The First Days of Summer January 2010

Holy HELL is it hot here. The mercury topped off at 45C today, which is a scorching 113F. The sun blazes like nothing I've ever experienced, even as a Texan. I was out by the pool the other day, and had only my FEET out in a spot of sunlight. Later on, I saw that my feet had been burned. geez. Their sun is no joke.Sun cream a MUST at all times. which is doing nothing for my complexion, I tell you. Not sure if it was the time travel, getting my period the DAY after I got here, or the blazing heat but I am having a serious skin problem at the moment. Lovely. Thought I'd start out with the bad stuff. NOW, for the good stuff!! It is absolutely lovely here when the sun goes down, cool and breezy. There are rose bushes EVERYWHERE of every color. When the breeze blows, all you can smell are flowers and where I'm staying the landscaping is wonderful. We took a walk at dusk and saw bats flying overhead, and perching in trees..they were HUGE! and lots of spiders making their webs..facinating and a little frightening. I can walk 15 mins and be at the tram stop( haven't done that except after dark due to the extreme weather I seem to have brought with me)and a few parks near by. I had a childlike moment and stopped for a swing in one the other day. I swang so high, I caught air for a moment and it made me giggle like a little girl. Katia is a wonderful host, and I could not be luckier than to have someone to show me the ropes, as things can be a little tricky if you don't know what you're doing. Mostly, I've noticed, everything here costs more. Eating and drinking out are rediculous and luckily, except for my first day and a night out here or there, we've been staying in. Until I get a job, I think that's best. A 12oz beer here costs anywhere from $4.60-$7.50!!!! They're called pots, not pints, since they're smaller. That's been rather dissapointing..how is one supposed to get drunk THAT way? I'm sure I'll manage, but it does put a damper on things with no money coming in yet. We're headed to Sydney tomorrow for a week long adventure. It's a 10 hr drive, so we'll get there very late. Then spend a few days milling about, and head back down the coast, camping along the way. Should be good times, with me, Katia and Amanda. Girl Roadie!! That's what they call roadtrips. Roadies. I like it. Pretty much anything can be shortened and add an "ie" to the end..that's Aussie slang! I've learned all kinds of funny things so far, and more to come I'm sure. Hard to believe I've only been here 5 days. Lots has gone on, but at the same time, not much. huh. well, This was my first opportunity to log on and tell about the trip so far. Much more to come, and I'll post some pics from Sydney when we return.