Alright, I've finished my first couple of days. What a difference it is to nurse here. EVERYTHING is double-checked and cosigned. Even if I have to hang a bag of NS, it needs to be cosigned. If in doubt, it probably needs cosigning. The uniforms are totally not practical. I actually had to invest in a fanny-type pack to wear so that I have pockets to carry things. My "trousers" do not have pockets. I look more like I'm about to take a drink order, rather than administer medications.

That aside, I am now a full-fledged member of Fitness First and am ready to get into a regular work-out routine again. I'm also in the habit of grocery shopping again (the supermarket here is called Coles), as eating out is horrendously expensive.

I've done the coastal beach walk from Coogee to Bondi (Bondi Beach above). It's a 3 hour walk that includes Clovelly Beach (apparently, good snorkeling spot), Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach (lots of surfers ;) and of course, the forever trendy Bondi Beach. Apparently, it's popularity dates back to the 1880's for anyone interested in a little history. There's also an incredibly huge and amazing Victorian style cemetary (Waverley Cemetary?) along the way.

This weekend, I'm off for a two-day, overnight learn-to-surf camp with a couple of the girls from res., a Brit and an American. Both very cool girls. The surfing takes place at Crescent Head, a 5 hour drive north of Sydney. So glad I've already been to the Sydney Aquarium to glimpse the pleasant creatures that I will be sharing the ocean with. Surf's up!

I headed down to Carols in The Domain on December 16 with my friend Vickie from the UK. We needed to get into the Christmas spirit! Huge outdoor festival of carols put on by Woolworth's to raise money for the Salvation Army. About the size of the folk festival in Calgary. Lots of red candles everywhere (the picture doesn't really do it justice) and of course, lots of singing. Felt like Christmas for about 4 hours . . . and then it flickered out. Without snow, family and friends, I don't think Christmas will be quite the same. However, some of us are getting together to do a Christmas dinner. Should be fun.

For those of you on my email list, forgive me for the reruns. Here's a couple pics. Prince of Wales Hospital and Coogee Beach. Alright, it's just Prince of Wales Hospital. Can't upload the beach.

Hello everyone! 3 days in and loving it! Few minor glitches after arriving in Sydney airport . . . as in, my airport pickup didn't show. Welcome. I've been quite productive since arriving. The living arrangements are nothing to write home about, but it's somewhere to sleep. There's a resident cat and a resident "creepy" guy, whom just so happens to live on my floor. My luck NEVER runs out! He skulks around and holds a permanent spot on the couch. He's a Sydney resident so not sure why he lives in residence. I do my best to avoid him.

Today's the first day it's been sunny so I walked down to the beach . . . only 20 minutes away on foot. Lot's of eye candy . It took a while to work up enough courage to hit the water. The waves are a LOT bigger than Mexico. First contact with the water also revealed the water is a lot colder. I entered at a time when the waves were about knee high. However, these waves were quickly followed by waves over my head. Needless to say, I ended up tossed back to shore with my top flipped up. It was one of those moments when I had wished I was with someone to laugh with. Instead, I had a quick chuckle to myself. There's certainly no way of easing yourself into the water. I'll have to check out other beaches in the future.

Went to the mall today to pick up a uniform. I had been told scrubs were fine, but apparently they're not. Golf shirts and pants. They call it "smart". I call it uncomfortable. Met with my unit manager today. Only 17 beds on the unit, 14 of which are open. Not sure I'll like the med/oncology but it's only til end of January. Hope they've got a sense of humor! Turns out, I live on the same floor as and will be working on the same unit as a girl from Calgary who went to Mount Royal with me and got here two weeks ahead of me. Small world.

And so, that's everything in a nutshell. I'm off to the pub tonight for a pint . . . schooner as they call it.

On my last day of work, I was held down and covered with lactulose and metamucil after a failed attempt to tape me to a chair and send me to the first floor. Good times. This was followed closely by three nights of mass drinking and dancing with friends. I had an awesome send-off! And so, now I am here. Flights 1 and 2 were uneventful. Flight 3 arriving in Sydney felt more like flying into London, or at least what I think it would be like to fly into London. Thick, foggy clouds covered the sky and it was spitting rain. Still warm though. And humid. However, my arranged pick-up never made it pick me up. NICE. I ended up having to take a taxi to my new residence. I wasn't tickled by the idea. The above pictures reflect my new room for the next 6 months. It leaves a lot to be desired but a small price to pay really, for the good times coming up. No cockroaches yet and I've already met a few people. If you can believe it, I went to school with one of the girls living on my floor. AND, she worked on Unit 51. WEIRD. Anyway, that's all for now. Tomorrow, I attempt to figure out the transit system. Hopefully the weather is better too. I'd like to take in the beach as well. Talk soon.

Puerto Vallarta was awesome! Weather in the 30's for the entire trip. Shock to the system when arriving in Edmonton to snow up to the knees and -28. However, will be returning to warmer climates December 10. 7 days til Australia! Mexico pics now posted to online album. See links.