Sweet as Honeysuckle

It’s been three weeks since we first arrived.   We’re not ready to high-5 each other, but we’ve come a long way.  We’re no longer on the verge of being a danger to ourselves.  We’re now acclimated enough to walk across the street without defensively spinning in circles.  In our minds, the traffic was coming from the wrong direction.  Just to be sure, our search for cars didn’t end when we stepped off the sidewalk.  The circles were necessary to locate oncoming traffic from any and all possible directions.  One could argue that we were merely twirling our way across the streets of Newcastle, but truth is we were taking life saving precautions.  No worries, we’re now keen on the traffic flow.

When we weren’t hitting the pavement for business, we were enjoying our accommodations on Honeysuckle Drive.  The location is just as sweet as the name.  Our temporary housing is a furnished one bedroom apartment.  It’s on the second floor and overlooks the harbor.  The energy is brilliant and the access unbeatable.  Our apartment complex sits on top of multiple restaurants.  So far we’ve been to a handful of them.  Initially eager to cook, Becky lost interest fast.  The oven is tiny and tricky.  With only three knobs (Time, Temperature, and “X”), you’d think it would be a no brainer.  Time is no issue as it’s calculated in minutes.  Temperature is more involved as it’s written in Celsius.  At best a piece of paper and a pencil are required for the conversion, however, a calculator is preferred.  Last is the mystery dial.  It has 6 settings and the only decipherable one is the oven light.  After a few burnt meals, Becky adopted the “No Manual, No Meal” policy.  In the end, taking the lift to Ground level for dinner is the easier and safer way to go.  Speaking of appliances, it only took us 2 persistent days of trying to start the dishwasher until getting it right. The good news is that we’ve had no dramas with the toaster or refrigerator.   

Honeysuckle district; we are the gray building

Any guesses where we live?

More Honeysuckle Pictures

The back of our apartment is wall to wall, ceiling to floor, glass windows and doors.  We have a clear view of the active bay.  It’s occupied by seaplanes, fishing boats, kayaks, tugboats, and freight barges.  There’s something for everyone!  Following the bay and leading to Nobby’s beach is the Foreshore Path.  Granted it’s summer here, but everyday we see runners, walkers and bikers taking advantage of it.  We can take the path from our door and walk 1.6 km (1 mile) to the beach.  If we double that distance, we pass Nobby’s lighthouse and finish at the point.  Along the way, there’s also a section of public gas grills and picnic tables.  Shrimp on the Barbie…it’s on our list of things to do.

Nobby's Lighthouse

Foreshore Path with Nobby’s in the back left

It didn’t take us long to realize that Aussies are huge on fostering relationships.  This is a very social culture.  Surprisingly, “Sunday Sessions” are big here.  It’s not uncommon for families and friends to meet at a restaurant or a hotel (bar) for HOURS of visiting.  Last Sunday arvo (afternoon) the restaurant beneath us had live music.  We opened our patio door, uncorked a bottle of wine, and took in the concert below.  Then we rang friends for our own proper Sunday Session.  This is a tradition we’re bringing back…beats laundry and cleaning!   

Stay tuned for the circus of right side drive and car shopping…