Down Under

It's been two and a half weeks since I stepped off the airplane onto Australian soil. Where did the time go?

Have you heard of Cirque de Soleil? It is a Canadian acrobatic group that performs all over the world. Last week, our whole office went as VIP guests to see them perform in downtown Sydney. It was a jaw-dropping, nerve-wracking, thrilling experience.

As I watched them do flips and practically fly all over the stage, I felt a twinge of jealousy and reminisced on my childhood dreams of becoming an acrobat in the circus. If only I had practiced more on those monkey bars...

My big mouth has already gotten me in trouble. Sort of. When asked *ehem* about some of the beautiful places around Sydney, I happened to mention a few places that I had been on my bike. Now, to all of you non-cyclists, perceived distance and exhaustion on the bike is significantly decreased when you own the right equipment and have had some training in your legs. It didn't take long for a rumor to start going around that I am some super long-distance athlete. Monday morning at work, as I filled up my mug with coffee, my co-worker walked in and announced, "Molly, you are going on a 25km trail run with myself and three other people. You will need snacks, running shoes, a camelback, and possibly a light jacket. Oh, and you will be collected at 5:30am on Saturday morning". I wasn't sure how to respond. "Awesome"?,"You're crazy?","do you wanna repeat that?". Turns out all I could muster was a half-enthused "great!".

After late night at Cirque du Soleil, my alarm clock made the most revolting sound as it woke me up at 4:45am. I promptly made some coffee, scarfed down some oatmeal, and ran out the door for what I knew would be an interesting morning. It wasn't long into our trail run before I felt the urge to take pictures. It was too gorgeous not to at least attempt to catch some of the beauty.

God is amazing isn't he? He also has a sense of humor. Just look at a kangaroos and pelicans (two of my favorite animals).

Work... last week, I went down to Adelaide to visit two of our companies
largest accounts. The purpose of the trip was to gather information for the design of the market research project that I'm doing. One of the most important things I've been learning is not to rely on assumptions. Just because business is a certain way in the US, does not mean that it is the same down here. It is considered very "American" to think that the world revolves around us and everyone operates, or would like too, off of our system. I learned that pretty quickly by accidentally riding my bike on the wrong side of the road...
The preparation for my research project has been an ongoing process since I arrived and seems to be taking a long time. Other than my trip to Adelaide (see photo), I've spent a good bit of time sitting at my desk and in various meetings. At this point, I feel as if I am in the calm before the storm. Over the 4-5 weeks, I will be traveling to a different state in Australia every week to put my project into action. Ah!

To be honest, I am very excited about my work here. My project has the potential to be a total flop or be a catalyst for launch of a new product.

Overall, I am really enjoying it here. The ocean, the hills, the city, the culture... I love it! There is a 5k circuit that several people at the office run every day during lunchtime. Some of the guys try to act like they are not
trying to beat the rest of the group when it's obvious they really are. There's
even a course record (announced, of course, by the course record holder).

work hard, play harder

Thursday was my first day of WORK! Shortly after arriving, I was led through a maze of desks and offices to meet my new co-workers. The office had a lively, cheerful, international flavor about it. One guy was from South Africa, another from Canada, another from China, and so on. Finally, my tour guide ushered me into the break room and proudly introduced me to a grand coffee machine that makes 12 different kinds of coffee. It appears to be a workplace bonding tool.
Besides touring the office and filling out tax forms(etc.), I learned a lot more about my project and what I will be doing during my time here. In preparation for the launch of a new product, my job is to plan and execute a market research project to determine the pricing and position of the new product. I will be working closely with the product manager and the some of the marketing experts in the office. The freedom and flexibility to tailor and design it the project is a little daunting. I've never done marketing research and the last thing I want to do is let down a company that flew me to the other side of the world to work here. However, with great challenges comes great opportunity. Also, my host family have been very welcoming and kind to me.

Saturday, I went to a church called "c3". Ironically, the preacher was a visiting American. He was a funny old man. The church was warm and welcoming- several people introduced themselves to me and one person even gave me her contact info in case I need anything.

After church, I went to a get-together that my host family's extended family was hosting a few blocks away. We had a delicious dinner and I got my first taste of Australian wine.The company wasn't too bad either..

We laughed and joked around the kitchen table about everything from Morgan Freemen to Tasmania. Before I left, the mom of the family gave me a few classic Aussie books to read. I can't wait to dive into them.

Sunday, I was planning on doing a race that my new friend Elliot told me about. Kind of last minute, I bailed and decided to do a long, easy ride instead. I dont know, I just had a gut feeling that it wasn't going to be a good race and I'm glad I didn't cause I was a little stiff that day. I ended up doing a 4.5 hour ride through a national forest nearby. The views were so beautiful that I felt as if I was obliged to stop every 2 minutes to snap another picture.

You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!
~Psalm 38:35

Job 38:2-7
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone,
when the morning stars sang together
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

First day in Sydney, Australia

Today was my first full day in Sydney, Australia. I woke up around 7:30, skyped with my roommates, and promptly made a delicious cup of coffee to sip while putting my bike together. I also turned on the news while putting my bike together and was surprised by how much the newscasters talked about America(and people wonder why we are so obsessed with ourselves...).

For the next 5 hours, I explored on my bike. About halfway through my ride, I ran into another cyclist who caught me taking pictures and offered to show me some cool places.

P.S. The pictures will expand if you click on them

Tomorrow I start work!