American In Sydney

Happy Turkey!

posted by Leighna @ 9:02 am 0 Comments

Sweet November

I can't believe that it's already November...and it's been one month since I've been living in Sydney as a permanent resident - and what a month it's been. I've been settling well into my routine with working part time at home in my pajamas with the television on while continuing to meet different people in the healthcare environment here - thanks to my mentor who has been getting me in contact with all kinds of people here. Jackson and I have been playing field hockey, squash, and golf weekly and my hockey skills are coming back, my squash and golf skills are coming along - one would think I was on permanent vacation. The weather is wonderful and getting warmer as we head into summer. Socially, Jackson and I have been keeping a pretty full weekend calendar - we've been meeting up with lots and lots of people who are so nice and we look forward to developing a closer relationship with them. I think overall the transition is going well. I'm not having as hard a time understanding people and at one point today, I didn't even hear an accent, so I must be getting used to the way people speak. :) So nothing too exciting to report.

The distance away from family is still tough though especially as we head into the American holidays. With thanksgiving coming up, I know I'll miss the 2-day event with my family where the name of the game is to see how much pumpkin pie I can eat before passing out. It's funny, there is no thanksgiving here. I know I know it's an American holiday that was created to honor the Native americans saving the english's butts during the first winter here, but still...I think that thanksgiving has turned to be a holiday used to give thanks for everything we have. I guess Australians are just ungrateful -just kidding. I'm definitely going to miss the food, family, and fun this year. So...if you're reading this - have an extra piece of pumpkin pie for me... I'll probably be eating TV dinner.

posted by Leighna @ 9:27 pm 0 Comments

Sculptures By the Sea

So people claim that one of the best things about Sydney is the fact that the city on the beach. As a result, Bondi Beach has become one of the most popular beaches in Sydney - the closest one to the city, and a great beach town.

Every year, Bondi Beach hosts Sculptures by the Sea for about 3 weeks. This year, we went on a beautiful Saturday afternoon taking in the great weather and beach smells and sights. Here's a sample of some of the sculptures.


A melted ice cream truck






a boat? (with two guys systematically placed)







Setting/Rising sun with birds flying.



If you can see interpret any of these works of art better than me, feel free to pass them along. :)

Until next year you sculptures!

posted by Leighna @ 6:22 pm 0 Comments

Culture Shock

I don't know if you've been able to glean from my posts that I've been experiencing some pretty serious culture shock since I've been down here. When Jackson and I first discussed the prospect of moving to Australia, I thought the toughest part would be the distance away from my family and friends (which it is) , but I didn't think that another tough part would be me actually assimilating into the culture. I figured Australia's a western, modernised country that speaks English - doesn't sound too different to the US, yet it's pretty clear that I'm not in the US anymore. You may look at the list of just some of things I've realised and say that's how things are in certain parts of the US, but remember, I grew up in NY and I consider Manhattan my home...so some of things things have just been weird. The list is long, so I'll just mention some things I've noticed and if you need any elaboration, just ask.

1. The language is filled with a LOT of slang and shortening of words. Apparently as a result, I have to actively listen (someone once told me that she could see me listening to every word) - no wonder I've been so tired!

2. They drive on the left side, but the right side of the car.

3. Government has a HUGE presence here - from welfare to healthcare and if it helps society, taxpayers will pay more money without the huge lobbies and fuss.

4. Sydneysiders don't look for entertainment, rather they like to entertain - have people over, use the barby (not only for shrimp, but also a LOT of lamb). As a result it can be hard to break into social circles.

5. Particularly contrary to NY, people are really friendly here - you'll be walking on the street and people will just say good morning. But are people really friendly? Like forming relationships friendly? I'm not sure - I have doubts.

6. I'm the fastest walker in the country - even if I don't have some place to be.

7. Society is a bit homophobic - although I think this is changing a little

8. Everyone is super active taking advantage of the weather - be it jogging outside, joining leagues to play sports, or running a marathon

Now reading the list - it's weird - I don't think that it's that different...but there's something - I just can't put my finger on it. I'll let you know when I figure it out.

posted by Leighna @ 11:28 am 0 Comments

Field Hockey

So last night I played field hockey for the first time in 6 years. If you think about it, I didn't REALLY play competitive hockey 4 years before that in college, so it's been about 10 years, and boy did it feel like it. Out here, here's a league culture that I don't think is as strong in the US. People join leagues to play sports once a week or so and they play for their entire lives. To take advantage and to kick my butt back into gear, Jackson and I decided to join a field hockey league. It meets on Thursday nights, it includes mixed teams (boys and girls), old & young, on a turf field. We played 9 to a side and OMG I was exhausted! We had about 3 gals on the team and the rest guys, and I must say a couple of things:

1) playing on turf is FAST!
2) I'm super slow
3) 9 year olds ran circles around me. OK, they were really in high school or something, but still...they just dodged right around me.
4) 50 year olds ran circles around me
5) I'm out of shape
6) I forgot how to play...

okay, you get the message. But still...we were playing with guys who are my dad's age who were just incredible. They were fast and when they realized I wasn't, they just slowed down the ball whenever they passed to me. Usually that didn't help, but I tried! It was tough, but fun! We keep score, but no one really cares - it's really just for fun and for getting out for a hit.

I was pooped...and my out of shapedness really came back and kicked me in the butt - now my legs are sore, my back is sore, and other parts that I won't mention. Will I go out and do it again? Absolutely! it was fun! although I hope next time I can stop a couple more balls...and run faster - fingers crossed.

posted by Leighna @ 3:03 pm 0 Comments