This week was a change of pace. My new (and arguably more convenient) class schedule, moving from business classes to classes that are more focused on learning about Australia and the Asia Pacific is a change in tempo. Learning through experience is the best way to learn, so our teacher brought us to the Thai food market when class ended early, where she strolled around schooling us on foods that were completely unrecognizable. The food was all super foreign and a bit disorienting to not see all the familiar food that is typically in grocery stores. I even get overwhelmed in Coles sometimes because it’s not Wegmans, but it can be surprising to realize how much you are missing by sticking to what’s comfortable.
I’ve always thought that changing up your writing style can help bring new perspectives to a story. Changing your pace in life can also offer fresh insight and new experiences in a similar way. This week, I decided to get out of the apartment and take a breather from my usual fast-paced, planned out routines that I can get caught up in; reading outside, walking around, looking for new jewelry at the markets to switch it up, spending more alone time in obscure hidden places. Even in places that tend to be more crowded, there’s usually a quieter and more niche spot right around the corner. I’ve walked all over the city, but it’s the little residential streets and peaceful parks that remind me I’m just minutes away from the chaos, yet feel a world away. I found that, especially during sunset (although the bats after sunset are like the size of a beefed up squirrel on steroids), I loved running the loop around the park. Once again, I noticed there were a ton of dogs yay!! (one came right up to me at the park, which brightened my day so much).
We got hibachi for the first time here and were pleasantly surprised, although he threw eggs at us, and we also found a new beach of the week. There’s enough beaches to go to a new one each week, and this week was Camp Cove. I mostly enjoyed sitting on the rocks and looking out onto the water because the small beach was packed. We went to Bondi beach again today and tried the pool there, so now I can say for certain I like Coogee’s baths (and beaches) better for sure, but it was still so nice to get some sun. The slight sunburn that is constantly under my eyes (not so slight right now oops) says otherwise, but thinking about the snow and cold at home makes me able to appreciate it all the more! Shoutout to the ‘rents, stay warm!!!
Thanks for the shoutout Lauren! It’s impossible to stay warm here. This week we’ve had the coldest few days of the winter and the wind has been brutal. There are plenty of branches in the yard for us to pick up this spring. We’ll save you some. 😉 I love that you try to go to a different beach each week. Soak up the sun-but wear that sunscreen. (Always the mom) Enjoy the new sights, sounds, flavors and aromas that you are experiencing everyday. We miss you and love you. Manny too.