'Get Caned'

My experience in Australia, especially Newcastle, can only described as an experience of a lifetime. As I touched on before, it is the people whom you miss most when you leave somewhere that begins to feel like home. All the individuals and families that took me in as a 'mate' and even another son; I send 1,000 thank you's.
The Hunter Hurricanes provided an incredible experience for me throughout my journey down under. Immersing yourself into a new culture and amongst a new water polo can be very overwhelming. The Hurricanes made my assimilation amongst my teammates, coaches, and families of the club in Australia very smooth. I reflect on my time there as not just an import player for The Hurricanes but more a connection of good mates and family that I will carry for a lifetime.
As much as I was excited to get home to Malibu, I am already excited about my next trip back to Newcastle.
Go Canes!

Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk

Glenn and I completed the 1,500 or so steps up and around the Sydney Harbour Bridge last night. I am quite sure I would have skipped all touristy type activities if the folks had not come out. Interestingly, my dad and I were the only two foreigners on the climb. I was inspired to seek out some tourist attractions when I get home. I'll probably skip the 'See the Stars' in Hollywood tour but I am sure we have some top tourist attractions in LA.

The Marriott here in Circular Quay has an Executive Lounge that is my new favorite thing in Sydney. Last night we enjoyed the appetizers and open bar for 3 hours and this morning was the breakie buffet and fresh coffee.

We have been invited to Picass' house for dinner. He is a professor at the University of Sydney now but lived with mom and dad when he was studying at Stanford. I believe we are going for a traditional Indian Cuisine, something I have become a huge fan of since my time here.

It's Game day though...I have to start warming up the bar-in machine.

Muffin and Glenn-Down Under

I am happy to report a couple things from Newcastle today.

The Muffin and Glenn arrive tomorrow into Sydney and begin there short visit here. I am real excited I get to show them around Newy and especially pumped for the Hamilton Island Trip we are taking.

Secondly, we have been receiving some last minute swells in Newcastle. Tyler and I got fun waves at a spot close to 'Granny's' called Dickson Park (Dycko). I didn't have to put sunscreen on since I spent the whole afternoon covered up** Tyler on the other hand was lapping it on.

Tyler's awesome girlfriend is visiting from home now too. She loves coffee and thus is all good in my book.

Hopefully we will see an 'Arvo'(afternoon) surf session after my coffee break here at Long Bench on Darby Street.

Hurricanes Season Closer

Coming to end of another chapter on Sunday as I suit up for my final game as a Hunter Hurricane.

It has been quite some time since my last post but only because I have been intensely busy. I started working with Robbo and Bairdy as a pudding and sanding expert for their painting business R&B Painting Solutions. "If you've got paint problems, we've got solutions."

I think they should run that slogan but I have not talked them into it yet.

I realized from my time here that when you are away from your home people often want to know what it is you miss the most about home. Aside from the weekly cravings for a La Salsa 'Dabbler Platter' it is easy to say that more than anything I miss friends and family.

I know it is going to be the same when I am away from what feels like my home now in Newy.