Old friends, new place.

This month has been a month of transitions - from my childhood home to a new country. From being an unemployed undergraduate to a fully qualified optometrist. From being on holiday to working part time. It definitely needed a bit of getting used to, but I am glad that I could wind up this month with a visit from my friends Cass and Dan who were in Sydney for Dan's training. Makes it a bit of a full swing, I think.

{giggles at the accent of the guy who offered to take our photo}

Friday night lights

On Friday night we went to the China-town markets for dinner. Every Friday night, stalls line the streets and and restaurant-goers spill onto the little lane. It really does have a feel of Hong Kong (but not really China), even though there are just as many Australians as there are Chinese. Then we found ourselves wandering to Darling Harbour where the lantern display was still on from New Year. I really do love Sydney at night.

Chinese new year

A new years' celebration filled with glorious food, laughter and an excellent game of "Murder in the Dark". And you know when I'm using chopsticks, it's really quite a special occasion.

First glimpse of Sydney....

{Photo taken by me in Tokyo, 2008}

.....it sure does rain a lot.

Tropical-looking flowers

A surprise encounter on a rainy walk

The view from my hotel as I wake up

Old friend, new place.