Neutral Bay
How you going, mate?! Australians always greet me with this phrase which I am convinced is a blended version of “How are you doing?” and “Where are you going?” I never know how to respond. “I’m doing well” doesn’t work because they didn’t ask how I am doing. I want to say “I’m not going anywhere in any way, I’m just standing right here!!” I guess in fast paced Sydney everybody is going somewhere, on something strange and in a hurry, so I suppose the phrase fits.
Last I wrote, we were experiencing the thickest dust storm that Sydney had seen since the 30′s. Well now the dust has settled on everything from cars to window sills. Even CityRail seats have a nasty orange-brown coating. It’s actually becoming trendy to walk off the train with an orange ass around here!
We moved into our new studio in Neutral Bay. We’re sleeping on an air mattress until we get a real one next week from a nice couple of fellow Americans. We purchased an old school laundry machine today and it sounds like we have Niagara Falls running through our laundry room right now. We also bought a mini fridge that fits snugly into our closet. It’s practically a college dorm room now!
Aside from still needing to get a small couch, kitchen table, toaster oven and pots and pans, we’re totally moved in. Until then, we’ll be living off microwavable soup and chicken pot pies. It’s either that, or spend fifteen bucks per meal at one of twenty Thai restaurants that are within walking distance of our apartment.
Last night before bed, we had our patio door open and we were listening to the loud thunder and the heavy rain pound against the tiles. It reminded me of the storms from my childhood when we would visit my cousins and grandparents in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the dark thunderheads are gone and an annoying light rain still lingers.
Other than that, life is going pretty well. Since being in Australia, I haven’t seen any kangaroos, dingos or koalas and I am very disappointed. I was also expecting Dunkaroos by the dozens but all I get is Tim Tams. Not bad, but not Dunkaroos. I wanted to rent both “Australia” and “Crocodile Dundee” from the movie store today but I just didn’t have the courage. Maybe next time.