It's Christmas Eve?

It is really hard for me to believe that it is Christmas tomorrow (Christmas Eve for you blog readers in the U.S.). To me, Christmas is waking up freezing cold at 6 a.m. with the rest of my family to look at our stockings, eat breakfast, and then open presents. This year, my Christmas will be spent in a new country, with new friends, and in a new temperature. I'm an ocean and thousands of miles away from my family, so I guess it's kind of a good thing that it doesn't really feel like Christmas because then I'd be really sad. I'm already bummed knowing that my entire family will be together without me, so I will do my best to make sure that I am full of high spirits (and food). 

Here are my highlights from day three of Sydney:

- Figuring out the bus system with Abby. We managed to get downtown Sydney (my friend Amie lives in Rose Bay, which is a suburb) and back all on our own!

- Seeing the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Bridge

- Walking around the city and stopping in shop after shop after shop

- Trying on clothes [it had been a while!]

- Sipping on a flat white [fancy coffee] and eating a chocolate mud cupcake and then being handed a free cupcake an hour later

- Walking around a big grocery store

- Walking around a gigantic mall [I forgot those existed!!]

- I failed to mention yesterday that I've eaten fresh peaches and nectarines here...oh my delicious!

Today was an interesting day for me. I felt extremely overwhelmed, kind of panic-y, and jumbled. Those all sound like really bad ways to feel, so let me explain them a little. I am in a huge city, surrounded by millions of people, lots of traffic, and many things to look at. Walking around the shopping mall was a little stressful because I didn't know how to soak it all in. I love going shopping but I was so overwhelmed with all the things I could buy! I am obviously feeling this way because 1) I don't shop in AmSam because there's nothing to shop for. 2) There are no malls, big buildings, or places in AmSam where I am surrounded by thousands of people at one time. 3) Cars drive 25mph on our island...they drive a lot faster here. The list could go on and on, but what I'm trying to say is that I guess I'm experiencing a little culture shock! Do not worry though, these feelings are not stopping me from wanting to explore! 

One thing I do love about this city is the endless amount of cafes, chocolatiers, and coffee shops there are. Every other shop or building is one of these three things. The city smells like coffee and delicious foods and this is so terrible for the budget backpacker because I want to try everything! Food is crazy expensive in this city (Sydney has been rated as being one of the most priciest cities in the world). An average meal is $15. The currency rate is about the same for an Aus dollar/USD, so you're not even getting a deal. 

For now, I will wish you a Merry Christmas Eve! Enjoy the time with your family and friends and stay warm if it's cold where you are!