Well it's been one week

I found a home!! I am so excited--accommodation is much more difficult to come by than one might think. The place I've found is just a small walk from the beach and Hunter Street which is Newcastle's cute area of shops, cafe's, salons, cell phone stores, etc. Its also conveniently located directly across from the police station! The landlord is a nice guy and I came about the place after meeting two people (at different times) who gave me the number of their "really great landlord." My move in date is the 25th which gives me a little bit of time to travel!! I think I may head up to Byron Bay...or Lake Mcquarie...or Sydney...or go on a Hunter Valley wine tour. We shall see.

I went to dinner for Valentine's day with a local who is a really nice guy (wow, I describe a lot of people that way...well in a younger and cooler way than the landlord). Since he was from Newcastle we went to this really cool place on top of a hill that overlooks the whole city at night....so beautiful! It was definitely Newcastle's make out point because there were like 5 cars 16year olds making out. ha. I also learned a few things about Australia's healthcare, education, and laws. Personal fireworks (well except in Canberra) are illegal. Gun control is a big deal so when Harrison said those few people who did have handguns were supposed to only use them for "tiger practice", I was shocked!! Thats the thing about accents, words like "target" sound unmistakedly like "tiger".

We had a rain storm which resulted in a bitter sweet aftermath. On one hand the evening was cool and breezy, but on the other, the mossies were UNREAL. Yuck. I think I'll start incorporating more garlic into my meals...that should keep the blood suckers away.


Cheers!

Livsmarie