Christmas Sweat

You know, being from a city that normally sees temperatures in the low 20’s (Fahrenheit, of course) with snow and people bundled up drinking hot chocolate it’s been a culture shock to watch TV here in Sydney and see commercials for ‘Christmas On The Beach!’ with people running around in bikinis and thongs. Back in Philly the only people running around in thongs right now are strippers, and they’re all indoors. What can I say about Sydney other than I LOVE IT!!!!
But then I was reminded by Thai Ben and Akona that I say that about every place we’ve been. Hmmm. Could it be that the world is just so cool, or am I confused about what love really means.
Whatever the case, I’m having the time of my life here. It’s December and I’m walking around in T-shirts and shorts. This is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. The nightlife is like WHOAH! I’ve been to a few different bars so far, one of my favorite would have to be the World Bar in King’s Cross. They serve their drinks in tea kettles. What? Original drinking, I’d have to say yes. So I guess it was almost like being home because there was a tea kettle, and I would definitely be drinking tea because winter in Philly can get pretty cold.
We have a lot of work to do here in Sydney, as well as put together a Christmas party within the next week. Can it be done? Of course it can.. And what better city to have a Christmas party than here in beautiful, always alive Sydney Australia? I was a little reticent to come here because the only thing I knew about Australia was that it produced a few celebrities that are huge in America (whose names I may or may not be able to say, but you know who they are). I had no idea that it would be so vibrant. It was a treat to go to a show at the world famous Sydney Opera House, and it was a Hip Hop show at that. This city has definitely been one that’s surprised me the most.
On a more personal note, this has been the part of the trip that I’ve been dreading, Christmas without my family. It’s the first time I’ve been out of the country during the holidays but I know that everything at home is cool. My parents miss my superb Christmas decorative skills but I’d have to say that taking this time off to experience the other side of Christmas (on the other side of the world ironically) will always be something I’ll remember. Next year when Christmas comes around I can say ‘Oh yeah, last year I was in Sydney for Christmas….and it was hot in more ways than one’. I may have to move here. And yes, I know, I say that about every place I go to.