The First Week Behind Me

Many people said it would happen (pretty much everybody) and they were right.  I fell in love with this city today.  There is so much going on and so much to see and do around every corner.  Today I went on a long walkabout.  Yes, I broke out of my protective shell and ventured out for a bit of exploration.

What I found today was a whole lot people out having fun.  I basically meandered the city along the river and found it littered with bars, restaurants, and street performers.  There was a particular large crowd around one guy swallowing swords (no comments) so I stopped to watch.  Honestly there were at least 60 people gathered around this dude.  Being that everyone in OZ is tall, I inched my way to the front row to discover what all the fuss was about.  I wasn't standing there longer than five minutes before he called me out of the crowd to "assist" him during his act.  He bestowed upon me the honor of fastening him into a straightjacket and then wrapping him in nearly 30 feet of chains.  It was a bit embarrassing to be in front of this large group.  There were introductions and the obligatory comments about my "accent" before the escape attempt started.  I will admit, it was great fun.  This trip has taken me completely OUT of my comfort zone.  I am starting to get used to it.  Being uncomfortable I mean...

I wish I could have recorded my entire day because it was great fun.  Instead, I took a few pictures and videos.  There was a really cool "island bar/cafe" under the pedestrian bridge.  I stopped for a drink and some soup.  It is a neat little place and I will surely go back.  The drinks here are EXPENSIVE though, and EVERY SHOT is MEASURED!  Forget that...  You will also see a picture of lots and lots of bike locks on the bridge.  Don't ask me what they are for, but I snapped a photo.  Enjoy!


Here you are:

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