Well finally we have internet set up in our lovely apartment, which is in Woolloomooloo, NSW. I am sitting here looking out the window at the lovely sun shining outside.
We arrived safe and sound, although a little stressed out from the long trip. Wonderful weather greeted us and it stayed so for the whole week we house hunted. Then the cold rainy weather arrived, has been that way for much of the past 3 weeks. The apartment is close enough for Lincoln to walk to and from work, I usually walk 1/2 way in the evening and then we stroll home together, rather nice.
The Botanical Gardens are just across the way, so I have lots of lovely green area to walk in, the Gardens wind along the waters edge and you can walk all the way to the Opera House, and the ferry terminals. Couldn't have found a better spot to live.
We did have one nice weekend and took the ferry north to Manly Beach, just a gorgeous spot, lots of white sand, and again walkways to wander along and enjoy the view, when you get tired walking there are always benches to sit and rest and take in the sun rayes. 
I learned very early on that one needs to wear a sun hat, something I have never done. We enjoyed fish and chips at the wharf on that trip and certainly are looking forward to our next visit.
We do not have a car, so rely on the public transit which is great. Bus, Ferry, or Train, they run on time, do not have to wait long if you miss the one you wanted, and the bus drivers are friendly and helpful. The traffic here is like New York City, buses and cars everywhere, not only everywhere but also going in the opposite direction than you are used to. The first day Lincoln grabbed me as I was about to walk off the curb, having looked in the wrong direction. Now have no problem looking to the right for oncoming vehicles. We usually walk everywhere, the first week we managed about 10 miles a day, did we have sore feet. Where we live is like a little valley and no matter where you go there are stairs to climb, not just a few, but in two cases there are 112 of them. I am very proud that I can now walk up them all and not have to stop 1/2 gasping for air, and no more stopping at the top with my heart jumping out of my chest.
People in this part of Australia are very fit, they run in the park every day at noon for at least 45 mins, no matter what the weather. I would say there are 20 men for every woman that runs. The park looks like a marathon everyday. Most parks are also equipped with stretching equipment also.
People here are great drinkers, beer, wine and Coffee. I am sure that they keep an awful lot of people employed. Saturday and Sunday the cafes are just full to the brim with people out enjoying brunch, and then enjoying the parks, walking sun tanning, sleeping, reading, picnicing, and just generally enjoying themselves.
We have joined the Canadian Australian Club, and have enjoyed 3 separate nights out with them. This past Saturday a group of approx 30 people, including ourselves, all went to a Spanish restaurant, for tapas and sangria and a great evening was enjoyed by all. We are also planning on attending the Thanksgiving Dinner that they are arranging for Oct 7th, we are promised turkey and pumpkin pie. It will be held in a club on the North Shore, so that will require sorting out which bus to take, as that is an area we have not had much travel in as yet.
We did go to Bondi Beach last Sunday, sunny but only 15 degrees C, a bit cool for walking the two miles of beautiful pathways along the beach, up and down more stairs, and thru the cliffs. Surfers were out in their wet suits and Lincoln is now casing out where to find a surf board, he did bring his wet suit with him. He has not surfed since his university days at Daytona Beach, and then some when he lived in California, many years ago. He figures with all his time at the gym, back home, and all his walking he is doing, he should be a good shape to give it a go. Watch for pictures coming soon. 
Bondi Icebergs surf-rescue clubWe are off on a 2 1/2 hr cruise of the harbours this Saturday, it says only 16 degrees, so we figure this will be a great way to relax and take in the sights from the water, they serve coffee and pastries and cakes so are quite looking forward to it.
We did take in a session given about the indigenous people, at the Outback Centre, in Darling Harbour, heard about the art of paying the didjeridoo, they can play for up to 4 hours without stopping, this feat takes mastering the art of circular breathing. Not something that I think I will try and master. We then toured the store and saw many beautiful hand crafted and hand painted works of art. Three boomerangs will soon be winging their way home to our grandchildren.
Speaking of grandchildren, we and their parents have set up Skype on our computers, a great invention, and we are able to talk with them regularly, once Joanne gets her video to work well we will also be able to see them. Unfortunately Debbie and Raymond do not have video, but Karina has been calling everyday since we have had our internet up and running. And Skype does not cost us anything.
