling jet-lagged after the long plane journey so decided spent the first day chilling in the hostel (ok, I admit it, we were sleeping!) Later on in the evening, we attended the hostel's BBQ where for the first time ever I tried kangaroo meat! Whilst it wasn't the worst thing I've ever eaten, I probably wouldn't choose to have it again! The texture was a bit like gamey steak but more chewy! Following the BBQ, we went to Scubar (one of Sydney's main clubs located next door to the hostel) for a few drinks and to watch crab-racing (random!) before heading to bed for an early night.

The following morning (Tuesday 10th), we had to be out of bed early as we were required to attend a number of presentations at the Work 'n' Holiday office, where we were given information about the things we could do whilst in Australia aswell as job advice. Needless to say that none of us were impressed with the early start, though to be fair the presentations were really useful. The evening was spent in Scubar before going for a drive round the city on the "Oz Party Bus"! What an experience! 60 odd people crammed into a mini-bus with music blasting out of the subwoofer and everyone going crazy!

On Wednesday, we spent the morning setting up our Australian bank accounts (fun!) before coming across Sydney Opera House completely by chance! We then headed to Bondi Beach in the afternoon to chill in the afternoon sun. I was worried that Bondi wouldn't live up to the hype, but it was seriously amazing! It's even better when you're there than it looks on the pictures. Lots of surfers and people trying to catch a tan! I had the nicest ice cream ever too - Bounty flavoured!

Thursday was washing day. It was about as exciting as it sounds, though I was proud that I didn't manage to shrink anything or drain the colour out of my clothes! The idiot-proof washing machines and tumble dryers with about 3 buttons on definitely helped! Half of the group had enrolled on a surfing course and had to be up by 6am the following morning to catch a bus to Brisbane, so on Thursday night we all got together in one of the rooms to chill out and say our bye-for-nows.

On Friday myself, Andy, and Nicola decided to head to Manly on the Ferry. This was the best day so far. The Ferry journey was really relaxing and there were some great views to take in on the way. Once we got to Manly, we went and had fish and chips on the beach as Andy had been told that this was something which had to be done. One word for the fish and chips - amazing! Probably the nicest I've ever had. So nice, in fact, that the seagulls flew just above our heads whilst we were eating them in the hope that they would get leftovers!

Yesterday, Andy and I switched over to our Australian mobile numbers and went for lunch at Hungry Jacks (the Australian equivalent of Burger King). I could pretend it was the first time we'd been there, but it wasn't! So far, my diet since arriving in Australia has mainly consisted of a continental breakfast (toast and cereal) to start the day, followed by some sort of fast food for lunch and evening meal! Andy then had family to see later in the afternoon, so Nicola and I chilled in Scubar for a while before getting an early night.

Today we went for a walk around the Royal Botanic Gardens. It was a really lovely place with lots of people laying on the grass which overlooked the Opera House and Tower Bridge.

So there you have it! You've finally caught up with me and will get another update soon!

Take care folks!

Ant