Just spent the last half hour corresponding with Mum and Dad in Adelaide, working out Skype. After a few false starts we had quite an entertaining conversation.
(Mum... this call hasn't happened for us yet so you can get you lippy on before we receive the call) hehehehehe "private joke"
We are spending our first month living at the Holiday Inn in Mountain View, CA (pop 70,708). Can't really complain, now that I am not working I have the title of 'housewife' and since we have housekeeping every morning and relocation meal allowances my job description is pretty damn easy. I have to say, I am very keen to re-enter the workforce. Ohhhh!!! the joys of the E3D visa, it appears that I won't be able to work for at least 3 months (not as exciting as it may sound).
When we move to the city at the end of March, I will look at doing some volunteer work. We have found a snazzy little apartment in the SOMA area. The apartment complex is across from the Moscone Convention Center. Darren will be working from home, as his job as SE consultant does not require him to be in the office.
We are going through the transition from being quite an independent couple back home to having no friends, and spending every spare moment together. All good of course but me thinks it's best that I find something to fill my days. Something that doesn't only include window shopping in Union Square.
Of course there is sooooo much sight seeing to be done.... Early in the piece I entertained myself on a city bus tour. It was pretty informative and an enjoyable day with many other tourists... (still categorising myself as a tourist, after all I had only been in the country 4 days).
The city has so many different neighbourhoods, all offering totally different experiences. So lots to see and do, eat and drink.
Weekends will be spent on short day trips, or weekend adventures. Of course there is the chance that Darren may just want a bit of r&r. (bloody full timers!!!). I guess I can accommodate that.... :)
Last weekend we drove to Santa Cruz (pop 57,200) with the assistance of Lucy...(our new GPS best friend). What a beautiful drive, the scenery was gorgeous. I will take some photos on the next trip.
Santa Cruz seemed to be all about the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is the oldest beachfront amusement park on the West Coast, dating back to 1906.The beach was average compared to Australian standards. the sand was a not so pretty grey/ brown colour which made the water appear quite dark. There were lots of families enjoying themselves. The boardwalk was nice to walk along, lots of screaming and laughter from all the rides, and lots of corn dogs and nachos being consumed.
Next was a visit to a nearby seaside town of Capitola (pop 10,033), about 5 miles east of Santa Cruz. The Lonely Planet quotes, "the crowds are more affluent and less apt to smoke things than Santa Cruz." I took quite a liking to this little town, with its village like atmosphere and quaint shops.
A stroll along the wharf we witnessed lots of seals enjoying themselves in the ocean... We found a funky little restaurant for dinner on the deck overlooking the ocean.
Over the weekend we also took a fleeting visit to the Napa Valley. So I look forward to the extended visit, where we actually consume some wine. Actually I don't think we hit Napa Valley, we only really got as far as the town of Napa (pop 71,412), that is pretty much where I got distracted by the Premium Outlet Stores. Darren was in much need of a haircut, so his time was not wasted either. In fact, he had an enjoyable time hearing the tales of the barber, he had been in his salon for 47 years. They actually built all the new factory outlets around his building. Now his clientele is booming from bored husbands "once they have seen one shop, they have seen them all."
Of course, we have done a lot of other things in the last 2 weeks... I have learnt how to drive on the wrong side of the road. Darren has purchased a new bicycle, and is very excited about some of the bike riding trails around the area. Darren has done a mini makeover in the wardrobe department (looking snazzy indeed)... I have been hitting the hotel fitness centre (most mornings), a lady of leisure has to keep herself looking good.
In the pipeline... for starters St Patrick's Day tomorrow. Should be a good chance to mingle and be jolly with some locals. I am very excited about a quick trip home to Sydney for Sammy's wedding. Sam and Jon will be married on the 5th April (her birthday) and I will be a very proud Bridal Buddy. Darren is looking forward to his quarterly work sales meeting, a chance to catch up with Erick and Todd. And of course many more adventures to discover America.
XX
Mel
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