Hey all,
It's been too long, I know...time flies when you're having fun I suppose. What's new since the last post... not a ton believe it or not. I've been working a lot more, which has been nice for the bank account. Nicki has been very busy finishing up the last of her assignments, but as we speak she is handing in the last one for the semester. It's now onto a 6 week break for her!
The weather is starting to get a little cooler, and a lot wetter these days. Day time highs seem to be around 20oC and at night it goes down to single digits. For the past week we have had nothing but rain, rain, and rain. Today is the first decent day we've seen in a while, and it's still partially cloudy. The terrible weather is a bit ironic as one year ago from this past weekend, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley was hit with a major storm that was the worst natural disaster in New South Wales' history. It was so bad that a cargo ship got washed up onto one of the local beaches! ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasha_bulker )
Katrina and Britney were here for a couple nights on their way up to Surfers Paradise, and the day they left we had some friends from home (Lindsey, Lindsey and Ian) come and stay with us for a few nights as well. It was great to get to see some familiar faces!
Most of our Canadian friends have some big travel plans for their big break. Lots have gone off to Thailand, some are heading to New Zealand, others are heading north to do some fruit picking, and some are even heading back to Canada.
As for us, Nicki's sister Jackie is coming to visit in a couple weeks. We are going to head up north to Cairns and check out the Great Barrier Reef, then rent a camper van and spend a week driving south to Brisbane where we will meet up with my Mom. From there, it's back to Newcastle for a few days with Mom.
I think we'll have a chance to see Brendon here in Newcastle too, as he will just be finishing up his Newcastle shows a day or two after we arrive back in the city.
I'm sure it's hard to believe we don't have much more to say than that, but we've been kind of boring as of late. After our vacation I'm sure we'll have lots of good stories to tell you all about!!!
I've uploaded a bunch more pictures to the online photo album as well, so be sure to head over there for a look!
Take care.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Photo, photo, photo
After a long wait, photos have finally been uploaded!! Go to http://colinsword.myphotoalbum.com to see our pics from the Blue Mountains. I hope to add more later this week, so keep your eyes peeled!
--Colin
--Colin
Sunday, April 20, 2008
G'day!
Here we are again, WAY past when I said I would have an update up, but better late than never I suppose! I'm going to stop pretending that I'm going to update this thing regularly, but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop trying!
You would think after so long I would have tons and tons of stuff to tell you all, but in reality...not so much. Nicki had been really busy with school and I with work.....well, not really. I wouldn't consider two shifts a week busy, but it's given me lots of R&R time, and you can never have too much of that!
Easter was good. Our big group of 15+ Canadians all got together and had a big turkey, and chicken, and pasta, and everything else kind of dinner. It was a lot of fun, and everyone felt a little more 'homely' than if just having chicken fingers on there own.
A couple weeks back the biggest surfing competition in the Southern Hemisphere was happening at our beach two minutes down the road from our place. It was fun to get out and see what real pros can do. I am still to really give surfing a go myself, but it just hasn't worked out thus far.
Nicki was on school break this past week (and the upcoming one as well.) We headed south to Wollongong for a night to meet up with Lisa (a friend from home for those of you who don't know) and partied with her and her friends for the night. The following morning we headed to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains to meet up with some of our Newcastle friends whom had arrived the night before. The weather was cool, rainy and foggy, but that didn't stop us from going on an incredible hike around the mountains. We saw many beautiful waterfalls during the 5hr trek, and have lots of great pics to show. After two nights in the mountains at the Flyin' Fox hostel, we met some more friends in Sydney and went to the Tarongo Zoo. It was similar to most zoos I suppose, but we had a lot of fun checking out all the animals. On the ferry ride over to the zoo we go our first views of Sydney harbour including the Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Luckily the forecasted rain held off for us all day!! We have found a way to actually put pictures up again, but forgot them at home, so later this week there will be definitely be pictures up for you all to enjoy!!
No real plans for this week while Nicki is still on break, but I'm sure we will get up to something. I know a day trip into the Hunter Valley has been mentioned, but nothing set in stone. Next week Nicki starts her first 4 week practicum. She is nervous, yet excited about it all at the same time. She will be in a grade 3/4 split class, and seems to like her teacher very much. As for me, I'm hoping work is going to pick up soon so I can start saving some money rather than spending every cent I earn!
I think thats all for now. We are dead set on getting some pictures up this week, so I'll try to email everyone once again when that happens. Take care for now.
Colin & Nicki
You would think after so long I would have tons and tons of stuff to tell you all, but in reality...not so much. Nicki had been really busy with school and I with work.....well, not really. I wouldn't consider two shifts a week busy, but it's given me lots of R&R time, and you can never have too much of that!
Easter was good. Our big group of 15+ Canadians all got together and had a big turkey, and chicken, and pasta, and everything else kind of dinner. It was a lot of fun, and everyone felt a little more 'homely' than if just having chicken fingers on there own.
A couple weeks back the biggest surfing competition in the Southern Hemisphere was happening at our beach two minutes down the road from our place. It was fun to get out and see what real pros can do. I am still to really give surfing a go myself, but it just hasn't worked out thus far.
Nicki was on school break this past week (and the upcoming one as well.) We headed south to Wollongong for a night to meet up with Lisa (a friend from home for those of you who don't know) and partied with her and her friends for the night. The following morning we headed to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains to meet up with some of our Newcastle friends whom had arrived the night before. The weather was cool, rainy and foggy, but that didn't stop us from going on an incredible hike around the mountains. We saw many beautiful waterfalls during the 5hr trek, and have lots of great pics to show. After two nights in the mountains at the Flyin' Fox hostel, we met some more friends in Sydney and went to the Tarongo Zoo. It was similar to most zoos I suppose, but we had a lot of fun checking out all the animals. On the ferry ride over to the zoo we go our first views of Sydney harbour including the Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Luckily the forecasted rain held off for us all day!! We have found a way to actually put pictures up again, but forgot them at home, so later this week there will be definitely be pictures up for you all to enjoy!!
No real plans for this week while Nicki is still on break, but I'm sure we will get up to something. I know a day trip into the Hunter Valley has been mentioned, but nothing set in stone. Next week Nicki starts her first 4 week practicum. She is nervous, yet excited about it all at the same time. She will be in a grade 3/4 split class, and seems to like her teacher very much. As for me, I'm hoping work is going to pick up soon so I can start saving some money rather than spending every cent I earn!
I think thats all for now. We are dead set on getting some pictures up this week, so I'll try to email everyone once again when that happens. Take care for now.
Colin & Nicki
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
We're still alive...
Yeah, I'm terrible...I've said twice now I'm going to try harder to keep this thing updated more regularly, but alas...i sit here a month after the last post writing to you all once again...
Since we last 'talked' Nicki has started school, and I've started work. I don't think either of us are too thrilled about the new routines we find ourselves in, but it could be worse...it could be 15 below and snowing! Nicki is enjoying school (as much as you can I suppose) and isn't yet too overwhelmed with work, but I'm sure that will change shortly. Work for me has been good so far. Currently I'm working as a banquet server/bartender, but I am told I will be doing everything from bar tending to setting up off-site catering functions, to cooking. This should keep me from getting bored anyway. The people at work have been great thus far, and it seems like they are a fairly tight-knit group of people that will be a lot of fun to be around.
A few weeks back we went on a dolphin cruise excursion with the Uni. It was a lot of fun, and we got to see some dolphins up close and personal. We didn't get to swim with them unfortunately but they came right up beside our boat and we managed to get some great pictures (Speaking of which, we can't upload them again, but hopefully next time if all goes to plan.)
Nicki and I went to take a tour of a jail not to far from here. It was built in the 1800's and just closed in the mid-90's. It was very interesting as we got a tour from an ex-inmate. Needless to say he had a LOT of stories to tell, and I now know how to kill someone using toilet paper!
We have gotten into a weekly routine of getting together with the 10+ group of Canadians in our area and having dinner together. Due to school and work, etc...sometimes we don't all get to hang out as much as some would like so this is a great chance for everyone to get together, share some laughs, and enjoy some great meals! We never come home hungry on a Sunday night!
Hopefully going to get some surfing lessons in the next week or so, I'm itching to get out there! I wish I could think of more to write about...I mean, it has been a month, but I can't. Maybe I'm tired, maybe I have a terrible memory, but that's all I can think of...I'm off to watch the end of Letterman and head to bed...hope this finds you all well! I'm hoping the third time is a charm with the whole 'weekly-update' thing...check back in a week to see if I can hold up my end of the bargain...don't let the suspense kill you! haha.
Take care.
Since we last 'talked' Nicki has started school, and I've started work. I don't think either of us are too thrilled about the new routines we find ourselves in, but it could be worse...it could be 15 below and snowing! Nicki is enjoying school (as much as you can I suppose) and isn't yet too overwhelmed with work, but I'm sure that will change shortly. Work for me has been good so far. Currently I'm working as a banquet server/bartender, but I am told I will be doing everything from bar tending to setting up off-site catering functions, to cooking. This should keep me from getting bored anyway. The people at work have been great thus far, and it seems like they are a fairly tight-knit group of people that will be a lot of fun to be around.
A few weeks back we went on a dolphin cruise excursion with the Uni. It was a lot of fun, and we got to see some dolphins up close and personal. We didn't get to swim with them unfortunately but they came right up beside our boat and we managed to get some great pictures (Speaking of which, we can't upload them again, but hopefully next time if all goes to plan.)
Nicki and I went to take a tour of a jail not to far from here. It was built in the 1800's and just closed in the mid-90's. It was very interesting as we got a tour from an ex-inmate. Needless to say he had a LOT of stories to tell, and I now know how to kill someone using toilet paper!
We have gotten into a weekly routine of getting together with the 10+ group of Canadians in our area and having dinner together. Due to school and work, etc...sometimes we don't all get to hang out as much as some would like so this is a great chance for everyone to get together, share some laughs, and enjoy some great meals! We never come home hungry on a Sunday night!
Hopefully going to get some surfing lessons in the next week or so, I'm itching to get out there! I wish I could think of more to write about...I mean, it has been a month, but I can't. Maybe I'm tired, maybe I have a terrible memory, but that's all I can think of...I'm off to watch the end of Letterman and head to bed...hope this finds you all well! I'm hoping the third time is a charm with the whole 'weekly-update' thing...check back in a week to see if I can hold up my end of the bargain...don't let the suspense kill you! haha.
Take care.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
One month later...
As I sit on our balcony on the only sunny day in the past week, it has been 1 month to the day since Nicki and I boarded that plane to Hawaii. We haven't done as much as either of us would have liked here in the first month, but it has rained at least 50% of the days we have been in Australia, so that has really held us back. The forecast is telling us to expect a LOT of rain over the next month as well...bummer. The past month hasn't been a total loss though, after taking a week or so to get settled into our apartment, and have now explored much of the immediate surrounding area. 6 different beaches all within a 40min walk is the main attraction. There is a
National park right in our back-yard. We spent one afternoon there relaxing on one of the beaches, but plan to go back soon and explore the many many trails that wind through the rainforest. Jan 26th was Australia day, and we celebrated in true Aussie fashion; all day at the beach, only breaking to drink beer. The day was capped off with a nice fireworks display down at the harbour. We have also visited a place called Blackbutt Reserve where they had
kangaroos, wallabys, wombats, koalas, and countless species of birds. Much like the national park, there were tons of trails to explore but the day we went was far to hot for much walking, so a trip back is in the works.
Nicki and Chris are up at a school orientation right now, having tons of fun I'm sure....either that
or dreading going to school even more than they have been already. I should be starting work in another week or two, and my employer-to-be is currently on holidays. I'm not looking forward to it either, but I guess if I want to stay in the country I sort of have to.
That's all of an update I have for you now...sorry, no pictures again, maybe next time...I know I've said this before, but I'll try to get another update up sooner rather than later. My aim is for 1 every week or two...we'll see how that goes. Hope all is well back in cold, cold Canada...Bye for now.
National park right in our back-yard. We spent one afternoon there relaxing on one of the beaches, but plan to go back soon and explore the many many trails that wind through the rainforest. Jan 26th was Australia day, and we celebrated in true Aussie fashion; all day at the beach, only breaking to drink beer. The day was capped off with a nice fireworks display down at the harbour. We have also visited a place called Blackbutt Reserve where they had
kangaroos, wallabys, wombats, koalas, and countless species of birds. Much like the national park, there were tons of trails to explore but the day we went was far to hot for much walking, so a trip back is in the works.
Nicki and Chris are up at a school orientation right now, having tons of fun I'm sure....either that
or dreading going to school even more than they have been already. I should be starting work in another week or two, and my employer-to-be is currently on holidays. I'm not looking forward to it either, but I guess if I want to stay in the country I sort of have to.
That's all of an update I have for you now...sorry, no pictures again, maybe next time...I know I've said this before, but I'll try to get another update up sooner rather than later. My aim is for 1 every week or two...we'll see how that goes. Hope all is well back in cold, cold Canada...Bye for now.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
It's been a while...
So with patchy, and unreliable Internet (can't expect too much more when you are 'borrowing' it) we haven't had much time to put up another update so this could be lengthy. Sydney was great. Hot hot hot and sunny for our day there. We explored Darling Harbour for a couple hours, enjoying a very entertaining and hilarious street performer. We also spent some time at the Sydney Aquarium. Lots of cool fish, crocs, seals, sharks and other various marine life to see there. Unfortunately my camera battery ran out before we made it through the whole thing so we didn't get as many pictures as we would have liked.
The train ride to Newcastle was scenic, but other than that, relatively uneventful. Upon arrival in Newcastle we went to our hostel, got our room and immediately took off to explore the Uni. Nice campus that is set entirely amongst forest. We got slightly lost, but eventually made our way to the student centre, got some contacts for apartments, and went back to the hostel to relax for the evening. The next few days were spent walking....EVERYWHERE...going to look at apartments, and after we had made our choice, we had to get to the bank, sign a lease and all that exciting stuff. We made sure to take some time out at the beach during all this running (walking) around too. We'd be stupid not too!!
We settled on a small-ish, very 70's decorated one bedroom apartment. Bedroom, kitchen open to the living area, bathroom, and a bit of a balcony make it a perfect place for two. The location is great with groceries, bank and a laundromat all within a 5-10min walk and one of Newcastle's 6 beaches 3min (walking) away - literally at the end of our street...tough life.
The weather for the first week and a half was beautiful with 30+ and sunny conditions all day everyday. We've paid for it as of late though, as the past 4-5 days we have seen nothing but non-stop rain and have been pretty couped up in our apartment. This has given us ample time to get settled in and watch loads of the Australian Open...we are pretty much experts on the subject at this point.
I guess that's all of an update for now, hope this finds you all well and hopefully our next update won't take so long. No pictures this time as unfortunatly our shitty Internet connection won't really allow it. We'll try again next time. Until then...
The train ride to Newcastle was scenic, but other than that, relatively uneventful. Upon arrival in Newcastle we went to our hostel, got our room and immediately took off to explore the Uni. Nice campus that is set entirely amongst forest. We got slightly lost, but eventually made our way to the student centre, got some contacts for apartments, and went back to the hostel to relax for the evening. The next few days were spent walking....EVERYWHERE...going to look at apartments, and after we had made our choice, we had to get to the bank, sign a lease and all that exciting stuff. We made sure to take some time out at the beach during all this running (walking) around too. We'd be stupid not too!!
We settled on a small-ish, very 70's decorated one bedroom apartment. Bedroom, kitchen open to the living area, bathroom, and a bit of a balcony make it a perfect place for two. The location is great with groceries, bank and a laundromat all within a 5-10min walk and one of Newcastle's 6 beaches 3min (walking) away - literally at the end of our street...tough life.
The weather for the first week and a half was beautiful with 30+ and sunny conditions all day everyday. We've paid for it as of late though, as the past 4-5 days we have seen nothing but non-stop rain and have been pretty couped up in our apartment. This has given us ample time to get settled in and watch loads of the Australian Open...we are pretty much experts on the subject at this point.
I guess that's all of an update for now, hope this finds you all well and hopefully our next update won't take so long. No pictures this time as unfortunatly our shitty Internet connection won't really allow it. We'll try again next time. Until then...
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