A New Year on the Road

I hope that 2009 will be happy and joyful for all of you. For this writer.....the year promises another exciting one with many new adventures on the drawing board.



Pre Xmas saw me juggling multiple work projects to meet deadlines before going on holiday. Consequently, I had to be very focused and prioritise my workload so as not to over promise and under-deliver! Aah…how the memory of how laid back I felt throughout my travels earlier in the year (especially in places like Laos and Vietnam when I walked through the whispering rice fields, or raced around the countryside on the back of a scooter etc) became overlaid with the pressure of meeting those deadlines.



But, on the 19th of December the University closed for a couple of weeks so I was able to have a wonderful break and during this time I saw much more of Australia which was great. I joined my sisters in Melbourne for a lovely and relaxing Xmas. I spent time walking along the Yarra River, wandering in and out of the old Xmas themed malls and stopping awhile to rejoice in chance encounters. In the atrium of the Crowne Casino I chanced upon a magnificent Xmas performance of carols. The choristers’ attired in rich red velvet costumes, presented the casual passersby with a spirited, harmonious rendition of several old favourites. I was transfixed.



After Xmas, I took a seat on a train going from Melbourne to Sydney. For 12 hours I sat and gazed out of the window at the countryside whipping past me. Although it was a long trip, it was interesting. The land for about 4/5 hours out of Melbourne looked parched but as we neared Sydney it looked much greener.

I was keen to see the New Year fireworks while here in Sydney and I was invited to a lovely party so we had an amazing view of the action from the 11th floor of an apartment. It was truly spectacular and if I am here next New Year I will definitely make the effort to watch them again. Sydney spent $5m on the display and the dedicated team of firework designers spent 15 months planning the dazzling show that lit up the night sky.



Then I was invited to join my friends on their yacht for a weekend of sailing up and around Pittwater. The public transport system in Sydney is fantastic and I was able to catch a train up to Cowan (about one hour north of Sydney city). Pam and Allan left their boat to walk up the hill from Jervis Bay to meet me. I just had the 45 minute walk back down through pretty Australian native bush peppered with Scribble bark and red bark gums, old man banksia etc always keeping a wary eye out for snakes lurking in the undergrowth.



The time on the water was again divine as we explored inlets by dinghy and yacht. The water in much of this part of the inlet was very deep even a couple of meters from the edge. Its a lovely part of the country and I feel fortunate to have been able to cruise around awhile.



Then it was back to work awhile.....



I'm reading..... The Kite Runner - it's a gripping novel set in Afghanistan.



I'm loving.....being able to experience the stupendous Sydney fireworks display.



I'm missing......the quiet. Being in the native bush around the jugged headland and out on the water was a very welcome retreat from the noisy city.



Favourite meal......a divine Xmas dinner planned, cooked and beautifully presented by my very organised and talented sister. On Boxing Day a special meal on the deck at Riva, St Kilda marina. Fantastic food and amazing location.



Chance encounter.....as part of the Sydney Festival, 30 old pianos have been left in strategic places. The idea is that they are for anyone who wants to play a tune or two. I've caught a couple of these impromptu performances. Such a great idea. http://www.streetpianos.com.au/.

Best Coffee....... despite trying lots more, sadly I still can't report any more great spots. But....I was given a fantastic calendar. It's got old fashioned photos and witty coffee balloons. The January one is "CAFFEINE is a drug. Deal with it you're a junkie". Another says "If it's not caffeinated, what's the damn point"? I love it! I have put a photo I captured in Melbourne - I love the saying but the coffee was ??????