Settling down

It's been less than 3 weeks but we feel to be settling down in Sydney now. After a couple of Saturday house viewing sessions we've found a house to rent. We'd love to live out on the Northern Beaches where we've been staying up to press. The area has a more laid back vibe going on but isn't so well connected (no train line so buses only!) and until we know where Ros and Niall are going to be working we can't commit. So we've taken out a short lease on a house near to the University - fairly central and close to the Northern train line. For the first time in my working life I'm going to be within walking distance of the office, I can see a regular 'sleep in' coming on.

Thanks to friends Ceri and Tony we've had our first Australian BBQ. Similar to a UK BBQ as it turns out - just better weather! It's the approach that's very different - no song and dance, just fire up the ubiquitous gas grill and get on with it. Seems like every back yard is set up with all the required flat surfaces and miscellaneous equipment - they come as standard, perhaps we shouldn't be surprised.

We also discovered the force of the surf yesterday. We walked down to the local beach, the wind was getting up and producing some big breakers on the surf so we dived in. It wasn't long before we were being bowled over - literally. I came out feeling like I'd taken a tumble off the bike, aching bones, grazes and all. Good fun though, Kirsty was with us so there were 4 brits screaming with laughter as we were battered by the sea.

And as promised here's the  first set of photos from Sydney  - enjoy!