Arriving in a new country can be daunting. Figuring out street maps, dealing with a foreign languages, trying not to be hit as you dodge vehicles with road rules different from those you are used to... and avoiding being scammed as you pay for things in a new currency are just some of the adventures that await you after you leave the airport. As such, it's wonderful to have friends in foreign places... folks who will look out for you in the adjustment period and help you find your way!

When Johanna & John, friends of Heide's from work, found out we were on our way to Sydney... they generously volunteered their guest bedroom. Little did we know that we would be hosted so fabulously! Their flat is located steps from Aussie's most famous...Bondi beach, the jewel in Sydney's glistening crown of beaches. The surrounding neighborhood is a wonderful place to wander, shop, people watch and explore.

Johanna & John treated us like locals the whole first weekend of our arrival. Friday night, we were invited along to a cocktail party where we got to meet and mingle with some "real" Aussies and sup a few ales! Saturday we visited yet another pub in the area of Paddington. The annual Sydney Marti Gras was on that night and despite the rain was still a HUGE party! But of all the pubs that we visited that first weekend, the one we must make the most noise about is the Bondi Icebergs. This place is John and Johanna's local and it's absolutely awesome. A superb beach and ocean view, a pool, several levels of bars and restaurants and, naturally, plenty of beer to go round. It almost makes one prepared to give up a snug boozer with a crackling log fire like those back home and put down some roots here. (no funny Aussie gags about "root" necessary)

Sunday, we got a lesson in beach waves and surfing from John. Mark can now clearly identify a rip... (well, kinda!) and we know what makes a good surf wave and great surf conditions. We both hope to try our hand at surfing when we get a bit further North.... (won't that be hysterical!)

Cheers to Johanna & John for showing us the local side of Sydney! It was wonderful catching up with you two (and getting to meet a few of your very fun friends!!)... and we hope that it will be sooner rather than later when we can do it all again!