Superb last few weeks in Sydney. Couldn't have imagined a better place outside of Scotland to spend Christmas and New Year. Felt very strange barbecuing on Clovelly beach with Arum and Fi on Christmas Day, but the sun shone for us and we swam just about enough to make room for a turkey roast in Redfern that evening.
Have landed on my feet moving into a spare room that Fiona Gardiner had available in December. I now live in a fantastic, modern, 4 bedroom, Victorian conversion with 3 wonderful girls. Quite a contrast from a crotch scratching Alex Wright in Streatham, but I think I prefer it. This is a picture of us all at the next door neighbour's Christmas Carols on his front lawn.
I never thought I would be so happy to see Steve Critchlow but New Years and the days after were a riot. Free flowing champagne and oysters in front of the Opera House was a pretty good way to see in 2012. If only I could wean him off the red lights of London and persuade him to make Sydney his playground - we would have fun.
Coogee Beach was quiet on New Years Day. Not a bad way to get rid of a hangover if you could find somewhere to sit!
Australian v USA Water Polo at Icebergs with Steve. Met some strange characters in the bar that day but had a great night out with Stacey in Bondi Beach Club after.
Spit to Manly walk burnt off a few Holiday calories. Everyone in Sydney apart from me has a boat by the way!
Anyway, reality had to kick in at some point and it did 2 weeks ago when I started work at CapGemini. I am now working for them in Melbourne at National Australia Bank for at least the next 3 months. Hopefully things will work out and I'll be there for a lot longer.
The added bonus about living in Melbourne in January is the Australian Open. Not a bad way to unwind after a hard day consulting. Isner v Nalbandian.
I was looked after incredibly well by Matt and Michaela in Melbourne. Always nice to see friendly faces in a new city. I can't wait now to see Trang, Prue, Andrew and everyone else in that part of the world. I'm not going to give up Sydney as a base just yet but I am growing to like Melbourne Monday - Friday, especially when it's 10 degrees hotter than Sydney and doesn't have half as much rain!
Some of you have been asking me about the birds in Australia......
.........I can report back that they are stunning and I have them eating out of my hand.
Hope you are all coping with January in the UK!
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