Off to Tasi!

Hey everyone!

Sorry for the long break in posting! All I can say, is that my excuse is that I became a bit of a beach bum! The past week and half I have spent just enjoying the local area around Maroubra (where I am staying) and Sydney.

It took me a bit to get used to the heat here since it is the peak of summer. There has been the occasional shower, but otherwise, it's been hot and sunny! Luckily staying next to the beach, means a nice cool breeze most of the time, helping to cut through the heat! During my first few days, I made a trip to downtown Sydney, walking along the harbourfront checking out the lego sculptures at the Sydney Aquarium, had a drink at the Opera house, and enjoyed some goodies along George street. I found by the end of the day that I was a bit overheated, and hadn't quite had enough water to drink that day. Anyway, suffice to say, I've learned my lesson, always drink and have lots of water on me, and am coating myself in lots of suncreen! So far, no burns (which is a big feat for me lol) and just a subtle bit of a tan!

I've been checking out the local area where I'm staying in Maroubra. The beach has been getting a good decent crowd this weekend, but there's still lots of space to go down and just enjoy the sun for a couple hours. I also went for walk along the coast, just to the north of the beach where there's a rock pool, it's pretty cool (see the photo)! Basically a large square hole carved out right along the rockface. It's definitely a favourite spot for families, cuz you don't have to worry about the currents, but you do have to watch your toes getting in, as the sides are a bit rough with shallow coral and the odd muscle.

I've dined out a couple times since getting here, one of which was a great place I discovered on my last trip, which is the Zeebra Cafe, here in Maroubra. They serve up amazing burgers and fresh chips! They also make some great homemade goodies such as banana bread and carrot cake, so I took the time to indulge :). I also plan to check out and dine at the Maroubra Seals club. Every beach here has their own Seal club where their lifeguards are based, and where locals can come to enjoy all of the community facilities.

It's been really nice sleeping and waking up here. Living in downtown Montreal, you miss things like the sound of crickets at night, and then birds waking you up in the morning. The birds are ridiculous here! You either hear Kookaburra's laughing like crazy monkeys, crows which sound like moaning cats, or cockatoos which screech really loudly (if you don't believe me, YouTube them lol). It makes for a pretty entertaining show! I've also loved seeing the parrots here, there's one common one, bright screen with red and purple patches. I've tried to take a really great photo, but they keep mis-focusing, so I'm posting one I found online :)

Tomorrow, things will get exciting as a trip has been booked for Tasmania! Originally the plan was to see the Great Ocean Road, the southeastern coast of Australia from Melbourne to Adelaide, however, the weather there looks to be quite rainy all this week. Instead, seeing how Hobart, the capitol of Tasmania looks to be bright and sunny the next four days, Patrick and I plan to explore a little further south instead.

The plan will be to stay in Hobart for 3 nights while checking out and discovering the local sites. We've booked an Eco Day Cruise, and a Brewery Tour as part of our stay, so are pretty excited about that! I plan to take lots of pictures, so, I'll post again soon!

ttyl~