Anonymous

My hands and feet were placed firmly on the grass, my butt was in the air, and my belly button was reaching for my spine. I rocked my weight from one foot to the next, alternately pushing down my heels to stretch my tightened calf muscles.

Running for the first time in eight months calls for some serious stretching. I was running outside in the perfect Sydney spring air and normally would have gone home to stretch. I usually get embarrassed by stretching in public but the air was so fresh I wanted to stay outside and breathe it all in. I ran under a huge gum tree for shade and started doing sun salutations.

This is something I would never do in my hometown. I would never just randomly start doing yoga by myself in a crowded park. But here in Sydney, I felt ok. I didn't feel embarrassed. I didn't feel awkward.

I realized even if people were judging me, I didn't care. Maybe it's because as I get older, I'm becoming more comfortable in my own skin. I'm finding out what I like and don't like and how to lead a balanced life. I'm figuring out what's really best for me and not relying on magazines or other people telling me what I should be doing. It's extremely gratifying and a process I'm sure will last my whole life. Making a conscious effort to be self aware makes me happier, more productive, and less guilty.

A big part of this process has been spending time in foreign countries where I can be anonymous enough to really, truly be myself. The cultural differences make me think in new perspectives about the same issues I had before leaving. The absence of a big support system of extended family and friends makes me feel empowered, accountable, and in control of my decisions.

I don't feel badly when I say no to an invitation to go out when I really need to just stay in and recharge. I feel more confident making life decisions, like where we're going to live after Australia. I'm less self conscious showing people art that I've made and I'm more confident in my writing. 

The power of being anonymous in a new place is strong. It's like starting fresh. You can be who you want to be. You can do what you want to do. And if you don't know who you want to be or what you want to do, it can help you find answers. It did for me. I still don't have all the answers (obviously) but I feel better about not having them when I don't and fulfilled when I do. 

Kayaking in Sydney

Sydney rests on one of the greatest harbors in the world. There are heaps of little inlets, beaches, and cliffs all around the city. With all this gorgeous water around there is no doubt tons of ways to enjoy it. Last weekend we rented some kayaks to join in on the fun.

We rented from Sydney Harbour Kayaks in Mosman.  

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk is full of beautiful scenery. There are tiny beaches, epic cliffs, an old seaside graveyard, and even lawn bowling. We did the walk in a few hours and took our time taking in sights and stopping to get lunch along the way. It was a nice way to spend a sunny spring afternoon. I hope you enjoy the photos! :)

Bondi Beach

The Past Month

Well, I haven't blogged in a while. We've been so busy just living life and settling in our routines. Here are some things I've been doing lately. (It's a bit random! :)

We went out to visit Manly, taking the ferry to get there. Almost everyone had told us we had to go see it so we did. It was beautiful, but we forgot our camera. Whoops! I did happen to take a couple Instagram shots on my phone (above). 

Bondi to Coogee coastal walk

We walked the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk which was absolutely beautiful. It made for a great afternoon and there were places to swim and eat all along the way. It'd be cool to do it again when it's really hot and just hop in the sea every so often to cool down. (Side Note: There are actually quite a few of these coastal walks around Sydney. I walked a different one a while back in Vaucluse with the boys I babysit and it was gorgeous as well, with views of the opera house and the harbour bridge in the distance.)

I started oil painting and have a lot of ideas of things I want to paint. It's really fun to mix the colors and think about the layout and overall design of each piece. I've been checking out books from the library about art history and how to draw/paint. 

Also from the library, I checked out some world history books. I was looking into the State Department and working at US embassies around the world. You have to pass a pretty tough test to even be considered. I found a couple books from their reading list and I am actually enjoying them. I've always liked history and reading history in a non-fiction book is much more interesting than reading a school textbook. 

We went to see Australian Rules Football, affectionately named "footy", at the Olympic Stadium. It was super fun! The game is really easy to understand and follow so I was able to know what was going on pretty much all the time. That's not something I can say about a lot of other sports I've seen!

It rained like mad last weekend and into the early weekdays. It was nice when I got to stay home and listen to the drops fall from the comfort of my cozy bed. It was not so nice when I had to walk in it to work.

Other than that storm that passed through, the weather has been beautiful and warm in the 70's and sunny. I always take the boys I babysit out for adventures to playgrounds, parks, the library, or the museum and we always talk about what a beautiful day is. They are so cute. I feel lucky to be working with such a great family.

Coming up this weekend, we're planning on going to the Australian Museum Friday night (it's free for Art and About Sydney) and then kayaking on Saturday. It's looking to be a good weekend! :)

Surry Hills Silliness

Last Friday we went to see a band play at a club in Surry Hills. I think it's the only time I've ever seen a band opening for a DJ. Ha! The band was Gang of Youths and they were pretty good! It's always nice to see live music. We didn't stick around for the DJ. After the band finished up we left due to the high volume of young hammered people. I think 18 is a great drinking age, I just don't want to be in a club where the majority of the people are 18. What can I say? I might be getting a bit old! Although, maybe the band's name should have tipped me off...

Afterwards, we were walking around and saw this funny shop window.

It's little gems like this that make me so happy I remembered the camera! :)

P.S. About half of the guys at the club were wearing bow ties! I couldn't believe it! Is this common where you live too?? If it's a new trend, I'm totally for it. I think bow ties are awesome, even if it did feel a little like prom. ;)

 

Going to China in Sydney

Last weekend we were on a mission to find the most magical and delicious hot sauce in the world: sriracha. We heard from our friend Kaylee that we could find some in Chinatown, so off we went! It was another beautiful day in Sydney. From our house in Glebe, we were able to walk there and we took in the Chinese Friendship Garden on the way as well. 

The garden is very beautiful and well cared for with bonsai, a pond with huge koi fish, bridges, trees, traditional Chinese structures, and even a place where you can dress up in Chinese costumes to wear around the garden. It being early spring in Sydney, I especially enjoyed the flowering trees!

After the friendship garden, we navigated to Chinatown where we saw a cool outdoor art installation, bought some of our favorite Korean snacks at a little Korean grocery shop, and finally found our beloved hot sauce.

Darling Glebe

We've settled in a charming little neighborhood called Glebe in the Inner West area of Sydney. It's nestled between hipster Newtown and the bay on a little hill. It's full of  friendly people, bustling shops, and Victorian homes with the most beautiful wrought iron I've ever seen. It's a wonderful place to call home!

This dog always sits in the doorway of this used book shop on Glebe Point Road. He's well trained and friendly. What a cutie!

The fresh produce at this market is always great quality (as it is at most places in Sydney) and they have great sales. The lack of general space and giant stacks of fruits and vegetables add to the quaintness I like so much. 

And then there are the bars! We've only been to a couple of them but they've been great. Good people, good drinks, good vibe!

 A walkers dream! I feel so lucky that we are within walking distance to so many things!

 This is a very cool, although expensive, antique shop.

 Is that Dumbledore on the right, next to Spiderman?? Not sure what this mural is for but I like it!