In order to learn my surroundings and figure out what cool stuff is near by, I have been spending a few hours each day playing, "let's get lost". It is one of my favorite games when in a new city--right up there with "Which way's North".
The rules are simple. Step 1: Start at a place you know. Step 2: Get lost/walk around with no intention or plan (but be sure to remember where you go in case you actually get lost and need to retrace your steps) Step 3: Discover stuff! Step 4: Keep walking until something looks familiar!
I have mastered Step 3:
Day 1, I found my apartment! And then the beach:
And I set up my room so it really does look just like home! (Still needs more on the walls, but that will come later)
After that, I branched out. I found a great local fruit and veg shop on a corner near my place
Which I thought was great...until I found this AMAZING everything organic store a few days later. It is a bit farther away, but so worth it!
It happens to be right around the corner from the Library! So, I got my library card :)
It also turns out there is an awesome nature preserve if you the other way from my flat:
On the otherside of the preserve, there is another beach:
I also found other cool shops and things, but I didn't take pictures.
I have also been having fun with friends! My flatmate Raizel and I had a wine and marshmellow house warming "party". I tried Fejioa for the first time. It is a slightly bitter fruit that I think tastes like soap. But I tried it!
Raizel and I have had fun cooking together becuase she is also very health concious. So many yummy veggies are in our food! It is fabulous. Our stove is funny however, because it has 2 settings on and off. Most stoves give you a range of temperatures to choose from. With ours, you can set the dial anywhere and it will be the same heat. Despite the fact that we have to cook on very high heat, we have managed to make some yummy food:
I also took the train to meet up with a friend from (as the Aussies say) Uni in Seattle. We went out to Pub Trivia with a great group of people and tied for first! Our team name was " The smart casual misogynists" and we ended up losing the sudden death dance off (hehe), so we won the second place prize. The photo will only show upside down for some reason, but here's the team:
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I have also been setting stuff up. I got a mobile, a bank account, and a bus pass. I'm getting better at looking right before crossing the street. I'm learning how to greet people and be super friendly like all these Australians! I have learned that "How you going?" is a good way to start a conversation. Basically, I'm loving learning how to live in a foreign country!
