Sunday 31 May 2015

Moving!

Yes once again. This time to my new place overlooking the Sydney Harbour. New place with new furniture and old treasures. When they arrive. My shipping is on the way and I'm not that sure how everything is going to fit. The essentials are there, I move in tomorrow. The couch will be my bed until I can put the one from Ikea together.

Ikea, two hours of wandering and I had what I needed to furnish my apartment. The boxes were delivered late this morning, I have managed to make the bedside cabinet, a cool red chair the same as the ones I had in Al Ain, the couch (only possible with Debbie's help), the set of two coffee tables and that's about it. Still to go...... Well quite a bit really.

The kitchen is now clean, my new dinner set and small things all washed and away in the cupboards. I couldn't believe how little I paid for my haul, picked and delivered as well. The delivery men were a treat. Of Arabic descent, I made them laugh with my greetings and thank yous. They made short work of the delivery task, the chaos of boxes that meant work for me.

House sitting at Nick and Liberty's this weekend has been a bonus. Winston the cat has appreciated the company, well as much as cats do. Being able to zip around in their car has been fantastic. I've managed to find my way around, with the help of that very calm voice from my phone. I even got to drive over that big bridge, hard to resist clapping my hands with delight while I was driving.

Tonight I'm making the most of the Internet. I haven't arranged any for my apartment yet, tomorrow's job. It's so easy arranging things here, so much easier than in my other moves. I'm looking forward to having some free weekends to wander with my camera. To explore this lovely city. Photos will follow, for now I've got a bed to make. Literally. 

Saturday 2 May 2015

Sydney

A new month a new city, a much bigger city. I can't believe I've not written here for so long. Well, I can believe it really given how busy I've been. Moving house is a little stressful, add moving countries to that and its a bit fraught.

I decided to sell up after pricing storage. It worked out okay with lots of negotiation and my furniture going to good homes. Trademe was an experience. Beverley is storing the few boxes of precious stuff I had left, some went south via the post. I still ended up with a little bit much baggage, only in one suitcase. There were two and the excess went into my trusty blue backpack making it impossibly heavy.

Plan A was to train, with one change, to near where I was staying. Luckily plan B kicked in as soon as I had begun the plan A journey. My ticket was refunded, my lovely Airbnb host was there to pick me up. I was so thankful. What a lovely person Debbie is, well travelled with lots of stories. Often ones that parallel mine. Like our Nepal stories. Both distressed about the damage to that most beautiful of countries with the most hospitable people. Heart breaking.

So here I am in Sydney. My first night I slept that exhausted sleep one has after such big days sorting, packing, cleaning. My first day was spent enjoying a small girl who was not impressed by the teeth that were coming through. She was hot and bothered, we had lots of cuddles and I hope that helped. Nick showed me around a bit, this is the loveliest suburb with the harbour all around and the most amazing views over the water to the city. Especially at night with the sparkling lights.

Today I wandered a bit, finding the nearest supermarket and the reserve where I could wander by the sea. It rained, tomorrow might be better so I can get some pics to share. Monday is work, a new job in this new place with new people. Lots to learn. I get to ferry across the water each day, sailing should follow soon.