Part 2, Week 7: March 4-10
- Katie and Webster
- Mar 10, 2019
- 4 min read
This week has been full of new experiences! I started school, Webster went surfing on his own and we explored the city all the way out to the ocean.
On Monday I had my first day of school. I woke up early to go to Service NSW and get a Working with Children Check. I expected the lines to be just like Service Ontario so I gave myself 1.5 hours to wait before I had to leave for class. To my surprise, I was in and out in less than 35 minutes - that is service! After checking that off my list, I headed to campus to find my classroom and get ready for class. School was pretty normal compared to home, and I think I am going to be able to maintain my average abroad which is a relief.
Webster had a low key day enjoying the nice weather! He biked to campus to explore the area a bit more. Then found himself at the gym for a bit of kickboxing!
In the evening we were both so tired from a busy weekend that we caught up on some Netflix and did some laundry.
On Tuesday I went to campus for my second (and last) day of school this week! Since it was the first week, one of my tutorials was cancelled and I ended up studying on campus for most of the afternoon.
Webster spent the morning relaxing and then headed to Bondi Beach for the afternoon! It was a calm and sunny day, perfect for surfing! He didn’t book a lesson but just rented a board and got in the water. He had a great time and even managed to get up on the wave all on his own! He is becoming a true Aussie!
On Wednesday I had volunteer training in the morning. I am working with Learning Links to help kids improve their literacy and numeracy skills. The program is very structured, more than I expected! I have an exact script to follow with the kids and planned activities for all 10 weeks. I will be working with three girls individually for one hour a week until mid-June. I’m happy to fill some of my time and get involved in the community we are living in.
Webster spent the day at Engineering Student Orientation. It was a little bit like O-Day at Laurier where he was able to meet other people, professors, learn about campus and how to set yourself up for success.
On Thursday we had a quiet morning at our AirBnB. In the afternoon, we spent some time playing with baby Gabriel. He has been so close to crawling since we arrived and this week he finally started to get it.
Then at 6pm, we headed to Circular Quay to do a free walking tour. The same company we toured with last week, offered an evening tour by the harbour. We spent a few hours learning about convict history, colonization and how the property in the rocks is now worth millions. We saw Sydney's oldest house, the Big Dig archaeological site, Observatory Hill and the Oldest Pub in Sydney (the Lord Nelson, the Fortune of War and the Hero of Waterloo all claim to be the oldest). It was a neat way to see some of the “behind the scenes” sights that a tourist wouldn’t know about.
On Friday we spent the morning on campus then toured around our neighbourhood in the afternoon. We ended up heading back to the Rocks to watch a HUGE cruise ship leave the port. Then we stumbled upon the Rocks Foodie Market. We wandered through the stalls of food, homemade gifts and beautiful clothes. Webster was brave and even tried crocodile, kangaroo and emu - 3 Australian specialities!
We ended our evening with some much needed studying.
On Saturday morning we enjoyed a nice sleep in and then headed to a local school’s farmers market. In Sydney, local schools rent out their playgrounds to markets on the weekend. It is a really great program and allows vendors to set up shop at a low price. We wandered through the Orange Grove Market but didn’t end up buying anything. The food looked very fresh but we are bargain hunters and our typical shop was a cheaper option.
In the afternoon we got some reading done for school before heading into the city centre to board our dinner cruise! Liz and Brian gifted me the dinner cruise for Christmas and I have been itching to do it ever since we arrived in Sydney! We got onto the ship at Darling Harbour, a little bit west of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Once on board, we spent some time on the top deck enjoying the beautiful Sydney views! After we passed by the harbour bridge and opera house, we went down to the dining area. We were served an 8 course meal with a wonderful view! The ship had a capacity of 450 people but they only sold 120 tickets maximum so everyone had a window seat. It was a great night, and so much fun! Thanks Liz and Brian.
On Sunday, we had a long sleep in after our late Saturday night. Then we spent the afternoon at Watson’s Bay! We caught the ferry from Darling Harbour and headed towards Circular Quay (Harbour Bridge & Opera House) before making our way to Watson’s Bay. Watson’s Bay is the South Head of Sydney before the bay meets the ocean. We got off the ferry, enjoyed some fish and chips on the beach and then headed up the hills to the highest point overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was really neat to see all the fishermen and people boating off into the distance. It was an extremely hot day with picture perfect blue skies! After exploring, we headed back to Sydney to get ready for the week.
This week Webster is starting school! It looks like the weather is going to be hot and rainy so we may find some time to explore Sydney’s museums and shopping malls!
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