Settling in Nicely

Well it’s been raining quite a lot in Sydney for the last couple of weeks which I wasn’t expecting. We have had the odd day of glorious sunshine but for the most part it’s been wet and windy which has given me the opportunity to job and flat hunt with some success.

It is not the ideal time to be looking for jobs in the run up to Christmas and Australia's holiday season, but I’ve met quite a few recruiters now and am hopeful that something will present itself this week. I have an interview with a digital media firm called Tigerspike (no kidding) this week and am exploring my options back at Accenture in Sydney. 

I have had better luck finding a flat. I’m moving into a houseshare in Redfern with my friend from New York, Fiona Gardiner. It’s not by the beach but it’s very close to the city centre which will be very handy for those elusive jobs!

I spent a bit of time in Manly this weekend and it was looking at it's best on Saturday when I went to see Ali Martyres. He was struggling after his Christmas party and was in a bit of trouble with his girlfriend - some things never change mate!

On the Friday before, I met up with Arum and Fi for a beach volleyball lesson and a drink at the Manly Wharf Hotel Bar. Definitely something I'd like to make a habit of if possible.

I saw Rob Hyson again on Tuesday at his regular pub quiz and had a cracking night out with Al Hewson at the piano bar in King Cross where we stumbled across a swimwear show at 10pm on a Friday night.  A couple of other great nights have been had, especially with Jules and friends in Darlinghurst when Suzie enjoyed the Rose a bit too much.

Greg also deserves a mention for getting me on a golf course twice in the last 7 days. Once to St Michael's and then yesterday to Kooindah Waters. If it wasn't for the Thunder, Lightning, Cold Winds and Driving Rain I would have enjoyed myself immensely.

If you are reading this at about 10pm in the UK you might see me having my breakfast on the rooftop using the webcam!

Around Sydney

This is the view from level 53 of the Governor McQuarie Tower. Robert Walters have a pretty incredible office..... but no jobs! Seems like the market is pretty flat as we head towards the holiday period. Might have to go and work at Westfield.

 

 This is me at Bondi Beach. Weather was brilliant over the weekend and the beaches were packed.

I took this picture on Friday. Imagine how busy it was on the weekend. I took the ferry to Manly on Saturday to have a look at an apartment and saw Greg who has a great place over looking the beach there. Don't suppose you are looking to rent your room out Greg?

On Sunday I went out for brunch with Jules and headed down to the beach at Bronte. She has been great, putting me in touch with recruiters and friends that she knows who can help with jobs and apartments.

Sculpture by the Sea on the Bondi to Bronte coastal path!

This country is brilliant. They have televisions by the beach so that you can watch MOTD while getting a tan.

Tamarama beach. It's just a small cove but has a really deep beach. One of the places I wouldn't mind living.

This is the view from the rooftop at my Youth Hostel in The Rocks. I couldn't really be in a better spot, although I haven't stepped outside today because it hasn't stopped raining :)

 I had breakfast down at Darling Harbour on Saturday before I sorted out my mobile phone +61 449770306 and my bank account.

Opera House from the Botanic Gardens.

Few surfers out in Bondi yesterday even though it was raining. Water was probably the best place to be - I got as wet as them anyway. Going to have a look at a nice apartment in Bondi this afternoon. Hoping to share with Arum and Fi! I'm lucky that they are looking for a place to live at the same time. It's also been great catching up with Cath Willis and Rob Hyson who is going to be a dad in March...

Picture of the pool at Icebergs below.

Sydney Arrival

Feeling really good this morning after about 6 hours sleep last night in the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel. I should have taken a taxi from the airport but got the train link instead to Circular Quay. I didn't really appreciate how difficult the walk would be up the hill to the hotel which was on the other side of The Rocks.

I couldn't find the front door to the hotel as the downstairs is a great pub but two ladies were keen to help. Anyway, they gave me a nice welcome and looked after my bags while I checked in. When I came back they had bought me a beer, organised a game of golf and set me up with their daughter!

I am off to meet the recruitment consultant now and will spend the rest of the afternoon strolling around. It is supposed to clear and get to 25 degrees :)