Travel Stories | Expat Life
I’m glad to report that Mike and I arrived safely in Australia about 5 days ago. We’re staying for now with a friend of Mike’s in Manly, which is right across the harbor from Sydney.
So far we’ve been setting up our bank accounts, applying for a tax number, and enjoying the sunny but chilly weather. As I had been warned, the internet situation could be better. That means you might not be hearing from me as frequently as I’d like, but I’ll do my best.
xo, jill
Today’s photo from the hip comes from Ottawa, Canada. On the way back to our prison hostel, a snapped a shot of this street artist. It’s hard to believe he’s working in chalk. Unfortunately, there was a big rain storm a few days later and I doubt his work survived.
xo, jill
We started the visit with a veggie burger from Licks and a Canada Dry ginger ale. It was a pretty good welcome meal.
Next, we headed out to the waterfront to see Lake Ontario. Lake Ontario is the smallest of the Great Lakes (but still quite impressive!), and the second that I’ve visited.
It was strange to look out over the water and see glimpses of the US on the other side. It was also fun to see where Mike grew up during middle and high school.
The next day we headed over to Mike’s university town, Kitchener-Waterloo to meet up with some good friends from Abu Dhabi. We had lunch at a pub that might want to rethink the message its logo sends. Is it a grill or a gay bar or both?
I was so happy to be able to meet up with Sarah and Skylar before they left on their grand European tour. Plus, it’s always nice to know that friendships transcend political borders!
I managed to take a total of three trips to Canada this summer to see four** different provinces! Between visiting Banff with my mom, touring Ontario and Quebec with Mike, and participating in the Color Me Rad 5k, I’m feelin’ pretty neighborly.
Here are a few instax photos from across the border.
xo, jill
*Despite Toronto actually being south of where I live in the States! Crazy, huh?
**British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec.
Today Mike and I board a plane to Australia!
Today’s photo from the hip is by Molly. She snapped this shot while walking down the sidewalk in Hoi An, Vietnam. I like how despite it being a busy street, you can’t see a car in sight (aside from the buses in the background).
Thanks, Molly!
xo, jill
From the Hip Friday features photos taken without the use of a viewfinder. If you have a photograph that was taken from the hip you’d like to share here, please contact me!
