Getting settled...

Happy Tuesday everyone! (or for all back in the States/Israel happy Monday night!)

I have slowly been settling down here which has been a big learning experience. After 4 trips to Telstra (Aussie AT&T), I have my own mobile number here! 0488 440 930 call me anytime! (just mind the 16-hour difference...)

After running around the city for two nights, I think I have found my apartment! At first I thought I wanted to live by the beach in Bondi with all the Jews and falafel stands, but after a long night of schlepping through with my cousin (thanks for the lift, Jason!) I decided that city life is way more suited for me. The beach is absolutely stunning; there is nothing quite like the shore here. Incredible cliffs, deep blue waters, and beautiful people. BUT, I think I need to be where the action is downtown. The beach will always be a quick bus ride away, and especially in the winter (in 2 months or so) living on the water isn't essential.

Last night I ran around Paddington/Surry Hills to hunt for a room. I found a great one! They are still showing the place to two more people tonight so hopefully I will hear good news....til then I won't say much about it just in case.

So the past two days have been quite productive:

-finally got to see the Opera House

-went to the New South Wales Wine Festival

-checked out Paddy's Market (a big flea/indoor bazaar with fruits/veggies as well)

-tonight I am going on my first of many "girl blind dates." I have a mutual friend with this girl Rachel who has reached out to me, so tonight we are getting dinner in town. Should be fun and hopefully only good things will come!

Typical to the other posts- I have to reiterate how nice and accommodating people are! A few Jewish people showed me their apartments these past 2 days and I got seder invites from all of them. Additionally, one guy was nice enough to pick me up from Surry Hills, show me his flat in Rose Bay, take me to Vaucluse to see another flat, and then drove me alllll the way home to Drommoyne. He saved me either an hour on the bus or 50 bucks from a taxi! Do you know any strangers in the states who would do that??

More to come soon- hopefully an update on my living situation and maybe some chronicling of my girl blind dates! Keep in touch!