A New Beginning, London, United Kingdom

We have arrived in London and made short work of securing our permanent residence. February sixth is our move-in date, and we can't wait. Perfect timing because my classes begin on the seventh. It's hard to believe we are here after spending a year and a half in the tropics. But to be sure, we are here -- see proof below. The temperature change is dramatic but refreshing. Too much hot weather gets old just like anything else. Pam's already been price checking weekend Swiss snowboarding vacations. Surprisingly affordable now that we're based in Europe. We'll see.

City Life, Sydney, Australia

We are so glad we decided to spend time in Sydney before leaving Australia. This is an absolutely beautiful city. Warm temperatures, Victorian architecture, great music scene, world class beaches, art, foodies, and laid back lifestyle... possibly the perfect composition for ideal city life. Sydney ranks high on my list for a possible return and long term stay.




















































































































































































Zeus @ The Oxford Art Factory-- the band that supports Jason Collette of Broken Social Scene. Top notch musicians.

Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia

Eric and I took a Ferry Ride along the Sydney Harbor to Manly Beach, a beach just north of Sydney's city center. The Ferry ride was about 30 minutes with great views of the city, the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge.



































































































I read that the beach was named Manly beach by a Captain who found the aboriginal people he encountered on the island manly.
















A swimming area along the boardwalk















This was one of the coves on Manly Beach. The shore was full of little broken shells, hence the name, Shelley Beach. Again, not the most creative in naming conventions. The water was calm and crystal clear, a good place for snorkeling.















Apparently, penguins live in warm places too.



















We thought we'd wait to see a penguin, but sadly, we never found one.

Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

Snacks -- Sydney, Australia

Meat pies with mashed potatoes, peas, and gravy on top! They also had a chili dog that was pretty unusually delicious.

Blue Mountains, Sydney, Australia

Pam's Aunt and Uncle, Tita Fe and Tito Impin, have been amazing hosts and have shown us so much of what greater Sydney has to offer. Here are some shots from the Blue Mountains, Kiama, Walongogong, and Bald Hill along the coast south of Sydney.

Kangaroos in the Wild, Sydney, Australia

Cattai National Park in greater Sydney

I ventured just outside of the picnic area looking for kangaroos. As I called Pam over to point out one that I spotted off in the distance, we suddenly realized they were all around and staring at us. One was no more than ten feet away, taller than me, and staring right at us. I didn't think they would be, but they're kind of scary. I felt like I was in Jurassic Park, and I had a dinosaur staring at me. We left quickly. After rebuilding our confidence, we went back in to get this video.

Happy Holidays from Australia

Our last beach day on the Gold Coast -- Burleigh Heads -- before flying to Sydney for the New Year

Burleigh Heads, looking back at the high rises of Surfers Paradise

Christmas morning, and Pam made oatmeal scones and masala pulled tea

Pam offers her shells to this little girl's collection

People are so nice to us in Australia! Alfred, a friend of the owner of the house where we stayed, drove us all around giving us a great tour.