I’ve finally finished my book. After almost a year, I completed the first volume of Globetrotter Images, and it is currently printing. For those who preordered the book, I’ll be in touch soon for completing the order!
How sweet it is..
What a fun early birthday present. After several weeks of researching and learning about plasma/lcd tvs, I took the plunge and decided on purchasing the Samsung 46″ LCD TV. Now, going to BestBuy and CircuitCity and such, I would talk to the sales people and discuss what I’d researched on the web, and after several conversations, I was convinced that using the internet is absolutely the best way to find the most unbiased research. On top of that, using pricegrabber.com I was able to find the best price on the TV. I ended up paying $600 less than what I would have spent at BestBuy. When I ordered, I was told that the shipment would be sent by consolidated shipper, and to not expect my TV for 12 – 21 days. That night however, I got an email confirmation number with a FedEx tracking number, and the next day, it had already made it from New Jersey to Oakland CA. It then got moved to the San Francisco FedEx hub, and I called them to place a hold on it–as I would not be home to sign for the package and wanted to just go there and pick it up. So last night, a friend and I went to pick up the TV, and last night, I was watching HDTV over the airwaves. Yes, that too people don’t seem to know about–you DON’T have to pay for HDTV :)
THE view
The best thing I’ve enjoyed about my new apartment is a fantastic view. Even in Sydney when I was living in Potts Point, to wake up every morning and see the Opera House was truly amazing. Now, I feel the same excitement when I wake up, to roll over and look out the window to this view. But what’s really interesting is seeing the bridge in all different weather. Stay tuned for the housewarming on Saturday!
Back up and Running!
Wow, it has been a whirlwind of the past four months. As you can see with the new version of Globetrotter, a lot has changed. The end of 2006 wrapped up quickly, but here’s the lowdown:
- Started my job search in September–Had phone interviews as I was still in Australia, and happened across an Australian company looking for someone for their newly opened San Francisco office.
- University of Sydney Finals–My final semester of my Master’s Degree.
- Offer from the Australian company to relocate to San Francisco–just 2 days after I finished my last final.
- Arrived in San Francisco, start work the next day to see a tradeshow for the industry.
- Apartment Hunt.
- Christmas back home to see family (First time in over 18 months!).
- Move to new apartment.
- Return to Australia for 2 week visit for work.
- Start settling in.
- Breathe.
I’ve found the best apartment that has made me so happy. Work is going great–I’m learning a lot every day. I’ve almost settled completely in to the apartment–still waiting on my couch to be delivered! So, if anyone is visiting San Francisco, please get in touch as I have a great place to put you up! Hope everyone had a safe New Year’s, and I plan to see many of you this year, as work takes me around the globe!
And for those of you wondering about my book, I’m sorry for the delay, but I hope to have a final copy in my hands by my birthday (in March!) :)
Swimming with Dolphins!
Today, Christine, a collegue from our France office, and I went to the beach to join a tour to swim with dolphins. We arrived early in the morning so we could depart at 8am. That meant, no breakfast–because in Adelaide EVERYTHING is CLOSED! Anyhow, aboard ship, we got suited up in our wetsuits and listened to instructions as to how it would work. Basically, when they see a pod of dolphins, they would yell, and we’d slide into the water being towed behind the sailboat. It was really fun, and we saw a three pods, and two of them actually came close enough for us to swim next to and see underwater. It’s amazing being that close to such animals in the wild. We spent most of the morning jumping in and out of the water upon calling, and had a nice day enjoying the warm sun and scenery. After we returned to the marina, we headed for a good seafood platter lunch, which had been well waited for by me! After our hefty meal, we went back to Adelaide to prepare for a home cooked Japanese dinner by one of our Japanese teammates.
Christmas at Home
After such a whirlwind for the past 2 months, I made it back to Chattanooga to see the family. I haven’t seen them since my journey to Australia for my masters degree in July 2005. Luckily, everything’s well and Chattanooga is growing. It’s amazing how many faces after all these years, I can still recognize going about their lives. Here’s wishing everyone a wonderful safe holiday, and hopefully Globetrotter Journeys to be up and running at full speed next year!
Return to the USA
The countdown has begun, and I will be returning to the USA on Tuesday! It’s been such a whirlwind for the past month, as all my presentations, projects, and final exams were put together. The best news, is I’m returning to an amazing job! How perfectly tailored is this? An Australian company, locating their ‘strategy headquarters’ in San Francisco, with 40% of revenues coming from Japan? You’re looking at a very happy person right now!
USA Here I come!
Surfing Lessons and Kayak!
Today I decided that I would do the surf lessons–I figured it was about time having been in Australia for this long and still not standing on board one of these things. So, I signed up to do a 2-hour surf lesson, and free 2-hour kayak in the area nearby. The van came to pick us up, and I was excited to see other traveleres in the van. When we arrived at the ‘camp’, we put on our surf shirts on. There were a bunch of kids in this as well–my favorite (sarcastic). Well, as soon as they started dividing us among people who had done it before, and people who hadn’t, I ended up to be the big kid in the group–surrounded by 8-12 year olds. Luckily the coaches were cool, and gave me extra attention to get me up to speed more quickly. I only fell a couple of times, but caught almost every other wave! I was surprised that I could do it so quickly, but my balance has always been pretty good being so close to the ground anyway :)
After 2 hours of learning how to set up for a wave, how to get on the board, and how to drive it in, We took a break for lunch. I had lunch on the beach, and then headed back to do my kayak. I had never kayaked before, and it was really cool. I was alone and just started paddling out to all the houses. It reminded me a little of Venice beach in California, because of all the canal ways with these gorgeous houses around. I had fun looking in and seeing all the nice ways housing has been constructed in the area. Very beautiful. After about an hour and a half, I headed back and put the Kayak back. That afternoon I stayed on the beach and enjoyed the people watching. In the evening, I treated myself to a nice risotto and seafood dinner, though, in Australian fashion of risottos, was a little bland :( I’ve yet to have really good risotto here, and think so fondly of Panta Rei back in San Francisco! I then headed back to the hostel and prepared for my flight home to Sydney the next morning–just in time for reality– Class at 6pm!
Noosa National Park
Marie, the Finnish girl and I, headed for the national park this morning to do a short hike. What I didn’t realize is that the short hike was going to be almost a half day hike. The morning was beautiful, sunny, bright and clear. We walked through the trails in Noosa National Park and chatted away about her job in China and her life there. It was quite interesting. We found some secluded beaches and swam in the water, toasted in the sun, and continued our hike. We then came to Alexander Beach, and wandered our way down there for a bit. After this, I was getting concerned about the lack of water and food we had brought, so I thought it best for us to return back instead of continuing on the other direction. We did, and we made our way to a deli to get some food for the beach.
That evening I had dinner at the hostel and it was quite good! Walked on the beach in the evening and looked at the sand sculpturer’s latest creation.
Coolum
Today I spent the day at a different beach about 20 minutes south of Noosa. It was interesting to see another beach town, but there really wasn’t too much to do. After wandering over the rock pools and such, I decided to head back to Noosa for dinner. Met the new girls in my room–Team Scandanavia! 2 girls from Denmark and 1 from Finland, but currently living in China.