My 2nd Visitor

About a couple of weeks ago, I got a call from my friend, Geoffrey. He left me a message to say hi and to ask how I was doing. So I thought he was just calling from back in the bay area. A couple of days later, I got another message from him leaving me a call back number. Well, what'd you know? I have my second visitor here in Sydney within two months (I hope you guys keep coming so I don't feel lonely). Geoffrey and his mom are staying over with relatives in Ingleburn...about 40 minutes train ride to our place. During the week, him and his niece (Diane) went to the city to meet me and Michelle for lunch at Wynyard Station. Its really nice to see a familiar face! I can't believe Geoffrey is here. Geoff, hopefully your cousin/niece will get married next year so you can visit me again.

Next day (Thursday), I went to RTA (Roads and Traffic Authority) similar to our DMV to apply for my driver's license. From what I read, I can just tranfer over my CA license and get a full driver's license here if I've been driving for at least three years (only in certain countries such as US, UK, Canada, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Spain, France, Germany, etc). Otherwise, you have to go through a series of tests and will take a few years before you get a full DL. First timers get a RED 'P' placard to be displayed in their car (lots of teenager driving accidents here that's why its good to know who the drivers are around you). After 1 to 2 years, you take another test. If you do pass that test, then RTA will replace your RED 'P' placard to a GREEN 'P' placard...not that it looks any better. After a couple more years, then they issue you your fill DL. So I'm glad I don't have to go through all that. I don't think I even need to take any written or actual driving test. Just the regular eye test and photo op and you get your DL card in 5 minutes. You just need to turn in your old DL and they'll punch a hole on it. For tourists, you can use your existing DL for 3 months to use.

I actually didn't get my license yet. I forgot to bring my proof of address to RTA. So I went back the next day with my coworker who's been here for a year and a half and still hasn't gone to get his DL. So next day, my coworker got his within probably 30 minutes including waiting time. Again, I couldn't get my license issued because my issue date on the DL is this year (I got it renewed this year)...so I cannot vouch for myself driving for at least 3 years already. Arghhhhh!!!! I'll have to wait for mama to send my old DL with an issue date of at least 3yrs old.

Thursday, Mitch and I went to Martin Place to see the Xmas tree lighting. Of course, Santa Clause was there, too, and the mayor of Sydney. And they had fireworks!!! See pictures below. Doesn't the clock tower look just like the one on Embarcadero? More similarities between Sydney and San Francisco. Ahhh, I just thought of what the Sydney Opera House could be an equivalent of in SF...possibly the Palace of Fine Arts??? Ayaw patalo, eh!







Friday, Geoff and his relatives (Diane, Christine, and George) came over to the house. We had dinner at Bar Italia (thanks for dinner, Geoff!!!) just around the corner from the house and took them around Norton St.

On Saturday, I went to the city at the intersection of Pitt/Hunter/O'Connell St (I work nearby on O'Connell). They were filming a scene of the new Superman movie. It is set on the streets of New York with yellow taxi cabs and police officers on the set (I don't understand why they have to film in Sydney for a scene that takes place in New York). No actors/actresses around. They were just shooting a scene where everyone was running around...I guess I'll see it in the theatres if it made the cutting room floor.

That night, one of Michelle's friends from church came over to show his slideshow of his pictures from the US. He brought his own projector and screen and showed us his pictures (including the twin towers of NY and scenes from SF) of when he lived back in the East Coast.

Notes:
This weekend, I saw a woman walking around the city carrying her surfboard...only in Australia!