Sydney, AU

I’ve been here since Sunday and I can already say without a doubt this is one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Just being away from everything i’m use to is an amazing feeling. At a certain point everyone should FORCE a change of pace on themselves, and this change was forced on me. It’s not like I was going to fight a free trip to Sydney, but I don’t think I would have changed anything in my life if it wasn’t for this trip. All i’ve wanted for the last 4 months is time to think, and I finally have it.

So now what?

I honestly don’t know. This is not in reference to anything in my life, but my mind is just racing in general. Would I ever move from the states? I don’t know, but its definitely something that has come to mind a few times. I’m sure i’m just loving the new vibe of being in australia, but at a certain point I am going to make a decision. I realized how much I value new experiences, and I’m not getting them in southern cali anymore. I mean yes, I got a new job. I am single- although its not like i’m even thinking about and women- even if I tried it just doesn’t “feel” right. But its still the same vibe. Once I got out here, I felt this euphoric sensation of accomplishment mixed with fear and anger. I was scared to leave everything I knew. I was angry at the fact that I was harboring these feelings of guilt and resentment.

Again I ask, so now what?

Well obviously I feel like I’m at a crossroads. A crossroad in my life, career, family, relationship- you name it. I have 11 more days to decide which way i’m going to turn.

Now onto my trip!

Day 1:
-Plane arrival: The flight was horrible, some douchebag spilled beer on me. I had 1 foot of breathing room and no window seat. I dunno… not to complain, but i’m not looking forward to going home.
-Airport: I arrived to an amazing woman holding a sign with my name on it. It was some shit straight out of a movie. Yes, I taped it. Yes, I know i’m a loser.
-Ride into Sydney: It was mad early, but I definitely got a glimpse of how beautiful and busy this city is.
-Initial Cig: I smoked, even though I told myself I wouldn’t. On all the cig packs here they put horrific pictures of the things smoking causes- I was not deterred.
-Arrival at the room: The apartment is cozy, but I wouldn’t call it “baller”. I’m not complaining, its definitely a nice place. I would stay here again… but it’s not the Wynn, you know? The view is definitely amazing though, and I love the balcony. I wake up to a beautiful sunrise in downtown Sydney and I can see the opera house rising above the harbor. Definitely amazing…
-Adventure in the city: As soon as I showered, settled in, and threw on some threads, I was out the door. I walked probably 5 miles all over Sydney. I saw way too much for one day. I took video of the trip, but I can list a few highlights.

-Walking to the water
-Trying to buy cigs with travelers checks
-Stopping random people and asking “whats baller in Sydney?”
-Taking taxi’s to the shopping district at oxford and Paddington. My taxi drive was an ex iraqi biochemist!
-Buying a pretty gay ass vest, but then realizing i loved it! At the same clothing store I met a pretty cool cat who is supposedly down to show me around this week- we’ll see!
-Having the best latte of my life! I believe I told him, “this is my first coffee outside of america, you best not fuck it up”
-Getting lost in the uber fag district of Sydney, and then asking every gay guy for directions.
-Going to Darling Harbor and eating at Nick’s Seafood. 85$ lobster? you best beleeee dat.
-Going to the art museum
-Taking the ferry from Darling Harbor to Circular Quay. The view was amazing and going under the Harbor Bridge was one of the coolest things ever. The operhouse is quite an amazing piece of architecture. The dude next to me was getting his pontificate on the whole time, but there was some pretty interesting information in all of it, honestly.

Day 2:
This was my first day of work, and I was definitely nervous. The office has such a different vibe, but to finally interact with the people I am constantly video conferencing was a really cool feeling. Being on the other end of the VC was definitely a weird feel, but a good one. Everyone at the Sydney office is amazing and incredibly friendly. They welcomed me with open arms and I’ll never forget it. Most of the day was filled with meetings, but I’m not complaining. Yes, I overdress at this office too! I had lunch with one of the people I really respect at the company, and I loved getting the chance to prove to them/him that I deserve this job, and I really can do it amazingly well. Once I got home I ordered in some food and watched shitty Aussie reality TV. Please god, give me my home theater back!!!!

Day 3:
We’re caught up to the present, and the third day in Sydney was definitely a more comfortable relaxing day. I knew how to get to work, I knew where to eat lunch, I knew where to get a good coffee!! I ended up buying a pretty baller Oxford trenchcoat because it was raining, but once I bought it the rain stopped OF COURSE!!!!! Sigh. Anyways, work was definitely fast paced again- but I had time to squeeze in my frirst match of Wii tennis. I got my ass kicked, but whatever. Once I left work I walked a mile or so and grabbed some awesome Gnocci at this Italian place and listened to these Aussie porn star broads talk about how they look great “spread” in the latest issue, and then they whipped out the mags and were comparing meat curtains! WTF? Anyways, that was weird.

I guess thats all for now, i’m going to try to keep this up to date with what goes on during my trip. I’ll update with video etc as much as I can, but I have a feeling im going to have to do it when I get home. My internet here sucks!

I’ll leave with a few photos though!