Over the past couple of weeks, I have been looking to buy a used Wii and a balance board (Wii Fit). After several unsuccessful attempts to procure one through a local version of Craigslist/Kijiji, I tried my luck on Ebay.
Amazingly enough, there was a large number of Wiis for sale, so I had no problems finding a system for a good price. It was delivered on Thursday night and the rest of the weekend was spent on getting the Wii "tested."
Our Wii came with 9 games, so we will have enough playing material for a while. I love Wii Fit, especially the balance games. I find them extremely challenging and fun.
The fun thing about owning a Wii is that no matter what game you play, you end up being physically active, no matter what the game is. You are always in motion - ducking, weaving, shaking, or punching. Throw in the balance board and soon enough you are drenched in sweat but you're having fun.
In summary, a 15-30 minute session on the Wii leaves you feeling energized, entertained, and ready to take on the challenges in the REAL world.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Applied for Permanent Residency Visa
On November 12th, Carla and I applied for the Australian Permanent Residency Visa. This visa would allow us to stay in Australia indefinitely and to apply for Australian citizenship after we've lived in Australia for four years.
The whole process from applying to getting the visa may take up to 24 months. I believe that it will take about a year for them to grant us the visa as we come from a low risk country.
I have to now spend a day of uploading all the required documents as the application process can be done 100% online. It definitely makes things easier and quicker for them and for us. I now have to call them to find out if we need to do our medical exams right now or if we have to wait until right before the visa is granted.
It is amazing how many things we've had to do to get to this point, but it will all be worth it in the end!
The whole process from applying to getting the visa may take up to 24 months. I believe that it will take about a year for them to grant us the visa as we come from a low risk country.
I have to now spend a day of uploading all the required documents as the application process can be done 100% online. It definitely makes things easier and quicker for them and for us. I now have to call them to find out if we need to do our medical exams right now or if we have to wait until right before the visa is granted.
It is amazing how many things we've had to do to get to this point, but it will all be worth it in the end!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Cycling in Sydney
I missed having a bicycle, so few weeks ago I decided to go and look at what is available for purchase.
Unsurprisingly, bicycles are way overpriced here. 14 years ago, I bought a great bike in Canada for $200. It was a 24-speed, alloy frame bicycle, and it worked great. Today, looking around Sydney, I could not find a used crappy bicycle for under $200. The cheapest bicycle at a bike shop would cost me $400 and not be a very good bike at all.
I decide to evaluate some other options, like shopping at Kmart or BigW (similar store concept to Walmart). I was able to find a well-equipped bicycle for $200. $120 later (helmet, lights, bike computer, etc.) I was all setup for biking.
As soon as I took my bike for a ride, I realized that bike's gears, even though Shimano-branded, were terrible. The big gears are analog (in a sense that I have to move the gear until the chain is pushed far enough to switch to a different gear). I am still getting used to it and it takes forever to switch to the proper gear. The bike is also an 18-gear bike, as opposed to a 24-gear one. You would think that there is not much difference, but there is.
Whinging (Australian word for complaining) aside, I was finally able to venture out away from Chatswood and discover other parts of Sydney. The scenery is beautiful. I can definitely see myself biking regularly this summer. Exploring the nearby area made me realize that I live on top of a hill. The hill makes it really hard to bike back home.
For some strange reason, the name they use for a bicycle is push bike. Why push it when you can get on it and cycle!
Unsurprisingly, bicycles are way overpriced here. 14 years ago, I bought a great bike in Canada for $200. It was a 24-speed, alloy frame bicycle, and it worked great. Today, looking around Sydney, I could not find a used crappy bicycle for under $200. The cheapest bicycle at a bike shop would cost me $400 and not be a very good bike at all.
I decide to evaluate some other options, like shopping at Kmart or BigW (similar store concept to Walmart). I was able to find a well-equipped bicycle for $200. $120 later (helmet, lights, bike computer, etc.) I was all setup for biking.
As soon as I took my bike for a ride, I realized that bike's gears, even though Shimano-branded, were terrible. The big gears are analog (in a sense that I have to move the gear until the chain is pushed far enough to switch to a different gear). I am still getting used to it and it takes forever to switch to the proper gear. The bike is also an 18-gear bike, as opposed to a 24-gear one. You would think that there is not much difference, but there is.
Whinging (Australian word for complaining) aside, I was finally able to venture out away from Chatswood and discover other parts of Sydney. The scenery is beautiful. I can definitely see myself biking regularly this summer. Exploring the nearby area made me realize that I live on top of a hill. The hill makes it really hard to bike back home.
For some strange reason, the name they use for a bicycle is push bike. Why push it when you can get on it and cycle!
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