We're still alive!

Fans, fans, fans, sorry we have been so M.I.A - the sun has just been out almost everyday calling our attention. But we figured we wouldn't fall into it's greed and we'd update you on our ventures!

Lately, the beach has been our most favorite spot and J even climbed up to the top of Bondi beach the other week with one of the girls who lives in the apartment below us. There is a trail to the left of the beach at Bondi and people can climb up the cliff and look out over the sun bathers and big blue sea- they reported back that it was awesome!

We've also been walking around exploring since we've been here and failed to post pictures of our exploration of the Rocks- so here is one to the left.... a lovely shot of our shoulder blades, because we figured you guys are probably missing those too. The Rocks are the oldest part of Sydney that was first settled during it's period as a penal colony. There is one pub on the edge of the village called the Hero of Waterloo- that is said to have had a trap door below the bar and when ships needed extra men the owners of the pub would capture new mates by opening up the trap door and having men who just ordered a drink, fall into an underground cell, where they would sit until the ship was ready to set sail.

As for last week it was our friend Mary's (another girl who lives down under) 21st birthday, so we took upon ourselves to book a table at one of our favorite bar's CARGO that looks over onto Darling Harbor, one of the smaller harbors within downtown Sydney. Although trying to book a table failed- we were able to get many a free drink out of it and they were selling $5 pizza's, which can get anyone into a girl's heart.Here's the whole bunch with Mary's roommate on the left (don't remember her name), Leigh (our roommate), Grace (for all those who don't know from the Zamanski fan club), Jeana (for all those who don't know from the Stubee fan club), Mary (birthday girl) and Sam (who is Mary's roommate and has an awesome Wisconsin accent).Whitney, our other roommate was present but is not pictured due to either a bathroom break or was busy picking up a fine young Australian lad.

Last weekend there was also a surf competition held at Bondi beach (our favorite local sand spot) which everyone gathered around to watch the hot boys sit on couches and be interviewed by overly enthusiastic surfing reporters. It was something that we normally don't get to see! We enjoy the nice touch of the lamp too- those surfers now how to get ambiance.

And as a final note, some Aussie tidbits we've been picking up along the way from our native friends:
- It's 'cycling' not 'bicycling'
- The prime minister and his opposition (Tony Abbott) are hosting a debate on reforming the Australian hospital system Tuesday evening at 7pm (this tidbit was obviously picked up by Grace)
- All McDonald's in Australia have free wi-fi Internet, along with really cool architecture.
- In the old Customs house in downtown Sydney, on the ground floor patrons can look out over Sydney from below their feet. There is a model of the Sydney under a glass floor that includes the greater metropolitan area, including a car crash on the harbor bridge and a capsized sailboat in the harbor.

As for our weekend plans J has headed down to Kangaroo Island with Samantha and some of the guys from our building while G went out with our roommates last night to a neighborhood called Kings Cross for some evening drinks after a day of walking around Paddington Market, one of the large outdoor markets in Sydney. We'll see what's in store for Saturday and Sunday! And J will be posting of her island adventure!

Just one more thing, specifically for all those in Pittsburgh,