Botanical Gardens and State Library

I wandered into the city of Sydney where I checked out the New South Wales State Library and another part of the Royal Botanical Gardens near the Opera House.  

Statue outside the NSW Library sandstone building

interior hall

Two Month Point

Today and yesterday involved busy days at my internship near Martin Place in Sydney.

Martin Place 1924Martin Place modern-day

The Australian guys I work with were interested in my opinion on the QE3 program recently undertaken by the Fed to prop up the economy. Ironically, I think that my opinion seems to be more negative than their own, about these sorts of policy initiatives. Either way, the policy will only make my dollar worth less during my time abroad, thanks Mr. Bernanke. It's also interesting that Australia's current interest rates are around 3.5% whereas current US rates are near zero and yet the US is considered riskier based on the ratings agencies as a borrower. The US bonds themselves have become a "greater fool game," with the only reason to buy them is someone else will pay a little more for them. 

One of the books I am reading now, Reminiscences of a Stock Operator (an old book from the 1920s/30s era) mentions Saratoga Springs, which is actually where the central character (Jesse Livermore, a real person) was visiting during a turning point in his career. Some of the city's history, including tidbits about William Travers, the Grand Union Hotel, and the racetrack are mentioned as well. Brings me back to my senior year in high school in Mr. Patterson's local history class.

I wrapped up the evening with some baseball practice, boxing training, and more kangaroo of course. This time in sausage form.

Tonight's dinner; "Kanga Bangas"

I have now been in the land of kangaroos and koalas for two months, which is hard for me to believe. I am also fast approaching my trip to Cairns during the school break on the week of September 24.

First Game Summer League

My simplified schedule of the day involved weightlifting, class, taking some practice hitting off in the cage and then heading off to Campbelltown for my first baseball game of the Sydney Summer Baseball season.

The season kicked off on a good note, winning our first game which I was able to contribute to both offensively and defensively, going 3 for 3 with 2 doubles (which may have been more if there wasnt a fence of over 400 feet), a couple rbis, a stolen base, and a sac fly.

The league is comparable to the Twilight League in Albany and has players from the professional baseball league in Australia (ABL) since their season starts in October.

Should be a lot more fun to come and a great way to keep working on my skills.

Exams

The onset of midterm exams has made my blog dull lately. However, after getting through this week and next, I will be headed off to Cairns for the mid-semester break (Australia's Springs Break).

Looking forward to getting to check out the Great Barrier Reef, the rainforest, jungle surfing (not quite sure what that is) amongst other things.

Will keep the blog updated if any excitement abounds.

Finance in The Rocks

Outside of my daily conditioning and weight training program, today I spent some time shadowing a trader at a hedge fund based in the Rocks section of Sydney.

Afterwards, I went over to my internship which has a private equity focus.

My earlier meeting with some traders at the fund was a great opportunity for me to learn more about their process for identifying trading opportunities in the market and spurred me to become even more curious about the industry. As a result I have been devouring various books on or related to finance while over here, which usually involved scouting out a random sunny location to post up and read for a while (as one can imagine, it's not too hard to find the sun over here).

In addition to taking time out of the day to allow me to learn more about their investment process, i was also given a gift from the fund manager himself; the book Reminiscence of a Stock Operator personally signed by the CEO of the investment firm.

Looking forward to this read for sure.

54 Days In

Now having been over here for nearly 8 weeks, I think I may be starting to get spoiled by the consistently amazing weather of Sydney. The past few days have been over 80 degrees, sunny, and I can't remember the last time it rained.

I have been taking full advantage of the weather through walking around Sydney to see everything it has to offer and of course practicing baseball.

I also found out about these links recently regarding my study abroad experience
http://www.rochester.edu/news/show.php?id=4152
http://www.rochester.edu/college/abroad/news.html

Classes and Baseball

After 5 hours of nonstop baseball I caught a bus to nearby Five Dock where I was able to hitch a ride with another fellow baseball player to practice with my summer team. As usual had fun and got in some quality baseball practice.

I also received a surprise package from my family today

and as you can tell by the wrapping paper of drawings...

my parents are architects. I would also like to thank my sister for her creative and unique cards, including the 3-D kangaroo drawing below although the picture doesn't do it justice. Thank you Katrina. 

The dress shirt and socks they sent will no doubt come in handy, thank you guys.