It dawned on me this afternoon that it’s been several days since I posted to my blog. It’s kind of weird since this is the first time I’ve actually forgotten to write since I started all of this five or six years ago. A big part of it is probably due to the fact that I’m on vacation a half-a-planet away. Another part of it is that I haven’t even come close to eating in a healthy way since the day I got on the plane to come here. My big plan was to eat right and lose weight on this trip, and I’ve fallen so short of that goal that I’m loathe to admit it, even to myself.

Call it shame-based-amnesia!

What can I say? For me, the emotional component to eating has always been the toughest nut to crack. It’s one thing to come to terms with my goals, desires, needs, fears, etc. on an intellectual level. But when it comes to day-to-day living, my resolve melts as fast as donut frosting in a warm mouth.

So for now, just a couple of quick observations…

Sydney is truly amazing. I expected Australia to be “nice” but I had no idea at all that it would be FANTASTIC. It’s a polyglot melting pot of influences — an incredible mix of people and cultures in a sophisticated, modern, urban environment. Yet at the same time, people here are pretty laid back. Maybe it’s the hot weather?

The national uniform of australia is shorts and flip-flops. Even in the business district!

Another thing — I’m amazed at how skinny everyone is here. As I type this in a food court (thanks to McDonalds for their free wi-fi), I see nothing but slender, casually-dressed people, strolling about, talking, shopping and –yes– eating. It’s not like the food here is particularly healthy, either. Fast food is everywhere, and outside of the United States I’ve never seen so much food for sale in so many locations for so many hours of the day. Australians are all about convenience!

So what’s their secret? I really want to know!

Finally, I want to note that I’ve been able to run every day because of the exceedingly fine weather. Downtown Sydney is a seemingly impenetrable knot of streets that no map can clearly explain, so I’ve had more than a few “adventures” trying to get back to the hotel. But I’ve been rewarded with some spectacular runs — one of them along the harbor (incl. the Opera House) and another in the city’s Centennial Park, which is a huge natural expense rivalling New York’s Central Park. I look forward to at least two more opportunities to get out there before getting on the plane to fly home.

Until then, I could use some healthy, positive vibes to get me back on track.