Journal 214 - Australia

I have had a wonderful, lazy Sunday. I've spent time in the sun, drank ciders and chatted with Lou. I have also people watched, something I love to do!  I've noticed, that as I'm getting older people's weekends are getting more structured. Gone are the days of drinking and dancing four nights a week, every week like we did when I was eighteen. Now it is more about working nine to five, Monday to Friday with early nights at 9pm after a long commute. On Friday that sigh of relief comes along with the knowledge that you won't have to get on the train again for two more days. The ride home seems that little bit longer still, with the longing for a curry and glass of wine taking you over. Friday night has become the night to sit in, chill out and watch Eastenders over a takeaway, releasing the energies of a long working week.
Then comes Saturday, where people head into the town for a day of clothing and grocery shopping. Being leisurely after a spectacular lie in until at least 9am. Wonderful. If you are going to be going out on any evening over the weekend, it's likely to be Saturday night. It's probably going to break the bank with the over priced entry fees and drink prices. But it doesn't matter. It's a time to let your hair down.
Plus why wouldn't you, with Sunday being the Lazy Day and giving you twenty-four hours to recover before the working week begins again, it's the best option.

I am much looking forward to getting into this 'grown-up routine' myself. Not too soon though, I'm not looking to wish my days away. Lou and I were in conversations about missing home and wishing that we were with missed friends. Discussing what it would be like to travel with them. She asked if I would sometimes like to just teleport home for a day or two. That would be nice, but I'm not sure that's what I would do. That comment made me think about what I have here, in Australia, what I need to make the most of and how quickly time can fly by. I really shouldn't wish the days away until I get home. So I really need to start thinking about all the things I'm going to be doing while I'm here and make them happen. Things that will really make me look back and be proud that I did it. You know, stories to tell the Grand-Kids!!

My first plan is to spend New Years somewhere amazing. I've always found this time of year to big a big Ho-ha about nothing much really. A bit like a birthday. It's just another day only  the numbers change. But considering I'm in a different country I ought to experience something new. I don't want to be tucked up in bed by 10.30 being a New Year scrooge just because I've had a bad time in the past. I'll have a good few weeks off too, so I may as well make the most of it. I can go surfing, look at all the 'sights' on Bondi Beach, have lunch by the Opera House. Go on a proper holiday. I keep having to be reminded that I'm on holiday. A working Holiday but still. I need to make it work for me. Besides, I've already worked more months than most backpackers would. I deserve a break. After asking a good friend for advice on my next moves and plans, she just said 'it's about time you did something for you, make the most of your time out there babe' And she is so right. Time is short and I ought to do all the things that make my memories exciting!

It will be the height of summer here so I should ring in 2014 on a beach with fireworks and Ice cream. That would be the stylish way. If I can throw in a 'Proper Aussie Barbie' in there too, then it would be all the more awesome!
I've decided I want as many Australian experiences as I can. Who knows when this opportunity is going to come around again?