It’s been far too long since my last post but this is everything that happened in the second half of December! Stay tuned, in a few days I’ll post by January updates.
Day 94: Friday, December 14th
Excitedly anticipated opening my package from home while I worked in the morning. My mom loaded a box with chocolates, vegan cheesy snacks, a few Christmas decorations, a sarong from Costa Rica, some stickers, a UW Rose Bowl shot glass, and clothes from home. I was thrilled to eat my way through the box and have some memories from home. After, my roommate Katie and I decorated Wake Up’s reception area for Christmas. It was the first time it felt even remotely Christmasy here. Australia just doesn’t seem to celebrate it the way we do at home. In the afternoon, a group of us booked our tickets for New Year’s Eve at Luna Park, a theme park right under the Harbour Bridge where the fireworks will go off. Went out to Newtown in the evening to explore a new nightlife scene with Katie, three guys from the hostel (Mike, Sam, and Andy), and some other friends we know from the hostel.
Day 95: Saturday, December 15th
Katie and I went to visit her friend’s flat in Darling Harbour. As we were peacefully sitting and chatting in a park, it began raining out of the blue. We ran for shelter and had Domino’s pizza. I worked the beer pong event and two of the friends from last night, Mike and Sam, won! My friend Sachi from ZTA is in Sydney and came to Side Bar to say hi while I worked.
Day 96: Sunday, December 16th
FRIED MAC N’ CHEESE BALLS. Veganism is so popular in Sydney that there is a monthly vegan market packed with food vendors, clothing, vegan products, and so much more! I spent over 3 hours there wandering around and eating. The food was unbelievable. I tried vegan cheeses, fried mac n’ cheese balls, ice cream, sausage rolls, and little samples from every vendor that offered them. I worked the pub crawl in the evening and most of the group from Newtown, in addition to most of the staff because it was one member’s last night in Wake Up, joined in.
Day 97: Monday, December 17th
Worked in the kitchen in the morning, walked through a nearby park, worked out, and ate at a new vegan café.
Day 98: Tuesday, December 18th
Picked up a shift because my boss was sick. Katie, Sophie, and I got drinks at a rooftop bar before I went to meet my second cousin and her fiancé for dinner! It only took flying halfway around the world to see each other after years. We’re hoping to plan a family reunion for late 2019. Went to trivia at the hostel after and ended up seeing a bunch of my friends who quickly convinced me to join them and go to a silent disco at a nearby bar.
Day 99: Wednesday, December 19th
Worked again today. Facetimed with my mom and worked the wine and cheese event for the Wild Wild West party! There was even a mechanical bull!
Day 100: Thursday, December 20th
Tanned at the park for a few hours with Katie, Sophie, and Katie’s friend Kirsty from home. There was a massive hail storm today, to the point that car windshields were being destroyed by golf ball sized ice cubes. I was excited and ran downstairs to reception to watch the storm by the front door. I had work in the kitchen in the evening.
Day 101: Friday, December 21st
Katie, Sophie, Mike, Sam, and I were supposed to rent a car today to go see the Figure 8 Pools about an hour away. However, we neglected to check the tides so it was too dangerous; and when they tried to pick up the car, the rental place was packed with people being charged for damaged cars from the hail storm! We met at Roy’s café to come up with a new plan for the day. I kept suggesting Ikea but for some strange reason, they all wanted to do something else. We headed to Paddy’s Market, which is filled with unique vendors and fresh foods. Upstairs, we attempted to play laser tag but just our luck, it was closed. Don’t worry though, dance dance revolution was working! After a few arcade games, we walked to Holey Moley. Holey Moley is a bar that with mini golf, just like Flatstick in Seattle. I was starving and ecastic to find a vegan burger on the menu. After I got the highest score in mini golf, the five of us went across the street to a rooftop bar for a drink. I was forced to download What’s App and we created a group called “Fun Crawl,” like pub crawl but all about the fun. Back at Wake Up, we sat in the common area and everyone took the Myers Briggs personality test. I worked the event in the evening and then went out with the “Fun Crawl” after.
Day 102: Saturday, December 22nd
Had a slow morning of journaling, FaceTimeing my parents, and updating my website. I did a workout and then met up with Kirsty, Mike, and Sam to play Cards Against Humanity. At 8, we headed to Darling Harbour to see the fireworks display. There are fireworks every Saturday, but I usually work. We played Uno until midnight!
Day 103: Sunday, December 23rd
Facetimed Kevin while I wrote a blog and he packed to head home for Christmas. I worked the pub crawl in the evening and went to bed early.
Day 104: Monday, December 24th
Christmas Eve! I worked in the morning before heading to Coogee beach with some staff members and old hostel guests. In the evening, we headed back to Coogee again to go to Coogee Bay Hotel. It was one of my happiest moments in Australia, except for the massive cluster of cockroaches sitting next to us at the beach. When the clock struck midnight, everyone at the bar was happy and hugging. It’s uneasy being away from home over the holidays, but having close friends makes everything feel better.
Day 105: Tuesday, December 25th
Had to wake up far too early to work the free breakfast for hostel guests with Sophie. Shared a glass of champaign with the other staff members who were working to celebrate the morning. The rest of “Fun Crawl” came down near the end of the breakfast before we got ready and headed to Bondi Beach for the day. Bondi is the iconic place to spend Christmas Day in Sydney, especially as a backpacker. We swam in the ocean, played games on the beach, and enjoyed a few harmless beverages. I Facetimed my mom and grandma at home. At one point on the beach, hordes of people gathered around one speaker and there was a giant dance party. I’ve never seen anything like it! When we got back to the hostel, I stubbed my toe for the thousandth time on this trip and managed to rip a layer of skin off the top. At least it’s not another lost toenail.
Day 106: Wednesday, December 26th
Had an unproductive day and then worked the wine & cheese night. Started feeling sick and took some medicine before bed.
Day 107: Thursday, December 27th
Worked nine hours and then slept for most of the day. I felt so sick!
Day 108: Friday, December 28th
Spent the entire day sick in bed. In the evening, I played cards with a group of people for a few hours because I was desperate for some social interaction.
Day 109: Saturday, December 29th
Slept the day away in bed yet again because I felt so sick. I Facetimed Mackenzie, Robin, Tiffany, Katie, and Karl who were all going out together. I wish I could have been there to join them but it almost felt like I was hanging out with them. Worked the beer pong event and met a few girls from Seattle!
Day 110: Sunday, December 30th
Still felt sick but I pushed through and worked the pub crawl.
Day 111: Monday, December 31st
I may still be sick, but it’s New Year’s Eve!!! Big plans for the day because it’s also Katie’s birthday. We headed to Prince Alfred Park across the street for the day and afternoon for a big BBQ. It was fun having nearly every friend I’ve made in Sydney all at one place. I began feeling sick partway through the day so I took a nap before getting ready for the evening. A big group of us bought tickets to Luna Park, a theme park with spectacular views of the fireworks. We picked outfits and did our makeup as a massive group. It began raining so we took the baggy plastic rain ponchos that Wake Up! has, they made for some funny photos. When we arrived, we bought drinks and went to wait in line for a ride that brought you up in the air then dropped you, it was a beautiful view of Sydney at night. The view of the fireworks and the bridge was mind-blowing, Seattle doesn’t come anywhere close to a display like this. And it lasted for such a long time. After we rung in the new year 19 hours ahead of Seattle, we headed for a roller coaster to have an eventful start to 2019. The Veronicas performed at a concert hall in the theme park until about 2am when our whole group met back up outside. It took us nearly 2 hours to get home because the trains were full of people trying to get back to the city. I had a wonderful night filled with wonderful people, and that’s what made my NYE experience great. I’m glad I got to experience NYE in Sydney the right way, but I did miss being in my pajamas and drinking yummy cocktails like I have at Mackenzie’s the best two years.
Day 94: Friday, December 14th
Excitedly anticipated opening my package from home while I worked in the morning. My mom loaded a box with chocolates, vegan cheesy snacks, a few Christmas decorations, a sarong from Costa Rica, some stickers, a UW Rose Bowl shot glass, and clothes from home. I was thrilled to eat my way through the box and have some memories from home. After, my roommate Katie and I decorated Wake Up’s reception area for Christmas. It was the first time it felt even remotely Christmasy here. Australia just doesn’t seem to celebrate it the way we do at home. In the afternoon, a group of us booked our tickets for New Year’s Eve at Luna Park, a theme park right under the Harbour Bridge where the fireworks will go off. Went out to Newtown in the evening to explore a new nightlife scene with Katie, three guys from the hostel (Mike, Sam, and Andy), and some other friends we know from the hostel.
Day 95: Saturday, December 15th
Katie and I went to visit her friend’s flat in Darling Harbour. As we were peacefully sitting and chatting in a park, it began raining out of the blue. We ran for shelter and had Domino’s pizza. I worked the beer pong event and two of the friends from last night, Mike and Sam, won! My friend Sachi from ZTA is in Sydney and came to Side Bar to say hi while I worked.
Day 96: Sunday, December 16th
FRIED MAC N’ CHEESE BALLS. Veganism is so popular in Sydney that there is a monthly vegan market packed with food vendors, clothing, vegan products, and so much more! I spent over 3 hours there wandering around and eating. The food was unbelievable. I tried vegan cheeses, fried mac n’ cheese balls, ice cream, sausage rolls, and little samples from every vendor that offered them. I worked the pub crawl in the evening and most of the group from Newtown, in addition to most of the staff because it was one member’s last night in Wake Up, joined in.
Day 97: Monday, December 17th
Worked in the kitchen in the morning, walked through a nearby park, worked out, and ate at a new vegan café.
Day 98: Tuesday, December 18th
Picked up a shift because my boss was sick. Katie, Sophie, and I got drinks at a rooftop bar before I went to meet my second cousin and her fiancé for dinner! It only took flying halfway around the world to see each other after years. We’re hoping to plan a family reunion for late 2019. Went to trivia at the hostel after and ended up seeing a bunch of my friends who quickly convinced me to join them and go to a silent disco at a nearby bar.
Day 99: Wednesday, December 19th
Worked again today. Facetimed with my mom and worked the wine and cheese event for the Wild Wild West party! There was even a mechanical bull!
Day 100: Thursday, December 20th
Tanned at the park for a few hours with Katie, Sophie, and Katie’s friend Kirsty from home. There was a massive hail storm today, to the point that car windshields were being destroyed by golf ball sized ice cubes. I was excited and ran downstairs to reception to watch the storm by the front door. I had work in the kitchen in the evening.
Day 101: Friday, December 21st
Katie, Sophie, Mike, Sam, and I were supposed to rent a car today to go see the Figure 8 Pools about an hour away. However, we neglected to check the tides so it was too dangerous; and when they tried to pick up the car, the rental place was packed with people being charged for damaged cars from the hail storm! We met at Roy’s café to come up with a new plan for the day. I kept suggesting Ikea but for some strange reason, they all wanted to do something else. We headed to Paddy’s Market, which is filled with unique vendors and fresh foods. Upstairs, we attempted to play laser tag but just our luck, it was closed. Don’t worry though, dance dance revolution was working! After a few arcade games, we walked to Holey Moley. Holey Moley is a bar that with mini golf, just like Flatstick in Seattle. I was starving and ecastic to find a vegan burger on the menu. After I got the highest score in mini golf, the five of us went across the street to a rooftop bar for a drink. I was forced to download What’s App and we created a group called “Fun Crawl,” like pub crawl but all about the fun. Back at Wake Up, we sat in the common area and everyone took the Myers Briggs personality test. I worked the event in the evening and then went out with the “Fun Crawl” after.
Day 102: Saturday, December 22nd
Had a slow morning of journaling, FaceTimeing my parents, and updating my website. I did a workout and then met up with Kirsty, Mike, and Sam to play Cards Against Humanity. At 8, we headed to Darling Harbour to see the fireworks display. There are fireworks every Saturday, but I usually work. We played Uno until midnight!
Day 103: Sunday, December 23rd
Facetimed Kevin while I wrote a blog and he packed to head home for Christmas. I worked the pub crawl in the evening and went to bed early.
Day 104: Monday, December 24th
Christmas Eve! I worked in the morning before heading to Coogee beach with some staff members and old hostel guests. In the evening, we headed back to Coogee again to go to Coogee Bay Hotel. It was one of my happiest moments in Australia, except for the massive cluster of cockroaches sitting next to us at the beach. When the clock struck midnight, everyone at the bar was happy and hugging. It’s uneasy being away from home over the holidays, but having close friends makes everything feel better.
Day 105: Tuesday, December 25th
Had to wake up far too early to work the free breakfast for hostel guests with Sophie. Shared a glass of champaign with the other staff members who were working to celebrate the morning. The rest of “Fun Crawl” came down near the end of the breakfast before we got ready and headed to Bondi Beach for the day. Bondi is the iconic place to spend Christmas Day in Sydney, especially as a backpacker. We swam in the ocean, played games on the beach, and enjoyed a few harmless beverages. I Facetimed my mom and grandma at home. At one point on the beach, hordes of people gathered around one speaker and there was a giant dance party. I’ve never seen anything like it! When we got back to the hostel, I stubbed my toe for the thousandth time on this trip and managed to rip a layer of skin off the top. At least it’s not another lost toenail.
Day 106: Wednesday, December 26th
Had an unproductive day and then worked the wine & cheese night. Started feeling sick and took some medicine before bed.
Day 107: Thursday, December 27th
Worked nine hours and then slept for most of the day. I felt so sick!
Day 108: Friday, December 28th
Spent the entire day sick in bed. In the evening, I played cards with a group of people for a few hours because I was desperate for some social interaction.
Day 109: Saturday, December 29th
Slept the day away in bed yet again because I felt so sick. I Facetimed Mackenzie, Robin, Tiffany, Katie, and Karl who were all going out together. I wish I could have been there to join them but it almost felt like I was hanging out with them. Worked the beer pong event and met a few girls from Seattle!
Day 110: Sunday, December 30th
Still felt sick but I pushed through and worked the pub crawl.
Day 111: Monday, December 31st
I may still be sick, but it’s New Year’s Eve!!! Big plans for the day because it’s also Katie’s birthday. We headed to Prince Alfred Park across the street for the day and afternoon for a big BBQ. It was fun having nearly every friend I’ve made in Sydney all at one place. I began feeling sick partway through the day so I took a nap before getting ready for the evening. A big group of us bought tickets to Luna Park, a theme park with spectacular views of the fireworks. We picked outfits and did our makeup as a massive group. It began raining so we took the baggy plastic rain ponchos that Wake Up! has, they made for some funny photos. When we arrived, we bought drinks and went to wait in line for a ride that brought you up in the air then dropped you, it was a beautiful view of Sydney at night. The view of the fireworks and the bridge was mind-blowing, Seattle doesn’t come anywhere close to a display like this. And it lasted for such a long time. After we rung in the new year 19 hours ahead of Seattle, we headed for a roller coaster to have an eventful start to 2019. The Veronicas performed at a concert hall in the theme park until about 2am when our whole group met back up outside. It took us nearly 2 hours to get home because the trains were full of people trying to get back to the city. I had a wonderful night filled with wonderful people, and that’s what made my NYE experience great. I’m glad I got to experience NYE in Sydney the right way, but I did miss being in my pajamas and drinking yummy cocktails like I have at Mackenzie’s the best two years.