Settling down in Sydney

This morning I woke up, on the right side of bed, just on the other side of Australia. When I looked at my phone it was 8 am, but in London it was 11 pm. It is wierd to think that as I wake up and start my day, my parents are going to sleep and my friends are going out. 

I am writing this from a shopping mall in Sydney, the sun shining on me, and despite the urbanisity I can still hear the birds chirping. This has become my favourite sound. In london I would listen to music in my headphones to block out the city roar. Now I prefer the tune of the light wind and the song of the birds. 

I was asked what do I want to achieve / gain from this year abroad. I was puzzled. I tell my friends that I want to be a wag. This is a joke. ish. I wouldn't complain if an aussie footy player asked me out, but really I think I should aspire for something more fulfilling, like learning to use my mouth and ears in ration - listening twice as much as I Speak. 

I am still in disbelief, as though my dog might jump on my bed and wake me up from this dream. But for now I am taking everything in and in awe. I have probably said 'wow' enough times in the last week to set a world record.