My 1st several weeks!

I have been in Australia for about 3 weeks now. This is what I looked like before leaving [left inset]. (I'm waving goodbye) I've only seen Sydney so far. I took a job as an au pair in a Northern suburb of the city. There are 4 children ages 13, 11, 8, and 5. I have my own seperate apartment which is very nice- have a beautiful view of the harbour bridge!

I haven't done a whole lot so far- I went to the beach the first full day I was here, have been to Darling Harbour several times, the aquarium, the botanical gardens (my favorite) and the zoo. Last night I saw Shakespeare's As you like it at the Opera House- that was very good.

Tomorrow night I'm flying to Brisbane and am going to drive to Townsville with a girl. It will take several days to get there (I've already done some driving on the left side of the road...in a Mercedes...I've landed in an affluent neighborhood...the kids eat things like sushi and salmon for afterschool snacks). We will visit the Great Barrier Reef and probably play lots of car games. It's a long drive. I'm really looking forward to it.

That is me on the steps of the Opera House. Please don't zoom in; I'm making a ridiculous face. The place is very impressive at night.

This picture was taken for Pappy's enjoyment. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and trails in and around the city. This was in the botanical garden. Lovely.

Sorry for another ridiculous face, but there is a shark in the background! We received free admission to the Sydney Aquarium. It was an alright time.

Below is the living room of my apartment. This job does not pay as much as another one I was offered (I'm looking for a job for the mornings, but not very diligently), but having my own living space is very nice.

NEWS BRIEFING: This morning I accepted the teaching position in American Somoa, but just made a one year commitment. (I'm assuming/hoping the offer is still available. If not I'll be embarressed.)