Friends in Australia

These are some of the friends we have made during our time in Sydney. The (only) guy in the picture is Sebastian, Bill's German friend from Uni. The girl on the far left is Alie, his girlfriend from Boston. We went to a free Australian Symphony show at Hyde Park to celebrate Alie's birthday - it was fantastic! We had a little picnic and enjoyed the music!

We were shocked.... I had heard that Australia Day was a very popular holiday, but I NEVER thought I would see this many Australian flags!! It was amazing! EVERYONE had a flag on them somehow - a tatoo, wearing the flag as a dress, flag teeshirts, etc. It was wild!

This is my book club. We meet once a month to discuss the books we have read. It has been great and I have really enjoyed it! I have read almost 20 books since we have been here -- more than I have read in the past 5 years combined! Some of my favourites include The Kite Runner, the Secret Life of Bees, and Mao's Last Dancer. In the picture are two of our 'Australian family' members - Glenis (standing wearing bright pink) and her daughter-in-law Julie Hayes (sitting wearing pink skirt). We always have a great time, and I hope to continue this when I get back home!! Thank you!