Burnt!

Well it has been exactly a week since I have arrived to Sydney and every day is a better day. I have made some great friends from everywhere in the world, and even some locals from Toronto. The last three days have been great, mostly because we kept going back to Manly Beach to enjoy the hot sun, the warm water, and some great places to eat and drink. I found a Bavarian pub that serves proper beer, not just the Australian stuff, a German food store that has got some great prices, and it is all located in the wharf at Manly. Awesome!!
When we went to the beach yesterday, we had a group of 13 people from the hostel and the ocean was wild. Some of the waves were 2-3 meters high and it is tough to swim with the rip pulling you around. After about 30 minutes in the water, it was time to call it quits and enjoy the sun. I can't help but think of the Simcoe tanning crew, which really was myself and the ladies, and Momo's brother when he was in town. Tanning in Australia is a totally different beast! They don't sell any tanning lotion less than 30+ because the ozone is so thin, you will just fry. I did 2 days of basing myself, and today still applied my 30+ and I am crisp. The good news is that I'll have a solid tan in a week or two, but for the time being, no matter how hard I tried not to be in this situation, I am applying Banana Boat Aloe spray to my entire body, especially my forehead! Shit!!! Factor 30+, Factor 30+!!!
Momo, if you ever come to Aus, Factor 30+ :)

Another great thing that has happend is that my bag went for a swim with my towel, hat, camera (waterproof - best purchas) and cell phone. Great! I've ruined my cell phone in less than a week. It's amazing how fast the tide comes up on the beach and how little you notice it happening when you are playing frisbee. lesson learned, don't spent money on expensive phone! I didn't buy a super expensive phone, but I still spent over $100 (idiot). Today i went out and bought a new phone for $39 and I already like it more. :)

All my friends here are great and we spend most of our time drinking and partying at the hostel. We have a solid crew and while some are already gone to other towns or cities, we all plan to meet again before we depart this amazing country. Late nights, good friends and loads of conversation, what more could you ask for?

Till next time,

P