Wandering- Week 46

There are many sayings about those who travel, one of which is not all those who wander are lost

Many people who know me know I get lost easily, directions and I are not always friends but I'm always happy to have adventures exploring. I had the opportunity to leave my job 6 weeks early and travel the East Coast of Australia by Greyhound Bus. I flew to Cairns and wandered my way back to Sydney. One of the best experiences I have ever had in my life!

Last Week of being a Nanny- Week 45

It's amazing to look back and think wow 45 weeks of being in Australia. When I came here I didn't even think I would last until Christmas time, only about 6 months. I left my life, job, boyfriend, family and everything has changed so much. I have made a new life here in an amazing place, I'm single and looking forward to travelling and making more decisions based on the things I want to accomplish on my own!

This week, I really focused on spending time with the girls and enjoying counting down each work day. This is the last time I have to mop the floor, last time I have to dust (haha), last time I have to wash clothes, last time making dinner, and so on. Sometimes it was the little things too that meant a lot, my last time spending a week on holidays with the girls, last hugs, last bedtime tucking in last time snuggling watching movies, etc. We spent a special day out in the city the last of our city adventures together at Luna Park doing Cooney Island. It was really fun to really play with the girls while out!

Beginning of the End- Week 44

It was the beginning of the end this week, I had my final good bye parties with school parents and my nanny friends. I was able to go out for dinner with many of the other Mom's I had become friends with throughout the year during the week. (Bonus:it was kid-free!)

I also spent a night out in the city for leaving drinks with my girls (ones who were left!), followed by an afternoon at a fashion show! 

Joining Up and Going it Alone- Week 43

Dear Single Parents,

I can honestly say, I felt a glimpse of your life this past weekend. Kuddos to you doing it all the time!

This week we took our city adventures to the Navy boats or ships I guess is the correct term. We had so much fun exploring all the different boats, submarines and the lighthouse in Darling Harbour. It's amazing how so many people fit, I don't think I could ever live in a boat so we opted not to join up!

On the weekend, I had the girls while Mum and Dad spent some time away from all of us before I leave them nanny free! We had some great bonding time, staying up late watching movies, braiding hair, eating popcorn and lollies. Of course staying up late doesn't always mean that little girls will sleep in the next day! I was more than happy to see Mum and Dad return on sunday night!!

More- Week 42

This week there was another trip to the city and more surfing! The little one and I headed into the city on our own this week to check out the Sydney Wildlife Zoo. It's right next to the Aquarium and just as much fun. We even petted a bearded dragon and two snakes. She was thrilled and spent lots of time waving at the snap snap aka croc.

Surfing went much much better this weekend, I didn't run over any small children! The group was big again but they split those of us who had done lessons before away from the very beginners. I was a little bit worried when the others said they had all done 6plus lessons but while we were reviewing what we should have learned already they didn't know. This reassured me that I was in the right group for my skills. We learned how to turn in theory, I still can't manage it in practice. It was great that we were able to hit the water before the rest of our big group and got some good rides in. When the rest of the group came I practiced falling off my board in order to avoid people. I was hit once or twice by someone else. I didn't think anything of it while in the water but noticed a big bruise when I got home. I quite enjoyed the instructors who were great at giving tips and helping to catch waves. This was my last lesson with them unless I have some extra money at the end of my travels. I would recommend Manly Surf School to anyone looking to begin surf lessons. 

Too Much Fun- Week 41

This week was way too much fun, shouldn't weekends be for sleeping and relaxing…I might need another weekend stat! We did another city play date this time at Sydney's Sealife Aquarium. I definitely recommend this if you are visiting Sydney with kids. We had so much fun looking at all the fishes and trying to feed the children to the sharks, and we even tickled a shark on his belly (through the glass of course)!

I spent my weekend checking out Sydney's Casino The Star. I have to say that gambling is not my forte, as I lost 10 dollars on slots! I had another surfing lesson. This time during high tide and wow what a difference in my abilities. It's hard to get on the board when you can't touch and the waves are crashing in. I was still able to stand up but did less as it was such a struggle to get out. The lesson class was much larger this time which meant that we were constantly running into one another. Several people crashed quite hard. I did some nose dives and sideways falls to avoid people. The worst was near the end as I was surfing into shore, I ran over a small child. I was horrified and couldn't stop the board or turn (must take more lessons). Luckily she seemed okay just shocked. 

After surfing I finally was able to check out Luna Park, another great place! I went with some other au pairs and we had so much fun. My favourite was the bumper cars as we all crashed into one another and generally acted silly. The park itself was like stepping back in time and one of the rides was scary because it shook and rattled with its age. I kept expecting Ryan Gosling as Noah to come ask me out!

Needless to say, I spent sunday pretty much comatose watching Patrick Swayze movies from the 80's. I'm now a huge Swayze fan! Dirty Dancing is still my favourite though!

Play dates all around- Week 40

This week we decided to switch up our routine and have a play date in the city. We decided to check out the Darling Harbour playground which is a great spot for kids. There are all kinds of play equipment, and a water area as well. We had a blast running around and playing especially with the water!

Obviously clothes were optional or someone's nanny forgot about the water play area. Either way we had a blast playing!

I went out this weekend, first time in awhile with some aupairs on a bar crawl in the city. It was so much fun to meet new people and I even made some new friends. I love that the aupair culture here is so big and that I am able to meet people from all over the world. 

The Canadian graffiti in the bathroom made my night!