Scooter Girl

I took the day off work on Monday and Tuesday this week to do my motorcycle learner course -Two days in a carpark in the middle of nowhere with some scary men in leather jackets. I was the only person learning on a scooter. Luckily I didn't get put into the remedial class unlike Cara and Joe who managed to drive their bikes in to the plastic barrier.

Clare told me it was easy to ride a scooter on the road. I have literally never been so scared in my whole life. I made the mistake of going out at 5pm on a Saturday evening when everyone was on their way back from the beach and thought I was going to die. So I got up at 6am on Sunday morning, for two hour driving practise on empty roads.

By the end of Sunday I had managed to complete journeys to Bondi, Bronte and over to Helen's and negotiated my way home in the dark. I can't say I am enjoying it but apparently it gets easier. I think the helmet could be a little bit bigger.....?!

The City to Surf!

The City to Surf is an annual 14k fun run from central Sydney all the way to Bondi Beach. More than 70, 000 people take part in the race and this year two extra competitors were on the starting line...... We may not have have been the fastest runners in the race....

But I sincerely believe we were among the coolest. Clare managed to look a little bit cooler than me with her Roberto Cavalli sun glasses....

I borrowed them, but still didn't look quite as fancy... (a bit more like John McEnroe?!)

We both finished in acceptable times: Clare in 92 minutes and me in about 100 minutes - I was so proud and I am still wearing my medal along with my headband and sun visor. Just call me Paula....

Sunday, Winter, Sydney

The winters are harsh here - cold, dreary, miserable... except for the last three weeks. The sky has been blue everyday. It's important to get outside when the weather's nice. A typical Sunday involves a little walk up the hill to get a coffee from a recently discovered coffee shop. A rest at the top of the hill for a bit of whale spotting....
A stop-off at Diamond Bay to drink coffee and do a bit of people watching....

And a few minutes catching up with the latest bookclub read!

At this point I would like to share a conversation that I had with one of my students this week when we were talking about "CHANGE":

Julia: Are you pleased you came to Australia?

Student: No because I lost my pet.

Julia: Oh dear - was it a dog?

Student: No, it was a rabbit.

Julia: So is your rabbit still at home - did you leave it there?

Student: Yes, I left it with my aunt but when I left she cut off it's head and ate it......