Another day, another buffet.
The last buffet. The buffet to end all buffets.
Sydney Tower is amazing. The restaurant (with incredible food) is the top floor of the building, a circular section which rotates, with views of the entire city. One rotation takes 90mins and our alloted time period was 90mins... uncanny.
I've said it before and believe me... i'll say it again. Sydney is the most beautiful city in the world. If I don't end up living here at some point in my life, i'll have made a serious mistake along the way. The views were incredible, it helped that it was 30 degrees and a cloudless sky... we could see, well, as far as the eye can see..! All in all, when combined with the limitless gourmet food... well worth the $50... around, 28quid...
Walked around all day and it didn't occur to me once that it was almost NYE (as i write this, it is NYE)... the weather still hasn't hit home with me. All i know, is that i don't wanna go back home!
Anyway, evening, and the 'kool' party; for all the non-freshies out there, 'kool' is something like a seafood stew from SL... I'm not a fan, but my cousin made it and she is an amazing chef. Hence... it was edible. Myself and the emigrated cousin (he shall be called the emigrated cousin for simplicity's sake) then set about a lil firework display for the kiddies at the house... well, was fun for us too, but for the kiddies.
We set a few fireworks off, dodging the burning embers as they fell down to earth... for the last one we set off; it came off at an angle we didn't expect, so cousin dearest told me to run. I ran, and an ember landed about 30cm in front of me. Not being sure which direction to run, we just stood there... fun! Anyway, neighbours complained, so we moved the party to a park.
For the park, we decided, rather than one by one, we'd light a few (6) all at once. 3 cars came along for the ride, and my and the cousin went outside whilst everyone else sheltered in their cars. We found a bench, and lined up all the fireworks. Lighting them all with lit sparklers, the first 5 were lit, the cousin once again didnt tell me he had started, so by the time i had lit my 2nd firework, his were popping... tried lighting the last one, but figured i didnt wanna be too close by the time they all went off...
Anyway, twas all very spectacular.. ended... and we lit the last one. Now this, had 6 rockets in a circle around a benign core... they all fire off one after another once one has been lit.... we lit it... 3 fired off nicely, then all of a sudden, we see a flash going sideways rather than... well... up. That one flew by the top of our front car, the second flash flew straight into the front garden of an opposing house. Meanwhile, we ran behind the nearest tree... didnt fancy dodging any metaphorical bullets. (met with much hilarity by everyone in the car as they saw us waving our sparklers one minute, then the same sparklers streaking towards the trees the next).
Thankfully we missed both cars (by centimetres) and made a hasty exit from the area... leaving a nice fog of smoke behind us....
Good times!
xxxxxx
Monday, 31 December 2007
Sunday, 30 December 2007
The Day Before The Day Before New Years
Oppressive heat... I love it!
It is the last couple of days of my cousin's stay here in Oz (The Canadian ones... its not worth trying to work out who in truth, for those of you that know, im both impressed, and surprised)... as such, we're cramming as much as we can into the next few short days. Twas clubbing last night, and it was a trip to the slightly blue mountains today.
It wasn't a particularly early start today thankfully... we did get in the car and set off around 11... en route we did a scenic eye tour thing, which I wasnt too impressed by. The blue mountains are stunning, don't get me wrong, but i'd seen them from the air before, even walked a little in there... I had even seen a brown snake in the wild... it was never going to impress me that much. I did drink plenty of fresh mineral water from the mountain though... very cool.
Then off to the Jenolan Caves; the oldest known caves in the world. We were due to explore the 'Lucas Cave'... which we did. Obviously, as with all of my journeys, the photos are absolutly amazing. I must have a good 100-200 just from within the caves itself. It is difficult to believe wonders like it are naturally created, but again, I am not the sentimental type, so i'm going to stop waxing lyrical there... more of that to come later =)
On the route back, we got Chineese (i've had more Chineese here than i've had ever..!) and stopped one more time at the 'Echo point' in the mountains. At this point (11pm) in the pitch pitch black, my cousins blind folded me and dragged me to the edge of the cliff (the rail told me it was the edge..!)... I opened my eyes to probably the most beautiful view i've ever seen. The three sisters. They were all lit up in orange, and just looked fantastic...
For those that don't know, the 'Three Sisters' are a rock formation on the mountain range, imagine these humungous rocks against a pitch black starry sky (the stars down here are ridiculous.. i'm going to come home with neck ache!) being lit from around 10-15km by some ridiculously powerful orange lamp. Perfectly. The light is focused on that part of the valley exactly, and they just look unreal. Even photos wouldn't do it justice, not that we could get photos... stars being far away and all...
Anyway, on that note, wait for a bunch of 'sights' to be posted on facebook... or pester me for photos at will...
I'm gonna go to bed... another buffet tomorrow!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It is the last couple of days of my cousin's stay here in Oz (The Canadian ones... its not worth trying to work out who in truth, for those of you that know, im both impressed, and surprised)... as such, we're cramming as much as we can into the next few short days. Twas clubbing last night, and it was a trip to the slightly blue mountains today.
It wasn't a particularly early start today thankfully... we did get in the car and set off around 11... en route we did a scenic eye tour thing, which I wasnt too impressed by. The blue mountains are stunning, don't get me wrong, but i'd seen them from the air before, even walked a little in there... I had even seen a brown snake in the wild... it was never going to impress me that much. I did drink plenty of fresh mineral water from the mountain though... very cool.
Then off to the Jenolan Caves; the oldest known caves in the world. We were due to explore the 'Lucas Cave'... which we did. Obviously, as with all of my journeys, the photos are absolutly amazing. I must have a good 100-200 just from within the caves itself. It is difficult to believe wonders like it are naturally created, but again, I am not the sentimental type, so i'm going to stop waxing lyrical there... more of that to come later =)
On the route back, we got Chineese (i've had more Chineese here than i've had ever..!) and stopped one more time at the 'Echo point' in the mountains. At this point (11pm) in the pitch pitch black, my cousins blind folded me and dragged me to the edge of the cliff (the rail told me it was the edge..!)... I opened my eyes to probably the most beautiful view i've ever seen. The three sisters. They were all lit up in orange, and just looked fantastic...
For those that don't know, the 'Three Sisters' are a rock formation on the mountain range, imagine these humungous rocks against a pitch black starry sky (the stars down here are ridiculous.. i'm going to come home with neck ache!) being lit from around 10-15km by some ridiculously powerful orange lamp. Perfectly. The light is focused on that part of the valley exactly, and they just look unreal. Even photos wouldn't do it justice, not that we could get photos... stars being far away and all...
Anyway, on that note, wait for a bunch of 'sights' to be posted on facebook... or pester me for photos at will...
I'm gonna go to bed... another buffet tomorrow!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thursday, 27 December 2007
Boxing Day
Hey... it follows on from a previous metaphor... who knew?
Bondi Beach... initially, I wasnt 100% as to what all the fuss was about... it was just another beach. Then i noticed the sand was pretty much pure white, the coastline beautiful and the ocean completely clear.
It aint a bad place to be.
Also, a surreal way to spend the festive period... but you already knew that.
I'm almost starting to maybe miss home a little... another week and a half here... but as well as the home-pangs, only slight pangs i must say.. i'm also getting flashbacks (not the creepy losing your mind kind... but just... flashbacks) of when I landed here... memories which are just as valid (I have no short term memory, as many of you know... I remember your birthdays really, its just, I don't appear too)....
I'm going to be gutted when I leave here... I'm almost missing it already....
All in all, i really don't sound content... but I couldn't be more content...
apparently I'm a study in contradictions!
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Bondi Beach... initially, I wasnt 100% as to what all the fuss was about... it was just another beach. Then i noticed the sand was pretty much pure white, the coastline beautiful and the ocean completely clear.
It aint a bad place to be.
Also, a surreal way to spend the festive period... but you already knew that.
I'm almost starting to maybe miss home a little... another week and a half here... but as well as the home-pangs, only slight pangs i must say.. i'm also getting flashbacks (not the creepy losing your mind kind... but just... flashbacks) of when I landed here... memories which are just as valid (I have no short term memory, as many of you know... I remember your birthdays really, its just, I don't appear too)....
I'm going to be gutted when I leave here... I'm almost missing it already....
All in all, i really don't sound content... but I couldn't be more content...
apparently I'm a study in contradictions!
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Tuesday, 25 December 2007
Christmas Morning
Kids and adults, all loved it.
So many presents I couldn't count were opened by the little ones, all, almost without fail to choruses of "wow!"... more from the little one, but again, some from the elders too...
The bears are well loved =)
Anyway,
Christmas continues, we're wathing Dora!.... wow!
xxxxxxx
So many presents I couldn't count were opened by the little ones, all, almost without fail to choruses of "wow!"... more from the little one, but again, some from the elders too...
The bears are well loved =)
Anyway,
Christmas continues, we're wathing Dora!.... wow!
xxxxxxx
Tharsh's Aussie Xmas Gift List
I bring word from Santa (its true, he exists, he even let me have his oreos and milk)... he isn't visiting anyone in Russel Sq this year... apparently they're all terrible people. Fleet street aren't much better, apparently, lazy asses who don't deserve gifts... I tried reasoning with the fat man, but these religious types, so stubborn! =p
Right, to business. Firstly, I'm going to cover my back.... the list that follows doesn't include everyone... or even try to. Its 00:22 xmas morning, I'm very much bored, and the names that gifts that follow are more a stream of consciousness than anything else.
As such, any bitching about 'gifts' received or tragically not-received will be met with a short jab followed by a vicious uppercut Mayweather style... or an apology, one or the other.
Sathyai... you probably get the only sincere gift.. so sincere i'm not entirely sure what i'd get you. (it isnt something that comes naturally... the whole 'sincerity' thing...) Regardless of which, i'd get you an air-ticket out here if i could... this place, you've just got to see!
Daryl... I'll bring you over some fresh concealer
Gurj... A dominoes foccacia based pizza
Vishal... I'll bring you over a bag of sweets (never accept 'em from strangers kids!)
Nikhil... I'll buy you a box to present the lady to keep your cohones in =)
Az... I'll buy you a microscope =p
Anam... I'll introduce a little Australian twang to your already cosmopolitan accent
Abi... That rabbit you've always wanted... cut up, steamed and served with mashed potatoes
Lara... A pair of socks
Sonia... Prince's greatest hits
Khiloni... A blackberry (its always online!)
Ro... A key to Vish's flat
Riz... Some high heels
Zak... A sense of humour and some ff talent =)
That's all for my festivities this year... hope y'all and all that i've neglected... have a MERRY/HAPPY Christmas
Have a glass of rum with a drop of egg-nog for me!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Right, to business. Firstly, I'm going to cover my back.... the list that follows doesn't include everyone... or even try to. Its 00:22 xmas morning, I'm very much bored, and the names that gifts that follow are more a stream of consciousness than anything else.
As such, any bitching about 'gifts' received or tragically not-received will be met with a short jab followed by a vicious uppercut Mayweather style... or an apology, one or the other.
Sathyai... you probably get the only sincere gift.. so sincere i'm not entirely sure what i'd get you. (it isnt something that comes naturally... the whole 'sincerity' thing...) Regardless of which, i'd get you an air-ticket out here if i could... this place, you've just got to see!
Daryl... I'll bring you over some fresh concealer
Gurj... A dominoes foccacia based pizza
Vishal... I'll bring you over a bag of sweets (never accept 'em from strangers kids!)
Nikhil... I'll buy you a box to present the lady to keep your cohones in =)
Az... I'll buy you a microscope =p
Anam... I'll introduce a little Australian twang to your already cosmopolitan accent
Abi... That rabbit you've always wanted... cut up, steamed and served with mashed potatoes
Lara... A pair of socks
Sonia... Prince's greatest hits
Khiloni... A blackberry (its always online!)
Ro... A key to Vish's flat
Riz... Some high heels
Zak... A sense of humour and some ff talent =)
That's all for my festivities this year... hope y'all and all that i've neglected... have a MERRY/HAPPY Christmas
Have a glass of rum with a drop of egg-nog for me!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Countdown to Christmas
I ask you.... what is the most cliched way a British tourist in Oz could spend his Christmas eve...
That's right... we went to a BBQ =).
Incidentally, the first BBQ of my trip, probably the last.... strangely, I've been filling up on rice and curry... sleeping in a room which acts as a shrine to Sai-Baba must be having an effect.... no, wait, thats clearly not true, I'd eat a steak in here nightly if steak was readily on the menu... but even so, rice and curry... thats cultural progress.
It goes without saying we spent the day basked in sunshine and late 20degree heat... its not a bad life.
Christmas morning as i type... I've done my Santa bit... written a note for the kiddies... eaten their oreos (as any good 'mama' (uncle) must!) ... even delivered a couple of presents for the oldies amongst the family. The kiddies are getting Hamleys teddy bears *thank u Abi.... that sheep is on my shopping list...* and the oldies gifts range from t-shirts to perfume.
Anyway, I'm bored, and high on oreo sugar so I'm gonna write out some xmas gifts for you all.... i'm saving some cash this year! (bar the 2k or so i've spent when i consider this trip... but i'm not one to worry about mere technicalities)
xxxxx
That's right... we went to a BBQ =).
Incidentally, the first BBQ of my trip, probably the last.... strangely, I've been filling up on rice and curry... sleeping in a room which acts as a shrine to Sai-Baba must be having an effect.... no, wait, thats clearly not true, I'd eat a steak in here nightly if steak was readily on the menu... but even so, rice and curry... thats cultural progress.
It goes without saying we spent the day basked in sunshine and late 20degree heat... its not a bad life.
Christmas morning as i type... I've done my Santa bit... written a note for the kiddies... eaten their oreos (as any good 'mama' (uncle) must!) ... even delivered a couple of presents for the oldies amongst the family. The kiddies are getting Hamleys teddy bears *thank u Abi.... that sheep is on my shopping list...* and the oldies gifts range from t-shirts to perfume.
Anyway, I'm bored, and high on oreo sugar so I'm gonna write out some xmas gifts for you all.... i'm saving some cash this year! (bar the 2k or so i've spent when i consider this trip... but i'm not one to worry about mere technicalities)
xxxxx
Monday, 24 December 2007
Last Few Days
Superficially, lounging around Sydney, gardening, babysitting, shoppnig and generally chilling may appear boring and a waste of time when you're half way around the world.
It isn't =)
Went to Sydney market the other day, went into town with my cousin at a horrible time in the morning (he was going to work) and i explored half of the city by myself. Sydney is an incredible place. The fact they've managed to build a major city (not that major yet, but its growing) on a harbour baffles me. The fact the place remains so clean (again, not a major consideration for most, but for those of you who know and sympathise with my compulsions will know why this is important!) is also incredible. The 30degree heat was also quite nice.
The following few days up until this morning (Xmas eve) have been spent spending time with my cousin (the one im staying with) and her kids. They're in a few of the pics online, not many, I dont put photos up of family. Kids are so cute, and my cousin is extremely easy to talk to. I'll leave it at that...
I've just explained to my elder niece that Santa is in fact real (she asked). Apparently nobody can hear him because he is very quiet at night and only one person gets to see him if they are lucky. He is quiet because he doesn't want to talk to too many people, so he doesn't waste time... he's got a lot of work to do tonight after all! (not bad off the top of my head i thought =p)
Anyway, Merry Christmas to all, hope Santa *ha!* brings you all that you desire
xxxxxxxxx
It isn't =)
Went to Sydney market the other day, went into town with my cousin at a horrible time in the morning (he was going to work) and i explored half of the city by myself. Sydney is an incredible place. The fact they've managed to build a major city (not that major yet, but its growing) on a harbour baffles me. The fact the place remains so clean (again, not a major consideration for most, but for those of you who know and sympathise with my compulsions will know why this is important!) is also incredible. The 30degree heat was also quite nice.
The following few days up until this morning (Xmas eve) have been spent spending time with my cousin (the one im staying with) and her kids. They're in a few of the pics online, not many, I dont put photos up of family. Kids are so cute, and my cousin is extremely easy to talk to. I'll leave it at that...
I've just explained to my elder niece that Santa is in fact real (she asked). Apparently nobody can hear him because he is very quiet at night and only one person gets to see him if they are lucky. He is quiet because he doesn't want to talk to too many people, so he doesn't waste time... he's got a lot of work to do tonight after all! (not bad off the top of my head i thought =p)
Anyway, Merry Christmas to all, hope Santa *ha!* brings you all that you desire
xxxxxxxxx
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
Bridge walking
3 hours sleep and no breakfast is not enough to climb one of Australia's most recognised landmarks... well, it is, but its not the best way of preparing for it.
This compared to some of the things to do around Oz is quite a sedate thing to do... the amount of 'training'... i doubt Australians train for anything really.... is ridiculous. The kit, so unnecessary, i mean... if you're looking to jump off the bridge, surely you'd just take the main belt off (the safety harness is just fastened onto the main belt)... but they banned bungee a while back, so i didn't intend to jump off... safety precautions were a waste of time is all.
Anyway, the climb... very easy, amazing structure. 6,000,000 bolts all put in by hand apparently... or something. Either way, even with the tour guide (d9n't you hate tour guides) the walk was serene. Its cool being so high up, 5.2 seconds to hit the water apparently... The views are amazing, its criminal they don't let you take a camera up there *enjoy the irony there*... Apparently they closed the bridge off to public after they found a shopping trolley full of empty beer cans up there one morning... right at the summit... now that, i'd like to have done!
Anyway, so yes, the bridge was climbed, the photos will be up soon... before i come back.... honestly!
More importantly than our little climb though... It was my cousin's bday...no, not that cousin, or that cousin... 'that' cousin... the one im staying with. She's been every bit the genial host whilst i've been here and even though im clearly a joy to live with, she deserves many thanks. Especially today. It goes without saying, I bought her donuts (ever the thoughtful gift), gave her a card that insulted her age... and we all went out for an Indian this evening... good times...
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
This compared to some of the things to do around Oz is quite a sedate thing to do... the amount of 'training'... i doubt Australians train for anything really.... is ridiculous. The kit, so unnecessary, i mean... if you're looking to jump off the bridge, surely you'd just take the main belt off (the safety harness is just fastened onto the main belt)... but they banned bungee a while back, so i didn't intend to jump off... safety precautions were a waste of time is all.
Anyway, the climb... very easy, amazing structure. 6,000,000 bolts all put in by hand apparently... or something. Either way, even with the tour guide (d9n't you hate tour guides) the walk was serene. Its cool being so high up, 5.2 seconds to hit the water apparently... The views are amazing, its criminal they don't let you take a camera up there *enjoy the irony there*... Apparently they closed the bridge off to public after they found a shopping trolley full of empty beer cans up there one morning... right at the summit... now that, i'd like to have done!
Anyway, so yes, the bridge was climbed, the photos will be up soon... before i come back.... honestly!
More importantly than our little climb though... It was my cousin's bday...no, not that cousin, or that cousin... 'that' cousin... the one im staying with. She's been every bit the genial host whilst i've been here and even though im clearly a joy to live with, she deserves many thanks. Especially today. It goes without saying, I bought her donuts (ever the thoughtful gift), gave her a card that insulted her age... and we all went out for an Indian this evening... good times...
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
The day with all the fish
Day.... something...
I'm getting used to the outrageously early starts. I think its something to do with religion, or culture, or having a non-student body clock, but my cousins love to start their day before noon.
Crawling off the mattress in the living room into my 'day clothes' we went off to Sydney Aquarium (they love their water things over here). The amount of animals they cram in there is fantastic, fish as far as the eyes wanted to see. In truth, there are only so many 'nemo's and 'dorey's you can find before it gets tiresome though... although, i've decided, i want to dive on the great barrier reef within a few years... it just... needs to be done.
As well as the Disney animated characters, there were freshwater, and saltwater aligators (i'll revel in that photo)... and seals, and of course, the sharks, Irwin killing rays (sorry if thats in bad taste!) and other nasties that everyone pays to see...
From Sydney aquarium, I embarked on a mad rush on the public transport system (which is just as simple as London's... albeit with the additional fun of ferrys and 'jet cats'.... onto my next adventure.
Diving with sharks
Oceanworld Manly was the place, quite a small aquarium with a donut shaped main tank. From my hazy memory, 8 full sized sharks (around 3-4 meters), 2 giant turtles, 2 giant rays (barbs still attached and able, as i was reassuringly informed) and a bunch of other random fish that were not 'that' interesting.
As i've never dived/done anything particularly sub-subterranean, the website informed me i'd go through an hour long scuba skills session... as it transpired, we put all the kit on, ensured i'd be able to breath, take away the oxgen thing...!!!!! and put it back, spat in my goggles, and underwater i went. Whilst running through the 'ok' signal underwater in the swimming pool, or training pool, i noticed something behind the guy's back... naturally it was a baby shark, about a meter big... i dont know if he noticed i was distracted slightly... but training continued. Turns out, scuba aint hard, so we went on into the main tank after approx 8minutes of messing around at the bottom of the training pool.
Walking under water with lead weights strapped to your back makes you walk more ridiculously than any amount of vodka red-bull ever will. Trying to stand up... impossible. Apparently, I was told by my instructor, its like walking on the moon.... go figure. Anyway, superman diving across the perspex viewing window (big cylindrical thing that people walk through, the tank is all around/above them) i landed in shark territory.
The rest is just... well, its on a dvd again, only 3mins long, those who want it, give me a shout and i'll show you it. The sharks are huge, 4m as it turns out, when it culminates in rows and rows of sharp teeth and beady eyes, is quite intimidating. The eyes... obviously.
Anyway, I ended up with a lil souvenir, I got a shark tooth. Now again, hazy memory, I either plucked it from the jaws of an onrushing shark, struggling valiantly and overcoming said beastie. Or. I rummaged around and picked it up from the floor. Either way. I have a shark tooth =D
Then we all went and got burgers.
Much love as always.
Stay safe!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I'm getting used to the outrageously early starts. I think its something to do with religion, or culture, or having a non-student body clock, but my cousins love to start their day before noon.
Crawling off the mattress in the living room into my 'day clothes' we went off to Sydney Aquarium (they love their water things over here). The amount of animals they cram in there is fantastic, fish as far as the eyes wanted to see. In truth, there are only so many 'nemo's and 'dorey's you can find before it gets tiresome though... although, i've decided, i want to dive on the great barrier reef within a few years... it just... needs to be done.
As well as the Disney animated characters, there were freshwater, and saltwater aligators (i'll revel in that photo)... and seals, and of course, the sharks, Irwin killing rays (sorry if thats in bad taste!) and other nasties that everyone pays to see...
From Sydney aquarium, I embarked on a mad rush on the public transport system (which is just as simple as London's... albeit with the additional fun of ferrys and 'jet cats'.... onto my next adventure.
Diving with sharks
Oceanworld Manly was the place, quite a small aquarium with a donut shaped main tank. From my hazy memory, 8 full sized sharks (around 3-4 meters), 2 giant turtles, 2 giant rays (barbs still attached and able, as i was reassuringly informed) and a bunch of other random fish that were not 'that' interesting.
As i've never dived/done anything particularly sub-subterranean, the website informed me i'd go through an hour long scuba skills session... as it transpired, we put all the kit on, ensured i'd be able to breath, take away the oxgen thing...!!!!! and put it back, spat in my goggles, and underwater i went. Whilst running through the 'ok' signal underwater in the swimming pool, or training pool, i noticed something behind the guy's back... naturally it was a baby shark, about a meter big... i dont know if he noticed i was distracted slightly... but training continued. Turns out, scuba aint hard, so we went on into the main tank after approx 8minutes of messing around at the bottom of the training pool.
Walking under water with lead weights strapped to your back makes you walk more ridiculously than any amount of vodka red-bull ever will. Trying to stand up... impossible. Apparently, I was told by my instructor, its like walking on the moon.... go figure. Anyway, superman diving across the perspex viewing window (big cylindrical thing that people walk through, the tank is all around/above them) i landed in shark territory.
The rest is just... well, its on a dvd again, only 3mins long, those who want it, give me a shout and i'll show you it. The sharks are huge, 4m as it turns out, when it culminates in rows and rows of sharp teeth and beady eyes, is quite intimidating. The eyes... obviously.
Anyway, I ended up with a lil souvenir, I got a shark tooth. Now again, hazy memory, I either plucked it from the jaws of an onrushing shark, struggling valiantly and overcoming said beastie. Or. I rummaged around and picked it up from the floor. Either way. I have a shark tooth =D
Then we all went and got burgers.
Much love as always.
Stay safe!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sunday, 16 December 2007
Back in Sydney
So the last couple of days... glorious relaxation.
Yesterday was burning sunshine, 27degrees, having driven for 14hours my cousins were shattered and having chatted shit for 14 hours i was pretty tired too... The end result was 2 hours sleep, which didn't serve well at the first family engagement of the trip. We went to lunch at my cousin's husband's brother's house.... It was good!
We chilled at home for the remainder of the day, babysitting as always, good fun, the kiddies are so cute... Ended up trying to watch a tamil movie at the end of the day (my bed was in the T.V room and my cousins are 'cultural')... lets just say approx 40seconds into it i was asleep =)
So today.... Casino buffet lunch. Most amazing lunch ever. Normally you get awful food, but lots of it at buffets, its very rare you get amazing food, and lots of it.... I'll be visiting there again! (with a camera in tow) ...
Photos are going to be uploaded this week... as well as my upcoming exploration of 'downtown Sydney' =)
missing everyone xxxxxxx (even my eldest niece has been asking me if i miss my friends, that'l make it hit home)
Yesterday was burning sunshine, 27degrees, having driven for 14hours my cousins were shattered and having chatted shit for 14 hours i was pretty tired too... The end result was 2 hours sleep, which didn't serve well at the first family engagement of the trip. We went to lunch at my cousin's husband's brother's house.... It was good!
We chilled at home for the remainder of the day, babysitting as always, good fun, the kiddies are so cute... Ended up trying to watch a tamil movie at the end of the day (my bed was in the T.V room and my cousins are 'cultural')... lets just say approx 40seconds into it i was asleep =)
So today.... Casino buffet lunch. Most amazing lunch ever. Normally you get awful food, but lots of it at buffets, its very rare you get amazing food, and lots of it.... I'll be visiting there again! (with a camera in tow) ...
Photos are going to be uploaded this week... as well as my upcoming exploration of 'downtown Sydney' =)
missing everyone xxxxxxx (even my eldest niece has been asking me if i miss my friends, that'l make it hit home)
Saturday, 15 December 2007
Sydney via 14,000 ft
Yesterday morning... finally some sunshine!
We were facing a 14hour drive back to Sydney, so we really should have left at 7-9am when we all crawled out of bed. However... we decided we wanted to jump out of a plane =)
From the facebook photo, you probably already know i've done it. So should you.
The dive was obviously in Noosa, diving from 14,000 ft, covering 10,000 in free fall in approx 60 seconds hitting 130mph+ and landing by my cousins and niece's feet on the beach below after approx 5minutes.
I cannot emphasise how great of an experience it is. I've got the dvd and photos to prove it, so anyone that wants a look is more than welcome when i get back. I really can't say much about it, nothing much you can type does it justice.. go do it!
The wall of the 'diving shack'? had a quote from Da Vinci... on the wall.... now, I'm not exactly one to quote Da Vinci and at the time I did wonder if they were taking the piss with it:
"For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return." - L.D.V
Even following the jump, I did think it was a little dramatic... but seriously... relevant.
What followed was 13hours of sheer pain. The drive home, which ended at approx 6am Sydney time back at cousin's house happened with no sleep, as is customary for me. Now, don't mean to sound soppy... realise that it does sound soppy... but the night sky from the S.Hemisphere on a clear night is something to behold. I've seen starry skys in Tuscany, Harrow etc etc... but really... I wish i'd been able to take a photo, looked truely amazing... I go back to the quote...
Enough of that, I'm going to get on with my day, which will contain no little amount of sleep =)
till tonight
xxxxxxxxx
Oh by the way, happy end of term
We were facing a 14hour drive back to Sydney, so we really should have left at 7-9am when we all crawled out of bed. However... we decided we wanted to jump out of a plane =)
From the facebook photo, you probably already know i've done it. So should you.
The dive was obviously in Noosa, diving from 14,000 ft, covering 10,000 in free fall in approx 60 seconds hitting 130mph+ and landing by my cousins and niece's feet on the beach below after approx 5minutes.
I cannot emphasise how great of an experience it is. I've got the dvd and photos to prove it, so anyone that wants a look is more than welcome when i get back. I really can't say much about it, nothing much you can type does it justice.. go do it!
The wall of the 'diving shack'? had a quote from Da Vinci... on the wall.... now, I'm not exactly one to quote Da Vinci and at the time I did wonder if they were taking the piss with it:
"For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return." - L.D.V
Even following the jump, I did think it was a little dramatic... but seriously... relevant.
What followed was 13hours of sheer pain. The drive home, which ended at approx 6am Sydney time back at cousin's house happened with no sleep, as is customary for me. Now, don't mean to sound soppy... realise that it does sound soppy... but the night sky from the S.Hemisphere on a clear night is something to behold. I've seen starry skys in Tuscany, Harrow etc etc... but really... I wish i'd been able to take a photo, looked truely amazing... I go back to the quote...
Enough of that, I'm going to get on with my day, which will contain no little amount of sleep =)
till tonight
xxxxxxxxx
Oh by the way, happy end of term
The 'Sunshine' Coast - Noosa
Day 6... evidently i'd brought the rain with me. We booked the skydive onto the beach... but the rain did not relent. Black skies, heavy rain... black mood... mood! I pretty much spent the day at Coolum beach, watching the sufers... looked like good fun, but not for the less than enthusiastic swimmer... that'l be for another pseudo suicidal trip =)
Kiddies and parents went home, but having come all the way to Noosa myself and the non child bourne cousins decided to brave the monsoon and go to the beach. We'd have had a bbq too, but we had no meat.... but not just any beach... no.... we went to the 'private beach'. I'd google it and attach a link, but i cant be bothered. Basically, we parked at the bottom of a big ass hill... walked up the big ass hill... then walked back down the other side of the big ass hill through terrain i've only ever seen on my Duke of Edinburgh exped. However, this came with the promise of venemous snakes and spiders and all sorts of other living hell. Genuinely.... not a smart idea to walk through there. Nevertheless, we did, ended up on the other side.
The beach/bay was absolutly stunning. Completely deserted, not to any small part because of the rain im sure, but regardless, completely ours for the time we wanted it for. After a spot of sprinting, I dived in... to be told there were no shark nets providing this one beach.
I was not in there for much longer.
We crawled our way back up the hill, myself taking half the beach with me in my shorts/boxers.. to continue onto the next beach. I forget what it was called, but it was phenomenal. Even in the rain, the sea, surf was brilliant. We had blue finned white fish swimming around our ankles and the view, as ever, was breathtaking.
Oh and they have ready mixed JD and Cola in bottles and cans here... its good =)
Kiddies and parents went home, but having come all the way to Noosa myself and the non child bourne cousins decided to brave the monsoon and go to the beach. We'd have had a bbq too, but we had no meat.... but not just any beach... no.... we went to the 'private beach'. I'd google it and attach a link, but i cant be bothered. Basically, we parked at the bottom of a big ass hill... walked up the big ass hill... then walked back down the other side of the big ass hill through terrain i've only ever seen on my Duke of Edinburgh exped. However, this came with the promise of venemous snakes and spiders and all sorts of other living hell. Genuinely.... not a smart idea to walk through there. Nevertheless, we did, ended up on the other side.
The beach/bay was absolutly stunning. Completely deserted, not to any small part because of the rain im sure, but regardless, completely ours for the time we wanted it for. After a spot of sprinting, I dived in... to be told there were no shark nets providing this one beach.
I was not in there for much longer.
We crawled our way back up the hill, myself taking half the beach with me in my shorts/boxers.. to continue onto the next beach. I forget what it was called, but it was phenomenal. Even in the rain, the sea, surf was brilliant. We had blue finned white fish swimming around our ankles and the view, as ever, was breathtaking.
Oh and they have ready mixed JD and Cola in bottles and cans here... its good =)
The Home of Steve Irwin
Day 5, we left The Gold Coast and headed for Noosa. (A ridiculous name, but you get used to them after a while).
En route, we passed through, well, spent the day at Australia Zoo the 'home' of Steve Irwin. Now.... I dont know about you, but I thought animals were the order of the day in Australia. We did see a bunch of exotic ones, Komodo Dragons, Tazmanian Devils, all manner of birds and the obligatory Koalas, 'Crocs' and Kangaroos... but im not gonna lie, it was all a bit disappointing. The shows were far too environmental and not nearly enough about watching crocodiles devour live chickens, or helper's heads... the snake show was with a rubber snake! But never mind, the kiddies loved it and I did make friends with some kangaroos subsequently having my lunch stolen out of my hands by an elephant.
We left the zoo having socialised with the animals to our hearts content to finish out journey to Noosa. (Past Brisbane... over 10,000km in total... bloody ages in the car) We got there at around 8pm... tired, hungry and locked out of our apartment.... so naturally we went for Chineese. Which was terrible.... We then got into the apartment, and crashed.
What followed was the most beautiful 8hours sleep, the first i've had in around 5 weeks. Possibly the most noteworthy occurance of the trip to date =)
xxx
En route, we passed through, well, spent the day at Australia Zoo the 'home' of Steve Irwin. Now.... I dont know about you, but I thought animals were the order of the day in Australia. We did see a bunch of exotic ones, Komodo Dragons, Tazmanian Devils, all manner of birds and the obligatory Koalas, 'Crocs' and Kangaroos... but im not gonna lie, it was all a bit disappointing. The shows were far too environmental and not nearly enough about watching crocodiles devour live chickens, or helper's heads... the snake show was with a rubber snake! But never mind, the kiddies loved it and I did make friends with some kangaroos subsequently having my lunch stolen out of my hands by an elephant.
We left the zoo having socialised with the animals to our hearts content to finish out journey to Noosa. (Past Brisbane... over 10,000km in total... bloody ages in the car) We got there at around 8pm... tired, hungry and locked out of our apartment.... so naturally we went for Chineese. Which was terrible.... We then got into the apartment, and crashed.
What followed was the most beautiful 8hours sleep, the first i've had in around 5 weeks. Possibly the most noteworthy occurance of the trip to date =)
xxx
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Water World
I'm not sure what day of the holiday it is... or was... or what day.... but yesterday we went to water world.
It was a water park... pretty self explanatory! Good fun, lots of roller coasters, a few steep drops, a fair bit of water (you'd hope so really). The kiddies loved it, the 'adults' *shudder* were a bit bored at times, but definitely worth a look.
Queensland is definitely different, compared to Sydney the place is even more relaxed. Hotel swimming pool is very very nice and you can tell the place is a surfing town.
Having come back from Water World, we (I and a couple of the cousins without kids) went bar hopping in central Queensland [i'm not sure if Queensland is the state, or if we're actually in a town called Queensland]. Booze as it turns out is just as expensive over here... but they have a strange idea of what a long island iced tea is. Unless i'm seriously mistaken, they're all alcoholics here! After watching the concluding bar brawl, we came back at around 3am... to be woken this morning at around 7:30 am... chirpy chirpy as always
off to Steve Irwin's zoo....
It was a water park... pretty self explanatory! Good fun, lots of roller coasters, a few steep drops, a fair bit of water (you'd hope so really). The kiddies loved it, the 'adults' *shudder* were a bit bored at times, but definitely worth a look.
Queensland is definitely different, compared to Sydney the place is even more relaxed. Hotel swimming pool is very very nice and you can tell the place is a surfing town.
Having come back from Water World, we (I and a couple of the cousins without kids) went bar hopping in central Queensland [i'm not sure if Queensland is the state, or if we're actually in a town called Queensland]. Booze as it turns out is just as expensive over here... but they have a strange idea of what a long island iced tea is. Unless i'm seriously mistaken, they're all alcoholics here! After watching the concluding bar brawl, we came back at around 3am... to be woken this morning at around 7:30 am... chirpy chirpy as always
off to Steve Irwin's zoo....
Monday, 10 December 2007
Sea World
The London habit of not sleeping seems to have followed me around the globe. Got about 4hours last night and was chucked into the van at around 8am this morning....
Off to sea world, strangely Queensland was overcast today, but no rain and thats the main thing =). Sea world was a bit of a kiddie haven (we all know who would have been in their element), but there were some pro points. The shark tank at the end had to be seen to be believed. The photos once again will be up later..
We found Nemo!!!!!
Back to the hotel and we hit the pool, great fun.
Thats all for tonight...
xxxxx
Off to sea world, strangely Queensland was overcast today, but no rain and thats the main thing =). Sea world was a bit of a kiddie haven (we all know who would have been in their element), but there were some pro points. The shark tank at the end had to be seen to be believed. The photos once again will be up later..
We found Nemo!!!!!
Back to the hotel and we hit the pool, great fun.
Thats all for tonight...
xxxxx
Saturday - Sunday: Port Maquarie - Byron Bay - Queensland
Because I didnt feel like I'd travelled enough, we went on a roadtrip to Queensland as soon as i landed (on the 8th)....
We ended up in Port Maquarie, staying at a motel where there was a couple of 'man made' lakes, sounds awful, was actually very very very nice, put it this way, they offered water skiing and power boating etc etc on them! Saw the obligatory wild kangaroos, beetles in the shower, regressed to a 7 year old child on the trampoline etc etc... managed to fit in a victorious bike ride away too. All in all, a very very relaxing start to the trip.
Second morning, unbelievable heat... My winter has never been so warm =p.
Unfortunately, my blood remains ridiculously sweet. Combine this with December's mosquito crop's Victorian tendancies and you'll know why my ankles currently look like pin cushions.
Anyway, day 2, the trip from Port Maquarie to Queensland. Lets just say it was long... very very very long. Definitely the most noteworthy part of the trip was our final detour to visit Byron Bay (location of Home and Away).
The place is absolutely breathtaking. I'm not one for site seeing ordinarily, but my God (athiest et al). I'll attach the photos later, I've never seen water so blue and such 'dramatic' scenary (we could see dolphins too). It is the most Eastward point of Australia and even here we were unable to avoid the kangaroos! Very very very nice.
Finally, having seen such landmarks as "Bald Knob Street" and "Bent Street" we arrived in Queensland. Driving through, you get the sense you're in the Aussie version of 'The Strip', which is so surreal having just driven through the most *whats a better word for countryside* you could hope to see... but its interesting!
Hotel is amazing, its like a lil penthouse, again, by Aussie standards. We do get a view of palm trees and the pool, and en suites everywhere though... very comfortable. Here is home for another 3 nights.
Oh, and turns out the Aussies are better than us at fish and chips too... how upsetting!
xxxx
Tharsh
We ended up in Port Maquarie, staying at a motel where there was a couple of 'man made' lakes, sounds awful, was actually very very very nice, put it this way, they offered water skiing and power boating etc etc on them! Saw the obligatory wild kangaroos, beetles in the shower, regressed to a 7 year old child on the trampoline etc etc... managed to fit in a victorious bike ride away too. All in all, a very very relaxing start to the trip.
Second morning, unbelievable heat... My winter has never been so warm =p.
Unfortunately, my blood remains ridiculously sweet. Combine this with December's mosquito crop's Victorian tendancies and you'll know why my ankles currently look like pin cushions.
Anyway, day 2, the trip from Port Maquarie to Queensland. Lets just say it was long... very very very long. Definitely the most noteworthy part of the trip was our final detour to visit Byron Bay (location of Home and Away).
The place is absolutely breathtaking. I'm not one for site seeing ordinarily, but my God (athiest et al). I'll attach the photos later, I've never seen water so blue and such 'dramatic' scenary (we could see dolphins too). It is the most Eastward point of Australia and even here we were unable to avoid the kangaroos! Very very very nice.
Finally, having seen such landmarks as "Bald Knob Street" and "Bent Street" we arrived in Queensland. Driving through, you get the sense you're in the Aussie version of 'The Strip', which is so surreal having just driven through the most *whats a better word for countryside* you could hope to see... but its interesting!
Hotel is amazing, its like a lil penthouse, again, by Aussie standards. We do get a view of palm trees and the pool, and en suites everywhere though... very comfortable. Here is home for another 3 nights.
Oh, and turns out the Aussies are better than us at fish and chips too... how upsetting!
xxxx
Tharsh
Saturday, 8 December 2007
Landed In Tomorrow
Just a quick post,
landed at approx 6am Aussie time, having slept intermittantly for the whole 23hours 30mins...
What i've gauged is security at heathrow and singapore is riduculous, they really really don't want you to bring any pests or wood...?! into Australia and that BA really does have the best food in the air. Where else are you gonna get full english breakfasts, danishes, stir fried beef and sweet and sour pork all on the same trip??
The best bit? I was seated next to a normal size person, with no body odour and no screaming child... BA is the best airline in the world
Just about to drive off to Queensland for a week, no internet, no hassle, lots of sun, a bit of the beach and I'm thinking a spot of skydiving in between lunch and dinner too =)
I've got my nieces buzzing around my feet, so I'm going to cut it short there.
Hope all is well back home
xxx
More next week!
Tharsh
landed at approx 6am Aussie time, having slept intermittantly for the whole 23hours 30mins...
What i've gauged is security at heathrow and singapore is riduculous, they really really don't want you to bring any pests or wood...?! into Australia and that BA really does have the best food in the air. Where else are you gonna get full english breakfasts, danishes, stir fried beef and sweet and sour pork all on the same trip??
The best bit? I was seated next to a normal size person, with no body odour and no screaming child... BA is the best airline in the world
Just about to drive off to Queensland for a week, no internet, no hassle, lots of sun, a bit of the beach and I'm thinking a spot of skydiving in between lunch and dinner too =)
I've got my nieces buzzing around my feet, so I'm going to cut it short there.
Hope all is well back home
xxx
More next week!
Tharsh
Friday, 7 December 2007
Departure
Hey All,
Firstly, thanks for all the well wishes... they're much appreciated.
Not wanting to make this holiday any more dramatic than it already is (not sure how that happened... thank you Zak).... but I figured I'd start a blog, just so i can relay the 'actual' stories as they happen, rather than trying to remember them.
This may well be the first and last post for a couple of days... i'll be without internet for the Queensland bit I think. Oh yeah, as soon as i land, we're jumping on a coach to Queensland... im not 100% but i'm thinking thats were the skydiving will happen... but more on that later *I hope!*
Either way, the essence of this post is that I'm gonna miss you all, I'm oddly gutted I'm missing the last week of uni, and all the 'banter' and general fun that you guys will be having.
Cheers for the well wishes once again, I too hope that i don't come back in a box =)
Stay in touch!
x
Tharsh
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