When you come to a new country, there are always surprises. In the first few days, there are a ton of them– different currency (bills are waterproof plastic, different sizes and the coins go up to $2), two different flush buttons on the toilet, and no “surrender” in blackjack, to name a few– but after a week or so, you get used to these minor differences. But the cool part is when something comes up out of the blue. The other day, I was talking to a local, and he was telling me that he just got back from a “holiday” to the States, and that he went to the Caribbean while he was there.
“Where in the Caribbean?” I asked him.
“Jamaica and Cuba,” he says.
“Cuba? I thought you weren’t allowed-” Then it dawned on me: Just like every other country in the world, Australia doesn’t have that stupid trade embargo with Cuba!
…So I’m sitting here, smoking a Montecristo straight from Havana, chilling on the balcony of my BRAND NEW APARTMENT! Seriously, this place can’t be more than two years old. I got the apartment by stupid, dumb luck: the company I’m consulting for had a lease signed through the end of October for a group of three guys from another company, and their contract ran out- so who did they decide to put in the apartment for the rest of the lease but yours truly. I moved in just this past Saturday. Also, I’m on the 39th floor, which allows me to take photos like these: 
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I was so excited about the new apartment that I even made a video about it. I made this video 10 days ago so don’t be confused: the first 2 minutes or so of the video is of my old apartment, and the last 5 minutes is of the new apartment.
disclaimer: the video is a little rough around the edges, and I only had a vague idea of what I was going to do before I started rolling. I promise to transform into a smooth on-camera personality before I post any more videos. it’s 7 minutes long, so you can just fast forward to about the 4:20 mark and you’ll get the gist of what’s going on. I’m a little ambivalent to actually put this video on here, but screw it- check it out:
10 responses so far ↓
Knapper // July 17, 2008 at 2:27 pm
holy shit dude, nice freakin apartment! That balcony is money in the bank. The fact that you have an extra bedroom with two beds means that I will be joining you shortly for the rest of your stay there. once you show biddies that dope place you will surely be given the chance to lock load and fire.
Gritz // July 17, 2008 at 10:30 pm
hahaha. video is worse than the ones i make, but not by much. ridic pad though. schweet to have an auxiliary beat off room so you don’t have to sully your bed.
you dress like you are about to play Dreamcatcher at a Renbrook band recital.
GRITZ
Knappper // July 18, 2008 at 12:04 am
I’d like to see you keep that place clean. It will not happen.
I’m putting money in my Australian piggy bank every day, but it might take awhile considering I work with Puerto Rican manual laborers in the north end of Hartford.
davidherson // July 18, 2008 at 2:45 am
Knapper, I have two words for you: maid service. Every two weeks my linens get changed, my dishes get put away, and my towels are replaced. Back of the net!
AFU // July 18, 2008 at 2:29 pm
wow… alls i can say is… nice life decision, dude.
Knapper // July 22, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Whe would be a good time for me to move in? Seriously.
Molly // July 23, 2008 at 1:57 am
hers, this is rad! My parents just gathered around in my dining room to watch your video. and Giants traded Shockey.
Ben // July 24, 2008 at 3:46 am
That apt. is sweet.
Anyway, yeah so ill be there in a few weeks to move in with you.
Thanks!
rob // July 28, 2008 at 3:33 pm
sick pad dave. If Dolan and I can get enough scratch together, we may be coming out for a few weeks.
If so, I will be joining the facebook australia network and lining up local high school girls
DH // July 29, 2008 at 8:12 am
haha, you are all more than welcome to come and stay whenever you want. Thanks for the support. and I know some of you have been panicking, but don’t worry- I’ll have some more posts coming up soon.