Ocean Beach

Last weekend, we decided to take advantage of the nice weather and head to the nearest beach for a nice afternoon jaunt. Our roommates told us that on the way there was a nearby waterfall and swimming hole and we decided to stop there first to check it out. It was a nice little walk along a stream to a small, but pretty waterfall complete with a rope swing! The water was very cold, a bit too cold even for a hot day, but we will definitely have to venture back later in the summer!

The beach proved to be just as nice and the water equally as cold! We didn't stay too long, but apparently a Christmas tradition here is to have a BBQ on the beach and it's also a popular spot for New Year's--so we will definitely be venturing back!

Saturday afternoon we also got a welcome call from Sarah over at Cardoness--they needed some work! So for 2 and a half days we did some more work on their vineyard tucking wires and sweating in the hot summer sun! But it was nice to be productive and make some money after a week of waiting for job opportunities/hunting. We even took a dip in their pool after our second day of work--a great way to cool off! They have been gracious enough to invite us over for Christmas dinner and of course we accepted! It will be nice to spend the occasion with some familiar family friends rather than alone (and the food will be even more amazing!)

Last night we also ventured out to the local pub to meet Neil, Sarah, and their daughter Kelley for Quiz Night (trivia night) that takes place once a month. We didn't do so hot last time and John and I were hoping to contribute more this month. Well it certainly turned out well--second place! With only a team of 5 people! Luckily, there was a large number of American knowledge questions related to presidents, state capitals, institutions, american actors, and even one of the answers was Hulk Hogan (which I was able to provide since I, oddly, knew his real name)! It was a fun night and we won $30 in restaurant vouchers! On the 21st the pub is hosting a special Christmas Quiz Night, complete with a raffle, on the spot prizes, a special menu including glazed ham, and a costume contest! We are planning to go again on that night and celebrate with some drinks using our vouchers! It will be a great way to spend the holidays and we are very excited!

In other news, John has gotten an interview for a waiter position at one of the winery restaurants! It's called Elephant Hill and, luckily, his 5 years of experience working in a diner has come in handy! However, we were finally able to chat with his father Martin on Skype today, and he has a contact in New Zealand for us who previously worked at his company, Clearstream, in Luxembourg! As the summer approaches, we have been told the work will pick up a lot and so hopefully we will both be steadily employed (and fairly paid) soon!