tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74233284497826906152024-03-14T03:02:58.726+00:00Australia 2009-2010After an enjoyable 6 weeks 'Down Under' in 2008, Jo and I have decided to go back to Australia, but this time for a year! We will be getting jobs, a place to live and many more photos along the way!danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-88650302658876598912010-10-06T13:57:00.000+01:002010-10-06T13:57:46.604+01:00Hold onto your lettuce!<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">After an unforgettable three days with The Rock Tour, it was time for our final week down under. For this, we were heading further up the east coast to Mackay. As we exited the airport and hopped into a taxi we had no idea where our bed was for the night. Normally Jo and I like to have something booked to tide us over but time was against us. Our first choice was to stay in a hostel in the heart of Mackay called Gecko's. Sadly they were fully booked but they recommended a motel called Cool Palms. After a quick phone call we had somewhere sorted. The lady on the other end offered to pick us up as it was too far to carry all our luggage. Once there we were reminded of the motel we stayed in near Ballarat in '08 where we panned for gold. However, this time we weren't greeted with a loaf of bread and a pint of milk...! We dropped off our bags and headed out. We jumped onto the free tour bus that takes you to all the important places in Mackay. We decided to get off at the marina and have a wander around.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlsoRKduSI/AAAAAAAAINc/sJSzga1daDk/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlsoRKduSI/AAAAAAAAINc/sJSzga1daDk/s320/IMG_0964.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKls9ZEI2_I/AAAAAAAAINg/iUnfQDsIOfA/s1600/IMG_0966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKls9ZEI2_I/AAAAAAAAINg/iUnfQDsIOfA/s320/IMG_0966.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKltQ8e9BdI/AAAAAAAAINk/ozOB6ITQOXM/s1600/IMG_0973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKltQ8e9BdI/AAAAAAAAINk/ozOB6ITQOXM/s320/IMG_0973.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The next stop was the main town. There isn't that much to see in Mackay but it does have a good choice of restaurants. With it being my birthday, we thought it would be nice to treat ourselves to a meal in the evening. After much deliberating we ended up booking a table at a Mexican called Montezuma's. We finished looking around the shops and headed back for a much needed shower. The room had air conditioning which was nice, even if it did sound like it was about to take off! Once ready we both laughed as it looked as if we had been there for a week. All of our luggage was spread about the room giving it the 'make yourselves at home' look - one thing you can't do when backpacking! Jo booked a taxi to the restaurant as we remembered it was quite a walk. The meal was gorgeous. I had enchiladas and Jo had tortilla chips with her favourite side, guacamole (for a change). We then shared a chocolate sundae to tide us over, yummy!</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKly7aT4sTI/AAAAAAAAINs/4jvHfQczbo4/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKly7aT4sTI/AAAAAAAAINs/4jvHfQczbo4/s320/IMG_0988.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">With such a filling meal weighing us down, we continued our plan to 'stroll' back to the motel and help burn some of it off...two hours and a scenic tour later we were back, oops! I still don't know to this day how far we actually walked. What I do know is that once you pass Macca's three times and nearly wade through a random marsh it's time to get a taxi. But with the two of us being tight as snare drums we needed to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even if the light is a random off licence pointing us around the corner!! Anyway, it was a nice way to finish off the evening and it made it a birthday to remember.</div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The following day was another chill out day. We wandered to the tourist information to book some bits for the next few days. One of the guys Jo worked with in Brisbane recommended a company called Fantasea. They offer different tours around the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. We ended up choosing a package consisting of three trips rolled into two days. The lady was very helpful and also sorted out our Greyhound bus to Airlie Beach which is the gateway to the Whitsundays.</div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We spent the rest of the day exploring the remaining parts of Mackay.</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKl7NbTh24I/AAAAAAAAIN0/91T3K3lrct4/s1600/IMG_0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKl7NbTh24I/AAAAAAAAIN0/91T3K3lrct4/s320/IMG_0992.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKl7jAtlqSI/AAAAAAAAIN4/6BN0u3IzRN0/s1600/IMG_0994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKl7jAtlqSI/AAAAAAAAIN4/6BN0u3IzRN0/s320/IMG_0994.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Mackay is currently undergoing work near the river. We did manage to find the start of the boardwalk amongst all the scaffolding and machinery. It weaved around the river and took us away from the town. Halfway through the walk Jo read a sign warning walkers about crazy magpies. Jo's friend Lloyd was attacked by a murder of magpies (maybe that's where they get their collective name from). He said they swooped down while he was out riding his bike. He had to abandon his bike and take cover. Sounds crazy but we weren't going to be victims of this fiasco. We both grabbed ourselves a stick each just as a deterrent. Luckily we didn't get attacked, but we did enjoy the walk which eventually looped back to our motel. A pizza and a film finished the day off nicely.</div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">As we jumped on the Greyhound the following day we looked forward to seeing more of the north than we did last time. A hostel named Magnums was going to be our place for the night, as it was a recommendation from a friend on The Rock Tour. Before we booked the room we were aware it had an en suite which sounded flash. It was far from flash. There were ten beds and only one shower - we weren't looking forward to the following morning! We decided to get some fresh air and see what Airlie had to offer. We came to the conclusion it was like a smaller version of Surfers Paradise but without the high-risers.</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmHm74B3FI/AAAAAAAAIOA/2txRl3inFUg/s1600/IMG_0996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmHm74B3FI/AAAAAAAAIOA/2txRl3inFUg/s320/IMG_0996.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmH8my1xWI/AAAAAAAAIOI/d663ZkgEokk/s1600/IMG_1005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmH8my1xWI/AAAAAAAAIOI/d663ZkgEokk/s320/IMG_1005.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmHyUqiGiI/AAAAAAAAIOE/VPwRqyU1RFs/s1600/IMG_0998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmHyUqiGiI/AAAAAAAAIOE/VPwRqyU1RFs/s320/IMG_0998.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">That night in the dorm was very hot. Even though it states that all rooms are air conditioned our particular room was like a sweat box. We had to keep nipping out just to cool off! It was a hard night's sleep made worse the next morning by having to wait for eight people to shower before we even got a look in. Jo decided that night showers were the way forward! The rest of that day was spent killing time along the one and only road that is Airlie. With our tour being over the next two days, we decided to have one last chill out day...</div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">6am was wake up time the following morning. The bus was to pick us up from just outside the hostel at 7am. Today was the day to visit two main attractions in the Whitsundays - Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach. Our tour company, Fantasea, are located about 20 minutes out of Airlie at Shute Harbour. As we got off the bus we could see our boat in the distance.</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmQEvv_yeI/AAAAAAAAIOQ/34DBgg1c0VY/s1600/IMG_1024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmQEvv_yeI/AAAAAAAAIOQ/34DBgg1c0VY/s320/IMG_1024.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">As we entered the vessell we grabbed ourselves some complimentary toast for breakfast. Food was part of the package giving us one less thing to worry about. The first stop was Hamilton Island. Out of all the islands it is the second biggest inhabited one. The first one being Whitsunday Island, which was also on the agenda that day. The journey only took 30 minutes which would have been OK if it wasn't for the ups 'n' downs - Jo went a bit white! After stepping off at Hamilton we could see why it was so popular. Everything was in pristine condition with the whole island looking like a massive holiday resort. It may not appeal to some people, but we felt like celebs for the day.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmgXi4JV_I/AAAAAAAAIOk/7R2RKrE3IVg/s1600/IMG_1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmgXi4JV_I/AAAAAAAAIOk/7R2RKrE3IVg/s320/IMG_1049.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmgjTNmxBI/AAAAAAAAIOo/3b1cNR61K-s/s1600/IMG_1050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmgjTNmxBI/AAAAAAAAIOo/3b1cNR61K-s/s320/IMG_1050.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKs-KwVtaAI/AAAAAAAAIPk/sUu4GzcK-mM/s1600/IMG_1048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKs-KwVtaAI/AAAAAAAAIPk/sUu4GzcK-mM/s320/IMG_1048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">The best way to get around the island is in a golf buggy. It cost about $50 for a couple of hours. We liked the sound of it but thought we would just stick to walking.</div></div></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmjV5mhKiI/AAAAAAAAIO0/FZxLf5tzXVI/s1600/IMG_1060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmjV5mhKiI/AAAAAAAAIO0/FZxLf5tzXVI/s320/IMG_1060.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">The majority of buggies were zooming up the hill to go to the lookout or to Catseye Beach. We went to the latter. To access the beach you had to walk through the entrance to the main resort. Just as we arrived there were a number of people stood around which looked like a film crew. We had in fact walked into the middle of a film set. There wasn't much happening but we managed to squeeze past during a break!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmmEB8gfII/AAAAAAAAIO8/fWqIHaBBy3E/s1600/IMG_1072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKmmEB8gfII/AAAAAAAAIO8/fWqIHaBBy3E/s320/IMG_1072.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div>Catseye beach was glorious. There were less than 10 people on the beach making it seem more exotic and special. There were a few people snorkelling in the sea and some guests just chilling out on sun loungers. Jo and I took in the great view before we heeded towards the lookout.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKsv3HzZvnI/AAAAAAAAIPE/9VR_hvYQCbQ/s1600/IMG_1030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKsv3HzZvnI/AAAAAAAAIPE/9VR_hvYQCbQ/s320/IMG_1030.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKsv-NPdBiI/AAAAAAAAIPI/7NCT4U19mP4/s1600/IMG_1031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKsv-NPdBiI/AAAAAAAAIPI/7NCT4U19mP4/s320/IMG_1031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>As we reached the lookout, which is called One Tree Hill (just for Jen), we were greeted with a fantastic view out to sea. We were so fortunate with the weather as it made Hamilton Island look very tropical. We could see more islands in the distance which we worked out were Long Island and Daydream Island. You would need a lot of time if you wanted to see all 74 of them...!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKsylLwE0ZI/AAAAAAAAIPQ/GIs7hJyIA4E/s1600/IMG_1043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKsylLwE0ZI/AAAAAAAAIPQ/GIs7hJyIA4E/s320/IMG_1043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Hamilton Island truly is a gorgeous destination. There is plenty to do for couples and even kids. Just from looking around we gathered that most of the accommodation was probably holiday homes belonging to rich Aussies who escape here once in a while. They too have golf buggies. But with breathtaking scenery and friendly locals who can blame them?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKs3BgM4xxI/AAAAAAAAIPY/KwrMzaI0xwc/s1600/IMG_1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKs3BgM4xxI/AAAAAAAAIPY/KwrMzaI0xwc/s320/IMG_1068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKs3LDe_LcI/AAAAAAAAIPc/l0E2h1Yz-cA/s1600/IMG_1070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKs3LDe_LcI/AAAAAAAAIPc/l0E2h1Yz-cA/s320/IMG_1070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Before boarding the boat I quickly squeezed into my hula dress for a quick pic!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtBhAIhFPI/AAAAAAAAIPs/GydPNrXfmIo/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtBhAIhFPI/AAAAAAAAIPs/GydPNrXfmIo/s320/IMG_1058.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The next stop was Whitehaven Beach. Due to a few heavy winds it was going to take over an hour to get there. Jo didn't look too happy after the journey in. Before we left shore a big buffet was put on downstairs for everyone. It was pretty impressive and filled both our empty tummies. After we finished Jo and I sat upstairs for some fresh air. While we were sitting some guy came up the stairs with a plate full of food. A big gust later and he lost half his salad. Gutted!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtCTvWvLuI/AAAAAAAAIPw/GkoAm3kSJqg/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtCTvWvLuI/AAAAAAAAIPw/GkoAm3kSJqg/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The journey to Whitehaven Beach may have taken longer than scheduled but it was worth it. Just as we stepped off the boat we could see the white sand stretching for miles up the beach. Alongside it was the clearest water I have ever seen which proved popular with everyone.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtFhU44L5I/AAAAAAAAIP4/iZGJS-PWGZQ/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtFhU44L5I/AAAAAAAAIP4/iZGJS-PWGZQ/s320/IMG_1097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtFmVsowiI/AAAAAAAAIP8/owbyUNTqNQ0/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtFmVsowiI/AAAAAAAAIP8/owbyUNTqNQ0/s320/IMG_1100.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The sand is 98% pure silica, which is so pure it can be used to make glass! The beach is located on Whitsunday Island which is the biggest of all the islands making Hamilton Island the second. Lots of different tour companies offer trips there by boat or even plane. There was one plane which we watched take off from the water like something from James Bond! During our time, I made the most of the luscious water and had a rewarding swim.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtJhl671rI/AAAAAAAAIQc/l4-YEVbeqr8/s1600/IMG_1134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtJhl671rI/AAAAAAAAIQc/l4-YEVbeqr8/s320/IMG_1134.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Along the beach numerous activities were taking place including volleyball and cricket. Jo and I enjoyed a nice walk whilst taking it all in and grabbing some last pics.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtNgMsNhZI/AAAAAAAAIQ4/6ivTfNA4Vu0/s1600/IMG_1119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtNgMsNhZI/AAAAAAAAIQ4/6ivTfNA4Vu0/s320/IMG_1119.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtKi-SYL2I/AAAAAAAAIQk/4TqdCDboVsk/s1600/IMG_1115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtKi-SYL2I/AAAAAAAAIQk/4TqdCDboVsk/s320/IMG_1115.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtKonDRC2I/AAAAAAAAIQo/NkIjC1OxrD0/s1600/IMG_1121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKtKonDRC2I/AAAAAAAAIQo/NkIjC1OxrD0/s320/IMG_1121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Both islands proved to be a lovely day out. Our favourite was Hamilton Island and we said how we would love to go back there one time and book a room at the resort! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next day was all about the Great Barrier Reef. Again, we were picked up from our hostel at 7am and dropped off at Shute Harbour. We both noticed how windy it was compared to the day before but didn't think much more about it. About 10 minutes later one of the crew approached us to say that it was too windy and the tour was no more. As you can guess, Jo and I were pretty gutted. They offered to take people to Hamilton Island free of charge but we decided to get our refund and head back to Airlie Beach. We both grabbed a coffee and discussed what we should do with the day as it would seem a waste to just do nothing. After popping into a travel agent we decided to see another one of the Whitsunday Islands - Daydream Island. It seemed the best choice and it gave us a chance to get the most out of being at Airlie Beach. The ferry was leaving from the harbour at midday and would take 30 minutes. With the wind being quite strong the ride over was quite choppy making the island look dramatic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxcqr8k1VI/AAAAAAAAIRA/5PIy11FgTiY/s1600/IMG_1173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxcqr8k1VI/AAAAAAAAIRA/5PIy11FgTiY/s320/IMG_1173.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is a really small island but, like Hamilton, there are golf buggies to help you get a round. Again, we agreed to walk especially as we did the forest walk which was anti buggies! The walk lasted 20 minutes and looped around to a coral beach called Lovers Cove, cute. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxhTLRtalI/AAAAAAAAIRQ/F_WDiufgw9g/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxhTLRtalI/AAAAAAAAIRQ/F_WDiufgw9g/s320/IMG_1178.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were only a few people there which made it more welcoming for us. It looked like snorkelling was the thing to do there. I hired two kits from the beach and we were ready to go. Previous to us coming up to Airlie Beach I bought a case for my camera to help take photos underwater. The water was lovely and clear and the case proved to be a very good buy...!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxg3N6Sl4I/AAAAAAAAIRI/NoFB3UHJ7lI/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxg3N6Sl4I/AAAAAAAAIRI/NoFB3UHJ7lI/s320/IMG_1229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxg8sRDbvI/AAAAAAAAIRM/SW3mYMEmk8g/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxg8sRDbvI/AAAAAAAAIRM/SW3mYMEmk8g/s320/IMG_1234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We spent about an hour in the water snorkelling and testing out the camera. It has got us excited about eventually snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef...third time lucky!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxjduMjHnI/AAAAAAAAIRY/kXB0ShT5WlA/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxjduMjHnI/AAAAAAAAIRY/kXB0ShT5WlA/s320/IMG_1182.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxjjfNB_lI/AAAAAAAAIRc/w1yzXHXOsq4/s1600/IMG_1210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxjjfNB_lI/AAAAAAAAIRc/w1yzXHXOsq4/s320/IMG_1210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxjoJlxhHI/AAAAAAAAIRg/l0II6j_qKfg/s1600/IMG_1250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxjoJlxhHI/AAAAAAAAIRg/l0II6j_qKfg/s320/IMG_1250.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxjt4cU-3I/AAAAAAAAIRk/HE4Ljnqbl74/s1600/IMG_1254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxjt4cU-3I/AAAAAAAAIRk/HE4Ljnqbl74/s320/IMG_1254.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We spent the rest of that day just relaxing by the pool and getting out last photos. The mermaid statues on Mermaid Beach are there to tell the story of when they lured Captain Cook's ships when he was heading north through the Whitsundays.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxmezygovI/AAAAAAAAIRs/ngnqgXrVChQ/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxmezygovI/AAAAAAAAIRs/ngnqgXrVChQ/s320/IMG_1286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxmliaU46I/AAAAAAAAIRw/4j9IxvfNUvw/s1600/IMG_1292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxmliaU46I/AAAAAAAAIRw/4j9IxvfNUvw/s320/IMG_1292.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxmtD3dNgI/AAAAAAAAIR0/XSX7QeN8NKQ/s1600/IMG_1299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKxmtD3dNgI/AAAAAAAAIR0/XSX7QeN8NKQ/s320/IMG_1299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The two days after that were spent travelling back to Brisbane before heading back to sunny England. All we have now is to look forward to the 40 hour journey home...!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So there you have it - Our year down under. We both have enjoyed every single second over here and it has been a pleasure to share it with friends and family at home. It is one big tick off the bucket list and we now have to get back into our normal lives and plan for our wedding next year...! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">THANK YOU AND GOOD BYE X X X X</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div></div></div></div>danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-89857561140581209222010-10-04T05:32:00.000+01:002010-10-04T05:32:25.108+01:00More than just a rockAfter flying over nothing for hours, we eventually spotted civilisation amongst the red dirt. Being situated 1530km from Adelaide, its nearest major city, and pretty much smack bang in the middle of Australia, it's easy to see why few travellers make the epic pilgrimage to see Uluru (formally known as Ayers Rock). However, seeing as we failed to make it to the Northern Territory in 2008, we decided it was a journey we had to make this time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlGEgMP8oI/AAAAAAAAIKo/24SVhaYg-TU/s1600/IMG_0960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlGEgMP8oI/AAAAAAAAIKo/24SVhaYg-TU/s320/IMG_0960.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>As soon as Dan and I stepped off the plane we could feel the difference in the climate. Although it was significantly hotter than Melbourne, it was a pleasant, dry heat - not what we had been expecting (we'd been warned of 40 degrees+ temperatures and hundreds of mozzies). In fact, once we started talking to a few people who were in the know we realised we'd actually been incredibly fortunate with the weather. Apparently Alice Springs had experienced horrific storms the previous week, resulting in the normally dry Todd River actually flowing (to be fair it was more of a trickle, but the Alice Springians were pretty excited).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlGQSk-u0I/AAAAAAAAIKs/wUi1nhKcfds/s1600/IMG_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlGQSk-u0I/AAAAAAAAIKs/wUi1nhKcfds/s320/IMG_0587.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We were staying at a tiny, quirky little hostel called Alice's Secret. The weather stone that greeted us made us chuckle!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlGv59IsyI/AAAAAAAAIKw/AVu6mLbuzN8/s1600/IMG_0613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlGv59IsyI/AAAAAAAAIKw/AVu6mLbuzN8/s320/IMG_0613.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>After checking in we had just one day to explore the town, so we wasted no time and headed over the bridge into the centre. I might as well be honest, it was a bit of a culture shock after living in the city. Alice is still highly populated by Australian Aborigines, who live on the surrounding land and often come into the town to use the amenities. There still seems to be a great deal of hostility between Westerners and the Aborigines, making walking around the town a bit daunting if you're not used to it.<br />
According to our trusted Lonely Planet, Anzac Hill is the best place to get a great view of Alice. They were right - at the top you can see for literally hundreds of miles. It's insane to look in every direction and see nothing but dust and the odd tree. Once at the summit we could see just how small Alice Springs really is (it has an estimated population of just 26000).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlG_LH3MAI/AAAAAAAAIK0/5etQYyYZVgY/s1600/IMG_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlG_LH3MAI/AAAAAAAAIK0/5etQYyYZVgY/s320/IMG_0575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We then decided to do the river walk, following the Todd River back to the hostel. Even after all the rain, the majority of the river bed was still visible. The fact that most of the roads cross the river (and not via a bridge!) shows that water is a rare occurrence!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlHJLpu2PI/AAAAAAAAIK4/DJRJI8whdkQ/s1600/IMG_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlHJLpu2PI/AAAAAAAAIK4/DJRJI8whdkQ/s320/IMG_0585.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlHTZMyhvI/AAAAAAAAIK8/JF7qTX1tbVQ/s1600/IMG_0594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlHTZMyhvI/AAAAAAAAIK8/JF7qTX1tbVQ/s320/IMG_0594.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>That evening Wayne, the hostel owner, recommended that we climb the hill behind the botanical gardens to get a great view of the sunset. So, at about 5pm we set off towards the gardens. We pottered around for a while, before tackling the climb. It didn't take us long to reach the top. Wayne had said that the gardens would be closed after sunset, so we would have to find an alternative route down. We spent a little while looking around, but there didn't seem to be an obvious path. We decided to chance it and go back down the way we'd come up, hoping that we'd be able to jump the fence at the bottom!<br />
Whilst waiting for the sun to go down we spotted a cute little wallaby. He didn't seem remotely scared of us, and Dan was able to get pretty close as he was nibbling on a tree.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlHhahz9wI/AAAAAAAAILA/kqtw01oBfe0/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlHhahz9wI/AAAAAAAAILA/kqtw01oBfe0/s320/IMG_0629.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The sunset didn't disappoint. The colours were fantastic behind the red mountains in the distance. Dan went into overdrive with the camera, trying to get some arty shots. I think he succeeded!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlHvBlsk2I/AAAAAAAAILE/_lQ5r0BjZMA/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlHvBlsk2I/AAAAAAAAILE/_lQ5r0BjZMA/s320/IMG_0642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlH21HEilI/AAAAAAAAILI/sDHDJ-vnCDg/s1600/IMG_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlH21HEilI/AAAAAAAAILI/sDHDJ-vnCDg/s1600/IMG_0637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Luckily when we climbed down there was still a ranger in the gardens so we were able to sneak out through the open gate.<br />
The following day we were picked up bright and early from our accommodation, as we were off on a three day tour to see Uluru. Most people tend to think of Alice Springs and Uluru as being pretty near to each other. In fact, it is a good five hour drive to get into the 'real' outback, where Uluru is situated.<br />
On our first pit stop, once the sun had come up, we were able to get a good look at the swags that were to be our beds for the next two nights. It was hard to believe that the small bundle of cloth was all that would protect us from potential snakes, spiders and dingoes!! Scary stuff.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlI0V7KJYI/AAAAAAAAILQ/EC5RELxb1IA/s1600/IMG_0661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlI0V7KJYI/AAAAAAAAILQ/EC5RELxb1IA/s320/IMG_0661.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>There was no 'breaking in gently' on this tour. After another couple of hours we were all bundled out at Kings Canyon and told we would be climbing Heart Attack Hill (this is its actual name) before carrying onto the 6km hike around the rim of the gorge.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlJFKdBjEI/AAAAAAAAILU/ArR9YBoWk9I/s1600/IMG_0673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlJFKdBjEI/AAAAAAAAILU/ArR9YBoWk9I/s320/IMG_0673.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlJkhTXnhI/AAAAAAAAILY/ctTcs3wPr10/s1600/IMG_0674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlJkhTXnhI/AAAAAAAAILY/ctTcs3wPr10/s320/IMG_0674.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlL0XSlxAI/AAAAAAAAILw/zduLJdk8Wac/s1600/IMG_0710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlL0XSlxAI/AAAAAAAAILw/zduLJdk8Wac/s320/IMG_0710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Throughout the walk we stopped at various points where our tour guide, Skip, talked about the landscape, aborigines and wildlife. It was all very interesting. Dan was particularly intrigued by the Ghost Gum Tree and its ability to amputate its own branches as and when needed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlLKcacIEI/AAAAAAAAILk/9AOcoa1AnD0/s1600/IMG_0687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlLKcacIEI/AAAAAAAAILk/9AOcoa1AnD0/s320/IMG_0687.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a long walk in the heat we were rewarded with a lunch stop at the Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole surrounded by plants. Normally the tour consists of a swim here but, despite the fact the sun was out, the water was still freezing. However, in the 40 degree heat of the summer, I can understand why tourists have been seen running down the steps and jumping in fully-clothed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlLbK6mLGI/AAAAAAAAILo/OfT82-KM99Q/s1600/IMG_0692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlLbK6mLGI/AAAAAAAAILo/OfT82-KM99Q/s320/IMG_0692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlLoq3jrnI/AAAAAAAAILs/PFIvFGu1dsI/s1600/IMG_0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlLoq3jrnI/AAAAAAAAILs/PFIvFGu1dsI/s320/IMG_0694.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before setting up camp we had to stop en route to collect firewood. Everyone got stuck right is, ripping down dead trees. One girl who was dressed all in white (who wears white in the outback??) literally looked like a chimney sweep by the end!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlMGXVfqTI/AAAAAAAAIL0/PdF8niyJC-U/s1600/IMG_0729.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlMGXVfqTI/AAAAAAAAIL0/PdF8niyJC-U/s1600/IMG_0729.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Along with the other 'vego' (veggie!!) I was drafted in as a cook for the evening and got stuck in chopping veg for the bean chilli. It smelt delicious and everyone tucked in as soon as it was ready - all that walking had made us hungry.</div>We had a lovely evening around the camp fire. After spending the day together we had all started to bond and had a good laugh trying to play the didgeridoo. After dinner Dan was recruited to help with the washing up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlMuJP7McI/AAAAAAAAIL4/OKllMUnG6t0/s1600/IMG_0741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlMuJP7McI/AAAAAAAAIL4/OKllMUnG6t0/s320/IMG_0741.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlN7UZxY4I/AAAAAAAAIMA/V7ZUSz1m9MY/s1600/IMG_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlN7UZxY4I/AAAAAAAAIMA/V7ZUSz1m9MY/s320/IMG_0745.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>By about 10pm we were all shattered and, after a ridiculously detailed demonstration from Skip on how to get into a swag ('you mean we don't climb in head first??'), we bunked down for our first night under the stars.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlOGCF3OeI/AAAAAAAAIME/EXm8b4j-GG0/s1600/IMG_0878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlOGCF3OeI/AAAAAAAAIME/EXm8b4j-GG0/s320/IMG_0878.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I slept surprisingly well considering the circumstances and didn't really want to get out of my swag when Skip came round at 5am to say breakfast was served. On the tiny camp stove he had made porridge and heated up a big pot of water for us all to have a cup of coffee (we needed it!) However, with only 'bush toilets' I was a bit reluctant to have too many cups!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlOogbO9gI/AAAAAAAAIMI/MpKOWy0fQMw/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlOogbO9gI/AAAAAAAAIMI/MpKOWy0fQMw/s320/IMG_0750.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Once we had watched the sunrise over our camp and packed away our 'beds' it was straight back on the bus, as we had another action packed day ahead of us. A short drive brought us the Kata Tjuta or The Olgas, as the large rock formation is sometimes known. The name means 'many heads' and the sacred site is a key element in many aboriginal legends.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlO3ctv-0I/AAAAAAAAIMM/raddE8zqBmY/s1600/IMG_0768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlO3ctv-0I/AAAAAAAAIMM/raddE8zqBmY/s320/IMG_0768.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The first part of our walk took us through The Valley of the Winds. This part was particularly dramatic, due to the sheer scale of the rocks around us. I had to keep looking up, as I was so blown away (no pun intended!) by the landscape.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlPMNC2eII/AAAAAAAAIMQ/93K-oe_T3LA/s1600/IMG_0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlPMNC2eII/AAAAAAAAIMQ/93K-oe_T3LA/s320/IMG_0780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Along the walk Skip got us to sit down whilst he showed us all the different types of ochre that can be found in the area. On his make-shift pallette he mixed up eight shades and demonstrated them on one of the tour party's arm. With all these paints at their fingertips it's easy to see why the aborigines are so into their art.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlPlacU4-I/AAAAAAAAIMY/jkbqS8Txrtc/s1600/IMG_0769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlPlacU4-I/AAAAAAAAIMY/jkbqS8Txrtc/s320/IMG_0769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Halfway round the walk we were given the option to take the long way back, which we chose, which gave us the opportunity to see the rock formation from the other side. We walked round with fellow brits Joe and Lyn, having a good gossip about things we miss from home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlPvgIJaeI/AAAAAAAAIMc/n6IDVf-eewU/s1600/IMG_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlPvgIJaeI/AAAAAAAAIMc/n6IDVf-eewU/s320/IMG_0783.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Lunch consisted of a weird mix of pretty much everything from the bus, thrown together under the wide umbrella of 'fajitas'. We were all starving though, after the long walk, and thoroughly enjoyed it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlP5mu1oOI/AAAAAAAAIMg/MgCQ08ZIl7M/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlP5mu1oOI/AAAAAAAAIMg/MgCQ08ZIl7M/s320/IMG_0802.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>All full up and raring to go again, we jumped on the bus in the direction of the old girl herself - Uluru. Standing 348m high and measuring 9.4km in circumference, it's hard not to be impressed by Australia's most recognisable natural icon. Like when I first saw the Eiffel Tower or the Opera House it didn't look real, more like a cardboard cut-out on the horizon. It's hard to describe the magnitude of the significance (both physically and spiritually) of this giant rock. The aboriginal people fought hard for this sacred area and in 1985 the government returned ownership to them. To this day a great deal of controversy surrounds the rock, and climbing it is severely frowned upon and in many areas you are banned from taking photographs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlQLLq26GI/AAAAAAAAIMk/q69KhF9n37c/s1600/IMG_0833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlQLLq26GI/AAAAAAAAIMk/q69KhF9n37c/s320/IMG_0833.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Even before Skip gave us a great long talk about how we really shouldn't climb it, I had already made up my mind not to. However, this decision was not based on any moral guilt. I took one look at the rickety old chain going off at practically a 90 degree angle and decided I'd probably break my neck if I so much as tried to reach it, let alone hang onto it to pull myself up the side of Uluru!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlQVJvm1jI/AAAAAAAAIMo/FwODaPSsVkc/s1600/IMG_0826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlQVJvm1jI/AAAAAAAAIMo/FwODaPSsVkc/s320/IMG_0826.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlQn0xNzKI/AAAAAAAAIMs/DFVdIMFhgSo/s1600/IMG_0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlQn0xNzKI/AAAAAAAAIMs/DFVdIMFhgSo/s320/IMG_0815.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>At around 5pm we headed to the sunset viewing area to make sure we got a good spot for when Uluru had her moment of glory. As luck would have it there was still a big picnic bench free, so we took up camp for the next hour or so.<br />
Honestly, you would think we were about to watch an eclipse. The number of people (around 400!!) that turn up every day to watch the changing colours over the rock is absolutely staggering. One of the resorts offers a champagne supper for its guests. It seemed utterly ridiculous watching the waiters setting tables and chairs in the middle of the desert. I wonder what the aborigines make of all this. I can't imagine it sits well at all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlQ1vM89QI/AAAAAAAAIMw/vwb5aRi9MXY/s1600/IMG_0857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlQ1vM89QI/AAAAAAAAIMw/vwb5aRi9MXY/s320/IMG_0857.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>However, along with all the other spectators we 'oohed and aahed' as the rock went from pink to yellow to orange and finally to red. Skip said that he never gets bored of watching this, as every night the colours are different, depending on the weather.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlRCAqRq5I/AAAAAAAAIM0/fGJp6zBvM04/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlRCAqRq5I/AAAAAAAAIM0/fGJp6zBvM04/s320/IMG_0867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlRKlY9A0I/AAAAAAAAIM4/nw6Ytm-tzlc/s1600/IMG_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlRKlY9A0I/AAAAAAAAIM4/nw6Ytm-tzlc/s320/IMG_0853.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Whilst we were marvelling at the beautiful sunset, Skip was cooking up a delicious noodle dish for our supper. After the chaos had died down and most of the tourists had got back onto their coaches to head back to their snug hotels, we tucked into our grub under the stars before heading to the official Uluru campsite (with toilets and showers!) for our second night.<br />
By now the whole group was getting on really well. A few people had gone to the shop to buy marshmallows, so we all had fun toasting them over the bonfire.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlST88XNTI/AAAAAAAAINE/e0tdTds5UUo/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlST88XNTI/AAAAAAAAINE/e0tdTds5UUo/s320/IMG_0875.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Dan and I were sat with the other poms, a Dutch girl and a French guy. Dan suggested we play the shopping game. It's basically a memory test where you go round in a circle, gradually adding things to an imaginary shopping list until someone can't remember all the items. This proved to be hilarious, as the Dutch girl didn't quite get the concept, buying things like 'a giraffe kidnapper' and, my personal favourite, 'trainers on fire'! What?!! It didn't matter though, as we all had great fun and all the giggling kept us nice and warm as the fire started to die out.<br />
After seeing a mouse run round the camp and people telling stories about how many dingoes live in the area, unsurprisingly I didn't sleep quite so well the second night and was pretty bleary-eyed when the wake-up call came at 5am.<br />
There was no time for a shower, as we were heading straight off to be at the viewing area in time for sunrise. Once we were in place Skip got to work on breakfast. The porridge and coffee tasted even better than the morning before. Once again, Dan was able to get some 'epics'.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlStGBQc5I/AAAAAAAAINI/ficAF2Iqug4/s1600/IMG_0881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlStGBQc5I/AAAAAAAAINI/ficAF2Iqug4/s320/IMG_0881.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlS7gtIO_I/AAAAAAAAINM/UD0Dr3FaZSs/s1600/IMG_0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlS7gtIO_I/AAAAAAAAINM/UD0Dr3FaZSs/s320/IMG_0920.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Revived, we were driven to Uluru, as it was time for the base walk - a gentle 9km around the foot of the rock. Compared to the strenuous hikes on the previous two days, this stroll in the sunshine was very enjoyable. Again, we walked with the fellow poms. I spent most of the time gossiping with a girl called Kirsty who, like us, has been over here for a year. Needless to say we had lots in common and plenty to chat about. We got on so well that, every now and again, we had to keep looking up to remind ourselves where we were! The two hour walk went by in a flash!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlTahrh2uI/AAAAAAAAINQ/uPtwiB1K4ts/s1600/IMG_0927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlTahrh2uI/AAAAAAAAINQ/uPtwiB1K4ts/s320/IMG_0927.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>At the end of the walk we were greeted with a tray of cakes and ice cream. Well, I say 'ice cream' but under the sun, to be fair, it was more just cream. However, it still went down nicely.<br />
On the long drive back to Alice Springs we stopped off at a camel farm. Although camels are obviously not native to Australia, they have been in the area since the 1840s and many farms offer camel rides for tourists. Dan and I decided to opt out, as we thought it didn't really fit in with the rest of the trip (we'll save it for if we ever go to Egypt!). A few of the party joined in though and seemed to have a good time.<br />
Back in Alice Springs, we were all dropped off at our accommodation. We were told we had two hours to have a much needed shower and to meet back at the Rock Bar later that evening. Most people were unrecognisable in their glad rags and make-up! We had a table reserved and had a fantastic evening chatting about the past three days. Lots of email addresses were exchanged and we are hoping to keep in contact with our pommie chums once we get back to the UK. All in all it was a wonderful adventure and I would recommend The Rock Tour company to anyone wishing to visit Uluru but who doesn't want to blow half their budget getting there!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlTo5gnrZI/AAAAAAAAINU/KqAoZf0Ib5I/s1600/IMG_0940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKlTo5gnrZI/AAAAAAAAINU/KqAoZf0Ib5I/s320/IMG_0940.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-49753324234106960582010-09-29T09:29:00.002+01:002010-10-01T11:52:14.322+01:00Shock to the system<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After a relaxing day on Stradbroke Island, we knew our last week in Brisbane would be full of packing and goodbyes. On Tuesday night we went out in the city to say fairwell to Joe and Steph. We met at an Irish bar to grab some food and a few drinks. Once we were there we realised we were in the middle of a quiz night...so for a laugh we jotted down a team name (Bananarama) onto a sheet and away we went. Unsurprisingly we didn’t come first, but saying that we didn’t come last either! All in all it was good fun and we finished it all off with a game of bowling. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;">The following day was my last shift at the bakery. Most of the guys were there, giving me chance to get some photos and exchange emails. My time at the bakery has been enjoyable and not only will I miss the people but also the yummy cupcakes that they make :)</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLwtuyvJnI/AAAAAAAAIE8/eJo-BClpAtE/s1600/IMG_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLwtuyvJnI/AAAAAAAAIE8/eJo-BClpAtE/s320/IMG_0509.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLxL3EkyPI/AAAAAAAAIFA/nmuNyCG7Ito/s1600/IMG_0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLxL3EkyPI/AAAAAAAAIFA/nmuNyCG7Ito/s320/IMG_0510.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLxi-Uqf0I/AAAAAAAAIFE/B8ZnMY8Vtk4/s1600/IMG_0511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLxi-Uqf0I/AAAAAAAAIFE/B8ZnMY8Vtk4/s320/IMG_0511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Jo finished work on Friday. Some of the crew weren’t working but they popped in to wish her well. She has enjoyed her time at the cafe over the past months and she can now make a mean coffee! They bought her a box of chocolates and gave her a postcard with messages on as a leaving present. She said she will miss the staff there as she got on really well with them however, the early shifts she won’t miss! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLvJT9zvLI/AAAAAAAAIEs/_DjPZQTfkLE/s1600/P9176777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLvJT9zvLI/AAAAAAAAIEs/_DjPZQTfkLE/s320/P9176777.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Friday evening was our last night in the house. After cooking our final meal and finishing off the biscuits it was time to pack. We both couldn’t believe how much we had accumulated since being over here. We just hoped we wouldn’t have any problems at the airport with baggage fees...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After a really good night’s sleep it was time to go. Before getting on the bus we gave one last wave to Morningside. We have really enjoyed our time in Brisbane and we now have lots of memories to take away with us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLvmN0RLnI/AAAAAAAAIEw/XE7LBVHFqNE/s1600/IMG_0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLvmN0RLnI/AAAAAAAAIEw/XE7LBVHFqNE/s320/IMG_0412.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLwSJnhW6I/AAAAAAAAIE4/wNHMmyAnZu8/s1600/IMG_0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLwSJnhW6I/AAAAAAAAIE4/wNHMmyAnZu8/s320/IMG_0416.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLv9KN0SfI/AAAAAAAAIE0/in7LhPoKgVM/s1600/IMG_0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLv9KN0SfI/AAAAAAAAIE0/in7LhPoKgVM/s320/IMG_0414.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Our next stop was Brisbane airport. We were flying with Tiger Airways to Melbourne as they are one of the cheapest airlines, and we were about to find out why. Whilst queuing to check in our luggage, we noticed a lot of people handing money over the counter. Once at the check-in desk the lady asked to weigh our luggage. We thought we would be OK as in the past no airline has weighed our carry on luggage or my laptop bag, giving us chance to spread our weight. However, Tiger weighed everything, even Jo’s handbag! We were informed it was $15 per kilo if you go over...$75 later and we were through. Oops!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The reason Melbourne was our next stop was to visit family. My dad has family there, who we visited last time. However, this time we planned to stay for a bit longer. We arrived at Melbourne airport just after 5pm. As we got off the plane we noticed a change in the temperature. Everyone had joked about how cold it is in Melbourne, however we didn’t believe them. Our last visit was in early 2008 and it was very hot. With summer just beginning over here we thought we would be OK. We were wrong. When you can see your own breath you know it’s cold! Jo and I both looked at each other in disbelief and darted for an extra layer. As we exited the terminal, Mark was there to greet us. The drive back to the house took just under an hour. We picked up the kids and headed off out. Mark said he was going to treat us to a meal so we headed off to a restaurant. It was a lovely meal and it gave us chance to have a catch up and talk about lots of different things. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">That night we had our own room which was attached to the house like an annex. It was good as it gave us both a chance to catch up on sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mark, Jane and the kids all live about an hour from Melbourne in a place called Beaconsfield. We thought we would spend most of Sunday just exploring the area as Mark said how similar it is to Devon. We headed off towards a pub which both Mark and Jane recommended. It was a really nice walk full of greenery and lots to see. Some parts reminded us of home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLx6_WT2tI/AAAAAAAAIFI/wTAF2YSMoI0/s1600/IMG_0518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLx6_WT2tI/AAAAAAAAIFI/wTAF2YSMoI0/s320/IMG_0518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Along the way we kept on talking about the sudden change in weather. One minute we’re all in shorts and the next we’re all wrapped up. It just goes to show how big this country really is.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLzLT4MXUI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/MD2ClNn3lQg/s1600/IMG_0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLzLT4MXUI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/MD2ClNn3lQg/s320/IMG_0528.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We stopped at a pub along the way to grab a worthy drink. This would hopefully give us enough energy for our short walk back (*cough*). The plan was to simply do a loop and approach the house from the other side. After one wrong turn we realised we were going the wrong way. It was too late to turn back so we just got on with it. It added another hour onto the journey but it gave us chance to take in some more scenery.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLynlocLwI/AAAAAAAAIFM/0YxcdIW_0ok/s1600/IMG_0524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLynlocLwI/AAAAAAAAIFM/0YxcdIW_0ok/s320/IMG_0524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">That evening Jane cooked lasagne for everyone. We spent another night talking about home and our time over here. We then huddled around the fire and watched a bit of telly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLzoan1mtI/AAAAAAAAIFU/ydcQsbqKFsA/s1600/IMG_0536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKLzoan1mtI/AAAAAAAAIFU/ydcQsbqKFsA/s320/IMG_0536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The following day Mark dropped us off at the train station and we parted. After tackling the ticket machine we jumped on the train and headed for the city. Once at the YHA we dropped off our luggage and headed out for some grub. Last month we noticed that there was an exhibition on in Melbourne featuring all the work of legendary film director Tim Burton (<i>The Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice </i>and<i> Batman</i>) With us being film fans we thought we would go along. Unfortunately we couldn’t take any photos but I managed to get a few before we went in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKL0t5lVcKI/AAAAAAAAIFc/c2pHNV_T1Qc/s1600/IMG_0548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKL0t5lVcKI/AAAAAAAAIFc/c2pHNV_T1Qc/s320/IMG_0548.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKL1JZer3WI/AAAAAAAAIFg/o7M8nikiuGg/s1600/IMG_0551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKL1JZer3WI/AAAAAAAAIFg/o7M8nikiuGg/s320/IMG_0551.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKL1lzvdMII/AAAAAAAAIFk/a_LTBXl5vII/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKL1lzvdMII/AAAAAAAAIFk/a_LTBXl5vII/s320/IMG_0552.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The whole exhibition was fascinating. They had everything in there from when he was a kid right up until his recent films. You can see from his early drawings that he had something special to offer. From poems to sketches all the way to costumes from Alice in Wonderland. It was all there. It was a pleasure to see and if it comes over to the UK we would highly recommend it!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKL172KCuHI/AAAAAAAAIFo/T8sA-JwmH-8/s1600/IMG_0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKL172KCuHI/AAAAAAAAIFo/T8sA-JwmH-8/s320/IMG_0556.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The rest of that day was spent pottering around. Because we had already spent a lot of time here in 2008 we just enjoyed taking it easy. One thing that wasn’t here last time was a ‘bike scheme’ that the city is trialing. Basically, you pop your card into the machine and select the duration and hey presto you have hired a bike. You can hire it from as little as 2 hours all the way up to a year! It all looked very impressive. I wonder if Barnstaple will ever get something similar...!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKL0KH4pUDI/AAAAAAAAIFY/3OZ_uzd_sEk/s1600/IMG_0544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TKL0KH4pUDI/AAAAAAAAIFY/3OZ_uzd_sEk/s320/IMG_0544.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Later that day we popped into a shoe shop as my trainers were in need of replacement. With my birthday being the following Sunday Jo said she would treat me to a new pair. It was still over five days away but I had something to look forward to after our visit to Alice Springs...!</span></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><o:p></o:p></span>danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-69869408849201482272010-09-16T11:16:00.000+01:002010-09-16T11:16:49.943+01:00From one island to anotherYet again we've had a busy weekend. With only a few weeks left before we fly home, we're desperately trying to see everything worth seeing around Brisbane.<br />
On Saturday night I dragged Dan along to see <i>Mamma Mia!</i> the musical at the QPAC theatre at South Brisbane. Well, I say 'dragged', but to be honest I think he was looking forward to it just as much as me (he's a bit of a closet Abba fan!!). I've seen the film, so knew what to expect, but I think Dan was pretty impressed with how the story and songs are tied together so well.<br />
We got to the show nice and early and had a drink in the bar beforehand. A member of staff handed us a leaflet about a free photoshoot that was going on upstairs, so we headed up to check it out. As a promotional stunt the network Optus were taking pictures of theatregoers in front of a green screen, and then superimposing them into various scenes from the show. Needless to say Dan and I joined in...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHkb02qnYI/AAAAAAAAIDU/pJiYZEnlf-w/s1600/3dc5ee6994255652338da360efb2a0c8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHkb02qnYI/AAAAAAAAIDU/pJiYZEnlf-w/s320/3dc5ee6994255652338da360efb2a0c8.jpg" /></a></div>The performance itself was mesmerising. I absolutely love musicals so laughed, sang and clapped my way through the entire show. As the 10th anniversary tour, many of the original cast had been drafted in, meaning that the standard was incredibly high. I literally could have watched it again, straight away!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHky0N_pMI/AAAAAAAAIDc/TDG1SJIJpbQ/s1600/IMG_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHky0N_pMI/AAAAAAAAIDc/TDG1SJIJpbQ/s320/IMG_0420.JPG" /></a></div>After the late night it was up at 5am to catch an early train to Cleveland, as we were spending the day on North Stradbroke Island (or 'Straddie', as it's known to the locals). From Cleveland we took the 30 minute water taxi across to the island, which is the second largest sand island in the world. Like Moreton Island, it is located in Moreton Bay. However, unlike the island we visited a few weeks ago, Straddie actually has a couple of roads! The boat dropped us at Dunwich and from there we caught the bus up to Point Lookout, the hub of the island.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHloaP8MBI/AAAAAAAAIDo/OXrdzOPvK-I/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHloaP8MBI/AAAAAAAAIDo/OXrdzOPvK-I/s320/IMG_0426.JPG" /></a></div>We found a cute little cafe and had coffee and toast for breakfast, before setting off on the Gorge Boardwalk around to Main Beach. The trail takes you high above the sea, with many purpose built viewing platforms for whale watching. However, we unfortunately didn't see any on our visit, although we were pleased to stand and watch hundreds of dolphins riding the waves. They are so cute!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHmZEJj0ZI/AAAAAAAAID0/5YRvV2sxZLM/s1600/IMG_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHmZEJj0ZI/AAAAAAAAID0/5YRvV2sxZLM/s320/IMG_0436.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHmg8Vz_aI/AAAAAAAAID8/2Fashgpq2zs/s1600/IMG_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHmg8Vz_aI/AAAAAAAAID8/2Fashgpq2zs/s320/IMG_0440.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHnXzvz9kI/AAAAAAAAIEE/6CCT5YVNz0Q/s1600/IMG_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHnXzvz9kI/AAAAAAAAIEE/6CCT5YVNz0Q/s320/IMG_0438.JPG" /></a></div>The view as we came round the corner to Main Beach took my breath away. The white sand stretched so far into the distance that it just petered out and blended into the skyline. We sat on the beach for a little while before heading off on another walk, this time along the beaches back in the direction the bus had taken us.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHoRXakX5I/AAAAAAAAIEQ/w-B4DZHcPrQ/s1600/IMG_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHoRXakX5I/AAAAAAAAIEQ/w-B4DZHcPrQ/s320/IMG_0447.JPG" /></a></div>When we got to Frenchman's Beach we stopped for a while to watch a surfer who was so good he had a guy on a jetski with him to take him out into the massive surf, to pick up waves.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHotqJEq9I/AAAAAAAAIEY/J4CZsXD4bKw/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHotqJEq9I/AAAAAAAAIEY/J4CZsXD4bKw/s320/IMG_0461.JPG" /></a></div>From there we walked all the way round the headland to Deadman's Beach, where Dan's foot had a fight with a rock and came off worse! Luckily, in the massive bag that Dan had been complaining about all day, I had wetwipes and plasters so was able to patch him back up. He didn't moan about the size of the bag after that!!<br />
Cylinder Beach is the most commercial of all the beaches, with lifeguards and a few holiday chalets. There were quite a few people here, as it was the only place where you were officially allowed to swim that day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHo_FYJZUI/AAAAAAAAIEg/LKu4vUg12FI/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TJHo_FYJZUI/AAAAAAAAIEg/LKu4vUg12FI/s320/IMG_0472.JPG" /></a></div>It was walking down to here that we saw a witchetty grub. It had fallen onto the path from a tree I think, and Dan accidentally kicked it! It was the most hideous looking thing I've ever seen so, even though Dan went mad with the camera, I'm not going to publish a picture of it on here! Anyone who's watched <i>I'm a Celebrity</i> will know what I'm talking about.<br />
At about 3pm we caught the bus back to Dunwich in time for the water taxi home. Although we didn't 'do' anything as such when we were on Straddie it was so nice to spend some time just chilling out in the sunshine.danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-29674585816016264422010-09-13T08:42:00.000+01:002010-09-13T08:42:11.889+01:00To Hell and BackOne place we have wanted to visit for some time is Noosa. It is located north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast. After Jo's run on Sunday we decided the weekend after was for us to get away and unwind. We caught the train at 5.30am from Morningside in order to make the most of the day. I felt sorry for Jo as this is the train she catches during the week and Saturdays are normally a lie in! The journey was going to be over three hours so we decided to break it up by stopping at Eumundi. This small town is host to a popular market which takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. We had both heard it was big but weren't sure how big. Once we hopped off the bus at Eumundi we realised there were between 550 and 600 stalls dotted around the town! On the left hand side were shops and cafés and over the road was the main attraction.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2WKQN79pI/AAAAAAAAH_8/Qn5S1PkwlHQ/s1600/September+%2710+(21).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2WKQN79pI/AAAAAAAAH_8/Qn5S1PkwlHQ/s320/September+%2710+(21).JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2V75phIgI/AAAAAAAAH_s/2U739R8hKXI/s1600/September+%2710+(17).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2V75phIgI/AAAAAAAAH_s/2U739R8hKXI/s320/September+%2710+(17).JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2WDiMqI-I/AAAAAAAAH_0/xzOBEQtt3F0/s1600/September+%2710+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2WDiMqI-I/AAAAAAAAH_0/xzOBEQtt3F0/s320/September+%2710+(6).JPG" /></a></div><div>There is lots to see and do at the markets. Each stall has something different to offer from homemade muffins, soap, jam, ginger beer, t-shirts, local art and even ironing board covers. You name it and it's (probably) there...!</div><div>Among all the stalls were different entertainers, including clairvoyants. One guy who stood out for me was a busker on a piano. He knocked out a few tunes and seemed popular with the locals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2XsAORmxI/AAAAAAAAIAI/_CLwYFvg6ug/s1600/September+%2710+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2XsAORmxI/AAAAAAAAIAI/_CLwYFvg6ug/s320/September+%2710+(15).JPG" /></a></div><div>We have seen lots of different markets in Australia. Eumundi is now another great addition to the list. We spent about four hours in total which was finished off with a look in the local Christmas shop. I think Jo wanted to get a quick festive fix after feeling like we missed one last year :(</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2bsmtYc5I/AAAAAAAAIAU/3y7Pd93XDY8/s1600/September+%2710+(24).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2bsmtYc5I/AAAAAAAAIAU/3y7Pd93XDY8/s320/September+%2710+(24).JPG" /></a></div><div>The bus took about an hour to get to Noosa Heads. Once we got off we could see our hostel for the night over the road. Inside we realised it was a YHA. The website didn't say anything about this but we have had good stays with them before... As we climbed the stairs, Jo sighed with relief as written on the steps was 'Please remove shoes after 11pm'. This was due to the noisy wooden floorboards. Our room was also occupied by two Germans who seemed friendly. This was good news as in the past we have shared rooms with some right fruit loops (I'm not kiddin'!)</div><div>We dropped off our luggage and headed out. Our map showed us different walks to do at Noosa National Park. The boardwalk was easy to find and off we went.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2kDphrFjI/AAAAAAAAIAg/YhMFpmdoXDs/s1600/September+%2710+(29).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2kDphrFjI/AAAAAAAAIAg/YhMFpmdoXDs/s320/September+%2710+(29).JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With names like Tea Tree Bay and Fairy Pools you can imagine what the scenery was like. However, Jo and I were heading for Hells Gates...!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2k1b-q-WI/AAAAAAAAIAo/ucfS75L9Nzs/s1600/September+%2710+(38).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2k1b-q-WI/AAAAAAAAIAo/ucfS75L9Nzs/s320/September+%2710+(38).JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2k-2_4NoI/AAAAAAAAIAw/r-ruy22LkRA/s1600/September+%2710+(27).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2k-2_4NoI/AAAAAAAAIAw/r-ruy22LkRA/s320/September+%2710+(27).JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">During our time over here we have encountered lots of different species, from the likes of spiders to kangaroos, possums, kookaburras and dingos. Another addition to the list is now a goanna lizard. About halfway through our walk one crawled out from the bushes and crossed our path. It glared at us before continuing its journey into the trees. Both of us were a little bit on edge after that as we weren't sure what else was nearby. It was pretty big...!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2ro_nXAUI/AAAAAAAAIA8/8MpA1HxDFAY/s1600/September+%2710+(37).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2ro_nXAUI/AAAAAAAAIA8/8MpA1HxDFAY/s320/September+%2710+(37).JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two hours of breathtaking views later and we arrived at Hells Gates. We were so lucky with the weather as it made the view even more amazing. We both sat and admired the view whilst trying to spot whales. The map showed the walk continuing around the coast but time was getting on. Instead we turned around and headed back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2yR-C5O_I/AAAAAAAAIBQ/9zzTzoiZnPQ/s1600/September+%2710+(46).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2yR-C5O_I/AAAAAAAAIBQ/9zzTzoiZnPQ/s320/September+%2710+(46).JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2yICeOr9I/AAAAAAAAIBI/lKW4xExvi2Q/s1600/September+%2710+(45).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2yICeOr9I/AAAAAAAAIBI/lKW4xExvi2Q/s320/September+%2710+(45).JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The walk back was lovely as the sun had started to set and the beach looked even more inviting. As we exited the National Park a group of tourists were pointing up a tree. We had a good idea what it was and we were right. Perched up a tree was a sleeping koala. It's fascinating how they can balance there and manage to sleep. This one wasn't as tame as the ones we saw on the Great Ocean Road in '08 however, it was still just as cute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI29AuB80_I/AAAAAAAAIBk/rujfQlIrbEw/s1600/September+%2710+(52).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI29AuB80_I/AAAAAAAAIBk/rujfQlIrbEw/s320/September+%2710+(52).JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI286NFezYI/AAAAAAAAIBc/PPqihg95ht4/s1600/September+%2710+(51).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI286NFezYI/AAAAAAAAIBc/PPqihg95ht4/s320/September+%2710+(51).JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We ended the day by grabbing some grub from Hog's Head followed by some ice-cream. A lovely end to the day.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Unfortunately the weather the next day wasn't as nice. It had rained all night and fortunately stopped by the time we checked out from the hostel. We treated ourselves to a sit down breakfast consisting of French toast and pancakes. We spent the rest of the morning pottering around the shops before another big walk.</div><div style="text-align: left;">We knew we had quite a bit of time before the bus left so we headed off towards Noosaville where we stumbled across a giant bird. Noosaville is the place to come for fish and chips and if you're lucky you might spot a pelican!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2_vls-2RI/AAAAAAAAIBw/ltK_y9j20so/s1600/September+%2710+(56).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI2_vls-2RI/AAAAAAAAIBw/ltK_y9j20so/s320/September+%2710+(56).JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This particular pelican has been there for over 30 years. In the last few years it has undergone a makeover. Along with its flapping wings and blinking eyes it can also move its bill. It is one of many 'big icons' found within Australia. Back in '08 we saw the big prawn which is located in Ballina just below Byron Bay.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Noosaville is very popular for boat hires and a great place to sit and watch them come in!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI3E2Qsn8mI/AAAAAAAAICE/8W5AWKLdSKY/s1600/September+%2710+(55).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI3E2Qsn8mI/AAAAAAAAICE/8W5AWKLdSKY/s320/September+%2710+(55).JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We thought it would be best to go via the lookout on our way back to Noosa Heads. The walk took us up a long hill which helped burn off our big breakfast! It was really quiet with only a couple of cars passing. Once there we were rewarded with a great view over Noosa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI3ASrTqpuI/AAAAAAAAIB4/NTI1VWt_ncc/s1600/September+%2710+(59).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI3ASrTqpuI/AAAAAAAAIB4/NTI1VWt_ncc/s320/September+%2710+(59).JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI3Hjnq2IWI/AAAAAAAAICQ/Dv5zBT_p9xQ/s1600/September+%2710+(61).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TI3Hjnq2IWI/AAAAAAAAICQ/Dv5zBT_p9xQ/s320/September+%2710+(61).JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The loop continued down another hill involving lots of steps and more wildlife. Once at the bottom we grabbed our luggage from the hostel and then sat down whilst eating Marmite scrolls until the bus came. Another lovely weekend away.</div>danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-58201584651420508712010-09-06T09:24:00.000+01:002010-09-06T09:24:34.962+01:00Jog on!As an incentive to keep fit, when we arrived in Brisbane I signed up for the Bridge to Brisbane fun run. This charity event takes place every August and attracts over 45,000 participants. There are two races - 10k and 5k (I chose the latter) - which follow the river through Hamilton, finishing at the Ekka showground in Bowen Hills.<br />
On the day of the race we walked from our house to the Citycat at Hawthorne, to catch the ferry up to the start of the race. Dan came along for moral support and to hold my water bottle, towel etc!<br />
I couldn't believe how crowded the Citycat was with runners, at one point I was worried we wouldn't even get on. The number of participants just from the Morningside area was alarming. As we docked at Hamilton we could see floods of people heading for the start line - this was going to be a bit different to Rock Park's Race for Life, I thought!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TISh1PZEimI/AAAAAAAAEVY/aKIRbX1Uen8/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TISh1PZEimI/AAAAAAAAEVY/aKIRbX1Uen8/s320/IMG_0279.JPG" /></a></div>At the start line there was a big stage with live music, plus lots of other entertainment and food stalls.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TISiQ3iWPGI/AAAAAAAAEVg/Oz_JoyJiZ1I/s1600/IMG_0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TISiQ3iWPGI/AAAAAAAAEVg/Oz_JoyJiZ1I/s320/IMG_0278.JPG" /></a></div>I made my way to the Orange Zone, for runners aiming to complete the course in less than 30 minutes. In front of us were the elite runners (under 20 minutes!!) and behind were the joggers and then the walkers. The sea of people lining up seemed to stretch for miles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TISimBbnxYI/AAAAAAAAEVo/EM-1aJmxYtU/s1600/IMG_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TISimBbnxYI/AAAAAAAAEVo/EM-1aJmxYtU/s320/IMG_0283.JPG" /></a></div>When the gun went off it was a bit of a slow start to get everyone through the narrow start line, and round the first bend. However, the microchips we had been given beforehand ensured we would all get an accurate recorded time. I still started my watch just in case though!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TISjX_fcqXI/AAAAAAAAEVw/Hv15MJcNt6k/s1600/IMG_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TISjX_fcqXI/AAAAAAAAEVw/Hv15MJcNt6k/s320/IMG_0289.JPG" /></a></div>It took until about 1k into the race to actually be able to run properly, without the risk of tripping someone up or vice versa. It was a great atmosphere though, with many people in fancy dress and spectators hanging over their balconies to cheer us on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TISjwKK_RtI/AAAAAAAAEV4/sSoDxMX9XxM/s1600/IMG_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TISjwKK_RtI/AAAAAAAAEV4/sSoDxMX9XxM/s320/IMG_0290.JPG" /></a></div>Although I'd done a fair bit of training for the race I didn't push myself too hard, as I didn't want to burn out in the extreme heat. Even though the race started at 9.40am, the sun was still very strong and the fact that the whole race was on the road made it pretty warm to say the least.<br />
As soon as Dan had watched the race he made his way to the Ekka showground to collect me. Despite getting on the bus straight away, he wasn't able to get there in time to see me finish.<br />
As soon as I crossed the finish line I headed straight for the 'cool down' tent - a shady area, with pipes spraying out a fine mist. I then collected my well-deserved finishers' t-shirt and tucked into the free watermelon!<br />
The time on my watch said I finished in 25 minutes 55 seconds, which I was very pleased with. I was worried that my official time would be over 25, as I'd fiddled with my watch during the race. However, my official time was 25.57 and my position was 519 which, considering the heat and how many people entered, was not bad at all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TISkRavu28I/AAAAAAAAEWA/gsI-JC0d8XY/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TISkRavu28I/AAAAAAAAEWA/gsI-JC0d8XY/s320/IMG_0298.JPG" /></a></div>danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-48417076839754854662010-08-26T11:47:00.000+01:002010-08-26T11:47:20.010+01:00Island life<div style="text-align: left;">The alarm went off at 4.15am. But it's <i>Saturday, </i>I thought, in my dreamy state. Then I remembered, we were catching my 'work train' in order to be at Roma Street station bright and early to start our Moreton Island adventure.</div><div style="text-align: left;">At 6.45am we were picked up in a 4x4 and driven to Moreton Bay to catch the Micat over to the island. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather - clear blue, and very still. The ideal conditions for a cruise across the Bay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTgmQ-OykI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/h0CLRc7k0Jo/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTgmQ-OykI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/h0CLRc7k0Jo/s320/IMG_0033.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTg38FtUnI/AAAAAAAAC9g/468jVr28ZXk/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTg38FtUnI/AAAAAAAAC9g/468jVr28ZXk/s320/IMG_0044.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">As we neared The Wrecks, where the Cat moors, we could see the beautiful expanse of white, sandy dunes coming into focus. Moreton is a sand island and has no roads, meaning the only way to get about is in 4x4s. It is also 95% National Park, so there are only a few tracks to avoid disturbing the wildlife and protected plants.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THThNqtpARI/AAAAAAAAC9o/dPdOG8uNcIE/s1600/IMG_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THThNqtpARI/AAAAAAAAC9o/dPdOG8uNcIE/s320/IMG_0050.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THThfBjb0WI/AAAAAAAAC9w/RntQarZYTvE/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THThfBjb0WI/AAAAAAAAC9w/RntQarZYTvE/s320/IMG_0055.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Waiting to greet us on the sea shore was Wes, our tour guide for the next two days. Being the middle of 'winter' (it's still around 28 degrees!), there were very few people on the tour. On the first day it was just us and two Italians, and on the second us and a Danish couple.</div><div style="text-align: left;">From the beach we drove straight to The Desert (this is its actual name!). I suddenly felt like the prize idiot. Everyone was in shorts, vests or even less and guess what I was wearing? A SCARF!! I joke not. In my defence, when we left at 5.30am, it was actually quite nippy and up until the Saturday it had even been fairly overcast. Anyway, after hiking up a massive sand dune I was sweating big time (did I mention I was also wearing black jeans??). What was I thinking??</div><div style="text-align: left;">At least it wasn't just me who was well wrapped up - the two Italians were sweltering in their black tops too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTh08EKaPI/AAAAAAAAC94/flbhZTHqkjc/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTh08EKaPI/AAAAAAAAC94/flbhZTHqkjc/s320/IMG_0057.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The reason we were here was to do sandboarding. As the name suggests, it involves sitting/lying on a board and sliding down dunes. With some of the highest dunes in the world and very pure sand, Moreton is the ideal location for such an activity. Sandboarding is notoriously dangerous (I can mention this now we've returned unscathed!), as many people try standing up on the boards, essentially 'surfing' down the sand dune. Oddly enough, when it came to my turn I decided to stick to just lying on the board.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTi920jwNI/AAAAAAAAC-E/GlUNoBK8_A4/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTi920jwNI/AAAAAAAAC-E/GlUNoBK8_A4/s320/IMG_0064.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Being a big fan of tobogganing on the Moors when it snows, I really enjoyed sandboarding. I actually found it very much like bodyboarding (something which I've done a lot of in the past) so found it quite easy shifting my weight and steering. Dan, however, struggled a bit more at the start and, on his first go, ended up with a mouth full of sand! His second go was much more successful though and both of us wanted to stay longer, but there was a tight schedule and we had to dash off. This is one of the disadvantages of going on an organised tour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTmljy1BLI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/lt3vMVROY6Q/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTmljy1BLI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/lt3vMVROY6Q/s320/IMG_0066.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTm1csCKRI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/evdQf-gkxvU/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTm1csCKRI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/evdQf-gkxvU/s320/IMG_0073.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next we headed north, driving up the beach towards Cape Moreton. This is the only rocky part of the island. It is thought that this area of rock is the reason the island was formed (over the years the sand has built up around it). Although the island has many no-vehicle zones, the majority of the beaches are not restricted. I'm not sure if this is good or bad really. It's good in the sense that it makes travelling around the island much quicker than if you had to always use the tracks, but there's something just wrong about zooming along a beautiful, deserted beach in a Land Rover.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTnYm8WS9I/AAAAAAAAC-g/fFIICmFpGn8/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTnYm8WS9I/AAAAAAAAC-g/fFIICmFpGn8/s320/IMG_0090.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTnqFAbs3I/AAAAAAAAC-o/694gzVuMBwI/s1600/IMG_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTnqFAbs3I/AAAAAAAAC-o/694gzVuMBwI/s320/IMG_0100.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were dropped at North Point, where the Danish couple were waiting for us. They had already camped the night before, and warned us how cold it would get! The Italians looked pretty pleased that they were only on a day trip! We chilled out here for a while, walking along the beach to Champagne Pools and Honeymoon Bay. You can get an idea of the tranquillity of the place just from the exotic names!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTofSQKp1I/AAAAAAAAC-w/NwPDKve9sLU/s1600/IMG_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THTofSQKp1I/AAAAAAAAC-w/NwPDKve9sLU/s320/IMG_0119.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYf_8Bs8XI/AAAAAAAAC_I/5sndFXVV4g8/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYf_8Bs8XI/AAAAAAAAC_I/5sndFXVV4g8/s320/IMG_0124.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYgYTOsCqI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/MiYv5BUuNOA/s1600/IMG_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYgYTOsCqI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/MiYv5BUuNOA/s320/IMG_0113.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Whilst we were relaxing Wes prepared lunch - a feast of bread, meat, salads, donuts and cookies! We all sat round the 4x4 in the sunshine, exchanging travelling stories.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYg9R7WETI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/GepFIeFPUoo/s1600/IMG_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYg9R7WETI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/GepFIeFPUoo/s320/IMG_0132.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">After lunch we all piled back into the vehicle - a bit of a squeeze now, with the two extra bodies - and headed up to the oldest lighthouse in Queensland. As with everything in Australia, it is immaculately kept and is a real focal point on the island. It is from here that most of the whale spotting takes place. However, the whales were not out for us and the most we saw was one lonely dolphin riding the waves. I suppose I should be grateful for small mercies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYhbJcBu9I/AAAAAAAAC_g/ZoWbLGf8-fA/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYhbJcBu9I/AAAAAAAAC_g/ZoWbLGf8-fA/s320/IMG_0141.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYhjBnBHCI/AAAAAAAAC_o/CnjqRg9x26E/s1600/IMG_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYhjBnBHCI/AAAAAAAAC_o/CnjqRg9x26E/s320/IMG_0142.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">As it was starting to get dusky we headed to our camp for the night, near Blue Lagoon. I'm not going to lie, when they said facilities were provided they were being a bit too vague. The 'facilities' were a camp stove under some tarpaulin and a cold shower! I was grateful that we were only going to be there for one night! However, due to the small group, we were able to get a huge tent to ourselves, which meant the chance of a half decent sleep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYiG6yrucI/AAAAAAAAC_w/hPP7TVwW60k/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYiG6yrucI/AAAAAAAAC_w/hPP7TVwW60k/s320/IMG_0154.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before dinner we headed down to check out the Lagoon with the Danes. It was beautiful watching the sunset over the water, whilst drinking beer and having a laugh.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYipb8zsDI/AAAAAAAAC_4/oRFfIn7lzJE/s1600/IMG_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYipb8zsDI/AAAAAAAAC_4/oRFfIn7lzJE/s320/IMG_0153.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYi0fKUaPI/AAAAAAAADAA/T9TzwaXtK_4/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYi0fKUaPI/AAAAAAAADAA/T9TzwaXtK_4/s320/IMG_0150.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYi-WaJ94I/AAAAAAAADAI/CkHOI8FvxWo/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYi-WaJ94I/AAAAAAAADAI/CkHOI8FvxWo/s320/IMG_0162.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then it was back to camp, where Wes had prepared a slap-up meal consisting of sausages, burgers and fresh fish.</div><div style="text-align: left;">With nightfall came the cold we had been warned about. So, to keep warm, we all huddled round the camp fire before retiring to bed just before 8pm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Sunday started early, as Wes wanted us to witness sunrise on the beach. Even though part of me was looking forward to a lie-in, I'm glad we made the effort to get up. Again, it looked like it was going to be another hot day, with a clear sky providing the perfect backdrop.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">There's something really magical about being up so early, it makes you feel like you're the only people on Earth!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYl8opFkbI/AAAAAAAADAU/4u7MNS-OB04/s1600/IMG_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYl8opFkbI/AAAAAAAADAU/4u7MNS-OB04/s320/IMG_0175.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYzcy645II/AAAAAAAADBA/-9PTXh9FsAs/s1600/IMG_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYzcy645II/AAAAAAAADBA/-9PTXh9FsAs/s320/IMG_0180.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">As the day got into full swing we went for an early morning walk along Spitfire Creek. Wes had been told there were Aboriginal remains somewhere along the path, but we didn't find anything. We still had fun looking though, and we saw loads of weird and wonderful plants that we'd never seen before.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYnr2_CP2I/AAAAAAAADAg/zxgk7i5FLXA/s1600/IMG_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYnr2_CP2I/AAAAAAAADAg/zxgk7i5FLXA/s320/IMG_0177.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THY7nOeLQuI/AAAAAAAADBM/xiLzKeiBdDc/s1600/IMG_0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THY7nOeLQuI/AAAAAAAADBM/xiLzKeiBdDc/s320/IMG_0184.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THY7v7fqvKI/AAAAAAAADBU/E6jT1bBDoi8/s1600/IMG_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THY7v7fqvKI/AAAAAAAADBU/E6jT1bBDoi8/s320/IMG_0189.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Because there are very few people doing the tours in winter, Wes had to leave us at the camp for the morning whilst he went and collected a few more people to take them sandboarding. We didn't mind though, as it gave us time to relax at the camp and go for a nice stroll along the beach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">At around lunchtime Wes returned with the day trippers and we had some food, before heading off towards Cape Moreton again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">This time we were given the option of either bodyboarding or climbing up the rocks to get a look at the view. Dan and I chose the latter. After a bit of a hairy scrabble in flip flops (why am I always inappropriately dressed?) we reached the summit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THY745vzQEI/AAAAAAAADBc/PksU6fjR3rg/s1600/IMG_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THY745vzQEI/AAAAAAAADBc/PksU6fjR3rg/s320/IMG_0244.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dan being Dan decided to go a little bit further - just to scare me I think - as he had spotted something extraordinary. If you look very closely in this picture you will see a bunch of fisherman perched on the edge of the rocks! I think that's what they call 'extreme fishing'!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYvqsUx8GI/AAAAAAAADA0/j6NMIIKtkFM/s1600/IMG_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THYvqsUx8GI/AAAAAAAADA0/j6NMIIKtkFM/s320/IMG_0247.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our final destination on this whistle-stop tour of the island was at the shipwrecks, for some snorkelling. The ships have been deliberately sunk off the shore to provide a breakwater for small boats.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THY8ra-xhmI/AAAAAAAADB8/PNNyWJDt9Bk/s1600/IMG_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THY8ra-xhmI/AAAAAAAADB8/PNNyWJDt9Bk/s320/IMG_0260.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite the fact it was starting to get a bit chilly, there was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity of getting into the crystal clear water. It was certainly refreshing after a bumpy, hot ride in the 4x4. However, the wind had got up which made it a bit choppy for snorkelling. I gave it a go, and did see a few tiny fish, but I was happier just splashing about in the waves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THY8hYTY1AI/AAAAAAAADB0/nl-0ZnQOxBs/s1600/IMG_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/THY8hYTY1AI/AAAAAAAADB0/nl-0ZnQOxBs/s320/IMG_0271.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">By the time we were all bundled onto the ferry homeward bound, Dan and I were absolutely exhausted from all the sun, sea and salt air. A couple of cappuccinos revived us and we had a lovely journey reflecting on a fantastic weekend away from the city. </div>danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-86909055643225570062010-08-16T12:01:00.000+01:002010-08-16T12:01:12.442+01:00Music and statues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>With less than two months until we're back home, Jo and I have started to cram in as much sightseeing as possible with our remaining time off together.<br />
One thing that we both like to do is watch live music. Every year, near Brisbane, there is a big music festival called Splendour In The Grass. If you just imagine Glastonbury but much hotter and without the mud then that's what Splendour is! We both wanted to go, until we saw how expensive the tickets were, ouch! However, some of the acts from the festival ended up doing performances in different cities in Australia, which they call sideshows. One act that did just that was Goldfrapp. It seems strange that we haven't seen her before, as she is an English act (but hey, so was Florence!) Anyway, she announced to be playing at The Tivoli in Brisbane which is a 10 minute walk from the 'Valley'. Once there it became apparent why it is a popular venue. It was built nearly 100 years ago and has since been restored in an art deco style, giving it a younger look but keeping its best features including a statue behind the bar which depicts a play from its early days, cool! After getting a much needed drink and enjoying the support act it was time. Alison Goldfrapp walked out on stage dressed in what I would describe as a mix between a chewed up video tape and a poncho! Sounds weird but with the added fan blowing a gale on stage, it looked very 'diva'!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGip109DxII/AAAAAAAAC50/1W2jZ45PavA/s1600/P7306579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGip109DxII/AAAAAAAAC50/1W2jZ45PavA/s320/P7306579.JPG" /></a></div>She belted out such classics as <i>Ooh La La, Strict Machine, Utopia</i> and my favourite <i>Black Cherry</i>. The crowd were going wild and dancing their socks off. With her new album being on the dancey side you couldn't help but join in. After three costume changes and two encores it was all over. Jo and I looked at each other satisfied and ready for bed (we're getting old!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGitnE59I9I/AAAAAAAAC6M/tHqIMkHYb2s/s1600/P7306591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGitnE59I9I/AAAAAAAAC6M/tHqIMkHYb2s/s320/P7306591.JPG" /></a></div>The following day we headed to Brisbane Convention Centre for an exhibition by Ron Mueck, as two people I work with had recommended it. We ended up going on the final weekend, not realising how busy it would be. When we arrived we were greeted by a very long queue to get in. After putting our heads together we figured out a quick way in. The library was right next door, so we popped in, jumped on the internet, wrote down our booking number and then jumped the queue (who's the daddy?!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGiwDcYyfTI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/NFBnpD-vUqo/s1600/P7316600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGiwDcYyfTI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/NFBnpD-vUqo/s320/P7316600.JPG" /></a></div>Once inside, our jaws hit the ground. Neither of us knew much about the artist or what his work involved. Let me just give you a quick insight into the Australian-born artist.<br />
Ron Mueck has amazing attention to detail resulting in art pieces looking very realistic and life-like. This type of work is know as hyperrealism, meaning the finishing product resembles a photo. With each of his pieces being very detailed and pristine it takes several weeks of hard work. He uses materials such as silicone and fibre glass to make each art piece. To get each sculpture identical to that of a human being he uses acrylic paint as well as real hair which is individually placed onto the body!! Each of his pieces takes hundreds of hours to make. Some of his famous exhibits include <i>Big Baby</i>, <i>Pregnant Woman</i> and my favourite <i>Mask. </i><br />
The gallery included 12 amazing artworks, the first being <i>Dead Dad. </i>Lying in front of us ,as we entered, was a very small, but realistic naked man. Jo and I couldn't believe how real he looked. He just lay there on a big white platform, arms at his side, and eyes closed as if his time had come. However, in the following room was the other end of the scale - <i>Big Baby</i>. It seemed to signify one life ending and another one beginning. Here lay a 16 foot baby in all its glory with one eye open to the world. After seeing this I had no idea what was lying ahead!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGi-opqJItI/AAAAAAAAC6k/4BHyeaunBjU/s1600/P7316607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGi-opqJItI/AAAAAAAAC6k/4BHyeaunBjU/s320/P7316607.JPG" /></a></div>There was such an array of art under one roof. Favourites included a guy sunbathing on a lilo, a man in a boat (Jo's favourite), and the one anomaly - a giant chicken (!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjAV4SXXXI/AAAAAAAAC64/6_0Iopw8-yk/s1600/P7316626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjAV4SXXXI/AAAAAAAAC64/6_0Iopw8-yk/s320/P7316626.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjAu_m0XTI/AAAAAAAAC7I/5-d_83e4CV4/s1600/P7316619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjAu_m0XTI/AAAAAAAAC7I/5-d_83e4CV4/s320/P7316619.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjCF1IPqbI/AAAAAAAAC7U/YEORxe6b9C8/s1600/P7316622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjCF1IPqbI/AAAAAAAAC7U/YEORxe6b9C8/s320/P7316622.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nothing could have prepared us for what we were going to see, which in a way was a good thing. We both left in awe and impressed at all that hard work from one man. I look forward to seeing more of his work and would recommend Ron Mueck to anyone who likes something a bit 'alternative'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A week later my friend Joe managed to get free tickets to a stand-up comedy night. Jo and I jumped at the offer, as we both like a giggle. The event was held in Albion which is a little drive from where Joe and his partner Steph live. The venue was quite cosy, as the tables were quite close together. We ordered a cheese platter to share, as the meals were quite pricey. There were three acts that night, including two magicians/comedians which I thought were quite impressive. One trick that stuck in my head involved an inflated balloon and an iPhone. The magician pressed the balloon against the phone as it deflated ending with the phone having to be cut out of the balloon, WOW! I always loved magic as a kid and that truly blew me away. The last act of the night was five improv comedians. It reminded us of <i>Whose Line Is It Anyway</i>, which is one of our favourite programs. It involved lots of audience participation both on and off stage. One minute they were spontaneously belting out chat up lines from different occupations, the next they were acting out a political scene with the help from two members of the audience acting as their puppeteers (use your imagination!) All in all a very fun (and free) evening.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjJpKHy7zI/AAAAAAAAC7g/59a2pNJ_IjQ/s1600/P8036650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjJpKHy7zI/AAAAAAAAC7g/59a2pNJ_IjQ/s320/P8036650.JPG" /></a></div>One big Queensland event that takes part each year is Brisbane Exhibition, which is shortened to Ekka. It takes place for 10 days. The main day is the Wednesday which is known as Ekka Wednesday. It is also classed as a public holiday meaning Jo got the day off. The bakery was still open but they let me have the day off to go and see it. That Tuesday night it rained cats 'n' dogs! It rained throughout the night which made us think twice about attending. Luckily the next day is stopped. We got there for just after midday. The whole show was pretty big according to our map, with lots to see and do. It was like Devon County Show on steroids! There was something for all ages; rides, competitions, live acts and of course the infamous showbags.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjShNNnJdI/AAAAAAAAC7s/YwBAOIJ7fvk/s1600/P8116711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjShNNnJdI/AAAAAAAAC7s/YwBAOIJ7fvk/s320/P8116711.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjSuhi4M0I/AAAAAAAAC70/NDltkAFsy_I/s1600/P8116746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjSuhi4M0I/AAAAAAAAC70/NDltkAFsy_I/s320/P8116746.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjS7AfiKtI/AAAAAAAAC78/rzinSIhV-1M/s1600/P8116753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjS7AfiKtI/AAAAAAAAC78/rzinSIhV-1M/s320/P8116753.JPG" /></a></div>We didn't have a plan so we both just pottered around while looking at bits on the way. We saw a bike stunt show which Jo couldn't bare to watch - too scary. We watched a miniature version of Crufts which Jo loved, as they had baby versions of Paddy there (my parents' dog). There was also a big hall full of food stalls with freebies which I couldn't say no to! One of the biggest things about Ekka is the showbags - there was a very big building dedicated to them. Inside were lots of stalls selling themed bags. They ranged from Cadbury's to Pepsi all the way to Spiderman! Each bag had something different in from sweets to toys. All the kids go crazy for them and buy at least five each. Me being a big kid joined in and bought one :-)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjX7Ci6tBI/AAAAAAAAC8I/6uYdSazE0pQ/s1600/P8116741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGjX7Ci6tBI/AAAAAAAAC8I/6uYdSazE0pQ/s320/P8116741.JPG" /></a></div>As you probably know by now, Jo and I like to show you photos of us eating! So to keep up tradition here is one of Jo eating a giant sweet (or lolly if you're an Aussie) and one of me enjoying an Ekka strawberry sundae which is another signature tradition at the show. By the end of the day we were buzzing on sugar!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGj-3ONgbHI/AAAAAAAAC8c/HrMcUbJlB7I/s1600/P8116715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGj-3ONgbHI/AAAAAAAAC8c/HrMcUbJlB7I/s320/P8116715.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGj_EHLaUNI/AAAAAAAAC8k/b6PP7nXg9aI/s1600/P8116705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TGj_EHLaUNI/AAAAAAAAC8k/b6PP7nXg9aI/s320/P8116705.JPG" /></a></div>So there you have it. Another fun-filled blog. I hope you are enjoying them still (nearly done!) as we still love writing them. Keep your eyes peeled because within the next few days Jo will be doing a new blog, as we have just got back from a nice weekend away...!danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-34070259125397050592010-07-22T12:54:00.000+01:002010-07-22T12:54:33.176+01:00Living the dreamOur time in Brisbane has been very different in comparison to our time spent in Sydney. Because Dan and I are working ridiculous hours (in excess of 40 per week), it is making excursions (i.e. Blog-worthy material) hard to come by!! Having said that, because I get weekends off, we have been able to plan some day trips.<br />
A few weeks ago Dan managed to get a Sunday off work, so we decided to head up the coast to the Glasshouse Mountains National Park. As there is a train station (and a 'town') called Glasshouse, it seemed only natural to get off the train at that stop. This turned out to be a bad choice. As we stepped off the train I could have sworn I saw a tumbleweed roll past, that's how deserted the place was! However, we weren't too worried, as we were surrounded by mountains, so thought it couldn't be far to the tourist information/courtesy bus/life of some sort.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbHHMHyAZI/AAAAAAAAC2E/O3Z2jAPnPlY/s1600/P7046417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbHHMHyAZI/AAAAAAAAC2E/O3Z2jAPnPlY/s320/P7046417.JPG" /></a></div>So, in the midday heat, we set off along the long road towards what appeared to be the epicentre of the mountain range. After nearly two hours, the mountains were getting no closer (if anything they seemed further away!) and both Dan and I were beginning to flake. Although there were cars passing on the road, there didn't seem to be anyone around to ask for directions. We were getting some puzzled looks from drivers, making us think they don't get many people dressed as city folk in those parts!<br />
Anyway, just as we were thinking about turning round and heading back towards the train station, we saw a lady with two dogs on what appeared to be a driveway to a house. Concerned, she asked us if we were lost. We explained our situation and, after consulting with her husband, she kindly offered to run us to the park's lookout. At this point I'd like to point out that we are not the sort of people to get into a car with a complete stranger under normal circumstances. But these were not normal circumstances - we were hot, thirsty, hungry and pretty desperate to get off the ridiculously long road we had been trudging along for what seemed like forever. And besides, the couple seemed so friendly and genuine that, on this occasion, I was willing to bend the rules. Our gamble paid off.<br />
Jannean, as we were to discover, loves travellers. She often helps out backpackers who get lost in the park and has even, on occasions, let them stay in her house. She wanted to know all about Devon and what we were up to in Australia, and talked about the travelling she had done in the past.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbHu39p7sI/AAAAAAAAC2M/k_UQC_TBWuM/s1600/P7046418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbHu39p7sI/AAAAAAAAC2M/k_UQC_TBWuM/s320/P7046418.JPG" /></a></div>Firstly she took us to the lookout, an amazing 360 degree view of the stunning national park. It turned out Jannean is a budding photographer, and she went snap happy taking lots of arty shots of me and Dan!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbIemdnMgI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/oKYjKxG6m_0/s1600/P7046456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbIemdnMgI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/oKYjKxG6m_0/s320/P7046456.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbI8LCfUaI/AAAAAAAAC2g/vml4rv6-A2M/s1600/P7046445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbI8LCfUaI/AAAAAAAAC2g/vml4rv6-A2M/s320/P7046445.JPG" /></a></div>She then took us on the short nature trail around the side of the mountain, before driving us back down towards her house.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbJeEinP_I/AAAAAAAAC2o/9TOnNc8IKYE/s1600/P7046430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbJeEinP_I/AAAAAAAAC2o/9TOnNc8IKYE/s320/P7046430.JPG" /></a></div>On the way past the lookout cafe, Dan suggested we buy her a drink to say thank you. So, the three of us sat on the veranda of the cafe, in glorious sunshine, drinking milkshakes and eating cake. It was very surreal, as we were chatting as if we had known each other for ages, not just an hour or so.<br />
After our drinks, we assumed Jannean would drive us back to the station, as we'd already taken up a fair bit of her Sunday afternoon. However, she insisted on driving us all round the park, stopping at various vantage points to tell us old folk tales, or to get a good picture. It was like having our own personal tour guide and photographer, all rolled into one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbKNI0Ws0I/AAAAAAAAC2w/mUUGhQ4izrU/s1600/P7046457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbKNI0Ws0I/AAAAAAAAC2w/mUUGhQ4izrU/s320/P7046457.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbK2iLDveI/AAAAAAAAC3A/mDXSF_jo2xI/s1600/P7046458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbK2iLDveI/AAAAAAAAC3A/mDXSF_jo2xI/s320/P7046458.JPG" /></a></div>Finally, she took us to the tourist information which, ironically, was about 50 metres from the train station! It turned out that we had exited the station on the wrong side of the tracks - the whole of Glasshouse town was located on the other side! Again, inside the building, Jannean spent ages talking us through all the different leaflets and diagrams. It was clear that the Glasshouse Mountains are her babies, and she loves talking to people about them.<br />
Four hours later (!) we parted company, after thanking her about a million times for rescuing us and spending so much time showing us around. If it hadn't have been for her our day out would have been very dull indeed, as we would have had to view the mountains from the side of a dusty road. For anyone planning on visiting the mountains I would say 'do it' because they are beautiful, but definitely hire a car (or a Jannean!) to do the leg work for you!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbLWhj3gRI/AAAAAAAAC3I/XEz7iUnVtnI/s1600/P7046466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbLWhj3gRI/AAAAAAAAC3I/XEz7iUnVtnI/s320/P7046466.JPG" /></a></div>After the excitement of that weekend, Dan and I then didn't do a lot for a couple of weeks, until the weekend just gone. On Saturday night X Factor auditions were being held in Brisbane in front of a live audience. So, during the week, we got tickets to go and watch. However, due to a mix-up with seat allocations, we were informed that we no longer had tickets. I was disappointed, but resigned to the idea that we wouldn't be going. Dan wasn't going to give up so easily! As the tickets were free (the X Factor is new over here, so they are trying to drum up interest) Dan thought it was worth heading over to the auditions anyway, just in case. When we got there a massive crowd had gathered on the stairs to the Entertainment Centre and the presenter was doing various takes whilst the crowd were told to 'go wild' for the cameras.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbLxLu0O3I/AAAAAAAAC3Q/BK8A8a86Was/s1600/P7176478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbLxLu0O3I/AAAAAAAAC3Q/BK8A8a86Was/s320/P7176478.JPG" /></a></div>As soon as the doors opened it became clear there was no way they were going to be checking the names of everyone in the audience, so Dan and I were able to sneak in!<br />
It was so weird to see the famous X Factor stage, and the four empty chairs for the judges. Except over here they were to be filled by Ronan Keating, Natalie Imbruglia, Guy Sebastian (winner of Australian Idol) and the controversial radio DJ Kyle Sandilands rather than Simon Cowell et al.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbMFbBmjxI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/orwe3kTcMzc/s1600/P7176483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbMFbBmjxI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/orwe3kTcMzc/s320/P7176483.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbMYGE9V9I/AAAAAAAAC3g/FqR2xt-34sk/s1600/P7176497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbMYGE9V9I/AAAAAAAAC3g/FqR2xt-34sk/s320/P7176497.JPG" /></a></div>Before the contestants came out we had to do all sorts of ridiculous things for the producers to use as archive footage - such as looking shocked, booing, laughing etc! It was all good fun, but a bit tedious after a while. I was glad when the first auditionee finally came out. Throughout the night we saw a wide variety of talent, ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous. My personal favourite was a girl duo, whose name I've forgotten, who sang an Amy Winehouse number. They were sisters, and had clearly been singing together all their lives, as their voices and whole routine just gelled perfectly. I'll be interested to see if they make it past bootcamp and onto the live shows.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbM8mWD5VI/AAAAAAAAC3o/MwOrcYYZauM/s1600/P7176500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbM8mWD5VI/AAAAAAAAC3o/MwOrcYYZauM/s320/P7176500.JPG" /></a></div>The next day was also very busy, as Dan and I had planned to go down to the Goldcoast to visit Dreamworld - Australia's largest theme park. When we visited two years ago we went to the water park next door to it, and thought at the time that we would like to go at some point in the future.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbNa8p_dEI/AAAAAAAAC3w/2F5nZzAeLaQ/s1600/P7186506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbNa8p_dEI/AAAAAAAAC3w/2F5nZzAeLaQ/s320/P7186506.JPG" /></a></div>The weather was perfect, making it feel like a real holiday. We got there at about midday, so had a good five hours to go on all the rides and explore some of the attractions aimed at 'kiddies' (!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbON0nKiuI/AAAAAAAAC34/7i5a52nWvcY/s1600/P7186508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbON0nKiuI/AAAAAAAAC34/7i5a52nWvcY/s320/P7186508.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbOiBhFEII/AAAAAAAAC4A/jtOUZ7qe3aE/s1600/P7186511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbOiBhFEII/AAAAAAAAC4A/jtOUZ7qe3aE/s320/P7186511.JPG" /></a></div>Dan wanted to head straight for the 'worst' ride, the Giant Drop, but I said no, as I wanted to work my way up to that one by going on a few smaller ones to start with! I love roller coasters, so really enjoyed the 'motocoaster' and Cyclone. I was less enamoured by Claw - a giant swinging pendulum, which seemed to go on for far too long!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbO1dP6mII/AAAAAAAAC4I/jfoA7oetD9g/s1600/P7186536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbO1dP6mII/AAAAAAAAC4I/jfoA7oetD9g/s320/P7186536.JPG" /></a></div>After going on all the big rides, the only one which remained was the Giant Drop. The more I stood watching the tallest freefall ride in the world, the more I wondered what I was doing in the queue to go on it. The ride stands at 120 metres above the ground and can be seen from, literally, miles around. The ride itself is pretty simple. You are basically hoisted up to the top of the tower, suspended for a good 20 seconds, and then dropped at 135km/h. However, the 20 seconds feels more like 20 minutes!! I just kept focusing on a mountain on the horizon, not daring to look down! Although I was terrified, the adrenaline rush afterwards was awesome and, if it wasn't for the massive queue, I may have even gone on it again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbPY0rwOdI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/bt7hB7c45Pw/s1600/P7186546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TEbPY0rwOdI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/bt7hB7c45Pw/s320/P7186546.JPG" /></a></div>Come Monday morning, when my alarm went off at 4.15am, I was exhausted but happy to have had such an action-packed, enjoyable weekend.danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-69725047895912604972010-06-27T05:20:00.189+01:002010-06-29T11:49:31.910+01:00Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's manAfter a stressful month of hunting I can now finally say I have a job, Hooray! Since being here I have found it really hard to find work because of the length of time left on my visa. However, just over a week ago I replied to an ad on Gumtree asking if the job was still available (bearing in mind it had been posted ages ago), to which I received a reply saying 'yes'. The next day I popped to Oxford Street Bakery to chat to the owner. The bakery is situated in Bulimba which is a half hour walk from our place in Morningside. After a long chat about the bakery and how it is family-owned, Julie said how perfect I was for the job. The only thing I wasn't too sure about was my barista skills which she was interested in. If you remember, Jo and I took a coffee course while we were in Sydney which Jo went on to make the most of but I didn't! Anyway, Julie told me I could start in a few days and that one of her four daughters that work there would show me the ropes. I just hoped I could remember the difference between a latte and a flat white...! Well, it's been a week since then and I can safely say that I survived. All the staff are really friendly and made me feel very welcome. There are a few newbies there which takes the pressure off me a bit. Everything we sell at work is made on site and is of high quality. Each night I tried to explain to Jo how impressive everything is and how much we actually sell. Yesterday Jo came to the shop to have a look and was impressed with what she saw. She bought a 'Blondie', on my recommendation, which is basically a brownie made with white chocolate, yum! Just as I finished my shift she managed to sneak in a quick photo to show everyone at home my cool hat!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbQ6lYamcI/AAAAAAAAC0A/ZfGebF1ma_c/s1600/P6266413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbQ6lYamcI/AAAAAAAAC0A/ZfGebF1ma_c/s320/P6266413.JPG" /></a></div>In the lead up to my job I have had a lot of free time. Each weekend Jo and I have tried to see a bit more of Brisbane and join in with any events taking place. Throughout June the local knitting community organised something called 'I Knit Brisbane'. Dotted around the city people have been showing off their knitting skills and putting their work on show for the general public. I met Jo after work one evening and we had a hunt to see how many we could find. There were so many that we came across but only a few that were worthy of a photo. The washing line was our favourite!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbpFTAHolI/AAAAAAAAC0M/yv3ULJe3A3o/s1600/P6056300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbpFTAHolI/AAAAAAAAC0M/yv3ULJe3A3o/s320/P6056300.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbpPnMGUkI/AAAAAAAAC0U/epKqApkr0ZI/s1600/P6076326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbpPnMGUkI/AAAAAAAAC0U/epKqApkr0ZI/s320/P6076326.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbpZ3AIwDI/AAAAAAAAC0c/2C5yz-XFAYs/s1600/P6076333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbpZ3AIwDI/AAAAAAAAC0c/2C5yz-XFAYs/s320/P6076333.JPG" /></a></div>We later found I Knit Brisbane, along with all other going-ons, on a website recommended by Nichola called ourbrisbane.com (thank you). It was on this site we found out about lots of markets dotted around Brisbane in the coming months. There was one particular market called BrisStyle which was located in Hamilton. We visited Hamilton not long ago when we went to watch a film at The Dendy. This is the same chain that owned the cinema in Newtown, Sydney. The market was very cute. Each seller had something different and unique to offer. It was such a gorgeous day which helped bring out all the lovely colours and fabrics used on the individual stalls. There were lots of talented Australians all showing off their artistic and crafting skills. One thing that stood out for me were lots of bird cages hanging from a stall with knitted birds inside, very cute!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCb8ymN4D8I/AAAAAAAAC1Y/Aan1Cm4QsU4/s1600/P6056287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCb8ymN4D8I/AAAAAAAAC1Y/Aan1Cm4QsU4/s320/P6056287.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCb88-Ph4zI/AAAAAAAAC1g/PkW78kFcNrA/s1600/P6056286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCb88-Ph4zI/AAAAAAAAC1g/PkW78kFcNrA/s320/P6056286.JPG" /></a></div>We were informed by one of the locals that they will be there again in July as well as a twilight market in the city. We might just have to go there again as there we lots of bits that caught our attention for our future house!<br />
We took the river cat to the market but to get home we thought it would be nice to walk back to the city. The walk was a lot further than we thought, but it gave a chance to see parts of Brisbane we wouldn't have seen otherwise.<br />
As you probably know by now, Jo and I like to explore, which normally means walking somewhere. I read in our trusty bible (Lonely Planet) that there is a great view over Brisbane from the top of a 'mountain'. The last time we went to a lookout was Mount Wellington in Tasmania back in 2008 which I'm still blown away by even today! We caught a bus from the city to Mount Coot-tha lookout. The drive to the top, as you can imagine, was very windy. On the way we passed Brisbane Botanical Gardens and a very big graveyard. Even though it was a Sunday, it was really busy. We hopped off the bus and went to admire the view. It's hard to capture it in a photo but believe me when I say it was a great view. Atop this mountain was a gift shop and a very expensive café which we soon avoided after realising a caramel slice was $8, ouch!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbuW3LgnrI/AAAAAAAAC0o/EIKW-tdYc1w/s1600/P6146362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbuW3LgnrI/AAAAAAAAC0o/EIKW-tdYc1w/s320/P6146362.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbuewkagyI/AAAAAAAAC0w/mRZfpjcuULs/s1600/P6146367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbuewkagyI/AAAAAAAAC0w/mRZfpjcuULs/s320/P6146367.JPG" /></a></div>After taking in the beautiful view we thought it would be nice to walk back down instead of catching the bus. The walk down took us through a very big woods which was a bit bumpy on the feet. Halfway down we thought we were lost until we popped out onto a street of houses which looked like they stepped out of Neighbours! We followed the road out and came across a cute park. No one was about so being the kids we are we had a little bit of fun on the rides and the swings! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbx7ATRpTI/AAAAAAAAC1E/YPAj1oSl7nw/s1600/P6146376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbx7ATRpTI/AAAAAAAAC1E/YPAj1oSl7nw/s320/P6146376.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbxw2x01lI/AAAAAAAAC08/pYrTTtOm-fE/s1600/P6146372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbxw2x01lI/AAAAAAAAC08/pYrTTtOm-fE/s320/P6146372.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbyFYRmdlI/AAAAAAAAC1M/U7kGwQ3tT7A/s1600/P6146383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCbyFYRmdlI/AAAAAAAAC1M/U7kGwQ3tT7A/s320/P6146383.JPG" /></a></div>The following weekend was a special day in our diary. June 19 was our six year anniversary, wow! We both thought it would be nice to have a chill-out day and just potter around the shops. We agreed that we wouldn't spend much on each other as we are trying to save, but that didn't stop Jo buying me a very funky tea towel. Yes, I know, a tea towel, but the plan is to convert it into a cushion, as you do! The design on it is by an Australian artist called Russell Leonard. I, on the other hand, decided to make Jo's favourite dessert, Key Lime Pie. The last time I cooked it was probably two years ago so it was a bit of a surprise for her. Jo gave it a big thumbs up and two days later it was gone!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCcFQLHGPvI/AAAAAAAAC1s/kTF1P8NwJi4/s1600/P6196387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCcFQLHGPvI/AAAAAAAAC1s/kTF1P8NwJi4/s320/P6196387.JPG" /></a></div>That evening we booked a table at a Turkish Restaurant called Mado. It is located on South Bank which is a very popular area for food and night life. The meal was amazing. It took us back to our holiday in Greece as that was the first time we discovered aubergine dip, but here they call it eggplant dip. After tucking into our starter, and feeling full already, our main was brought out. Jo had an 'eggplant boat' full of lots of veg (so Jo!) and I had a pizza-style pide. Turkish pide is basically a giant pita bread full of herbs and spices. This one in particular covered my plate and was very very filling. Just after we finished our main a blast of music came out of the speakers and out popped a belly dancer. Everyone got involved by clapping in time with the music. Some guests got up and danced with her. We both hoped she wouldn't ask us, as we were still waiting for our food to go down! She was out dancing for about half an hour which was very entertaining. We finished the meal off with a cup of coffee before finishing the night with a trip to the cinema. All in all we had a really nice day and enjoyed reminiscing about the last six years together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCcFaWIODII/AAAAAAAAC10/tiQPW5uqido/s1600/P6196396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TCcFaWIODII/AAAAAAAAC10/tiQPW5uqido/s320/P6196396.JPG" /></a></div>danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-50824605337360783052010-06-14T07:50:00.048+01:002010-06-14T12:13:14.415+01:00Phase 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We have been in Brisbane for less than four weeks, yet if someone told me I’d been here for four months I would probably believe them. From the moment our plane touched down at Brisbane International Airport at 8.30pm on Tuesday, May 18, it has been go, go, go.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TBYK26Bf-CI/AAAAAAAACx4/9H3a2dKtWDE/s1600/P5196213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TBYK26Bf-CI/AAAAAAAACx4/9H3a2dKtWDE/s320/P5196213.JPG" /></a></div>Things got off to a shaky start, reminiscent of our arrival in 2008 when we turned up during Australian Open fever and had nowhere to stay. This time round we had arranged to stay with Lloyd, an old college friend, for the first couple of nights, until we found our feet. However, Lloyd had got confused and thought we were arriving on the Thursday. So, at around 10pm, we had to find somewhere to stay in a city we barely knew. Not the start we had hoped for! Anyway, we ended up in Bunk (a giant backpackers full of ‘young’uns’). Not really our cup of tea, but at least it was a bed for the night.<br />
Later in the week we did actually manage to stay with Lloyd and he also lined up a job interview for me with the boss of the cafe that he works at. By the Friday I was working at Atomic Coffee on Albert Street in the CBD. At this point I should talk about the horrific start to that Friday.... By this time we were back at Bunk (it was like a magnet, we kept getting dragged back to that horrible place) and I was due to be at Cool Beans (another cafe owned by Lloyd’s boss) for 8.30am. It was pouring with rain and I had totally underestimated how long it would take to get there from the backpackers. By the time I arrived, nearly 10 minutes late, I was hot, sweaty and soaking wet. Not the first impression I had planned. Darren, the boss, doesn’t mince his words. He made it clear that I was late and that he wasn’t impressed and also that Anthony, the boss of Atomic Coffee, had been expecting me 10 minutes ago! Things were just getting better and better.... Darren gave me garbled directions to the cafe and I headed out into the rain, again. When I eventually arrived at Atomic I was chucked straight in the deep end – pouring shots for the head barista during the morning rush! I have had some barista experience from working at Dolce and Gelato, but nothing prepared me for the pace at Atomic. The rest of that morning is a bit of a blur, but let’s just say I must have done something right because they asked me back on the Monday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TBYKnfTaEzI/AAAAAAAACxo/ay3Kx72cizk/s1600/P6086338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TBYKnfTaEzI/AAAAAAAACxo/ay3Kx72cizk/s320/P6086338.JPG" /></a></div>Since then I have been working full time, Monday to Friday. The cafe is at the bottom of a giant office block and most of the customers are city workers, meaning that it is pointless opening at weekends. I spend most of my days off catching up on sleep as, to be at work for 7am, I have to catch the 5.45am train (or 5.15am when I start at 6am!). It’s tiring stuff but they pay well, so I can’t really complain. The people I work with are all very friendly. At the moment there’s a bit of a staff change-over going on, as quite a few people have left, but the newbies seem nice from what I can tell. Not that we get much time to chat, as it’s so busy all the time.<br />
During our first week in Brisbane we went to visit Barry, Sue and Shane in Redcliffe. Barry and Sue used to live in Clinton Road, opposite my parents, but emigrated about 25 years ago. We stayed with them last time we were in Brisbane and thought we might stay this time for a while. However, Redcliffe is about an hour out of the city, which would have made job hunting virtually impossible. Barry and Sue were just packing up to go to the UK for 10 weeks, so it was nice to catch them before they left. We will hopefully see them again in August when they return. In the meantime Shane has offered to show us a few places, so we’ll probably meet up with him again soon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TBYLIQCt-mI/AAAAAAAACyI/L6QvOGDSar4/s1600/P5206218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TBYLIQCt-mI/AAAAAAAACyI/L6QvOGDSar4/s320/P5206218.JPG" /></a></div>Shortly after we arrived we were walking through Fortitude Valley and bumped in to Dan’s old school friend Joe, who moved over here about four years ago. Although Joe knew we were in Australia, we hadn’t yet told him we were in Brisbane, so I think he was pretty shocked to see us. That weekend he invited us to his house in Red Hill, where he lives with his girlfriend Steph, for a BBQ. Also at the BBQ was another of Dan’s school friends, Robin, who Dan hadn’t seen for years. They all had a right old catch up, gossiping about everyone they knew from the good old days and discussing what they were all up to now. After the BBQ we headed into the West End to watch a fantastic band – Chocolate Strings. They are classed as a ‘funk’ band, whatever that means! To me it sounded like a mix of jazz, blues and a bit of reggae. But, whatever it was, it was awesome and I even bought a CD afterwards.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TBYLAvvozrI/AAAAAAAACyA/jEsXgjA1fj0/s1600/P5286252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TBYLAvvozrI/AAAAAAAACyA/jEsXgjA1fj0/s320/P5286252.JPG" /></a></div>After a week of hostelling both Dan and I were more than ready to find our own place. Being surrounded by drunk 19-year-old travellers when you have to get up for work at 5am is not fun. Anyway, we hunted around on Gumtree and made a shortlist. The first place we looked at was is the gorgeous area of Paddington<br />
The next day we took a bus to Morningside, to view the second house on our list. Again, the area looked really promising, but I didn’t get my hopes up after last time. However, this house was lovely. A brand new development, made up of small townhouses. Although the room we would be living in was considerably smaller than the one in Newtown we didn’t mind, as the rest of the house was perfect. We didn’t say yes straight away, as we had another house to view that evening. However, after the third house turned out to be a party venue, we immediately said yes to the one in Morningside. We moved in to the house on Ison Street the next day. It felt so good to unpack and relax. The 20 minute commute doesn’t even bother me, because it’s worth it to stay in such a nice house. Plus I get to read my book on the train, so the time passes really quickly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TBYKff4boTI/AAAAAAAACxg/0nJhurUqO-c/s1600/P6086339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TBYKff4boTI/AAAAAAAACxg/0nJhurUqO-c/s320/P6086339.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TBYKu6-982I/AAAAAAAACxw/OajQ1v5Kkr0/s1600/P6086341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/TBYKu6-982I/AAAAAAAACxw/OajQ1v5Kkr0/s320/P6086341.JPG" /></a></div>The house also occupies the owner, Anna, and two Brazilians – Miara and Larissa. All three are friendly and chatty and have given us lots of useful information about Brisbane. Miara is leaving soon unfortunately but, as her and Larissa share a room, I don’t think anyone else will be moving in.<br />
This Monday is a public holiday, courtesy of the Queen’s birthday, so I think Dan and I are going to head out of the city to do some exploring. I think it’s hilarious that the Aussies have a day off for the Queen’s birthday yet, even though she lives in the UK, we don’t celebrate it at home. Personally I think Australians use any excuse for a holiday! Not that that’s a bad thing of course....danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-694446655087797282010-05-19T23:50:00.001+01:002010-05-20T11:49:33.575+01:00Are you STILL here?!?Two months ago we arrived back safely in 'Sunny Devon'(!) with the idea of staying for a maximum of three weeks, before heading back to another part of Australia...eight weeks later and we were still there! We squeezed so much in whilst we were back including: the lovely wedding of Jen and Doug; a car boot sale; the delivery of 250 <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Betterware</span> catalogues; the decorating of a dining room; visits to numerous friends and family and... starting to plan our own wedding for next year - phew!<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div align="left">Let me begin by talking about the first weekend when we got back which was all about Jen and Doug. Jo found a dress to wear in Sydney. I, on the other hand, left it to the last minute and bought a new suit in the two days we had between arriving home and going to the wedding (jammy!). I also bought a new tie to try and match Jo's lovely dress...!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_Pta26kTII/AAAAAAAACuA/n3a62Fk2jUw/s1600/P3276001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_Pta26kTII/AAAAAAAACuA/n3a62Fk2jUw/s320/P3276001.JPG" /></a></div>The ceremony and reception took place at Wellington Barn which is just outside <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Swindon</span>. All guests were asked to arrive before 3pm ready for the ceremony. It was such a lovely setting for their wedding, as it is so remote with no distractions around. As we entered we were greeted by a seating plan which explained where everyone was sitting. Each table was named after a place in New York, which was the couple’s first holiday destination. We were sat on the 'Statue of Liberty' and the bride and groom were in 'Central Park'. All the tables looked really pretty with different flowers and individual favours covering each one. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PvV__hQII/AAAAAAAACug/5A0VR1ZElPc/s1600/P3276031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PvV__hQII/AAAAAAAACug/5A0VR1ZElPc/s320/P3276031.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_Pt0tAfpnI/AAAAAAAACuI/PYaKXcxylRs/s1600/P3276008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_Pt0tAfpnI/AAAAAAAACuI/PYaKXcxylRs/s320/P3276008.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_Pun07KMQI/AAAAAAAACuY/td_61GRY1tk/s1600/P3276015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_Pun07KMQI/AAAAAAAACuY/td_61GRY1tk/s320/P3276015.JPG" /></a></div>After a short time everyone was ushered into the next room for the ceremony. I could see how nervous Doug was by the look on his face! Moments later the back door opened and in walked Jen with her dad. You could see Doug's face light up as they walked down the aisle. Jen was grinning like the Cheshire Cat, while Doug’s mum was in pieces. Jen looked stunning in her dress along with the bridesmaids who were all in purple (my favourite colour!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PuNQaEVGI/AAAAAAAACuQ/XDUIZmete6E/s1600/P3276013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PuNQaEVGI/AAAAAAAACuQ/XDUIZmete6E/s320/P3276013.JPG" /></a></div> The ceremony, which included a reading from both Jo and Doug’s Gran, passed by in a bit of an emotional blur and before we knew it Jen and Doug were married! Shortly after, we all moved into the next room with a glass of <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Pimm's</span> while the photographers were busy outside with the bride and groom. Jo and I joined in as the group photos took place including an 'X Factor' style video shoot! I noticed the photos had come to an end just as Jo noticed that Jen’s knuckles had turned blue with the cold! Nevertheless their photos came out lovely and captured all the emotions. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PwL7ztq8I/AAAAAAAACuo/E9lSLfcKc2I/s1600/P3276051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PwL7ztq8I/AAAAAAAACuo/E9lSLfcKc2I/s320/P3276051.JPG" /></a></div>Before the food was brought out it was time for the speeches. Everyone knows the speeches make you nervous unless you are of course Jen’s dad, Dave! I knew that Dave is a teacher and so would already be used to big groups of people, but I never knew how easy he would make it look...! He got the whole room laughing as he played a sound bite of Jen as a child talking to her sister in a teacher-<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">fied</span> manor, which then led him on to say that he always knew she would follow in his footsteps! Doug’s speech followed which made me take down notes as he did a grand job while holding back the tears. The best man’s speech came after the food and included an insight into Doug’s days as a teenager which made everyone laugh, including Jen’s parents!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_Pw0eSEfjI/AAAAAAAACuw/0JaX4IqYfXo/s1600/P3276061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_Pw0eSEfjI/AAAAAAAACuw/0JaX4IqYfXo/s320/P3276061.JPG" /><span id="goog_561253329"></span><span id="goog_561253330"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PxNuHQ99I/AAAAAAAACu4/I5o5U8Cx_Gw/s1600/P3276070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PxNuHQ99I/AAAAAAAACu4/I5o5U8Cx_Gw/s320/P3276070.JPG" /></a></div>Next on the agenda was the wedding breakfast, which still makes me think of bacon and eggs because of its name! All three courses were very tasty, including the chocolate brownie dessert which was my favourite.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_P1eJFZpvI/AAAAAAAACvw/rW9bNZIz_Cs/s1600/P3276054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_P1eJFZpvI/AAAAAAAACvw/rW9bNZIz_Cs/s320/P3276054.JPG" /></a></div>During the morning of the wedding our group was trying to think what the song was going to be for the first dance. We went through all the obvious choices and then that evening realised we were all wrong. Jen and Doug had asked their band to play the classic ‘Your Song’ by Elton John, which was sung beautifully while everyone watched the newlyweds finish the day off with an intimate dance. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PxnIH8A5I/AAAAAAAACvA/CcLeVudCkPo/s1600/P3276075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PxnIH8A5I/AAAAAAAACvA/CcLeVudCkPo/s320/P3276075.JPG" /></a></div>Once the song came to a close the guests joined them for a dance. The rest of the evening was full of people letting their hair down, a diary cam and yet more eating!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PyBjWWFfI/AAAAAAAACvI/SRUbv1-M6S0/s1600/P3276083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PyBjWWFfI/AAAAAAAACvI/SRUbv1-M6S0/s320/P3276083.JPG" /></a></div>The happy couple left the venue in style under a tunnel of hands made by the remaining guests. They both then hopped into a taxi before heading back to their hotel. The honeymoon was booked for two weeks in Canada which - judging by all 900 photos taken and videos clips of Doug struggling to get up a hill (in snow shoes of course) - went rather well...!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PybSVLQRI/AAAAAAAACvQ/--FT6ULUpS4/s1600/P3276116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PybSVLQRI/AAAAAAAACvQ/--FT6ULUpS4/s320/P3276116.JPG" /></a></div>As you will know from reading the blog, we had a 'different' Christmas last year compared to other years! Having a picnic on the beach wasn't the same as a nice traditional meal with the family. My mum showed me when we got back that she had left up the Christmas decorations so we could have a belated get-together when we returned. A week after being back we rounded up the usual gang and had a late Christmas meal along with crackers. The food was lovely especially the rhubarb <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">brúlée</span> which went down a treat...! Mum and Dad really did excel themselves this year - thank you!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_UTMagLBVI/AAAAAAAACwE/mZ5NP9UBjFQ/s1600/P4046134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_UTMagLBVI/AAAAAAAACwE/mZ5NP9UBjFQ/s320/P4046134.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_UTmi4PWdI/AAAAAAAACwM/H1X-VLi2JnY/s1600/P4046135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_UTmi4PWdI/AAAAAAAACwM/H1X-VLi2JnY/s320/P4046135.JPG" /></a></div><br />
For the remainder of our time back Jo and I tried to scrape together a few pennies to help go towards a flight back here. Our first job was to decorate a few rooms in Jo’s house. The hardest bit was painting the ceiling in the dining room (my back was crying!) but it was all worth it in the end as both <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Nichola</span> and Dave were very happy with it and they will continue now to do the final touches.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PzQ_ssagI/AAAAAAAACvg/tW76TWejT6k/s1600/P4066144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PzQ_ssagI/AAAAAAAACvg/tW76TWejT6k/s320/P4066144.JPG" /></a></div>One of the less enjoyable jobs was delivering <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Betterware</span> catalogues to 250 residents in <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Braunton</span>! I was paid on commission which sounded good at the beginning until I had people chasing me down the street to give me back their empty order sheets – joy! Another task was to have a car boot sale to get rid of all unwanted bits ‘n’ bobs including some stuff from our last car boot two years ago – oops! We ended up selling most of it and taking home £70 which was good news.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PzrauXplI/AAAAAAAACvo/HxEwePJAeME/s1600/P5096187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_PzrauXplI/AAAAAAAACvo/HxEwePJAeME/s320/P5096187.JPG" /></a></div>Whilst being home we both tried to see most of our friends and family whom are scattered up and down the country. It was nice seeing some friendly faces after all the time spent away in Sydney. I ended up going to Alton Towers with the lads which was a good laugh except for half the park having a power cut...!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_P2y_R_voI/AAAAAAAACv4/Lr-cMSFv8rc/s1600/P4146161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S_P2y_R_voI/AAAAAAAACv4/Lr-cMSFv8rc/s320/P4146161.JPG" /></a></div>And finally, you did read it right, we started to plan our wedding for next year, which we can confirm as being September 10, 2011! Without boring you too much we have secured a venue which will be Castle Hill, <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Filleigh</span>, sorted out a photographer, got quotes for flowers and the food and of course book the registrar. I’m not going to delve too much into the wedding with pictures etc as we want to leave some bits for the actual day but I have left a link to the venue’s website if you fancy having a look...! <a href="http://www.castlehilldevon.co.uk/" style="color: blue;">http://www.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">castlehilldevon</span>.co.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">uk</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span><br />
Sorry it’s been quite long but from reading the blog you can see we have been busy bees. We have now touched down in Brisbane after a long journey and to start from scratch again, starting with a job interview tomorrow. Wish us luck...!danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-41328500956608554602010-03-21T12:56:00.000+00:002010-03-21T12:56:49.468+00:00Don't forget the elephantsHopefully by the time you read this we'll be somewhere between Australia and England, way above the clouds.<br />
Before that, though, there are a few things to fill you in on...<br />
Back at the beginning of the month it was my birthday (I won't say how old!) and we both had the day off. We spent the day in the city, pottering around, and then in the evening Dan surprised me with tickets to see the musical Wicked. For those of you who don't know, it tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz before she turned wicked. I have always absolutely loved musicals, so this was a real treat. The show opened on Broadway to rave reviews, and I can see why. The scenery was fantastic and I couldn't stop singing the songs afterwards. If I had to say one negative thing it would be that the accents were a bit weird! Australian actors trying to do an English accent and sounding kind of Irish/American was quite amusing! That's just me being picky though, because on the whole it was fab.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YPMBkFh6I/AAAAAAAABEA/yx9PfrpzPfM/s1600-h/P3025899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YPMBkFh6I/AAAAAAAABEA/yx9PfrpzPfM/s320/P3025899.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YRMqffjvI/AAAAAAAABEM/4t5TT00MFwQ/s1600-h/P3025903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YRMqffjvI/AAAAAAAABEM/4t5TT00MFwQ/s320/P3025903.JPG" /></a></div>Last week involved more music, although very different to the twee songs of Wicked! We went to see Massive Attack at the Opera House. Well, I say 'at' the Opera House, but it was actually on the forecourt outside. The stage was set up opposite the main entrance and we all sat on the steps.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YNhkwv-qI/AAAAAAAABD4/kt_OCnC0RQs/s1600-h/P3165919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YNhkwv-qI/AAAAAAAABD4/kt_OCnC0RQs/s320/P3165919.JPG" /></a></div> Sydney has the best skyline of all the cities I've visited and made a very dramatic backdrop for the show. And what a show it was! With strobe lights and pumping bass, my eyes and ears felt well and truly worn-out by the end. Dan is a huge fan and particularly enjoyed Angel and Unfinished Sympathy, his two favourite songs. I really liked Teardrop and the graphics that went with it. At this point I should mention that the concert was made even sweeter by the fact we managed to wangle some very cheap tickets by 'pulling a fast one'!! I won't go into the details but we basically managed to save $100... everyone loves a bargain!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YKRyG0jNI/AAAAAAAABDk/qSkW4gaAB8U/s1600-h/P3165955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YKRyG0jNI/AAAAAAAABDk/qSkW4gaAB8U/s320/P3165955.JPG" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YUwvh2IcI/AAAAAAAABEk/37eSV47V8dA/s1600-h/P3165967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YUwvh2IcI/AAAAAAAABEk/37eSV47V8dA/s320/P3165967.JPG" /></a></div>Dan and I worked our last shift at the gelato and yogurt shops yesterday. I still find it hard to believe that we were lucky enough to get virtually the same type of job within a few yards of each other. Both my bosses (Fotini et al) and Dan's bosses (Carmen and Michael) were very kind, saying that we would be very much missed. I was thoroughly spoilt, as they bought me a gorgeous handbag as a leaving present. I will definitely miss all the people that I worked with but we both agree that it is time to move on and try something new. The whole point of this year's adventure is to see and experience as many different places as possible and we won't achieve that if we stay in Newtown for the whole time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YGrFPhVoI/AAAAAAAABDM/TI1M2Je50YI/s1600-h/P3205987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YGrFPhVoI/AAAAAAAABDM/TI1M2Je50YI/s320/P3205987.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YIYzVjR2I/AAAAAAAABDY/HuVN5Jn26Mg/s1600-h/Photo0441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YIYzVjR2I/AAAAAAAABDY/HuVN5Jn26Mg/s320/Photo0441.jpg" /></a></div>Packing has been an absolute nightmare! I cannot believe how much we have accumulated in just five months. The biggest drama involved a big wooden lamp. I honestly think we needed our heads examining the day that we bought that thing, as we really didn't consider how we were going to get it home. In the end we decided to ship it back to the UK, which will take three months! We spent ages wrapping it up so I hope it arrives in one piece...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YL5gLUoSI/AAAAAAAABDs/ZxD2zYO9CiI/s1600-h/P3175979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YL5gLUoSI/AAAAAAAABDs/ZxD2zYO9CiI/s320/P3175979.JPG" /></a></div> As for the Blog title, that is a reference to our decorative string of elephants that we had hanging in our room. Because we are so used to them I was worried we would overlook them, hence the fact Dan kept saying 'don't forget the elephants'. You'll be pleased to know they are now safely tucked into Dan's suitcase.<br />
Farewell Newtown and all the crazy people that come with it and hello Barnstaple (and all the crazy people that come with it!! Only joking, I've missed you all really!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YTD5nsYLI/AAAAAAAABEY/4RUE3IDkxh4/s1600-h/P3155906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S6YTD5nsYLI/AAAAAAAABEY/4RUE3IDkxh4/s320/P3155906.JPG" /></a></div>danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-69792856854091823092010-03-10T14:23:00.015+00:002010-05-10T23:49:50.137+01:00Won't forget that in a hurry!fore I start, we would both like to thank everyone who has followed us for the past five months. We appreciate all the support and interest you have shown. Doing the blog has been a delight along with finding new and interesting things that we can share with everyone at home.<br />
Jo and I have been working loads recently to help pay for our tickets back in April. We have still managed to find time off together and join in with all the fun.<br />
Each year Sydney is one of the hosts of the world's largest short-film festival - <i>Tropfest</i>. This event was first started at the Tropicana Café in Darlinghurst back in '93 by founder John Polson. Every short-film entered each year must adhere to three rules : each film must be less than seven minutes, must only premiere on the day of the festival and most importantly must feature the Tropfest Signature Item (TSI), which this year was 'Dice'. Out of over 600 films entered only 16 were chosen. I won't tell you them all but I will say there was a good mix of genres including comedy, drama and animation. All 16 were shown on a massive screen in the middle of The Domain. The time leading up to the screenings was filled with entering competitions, chillin' out and rolling a giant die, as you do!<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5ODG4Gf9AI/AAAAAAAABA8/nNMVVCCRsJY/s1600-h/P2215556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5ODG4Gf9AI/AAAAAAAABA8/nNMVVCCRsJY/s320/P2215556.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1267954581487"></span><span id="goog_1267954581488"></span> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5ODUNK1iNI/AAAAAAAABBE/uXYcqIxp2P4/s1600-h/P2215567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5ODUNK1iNI/AAAAAAAABBE/uXYcqIxp2P4/s320/P2215567.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5OD8Y0LiEI/AAAAAAAABBQ/JnW25VyvvVk/s1600-h/P2215560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5OD8Y0LiEI/AAAAAAAABBQ/JnW25VyvvVk/s320/P2215560.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After watching all 16 films we realised how much talent is out there. Each short-film was unique in its own way. One of my personal favourites was an animation called 'My neighbourhood has been overrun by baboons'. The clue of what it's about is in the title. It made me chuckle and the song was quite catchy too. It came 2nd overall which was good to hear. Jo's favourite was the first one shown called 'No Dice Hollywood'. It won the award for Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography. The winning short went to Abe Forsythe for his film 'Shock'. The film was based on one of Australia's top radio DJs, Kyle Sandilands, who was in the news last year for something controversial he said in a radio interview. I won't go into detail but the film exploited his blunder by basing the short around the event. As you can guess Jo and I were a bit out of the loop with the meaning of it all but soon found out afterwards...! Amongst the judges that night were two famous actors - Elijah Wood and Toni Collette. They both presented awards at the end with Elijah presenting the award to the winner.<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5OPUXE2qII/AAAAAAAABBk/AQQmW18CPck/s1600-h/P2215615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5OPUXE2qII/AAAAAAAABBk/AQQmW18CPck/s320/P2215615.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5OPF_MjIQI/AAAAAAAABBc/hPUaoKh0IB0/s1600-h/P2215599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5OPF_MjIQI/AAAAAAAABBc/hPUaoKh0IB0/s320/P2215599.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5OPhyeTIlI/AAAAAAAABBs/ZJ6cMpSdUt4/s1600-h/P2215625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5OPhyeTIlI/AAAAAAAABBs/ZJ6cMpSdUt4/s320/P2215625.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can see our favourites and the winning short over on the Tropfest channel on YouTube - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/TROPFEST" style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/user/TROPFEST</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the biggest events held here each year is the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. We both had to work on the day but finished early giving us chance to get to the parade. This year the parade started in Whitlam Square and went up through Oxford Street and finished at Flinders Street. It started at 7.45pm and we didn't get there until 7.30pm. We never could have imagined how busy it was going to be. Judging by the amount of people, it seemed as though most were there from midday! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5cQ6A9pXSI/AAAAAAAABB4/7Z390AIdmZE/s1600-h/P2275887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5cQ6A9pXSI/AAAAAAAABB4/7Z390AIdmZE/s320/P2275887.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can imagine there were lots of crazy floats in the parade along with numerous organisations and charities too. The lighting and colours used were amazing and everyone involved was on a massive high and enjoying every minute. We managed to squeeze into a space further up Oxford Street as the further down the streets were crammed and even I couldn't see over the top!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5cS159eHpI/AAAAAAAABCE/hFclviqUOBs/s1600-h/P2275660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5cS159eHpI/AAAAAAAABCE/hFclviqUOBs/s320/P2275660.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5cTglo0VNI/AAAAAAAABCU/-PDAjS83K24/s1600-h/P2275811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5cTglo0VNI/AAAAAAAABCU/-PDAjS83K24/s320/P2275811.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5cTE1_zqpI/AAAAAAAABCM/zHM64Tu6XA0/s1600-h/P2275813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5cTE1_zqpI/AAAAAAAABCM/zHM64Tu6XA0/s320/P2275813.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5cT1ZLYszI/AAAAAAAABCc/oTGiYAr2LKs/s1600-h/P2275689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5cT1ZLYszI/AAAAAAAABCc/oTGiYAr2LKs/s320/P2275689.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The parade lasted for three hours! We really enjoyed it and realised that next time the best place to view it is from up high...!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5cUDDf0h1I/AAAAAAAABCk/PHAfP7YrmRw/s1600-h/P2275670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5cUDDf0h1I/AAAAAAAABCk/PHAfP7YrmRw/s320/P2275670.JPG" /></a></div>A couple of weeks before the Mardi Gras I noticed an advert in the local paper to take part in a piece of artwork. The artist behind it was internationally renowned <i>Spencer Tunick</i>. (For those who haven't heard of him you better Google him before you read on!) I knew straight away that it wasn't going to be your run-of-the-mill photo shoot! I was interested but Jo wasn't. Later that evening I filled out an online application and waited. A couple of days later I received an email. It stated that you had to be at the Sydney Opera House at 4am on Monday March 1. The installation was called 'The Base' and Spencer wanted to use the steps of the Opera House as the backdrop. As weird as it sounds I found out an old friend who lives in Melbourne was also taking part which made it even stranger/reassuring. I met up with Mike that morning at 4am. When I arrived I couldn't believe how many people were already there queuing to get in (over 5000 as it turned out). After having a quick catch up with Mike, we were suddenly handing over our release forms to take part. We were told to wait until Spencer arrived to give us further instructions. Mike and I sat down and mingled with all the fellow participants.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5djmstfH_I/AAAAAAAABCw/BZDIjbOcCaI/s1600-h/Photo0430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S5djmstfH_I/AAAAAAAABCw/BZDIjbOcCaI/s320/Photo0430.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S-iNhPd7UgI/AAAAAAAACrg/6NWeWS0l7zM/s1600/Photo0432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S-iNhPd7UgI/AAAAAAAACrg/6NWeWS0l7zM/s320/Photo0432.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An hour later Spencer picked up the megaphone and began giving us instructions. He said once the sun started to rise then he would begin the installation. Everyone was going crazy and laughing which must have been a mix of nerves and excitement! Not long after his speech the sun began to appear and light up the situation. A moment later there were clear instructions coming over the tannoy and before I knew it I was doing what I signed up for...! Amongst the wind, the helicopters and local press Mike and I chuckled to ourselves and enjoyed the moment!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the shoot outside we were told that there were also going to be photos inside the Opera House. Without giving too much description let's just say that I found the whole 'experience' amazing and memorable. Seeing everyone around me doing the same made it a lot easier. I will never do anything like that again and next to something as iconic as the Opera House. Everyone receives a photo of the shoot from the day in the post within the next two months. I'm sure it will take pride of place on our mantelpiece... (or maybe not!?!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="goog_1268191209858"></span><span id="goog_1268191209859"></span></div>danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-49249736789713907292010-02-22T14:11:00.001+00:002010-02-22T14:15:00.489+00:00More fireworks and even more foodJanuary 26 is an important day in the Australian calender. It marks Australia Day - a celebration of all things Aussie on the anniversary of the First Fleet arriving on Sydney's shores way back in 1788. It is a controversial day in some respects, as indigenous Australians see it as a marking of the day they lost their aboriginal culture. Having said this, most Australians use it as a day to embrace the Australian way of life and embark on traditional activities such as barbies, fireworks and live music.<br />
I had to work during the day (despite it being a public holiday - what's that all about??) so Dan came and met me at the gelato shop and we headed straight into the city. The first stop was The Rocks, just to the left of Circular Quay. The place was heaving with families, all lapping up the sunshine and enjoying the entertainment which was spread over four or five different stages in the area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4KMu_URvOI/AAAAAAAABAE/lMLGapSDD00/s1600-h/P1265404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4KMu_URvOI/AAAAAAAABAE/lMLGapSDD00/s320/P1265404.JPG" /></a></div>As well as plenty of market stalls, there was also quite a bit of random street entertainment. Dan took a particular shine to a large display of red trumpets that were dotted about on the main street through The Rocks!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4J51wNo5dI/AAAAAAAAA_I/EIVQhXYYCZ0/s1600-h/P1265399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4J51wNo5dI/AAAAAAAAA_I/EIVQhXYYCZ0/s320/P1265399.JPG" /></a></div>After treating ourselves to a yummy cake from one of the best bakeries in Sydney we wandered over to Darling Harbour, as we'd heard that was the place to be for nightfall. And they weren't wrong! Again, the whole area was absolutely packed. People were sat all around the edge of the harbour, watching the live music on a stage that was floating on the water! well, I don't know that it was actually <i>floating</i>, but it looked pretty impressive none the less.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4KEWRknp_I/AAAAAAAAA_s/DQk4YSfZ32s/s1600-h/P1265421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4KEWRknp_I/AAAAAAAAA_s/DQk4YSfZ32s/s320/P1265421.JPG" /></a></div>We managed to secure a spot to the left of the stage, just in time to hear the speech from the newly appointed Premier for NSW Kristina Keneally. We were then treated to a number of performances from a string of Australian 'celebrities'. I use that word in the loosest possible way, as I had heard of none of them and I'm pretty sure most of the people around me hadn't either! I had, however, vaguely heard of the star of the show - Australian idol winner Stan Walker - and the teenage girls next to me definitely had, judging by the high-pitched wailing in my ear!<br />
The highlight for me, however, was when a fleet of sailing boats started circling the harbour in time with music from Swan Lake. They literally did look just like swans as they glided around, luminated with blue lights.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4KBileSpvI/AAAAAAAAA_g/Th3Gqk7fFbQ/s1600-h/P1265453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4KBileSpvI/AAAAAAAAA_g/Th3Gqk7fFbQ/s320/P1265453.JPG" /></a></div>In keeping with tradition, the night went off with a bang at 9pm when the firework spectacle started. With the reflection of the water they really did look very dramatic. Part of me even thought they might have been better than NYE (am I allowed to say that?)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4J9Xb9sqvI/AAAAAAAAA_U/bCPm7kgRiq4/s1600-h/P1265492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4J9Xb9sqvI/AAAAAAAAA_U/bCPm7kgRiq4/s320/P1265492.JPG" /></a></div>Although Dan and I have been working hard, we have managed the odd day trip here and there. A couple of weeks ago, on a gloriously sunny day, we decided to check out Bronte Beach. We'd heard so many good things about it, so thought it only right that we pay a visit. We caught the bus to Coogee and decided to do the coastal walk to Bronte, passing through Clovelly on the way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4KIBnhEpqI/AAAAAAAAA_4/jaPaKn56sPE/s1600-h/P2115515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4KIBnhEpqI/AAAAAAAAA_4/jaPaKn56sPE/s320/P2115515.JPG" /></a></div>In Clovelly we were both suffering from the heat a bit, so we tucked in to ice creams to give us some energy for the second part of the walk. After the infamous picture of me eating an Oreo Kit Kat Dan made me take a picture of him munching his Tim Tam Cornetto....!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4Jp-23u_6I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/Bp16geYO9gI/s1600-h/P2115509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4Jp-23u_6I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/Bp16geYO9gI/s320/P2115509.JPG" /></a></div>After an hour or so we finally reached Bronte. It was smaller than I imagined, but very cute. Dan headed straight for the little seawater pool to cool off while I lounged on the beach reading a mag. I have to say, that's one thing I really miss about England - proper girlie mags!! The Aussie equivalents just aren't the same, plus I have no idea who half the celebs are in the pictures.... where's Cosmo when you need it?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4JsT-1tkYI/AAAAAAAAA-k/X9GkpiQmhqI/s1600-h/P2115528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4JsT-1tkYI/AAAAAAAAA-k/X9GkpiQmhqI/s320/P2115528.JPG" /></a></div>For Valentine's Day we booked a meal at Chedi Thai, a restaurant in Newtown that had been recommended to us by Dan's boss. I took the pic below mainly to show their speciality (sorry Dan) - the pineapple rice, served in an actual pineapple.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4JvRqrJw5I/AAAAAAAAA-w/W2mVedEqjpQ/s1600-h/P2145531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4JvRqrJw5I/AAAAAAAAA-w/W2mVedEqjpQ/s320/P2145531.JPG" /></a></div>All the food was incredible and, if you ever find yourself in Newtown, I thoroughly recommend you check it out. Yum Yum! (we're not always eating, honest!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4J2eMQtOvI/AAAAAAAAA-8/BJ63sTSc8v4/s1600-h/P2145535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S4J2eMQtOvI/AAAAAAAAA-8/BJ63sTSc8v4/s320/P2145535.JPG" /></a></div>danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-72535685139929117022010-02-07T14:32:00.004+00:002010-05-05T23:59:05.229+01:00Size MattersJo and I have always wanted to go to a music festival in another country, so getting tickets for Big Day Out was quite exciting. There were a load of good acts playing this year including Calvin Harris, Lily Allen, Groove Armada and Muse to name just a few. We managed to download a map and times a week before, giving us a chance to plan our day. The gates opened at 11am so we got up at 8am to get there just after. We had to catch a train from Redfern (two stops from us) to Olympic Park where the festival was being held. It was obvious which train we needed to catch as there were lots of people dressed in whacky/crazy clothing on one of the platforms. I could never have imagined what the next 20 minutes would entail on what felt like the longest journey ever! The train arriving at Redfern had already been through Central so we knew it would be quite busy - understatement! The train pulled in and we both could see it was pretty packed. Not wanting to wait for the next one we joined the crowd and muscled our way onto the train. It was really squashed inside and we both felt like sardines! With the bad singing, sweaty bodies and warm environment it felt like the rugby trips I remember from school! Finally the singing stopped and we were there. We stepped off the train and followed the 55,000 festival-goers to the entrance. The weather was gorgeous and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. We were greeted at the entrance by a giant inflatable mouth that had 'Boy' written on it. It was meant to symbolise - 'Enter a boy and come out a man...!'<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S2gIzxDYVSI/AAAAAAAAA6k/MIMd1u6gwxs/s1600-h/P1225192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S2gIzxDYVSI/AAAAAAAAA6k/MIMd1u6gwxs/s320/P1225192.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S2gJBaFhq3I/AAAAAAAAA6s/g9w3PNzyJZU/s1600-h/P1225196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S2gJBaFhq3I/AAAAAAAAA6s/g9w3PNzyJZU/s320/P1225196.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once inside we thought it would be a good idea to explore before any bands started playing. There were seven stages spread over the whole site. The Orange and Blue Stages were the main two and had the biggest acts playing on them. They were right next to each other so once a band finished on one stage another band would start on the next, ideal. This was a clever idea because (as any music festival geek would say) at the likes of Glastonbury, once you see an act on one stage you have to wait an hour for the next. Plus the stages aren't anywhere near each other....! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S21bVuoq8ZI/AAAAAAAAA7A/VhuY0pxHjCI/s1600-h/P1225198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S21bVuoq8ZI/AAAAAAAAA7A/VhuY0pxHjCI/s320/P1225198.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, after doing a loop of the venue we thought we would grab a quick drink. As you can guess, food and drink at festivals isn't cheap. A bottle of Coke is about $5, which is too expensive. Luckily Jo had a spare bottle of water on her so we thought we should find a water refill station and 'quickly' fill it up. Each water fountain on the day had a queue longer than any other line. With the temperature creeping up to a whopping 42°C (!) it seemed that everyone wanted water. As you can guess the water fountain was our friend for most of the day, as we were dehydrating quicker than we could drink! Finally it was time to head to the Green Stage where The Temper Trap were playing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S21bnrkKRRI/AAAAAAAAA7I/LgWYT0aEDv4/s1600-h/P1225216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S21bnrkKRRI/AAAAAAAAA7I/LgWYT0aEDv4/s320/P1225216.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We both really enjoyed The Temper Trap. Halfway through I had to get out to grab a drink, as it got very squashed and started to get hotter. After they finished we headed over to the Orange Stage to catch the end of Kasabian. The stage was in the middle of a massive arena surrounded by seating and shade which was very hard to come by on the day. The next acts I wanted to see were all playing in the Boiler Room. Jo wanted to see Dizzee Rascal at 5pm so she came with me until he started. The Boiler Room, ironically, was the coolest place on the day! The stage was inside but once you entered you could feel the air conditioning straight away. We were greeted by two massive screens and a ferris wheel inside. The band I wanted to see didn't start for an hour so we just chilled out/cooled off for a while.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S21fYdm1onI/AAAAAAAAA7U/Yh8xgABYvGY/s1600-h/P1225203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S21fYdm1onI/AAAAAAAAA7U/Yh8xgABYvGY/s320/P1225203.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S-H32_iJugI/AAAAAAAACoc/Ryhdv42GDII/s1600/P1225254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S-H32_iJugI/AAAAAAAACoc/Ryhdv42GDII/s320/P1225254.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While Jo was away watching Dizzee and Lily I was 'having it large' in the Boiler Room with The Midnight Juggernauts and Girl Talk! Jo came back to watch Calvin Harris with me who we thought was one of the highlights from the day. He blasted out his top tunes and the crowd went wild for him. After the Scottish DJ finished I stayed and Jo went off to see Ladyhawke, who she said she enjoyed. Later we met up for Muse who were headlining on the Blue Stage. Once they finished we headed back to the Boliler Room to see the last act of the night, Groove Armada. I really enjoyed them as they belted out such classics as Superstylin' and At the River. The train on the way home was practically empty compared to the way in. Once home we both reminisced about what a great day we had...! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S21nYW68zPI/AAAAAAAAA70/leNWDCq8M0s/s1600-h/P1225275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S21nYW68zPI/AAAAAAAAA70/leNWDCq8M0s/s320/P1225275.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S21nmMODscI/AAAAAAAAA78/zafXkCIhcn4/s1600-h/P1225297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S21nmMODscI/AAAAAAAAA78/zafXkCIhcn4/s320/P1225297.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few days before Big Day Out arrived I was reading the local music magazine - Brag. Every Monday Brag comes out and you can normally find one in any café doorway in Newtown. I always make a habit of reading it as it keeps us up-to-date with what is happening with music. What grabbed me this particular week was a poster advertising a 'MySpace Secret Show' in Sydney with Florence and the Machine. If you don't know already a MySpace Secret Show is an exclusive gig by a band/artist held in different cities all over the world. The latest one was being held in Sydney, ideal! The advert said to put your mobile number in on their website and they would send you a text telling you where it was being held. The night before the gig (Saturday) Jo received a text telling us it was taking place at Paddington Uniting Church - yes a church!!! We both had work the next day but as things like this don't always come up we managed to get our shifts covered. We did a bit of homework that night and came up with the conclusion that we had to get there early as it was 'first come first served'. The following day we arrived at the church, seven hours before the doors opened wondering if it was the right place...?!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S25tGv-FucI/AAAAAAAAA8I/S65et5wNFhA/s1600-h/P1245302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S25tGv-FucI/AAAAAAAAA8I/S65et5wNFhA/s320/P1245302.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;">After doing loops of the church to see if anyone had camped out or there was a queue we couldn't see, we thought it would be wise to sit in a nearby café and wait. An hour later a few people who looked like they were there for the same reason appeared. Not wanting to miss our place in line (losers!) we hovered outside and waited. Shortly after it came apparent that we were in the right place, as a car sporting the MySpace logo pulled up outside the church. We were spotted by the security guard who came over to speak to us. He asked if we were there to see Florence and to make sure we didn't lose our place in line as they were only letting in 95 members of the public - intimate or what! This surprised us as we found out the night before that the venue holds 250 people. The guy said that there were friends and media making up the other numbers. After wiping the grins off our faces we sat on the wall near the entrance. More and more people started appearing and forming a queue. It wasn't long until the 95 mark was hit but this didn't stop anyone from staying and waiting...!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S25tUuksBrI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/8cbGeVHjXko/s1600-h/P1255327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S25tUuksBrI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/8cbGeVHjXko/s320/P1255327.JPG" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>There were a group of girls who came early and sat with us at the front. They were all really friendly and made the wait more bearable. The girls held our spot so we could grab some lunch. Just after lunch the security guard came back to tell us that we couldn't leave or we would lose our spot. The organisers came around just after to give everyone their wristbands which basically was your ticket inside. The queue was getting longer and more people were getting turned away. Posters were being handed out to anyone who couldn't get in as a consolation. The following few hours consisted of games, photos and an interview for the website!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S-H3lSxRcWI/AAAAAAAACoU/agHKf_FZ6fM/s1600/P1255310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S-H3lSxRcWI/AAAAAAAACoU/agHKf_FZ6fM/s320/P1255310.JPG" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S2510kNeIKI/AAAAAAAAA80/h_JEQFqLmOE/s1600-h/P1255323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S2510kNeIKI/AAAAAAAAA80/h_JEQFqLmOE/s320/P1255323.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S252v0ClfWI/AAAAAAAAA9E/dSb91r7HfPg/s1600-h/l_2d59e8240413496199456d7e1c4fe2be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S252v0ClfWI/AAAAAAAAA9E/dSb91r7HfPg/s320/l_2d59e8240413496199456d7e1c4fe2be.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally after seven hours of waiting the doors opened and we were in. Jo and I were still laughing about the interview in which we spoke to the organisers about the gig. I only said a few words but Jo did most of the talking. With answers like "We've eaten loads" (!) it made me wonder if they would use us in the final product...! As you can guess the church was tiny inside making it even more 'intimate'. Along with the group of girls we both stood right at the front touching the stage. We couldn't get over how small it was and how we could literally touch the mic! Moments later Florence walked on to everyone screaming like crazy. She sang nine songs from her album Lungs including 'You've Got The Love', 'Rabbit Heart' and 'Drumming Song' (without the drums!). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S255nk-6gTI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/FrG97s3oTHI/s1600-h/P1255346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S255nk-6gTI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/FrG97s3oTHI/s320/P1255346.JPG" /></a> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S259wlUb6BI/AAAAAAAAA-A/6nDDUcYEp1Y/s1600-h/P1255374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S259wlUb6BI/AAAAAAAAA-A/6nDDUcYEp1Y/s320/P1255374.JPG" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The time inside went so quickly but it was amazing and worth the wait. On our way out we got our free poster which we were lucky enough to get signed. Along with that and a picture next to her it turned out to be a very memorable day...! If I haven't bored you enough with all the excitement please feel free to check out the link where there are more photos of the day alongside the infamous video. See if you can spot us... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/secretshowsau" style="color: blue;">http://www.myspace.com/secretshowsau</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S25-35M-6sI/AAAAAAAAA-M/XQewZUERYJU/s1600-h/P1255383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S25-35M-6sI/AAAAAAAAA-M/XQewZUERYJU/s320/P1255383.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="goog_1265526530975"></span><span id="goog_1265526530976"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-68921902661695249142010-01-21T11:32:00.000+00:002010-01-21T11:32:55.179+00:00Mobes, soap and 3D glassesSince all the excitement of Christmas and New Year we've taken the time to chill out a bit over the past few weeks. We've both settled into daily routines consisting, usually, of work, food, gym (yes, Dan's joined eventually!) and sleep.... all very well for us, but it does mean that the Bloggable material is a bit thin on the ground!!<br />
Having said that, there have been a few highlights.... the first being our trip to the Opera House to see Moby.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g13ZSJvoI/AAAAAAAAA4U/az0E2qbvRvo/s1600-h/P1045124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g13ZSJvoI/AAAAAAAAA4U/az0E2qbvRvo/s320/P1045124.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>I'll be the first to admit that Mobes (as we've affectionately named him) is not really my cup of tea, it was more for Dan really. Having said that, I was literally blown away by the concert. The sound quality inside the OH is amazing and I even got goosebumps during Flower. I loved the fact the show kept alternating between a civilised 'sit down' affair to a full-blown rave! The atmosphere was fantastic.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g2XcGS_BI/AAAAAAAAA4c/mTyWHBZ48p0/s1600-h/P1045150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g2XcGS_BI/AAAAAAAAA4c/mTyWHBZ48p0/s320/P1045150.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g2vdjTdrI/AAAAAAAAA4k/g6Dx7-uc-8E/s1600-h/P1045145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g2vdjTdrI/AAAAAAAAA4k/g6Dx7-uc-8E/s320/P1045145.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>On our days off together Dan and I usually go to the beach. Although we love Coogee, our local, we've tried to check out a few different ones too. A couple of weeks ago we went to Maroubra, which is south of Coogee. It reminded me of the beaches at home, because it is more rustic and surfy than commercial beaches like Bondi. It was also a lot less crowded, which was a bonus.<br />
Last week we took the two-hour bus ride to Palm Beach, the most northern suburb of Sydney. Although the area is great, the thing I was most excited about is that the beach's alter ego is 'Summer Bay' - i.e. the setting for Home and Away (yes, I'm sad). Dan rolled his eyes as I made him take pics of me outside the lifesaving club and doing the iconic stroll down to the beach. No sign of Kim Hyde though.... :-( !!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g3rrqxT1I/AAAAAAAAA4w/VYDKn6CLtwM/s1600-h/P1135153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g3rrqxT1I/AAAAAAAAA4w/VYDKn6CLtwM/s320/P1135153.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g4G6Te7CI/AAAAAAAAA44/dWVvcQ0eY9w/s1600-h/P1135165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g4G6Te7CI/AAAAAAAAA44/dWVvcQ0eY9w/s320/P1135165.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g4lD8asUI/AAAAAAAAA5A/kK_MSx-7OLc/s1600-h/P1135173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g4lD8asUI/AAAAAAAAA5A/kK_MSx-7OLc/s320/P1135173.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>After waiting several weeks to get tickets, we finally managed to see Avatar at the Imax in Darling Harbour. And, it was definitely worth the wait. Dan was like a little kid when we got in there, and I was pretty excited too. It took a little while to get used to the 3D glasses (especially with my dodgy eyesight!) but after a while I just forgot about it and appreciated the sensation of being surrounded by a film. It's the future of cinema for sure.... and James Cameron has set the bar very high.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g5bgHz1kI/AAAAAAAAA5M/cS33CcCkFrg/s1600-h/P1175178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g5bgHz1kI/AAAAAAAAA5M/cS33CcCkFrg/s320/P1175178.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g52UuxsPI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/TlPHBE-yQms/s1600-h/P1175188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S1g52UuxsPI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/TlPHBE-yQms/s320/P1175188.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Tomorrow we are going to the Big Day Out - Australia's Glastonbury but, as the name suggests, for one day only. There are some great acts playing, including Muse and Calvin Harris, so it should be good. Bit concerned about the weather forecast though - 42 degrees!! Better make sure we take lots of suncream and water... bit different to Glasto... well, the suncream bit anyway!danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-61144409668363828942010-01-03T13:00:00.012+00:002010-09-13T01:47:23.116+01:00Where did that year go...?!?<div style="text-align: left;">Firstly I would just like to say that I hope you all had a great Christmas and all the best for 2010...!</div>Christmas this year was a little different to other years as it was the first one we both have had away from family back at home. Jo told me that she didn't get me anything this year because we were saving but that all changed when I woke up to a load of prezzies on the bed!! She got me a t-shirt, mug, incense sticks and some candy. I bought her a necklace, Robbie's new album, a soundtrack to a cute film, some nibbles and vouchers for two clothes shops as I know that she has been wanting a change to her wardrobe...!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_qadmLzXI/AAAAAAAAA2g/DFjA5D-H6I8/s1600-h/PC254922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_qadmLzXI/AAAAAAAAA2g/DFjA5D-H6I8/s320/PC254922.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once we were dressed we headed to our local beach, Coogee, with our picnic. When we stepped off the bus all we could see was a wave of little red hats. Seeing everyone in Santa hats near the beach was a bit surreal but 'normal' at the same time! The picnic was really yummy and we finished just in time, as it started to drizzle. It was only moderate until we got home and then it started to rain properly. We both couldn't believe it was raining on Christmas but that wasn't going to ruin our day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_n1Uszh9I/AAAAAAAAA2M/tpukFe-xVV0/s1600-h/PC254927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_n1Uszh9I/AAAAAAAAA2M/tpukFe-xVV0/s320/PC254927.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_pHLft0vI/AAAAAAAAA2U/y6nzZkokzSw/s1600-h/PC254925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_pHLft0vI/AAAAAAAAA2U/y6nzZkokzSw/s320/PC254925.JPG" /></a></div>Once we got home we played a game that I got from Nichola and Dave; Pick-up-sticks. This, along with a bit of festive telly, made it feel more like Christmas. Later that evening we Skyped my Mum and Dad which was nice. It was weird not being there but after a chat and a toast it almost felt like we had popped in to join the celebrations! We also had a nice long chat with Jo's Mum and Dad over the phone and wished them a Merry Christmas that evening, followed by another fun festive Skype on Boxing Day to them and Granny and Grampy. <br />
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Each Boxing Day Sydney hosts the start of the yacht race to Hobart. We wandered down to the harbour to see what was going on. You could just about make out the boats on the horizon. There were lots of spectators there but before we knew it the race had started and the yachts had gone! Jo had work that evening so we walked back through the city on the way to see what sales were on. All the shops were stupidly busy. We attempted two shops but after nearly getting squashed to death we headed back home!<br />
The next few days after Christmas were lazy for me as my work place was closed for nearly a week! Jo had to work for most of the week but we still found time to do a few things together. The local cinema is just up the road so one evening we went to see Sherlock Holmes. We both really enjoyed it. I won't bore you with a review but I highly recommend it.<br />
With Christmas feeling a bit strange this year we held out for a 'normal' New Year's Eve. Our American friends that we met at the beginning of our travels said they were heading down to Sydney to meet up and see the New Year in with us. It was really nice to see Courtney and Cory again and hear how they have been getting on. They have been in Newcastle for the past two months. They were only going to stay there for a couple of days but things changed and they ended up staying longer (sounds like Melbourne Jo!) The theme for the evening was to wear a touch of blue so we all tried our best...!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_wTyiw1wI/AAAAAAAAA28/Onp2Z1A7hTs/s1600-h/PC314957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_wTyiw1wI/AAAAAAAAA28/Onp2Z1A7hTs/s320/PC314957.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_zR6ETYFI/AAAAAAAAA3M/uAdN3sFCay4/s1600-h/PC314969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_zR6ETYFI/AAAAAAAAA3M/uAdN3sFCay4/s320/PC314969.JPG" /></a></div>We headed down to the city around 3pm to try and find a good spot to see the fireworks. We walked around for a while but ended up staying at Campbells Cove near The Rocks, which is one of the vantage points for the fireworks. We couldn't believe how busy it was and it appeared that a lot of people had been there all day or had camped out the night before! Once we got into position we waited for the first display which was at 9pm. I think they were for families and youngsters, as a few people headed home after. We had three hours until midnight and Jo wanted to get a drink. I looked around and thought it would be wise to stay put as most people around us had sat down. It took us long enough to get where we were by manoeuvring around people and nearly standing on fingers, so staying put seemed wise.<br />
After the 9pm fireworks there were more at 10pm, 11pm, 11.30pm, 11.45pm and then the grand finale at midnight. The atmosphere was amazing. There was an overhead speaker that was letting everyone know how long it was until midnight. Everyone counted down the last 10 seconds and before we knew it 2010 was here and the display had started. It is hard to describe the experience but seeing the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge light up and witnessing it with 1.5 million other people was such an honour for us and another memory for the box!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_x6zCpjAI/AAAAAAAAA3E/bg9Bz5prX9s/s1600-h/PC315003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_x6zCpjAI/AAAAAAAAA3E/bg9Bz5prX9s/s320/PC315003.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_thI3MGqI/AAAAAAAAA2s/WXHRZBq6FgE/s1600-h/PC315115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_thI3MGqI/AAAAAAAAA2s/WXHRZBq6FgE/s320/PC315115.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_0dBswyXI/AAAAAAAAA3U/EJasv85SjT8/s1600-h/PC315071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sz_0dBswyXI/AAAAAAAAA3U/EJasv85SjT8/s320/PC315071.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the fireworks had finished everyone wished each other a Happy New Year. We walked back up George Street and headed somewhere to get some grub - we needed it! The streets were so busy and there were lots of police around including police on horseback. The atmosphere was amazing as people were playing music in the streets and just generally enjoying the celebrations. As you can imagine the roads were packed and each place selling food was bursting at the seams. We managed to get some food and then caught the train back to Newtown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S0CWfEivlSI/AAAAAAAAA3g/1btap-PO7uI/s1600-h/PC315107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/S0CWfEivlSI/AAAAAAAAA3g/1btap-PO7uI/s320/PC315107.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The night went so quick but overall it was one to remember. Courtney and Cory had to catch the train back to Newcastle so we went out for lunch and wished them a safe journey. They are due to fly back to America in February but they are thinking of staying until May. Either way they said they will call through and spend the last few days with us before they leave.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So there you have it, another year has gone. 2010 will be an exciting year and I hope you enjoy hearing all about it. Happy New Year everyone!!!</div>danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-61050844427439544272009-12-23T13:04:00.004+00:002010-09-13T01:43:19.024+01:00Season's GreetingsNow we're both working, 'blog time' has been seriously reduced....hence the fact it's been a little while since the last post.....!<br />
Anyway, all is still bonza, as they say over here. Dan's yoghurt shop is closed for most of Christmas so he's got a cushty week off.... in contrast, I'm working every waking hour with my only day off being actual Christmas Day. Someone's got to put bread on the table!<br />
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I'm still blagging the fact that I'm a 'barista' at the ice cream shop. I can cope with the simple coffees now but anything out of the ordinary still confuses me. Here's a pic of me practising at home.... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SzIEZPx7-UI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/T6KKEaySpKk/s1600-h/PC094823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SzIEZPx7-UI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/T6KKEaySpKk/s320/PC094823.JPG" /></a></div>Our landlady, Joanne, organised a Christmas get-together for the housemates here and the ones at another of her houses. We all went round to their house, because it's huge, and had a pizza night. We were eating pizza for the next week, as Joanne had ordered us a giant pizza each...I think she thought we needed feeding, as we're all living away from home!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SzIFVJt2MRI/AAAAAAAAAyY/tpeOPhi_Xig/s1600-h/PC094828-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SzIFVJt2MRI/AAAAAAAAAyY/tpeOPhi_Xig/s320/PC094828-1.JPG" /></a></div>Last week we headed over to Coogee beach, after Jen our housemate recommended it. It's about a 30 minute bus ride from here, which saves us going into the city. We had a really lovely day there, relaxing on the beach. It doesn't seem quite as manic as Bondi, which tends to get overrun with school kids (especially now it's the school holidays).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SzIIxgLETsI/AAAAAAAAAyw/T34pPtUcCB4/s1600-h/PC164864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SzIIxgLETsI/AAAAAAAAAyw/T34pPtUcCB4/s320/PC164864.JPG" /></a></div>We liked Coogee so much that we decided to go back there at the weekend for their carol concert. We headed over early and spent a bit of time exploring the area. Someone at work had said that Clovelly (not the one in ND!) is really nice, so we took a walk along the coastal path to check it out. It was a lovely walk and I'm sure we'll revisit Clovelly with our swimming costumes again soon. It's a very narrow beach, and they've made the bay into a massive swimming pool, with places to climb in along the side. It wasn't the weather for it when we were there, but we'll definitely be back on a sunny day.<br />
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Dan and I got to the carol concert nice and early to get our pitch. It was a good job we did, because by the time it started every little space was taken by families and their picnic blankets. Dan bought a little candle and a booklet so we could sing along..... as you can see, he got well into it!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SzIQwmZDNUI/AAAAAAAAAzU/3sKlqGYfnBc/s1600-h/PC204908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SzIQwmZDNUI/AAAAAAAAAzU/3sKlqGYfnBc/s320/PC204908.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SzIOJcMLlJI/AAAAAAAAAzI/k_80y-aEcYc/s1600-h/PC204907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SzIOJcMLlJI/AAAAAAAAAzI/k_80y-aEcYc/s320/PC204907.JPG" /></a></div> Newtown is full of lovely restaurants, so it is surprising that we have only just been out for our first meal. To celebrate our five and a half year anniversary (any excuse!!) we went to Thai Riffic, one of the most popular eateries. It's got a great reputation, and I can see why. The decor in the restaurant is so pretty and the food was amazing. A very enjoyable evening....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SzILYtI2G5I/AAAAAAAAAy8/l4E6uEhZdvU/s1600-h/PC174874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SzILYtI2G5I/AAAAAAAAAy8/l4E6uEhZdvU/s320/PC174874.JPG" /></a></div> All that's left for me to say is MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SzIHA64292I/AAAAAAAAAyk/rdXj1BafHvA/s1600-h/PC094837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SzIHA64292I/AAAAAAAAAyk/rdXj1BafHvA/s320/PC094837.JPG" /></a></div>danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-4954582424727800862009-12-09T04:45:00.003+00:002010-09-13T01:42:11.766+01:00Bread on the table!It feels better typing a blog this time knowing that we both have jobs now! We've both been working for nearly two weeks and are making the most of our days off. I have landed a job at a frozen yogurt bar that opened a fortnight ago in Newtown. I am really enjoying it and the owners are nice too, which helps. They left me in charge the other night, while they went to see a show, which I was chuffed with as I have only been there a short while. The following day they said how well I had done and that I have gained their trust, which is good! Jo was doing a little bit of waitressing for a while but the owner wasn't very nice and didn't give her enough hours so she tried for another job. She is now working in an ice-cream parlour. It's just up the road from me which is handy and only a short walk from the house. They sell coffee at the shop too, so Jo has been putting her barista skills to work! She dreads being asked to make any coffees but as they say 'practice makes perfect!'<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sx8dSD0bFOI/AAAAAAAAAwY/OhsWdydR9OQ/s1600-h/PC074815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sx8dSD0bFOI/AAAAAAAAAwY/OhsWdydR9OQ/s320/PC074815.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sx8e2l1TQcI/AAAAAAAAAwg/qCJQNYB1xKo/s1600-h/PC084819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sx8e2l1TQcI/AAAAAAAAAwg/qCJQNYB1xKo/s320/PC084819.JPG" /></a></div>Last week we popped over to Manly where a Ben and Jerry's shop was having its grand opening. Because we can't say no to a freebie we went over to grab our free ice-cream. Ben and Jerry's isn't well-known over here yet so the majority of the customers that day were American! The queue was quite long but worth the wait, especially when Mr Cohen and Mr Greenfield (aka Ben and Jerry) served us themselves. I had the 'Chocolate Therapy' and Jo had 'Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough'. If you have never tried their ice-cream before then go out now and buy some, you won't be disappointed...!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sx8Yps3dWOI/AAAAAAAAAwA/_mOU-U0BD80/s1600-h/PB274804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sx8Yps3dWOI/AAAAAAAAAwA/_mOU-U0BD80/s320/PB274804.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sx8auc5gYRI/AAAAAAAAAwI/4DOb07mEPeQ/s1600-h/PB274801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sx8auc5gYRI/AAAAAAAAAwI/4DOb07mEPeQ/s320/PB274801.JPG" /></a></div>As you might be aware by now, I really hate spiders! I knew that coming to Australia wasn't going to be easy as 'house spiders' over here are a bit bigger than the ones back at home. I have only seen a few so far and they aren't a pretty sight. Jo was working the other night and I was at home with Yazeed, one of our housemates, who also hates spiders. Yazeed went into the cupboard under the stairs to put the iron away and spotted an 'incy wincy' (as I like to call them). It ran deeper into the cupboard so Yazeed pulled all the contents out and tried to coax him out. He eventually emerged just in time for Yazeed to get him, hooray!<span style="color: black;"> </span>I still will always be on edge but that is one less to worry about!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sx8b9nv3OKI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/d5mZRo5YJt0/s1600-h/PC054808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sx8b9nv3OKI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/d5mZRo5YJt0/s320/PC054808.JPG" /></a></div>We're both still trying to get our heads around Christmas being a few weeks away. With the weather being around 35°C most days it's hard to believe. Anyway, we have got our Christmas party tonight organised by our landlady, Joanne. She has a few houses around the area so is gathering us all up and putting on a little get-together. It will be nice to meet some new people and get a few 'Christmassy' photos...danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-55200855394615014332009-11-27T09:17:00.002+00:002010-09-13T01:41:30.263+01:00The Initial Newtown Edition (thanks Gramp!)Firstly, thanks to everyone who commented on the previous post... it's lovely to know you're all following it and (hopefully) enjoying reading about our adventure.<br />
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We have now been in our house for one week, although it seems like longer. After the nightmare that was Billabong Gardens it was bliss to get here and unpack and have a little bit of space to ourselves.<br />
We are living on a street off the main road which runs through Newtown, so the location is excellent for both shopping and working. It is also a very quiet area, apart from the odd rumble from a plane overhead.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sw88WxywAdI/AAAAAAAAAvA/ic7i4zdjByI/s1600/PB254791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sw88WxywAdI/AAAAAAAAAvA/ic7i4zdjByI/s320/PB254791.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sw8_Rxkf3MI/AAAAAAAAAvI/f6N3csYLmKw/s1600/PB254793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sw8_Rxkf3MI/AAAAAAAAAvI/f6N3csYLmKw/s320/PB254793.JPG" /></a></div>The first week has been taken up with lots of cleaning! There has been a complete turnaround of housemates, so we've been able to chuck out a lot of rubbish that had been lying around and, because Dan and I got here first, we've been able to set the standard and lay down some ground rules!<br />
The living space, kitchen and bathroom are all shared, but the other guys seem to be out quite a lot so we've been lucky and had the house to ourselves most evenings. Being able to cook in an empty kitchen and chill out in front of the television has been luxury.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sw-LYhXJWhI/AAAAAAAAAvU/YcC9rGEhpj8/s1600/PB274795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sw-LYhXJWhI/AAAAAAAAAvU/YcC9rGEhpj8/s320/PB274795.JPG" /></a></div>My favourite room in the house, unsurprisingly, is our bedroom. I love its wooden floorboards and big wooden bed, to me it feels quite Moroccan. We treated ourselves to the red leaf lamp as a moving-in present, which I think really suits the room. Not sure how we're going to get it back to the UK though....!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sw-N9Zkv1cI/AAAAAAAAAvc/_THlLZjdpEQ/s1600/PB244776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sw-N9Zkv1cI/AAAAAAAAAvc/_THlLZjdpEQ/s320/PB244776.JPG" /></a></div>As time goes on we're gradually getting to grips with finding our way around Newtown. We've found Franklins, a much cheaper supermarket than the ones in the city, and a bargain chemist. Having said that, I still think everything is much more expensive over here. I was excited to find my shampoo on offer for $6 the other day, which is still about £3.50. The joys of being a girl...!<br />
We have also found Newtown library, which will be very handy. I've really got back into reading since we've come over here and up until now I've been buying books from the second hand shop, so this will save me a lot of money.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sw-VItwLK0I/AAAAAAAAAv0/KSBapHjBFRE/s1600/PB114729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sw-VItwLK0I/AAAAAAAAAv0/KSBapHjBFRE/s320/PB114729.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sw-S8li6SLI/AAAAAAAAAvs/BuDf3lKbnEU/s1600/PB254786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sw-S8li6SLI/AAAAAAAAAvs/BuDf3lKbnEU/s320/PB254786.JPG" /></a></div>After all the food pics in the last post, you'll be pleased to know I've since joined the gym (I have to burn off all those iced coffees somehow!). I was really lucky and saw an advert on Gumtree from a girl who was leaving Newtown and wanted to transfer her membership. As a result I didn't have to pay a joining or administration fee, saving me an absolute fortune. I've been three times so far, and am really enjoying it. I'm yet to try out any of the classes but I may go to body combat next week, as Jen is always raving about how good it is!!<br />
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Although our outside space is quite small at the house (just a small patio and bbq), we are lucky to have Victoria Park just down the road. We have been going there and sitting under the trees to read our books, or just stopping off there on the long walk to the city. Right in the middle of the park is an outdoor swimming pool, which we are going to try out soon. You can't beat diving into a nice cold pool on a hot summer's day. (p.s. the pic below is of the duck pond in the park, that's not the swimming pool!!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sw-Qtf_Mk9I/AAAAAAAAAvk/XNedlgExLl8/s1600/PB254789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sw-Qtf_Mk9I/AAAAAAAAAvk/XNedlgExLl8/s320/PB254789.JPG" /></a></div>At the moment we are enjoying our last few days of freedom before we start work properly. We may go shopping for Christmas decorations later.... I still can't get my head around the fact it's next month..... or just head off down to the park again to catch some rays... it's a hard life!danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-59843189709310886612009-11-16T12:57:00.004+00:002010-09-13T01:50:06.957+01:00Slowly but surely...!One month on and we nearly have our own pad, four days left! The latest plan was to stay at the Wake Up! until Friday, but we changed it to stay in a hostel in Newtown as it's closer to our new home, wrong choice! The place we're in now is known as Billabong Gardens. Don't be fooled by the exotic name as it is a bit of a dive to say the least...! Not only do you have to hire out cutlery, but you have to wipe your feet on the way out!<br />
The past week has been really enjoyable. We stumbled across lots of cute markets scattered around the outskirts of Sydney, including Paddington, Bondi, Glebe and The Rocks (they all make Barnstaple Pannier Market look like a jumble sale!) There were so many stalls to look at and we managed to see lots of bits and bobs that we want to take home with us, just not sure how?!?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SwE7VxWQIrI/AAAAAAAAAuA/H4wD0ITPFzY/s1600/PB074707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SwE7VxWQIrI/AAAAAAAAAuA/H4wD0ITPFzY/s320/PB074707.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SwE7jtngUoI/AAAAAAAAAuI/cBOkYz7an0I/s1600/PB154759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SwE7jtngUoI/AAAAAAAAAuI/cBOkYz7an0I/s320/PB154759.JPG" /></a></div>We are slowly exploring more of Newtown as the days go on. As Jo said it has everything we need. One particular shop that has stood out from the rest is a really old book store at the end of the road. It opens 9 - midnight 7 days a week which is crazy but they have every book you can imagine and there always seems to be someone in there!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SwE-frPMM4I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/6SUPQCNVZEk/s1600/PB164765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SwE-frPMM4I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/6SUPQCNVZEk/s320/PB164765.JPG" /></a></div>If you didn't know, Jo started her new job the other night at Basil's pizza and pasta resaurant. It sounded like she was thrown in at the deep end, but she managed okay and is back in on Saturday full-time! I also have a job at a frozen yogurt bar which is being built! Sounds crazy but should be up and running by the end of the week, fingers crossed. Even though we have jobs lined up we have been making our money last. We both love a good bargain. So when we spotted Milo (a Nestlé breakfast cereal ) on offer for $4 we jumped at it. Things seem to taste better when they're cheaper!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SwFCJKdtIWI/AAAAAAAAAuY/EFYxeQzRYMA/s1600/PB094718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SwFCJKdtIWI/AAAAAAAAAuY/EFYxeQzRYMA/s320/PB094718.JPG" /></a></div>There have been numerous new shops opening up in and around Sydney the past week. When they open they all seem to have an offer on to entice you in. We have taken advantage of half price frozen yogurts and buy one get one free ice teas! The next store to open is a Ben and Jerry's shop in Manly at the end of the month. Ben and Jerry will be there themselves dishing out free ice-cream, so no prizes for guessing what we'll be doing?!? Let's hope the ice-cream tastes as good as the ice teas!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SwFFLXhR8bI/AAAAAAAAAug/SQ97VneHAAA/s1600/PB134746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SwFFLXhR8bI/AAAAAAAAAug/SQ97VneHAAA/s320/PB134746.JPG" /></a></div>Now all we have to do is stick it out in here for a few more days until Friday. There will be lots of photos of the house in the next blog so stay tuned!danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-27389574677155585812009-11-06T00:48:00.003+00:002010-09-13T01:39:21.166+01:00Coffee and Wigs<div class="MsoNormal">The past week has been busy busy busy! We’ve been trekking back and forth between the YHA and Wake Up! (two hostels in the centre of Sydney), as on some nights one or the other is fully booked, meaning we have to check out. We have now secured accommodation at the Wake Up! for the next two weeks, so room 206 is our home for the foreseeable future.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Last Thursday Dan and I both passed our RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) training, meaning we can legally work behind a bar now. We also took part in a barista (coffee making) workshop, as just saying you’ve worked in a café is not enough for the picky Aussies! Despite adding these strings to our bows, finding work has still been a slow process. I’ve currently handed in my resumé to about 15 places and haven’t heard back from one. Demoralising isn’t the word!! We haven’t given up hope just yet though, as we are still being quite fussy at the moment.... give it another week and Dan will be back at Maccas!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SvNw8Ki2_TI/AAAAAAAAAtc/boUv4oyIK_0/s1600-h/PA314607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SvNw8Ki2_TI/AAAAAAAAAtc/boUv4oyIK_0/s320/PA314607.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SvNxN1NW5fI/AAAAAAAAAtk/sw0nmVKxGcU/s1600-h/PA314606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SvNxN1NW5fI/AAAAAAAAAtk/sw0nmVKxGcU/s320/PA314606.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Our lives were thoroughly brightened up last Wednesday when two crazy Americans from ‘Miichiiiigaaaaan’ moved into our room at the YHA with, literally, their entire wardrobe, every medicine they could possibly ever need and four months’ worth of cosmetics. Courtney and Cory had arrived! The four of us instantly got on and spent the next week hanging out together (we persuaded them to put 99% of their luggage into storage before we moved to the rather cramped room at the Wake Up!!) The highlight of our time together was a night out on Hallowe’en. We managed to cobble four outfits together for minimal cost and, I think you’ll agree, we looked ‘perdy darn good’! Courtney and Cory are now travelling up the coast, but they are hoping to be back in Sydney to join us for the New Year celebrations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SvNxa2UbZDI/AAAAAAAAAts/7c0ymtrV28s/s1600-h/IMG_3613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SvNxa2UbZDI/AAAAAAAAAts/7c0ymtrV28s/s320/IMG_3613.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SvNxmWptZ4I/AAAAAAAAAt0/oNz6XGWOel8/s1600-h/IMG_3547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/SvNxmWptZ4I/AAAAAAAAAt0/oNz6XGWOel8/s320/IMG_3547.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">After realising we probably weren’t going to find work as quickly as we had hoped we decided to at least try and tick the accommodation box. On Gumtree (the ‘in’ website for travellers looking for somewhere to live) we soon stumbled across a house share that looked nice. It was in Newtown, about 10 mins on the train from Sydney Central, so we decided to book an appointment to view the room. As soon as we stepped outside the train station we decided we liked the place. The main high street is made up of loads of little cute independent stores (there seems to be some sort of rule against chains), selling really unusual jewellery and clothing. There’s a real community spirit which you don’t get in the city.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Looking around the house we could really imagine ourselves living there. It’s quaint, with wooden floors and bohemian furniture. This, along with the fact it has wireless Internet and bills included in the rent, was enough to make us sign on the dotted line. It sounds rash without having the regular income from a job lined up (Mum – ‘kick boxing’!!....private joke) but the rent for a week is about 200 bucks cheaper than we are currently paying at the hostels, so it really does make sense.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We are going back to Newtown in the next few days to ask around about jobs. Obviously it would be ideal if we could find work there but, failing that, it’s easily within commuting distance of the city and other major suburbs.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Two weeks today we will be moving in, so no doubt there will be lots of pics coming soon...</div>danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-51715617561606687082009-10-28T03:36:00.001+00:002010-09-13T01:38:19.653+01:001 week in...Well, we have officially been here for a week and already we feel like we know our way around! Jo and I now both have an Australian mobile number as well as a new bank account. We have also applied for a tax file number (which stops you being taxed 49%!) and are waiting for it to arrive. There are so many adverts for shared apartments dotted around on lamp posts so we're just going to wait until we get a job sorted and then have a look at what's available. All the apartments they publicise have gyms and saunas which is an addeed bonus!<br />
The YHA is our home at the moment but it's five stars so can't really complain. As we learnt from last year, eating out isn't cheap so we have cooked every night. Tonight's meal was so nice it deserved a photo!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sue4ODv1inI/AAAAAAAAAs4/gKBg2fp7Gkc/s1600-h/PA274574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sue4ODv1inI/AAAAAAAAAs4/gKBg2fp7Gkc/s320/PA274574.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Sunday we came across the weekly food market in China Town over the road. It reminded us of India, but without the bartering! There was one particular guy there who made us laugh. He was on the fish counter trying to sell us king prawns. The phrase he used was "You try, you like, you buy. You try, you don't like, bye bye!" (imagine this said in an oriental accent!!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The selection there was so good that we're popping back next Sunday to do our weekly shop.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sue5YpUs4kI/AAAAAAAAAtI/k1Gr2YVyOVs/s1600-h/PA254545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sue5YpUs4kI/AAAAAAAAAtI/k1Gr2YVyOVs/s320/PA254545.JPG" /></a></div>I thought we had taken every photo possible of Sydney (check out the photos from last year on Facebook!) until yesterday when we stumbled along a bunch of bird cages hanging down a random alley...! What made it even weirder was the fact there wasn't a bird to be seen yet we heard tweeting coming from the cages!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sue6KiWzlPI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/ghpLEQo3x2o/s1600-h/PA254571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sue6KiWzlPI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/ghpLEQo3x2o/s320/PA254571.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's nearly eight in the evening here so we're off to watch a film at the local cinema. Tomorrow will consist of organising a couple of courses to help with jobs. The first is for a RSA licence allowing us to legally work behind a bar. The other is to learn how to master the art of coffee or 'barista skills' as they call it here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can see Jo is eager to play on a piano out here, as long as they don't all look like this.....!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sue5GCGiAJI/AAAAAAAAAtA/PzDhQ9I8DOI/s1600-h/PA234535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/Sue5GCGiAJI/AAAAAAAAAtA/PzDhQ9I8DOI/s320/PA234535.JPG" /></a></div>danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7423328449782690615.post-27915995428590365382009-10-21T12:50:00.001+01:002010-09-13T01:36:52.832+01:00Where's my bed?!?I can't believe Dan and I haven't slept since Sunday!! Bearing in mind it is now Wednesday evening, I think this is possibly the longest I've ever gone without sleep. What is even more surprising is the fact that the photo below (which was taken to prove we are actually in Sydney and not writing this blog from our bedroom) makes us look relatively normal. Radiant, even.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/St7yVhQBqGI/AAAAAAAAArs/kzTAaubqeLw/s1600-h/PA214512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/St7yVhQBqGI/AAAAAAAAArs/kzTAaubqeLw/s320/PA214512.JPG" /></a></div>I know you'll all be desperate to see pretty pics of the opera house, the harbour bridge etc...well, sorry to disappoint, but the first two pics are going to be very random.... In our dazed/weary state, this put a smile on our face....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/St70Cg06DjI/AAAAAAAAAr0/HDcTWZC5l6Q/s1600-h/PA214529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/St70Cg06DjI/AAAAAAAAAr0/HDcTWZC5l6Q/s320/PA214529.JPG" /></a></div>Firstly, they make Oreo Cookie Kit Kat Chunkies..... when you've been eating plane food for two days, this is pretty exciting stuff (hence the slightly manic look in my eye!). Talking of the plane, I must briefly mention the horrific take-off in Kuala Lumpur. Let's just say that seeing lightning bolts right outside the window didn't make for a relaxed journey!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/St71PpirxEI/AAAAAAAAAr8/8XYYZ6O5WTM/s1600-h/PA214530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NrA0qVySXdY/St71PpirxEI/AAAAAAAAAr8/8XYYZ6O5WTM/s320/PA214530.JPG" /></a></div>Secondly, I saw, not one, but three Christmas trees today....!! There's something very odd about seeing anything remotely Christmassy when it's 30+ degrees outside....surreal.....<br />
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Tomorrow things start to get serious. We're off job hunting..... wish us luck.danharvshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421042704637876897noreply@blogger.com0