Anniversaries

Hello All

I know that I've been in Sydney for awhile when the anniversaries come around again.

I have just been to see the Sculpture By the Sea exhibition along the walkway from Bondi Beach to Bronte. Once again it is stunning and quite different to the sculptures of last year. I love the way the artists are able to display their art by the sea in such a unique environment.

I have written an article on the hubpages so if you would like to see some more great photos and information go here: http://hubpages.com/_2ray4pba8aldg/hub/art-by-the-sea.

Of course Christmas is not that far away and all the decorations are up in the shops and malls. It's particularly exciting to see the massive tree in the Queen Victoria Building in the city centre.

I've been reading.....Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. It's a massive book so great for a holiday read. Although it sags badly in the middle, it is well worth the effort. Thanks to my friends who recommended it to me.

I've been writing......a lot! I've been writing on Hubpages. Check me out there. Its really easy to leave comments if you are off a mind too http://hubpages.com/profile/travelespresso.

I've been loving.....recent visits from several friends. Over about a six week period, I've had visits from about eight friends! I feel blessed to be able to catch up with them.

I'm looking forward to.......a visit to Brisbane in a few days time to catch up with my sailing friends and then a visit back to NZ for Christmas.

Is Age Just a Number on a Piece of Paper?

Is Age Just a Number of a Piece of Paper?

The other morning as I reclined back in bed with a steaming cup of tea, I let my thoughts wander freely.

I was thinking about age and about how, like many boomers, I really don't feel my age.

Earlier in the year when I was in Asia, I mixed with people a few decades my junior and the communication was seamless so unless I am confronted with age, I don't think about it much. In fact, I'm of the view that it's more about attitude than a number. Only the mirror tells me otherwise....and occasionally the attitude or comments of others.

The day was inclement and still in my philosophical space I wandered down the road to see the hyped movie of the moment "The Duchess". When I finally reached the front of the queue I was amazed to be charged $12.50 for the ticket. It seemed cheap but since this was the first movie I've seen since arriving in Sydney, I had no benchmark and accepted the price. I took my seat and for some reason I looked at the ticket and was shocked.....it was for a senior citizen! Oh my did that slash through my philosophical "I don't feel my age" moment of earlier. As an aside, does Kiera Knightley have only one expressions for pain or humiliation (of which there were many opportunities) - that of someone about to throw up! It was quite off-putting.

This past weekend I had another first for this trip - the walk from Bronte to Bondi Beach. Before going to Bronte I stopped by the old Victorian Cemetery at Waverley. It was there I spotted the magnificent marble monument of Alexander MacKenzie who was tragically killed by a stagecoach in 1884. He was just 54 years of age. He has a marvellous resting place.

Just below the cemetery is Bronte Beach; a cafe lover's haven where I had my choice of ten or so cafes. I didn't notice the name of the one I'd selected until after ordering - The Bogey-Hole Cafe. Is this a reference to golf or something altogether too disgusting to think about when waiting for food?

Back on the track, the very pretty walk hugs the coastline and dips in and out of alluring beaches. Interesting rock features abound. On a previous visit I walked from Coogee to Bondi Beach with my friend Ross. We thoroughly enjoyed it. It was hot that day and unfortunately we were under time pressure so couldn't stop for long anywhere. This time though I was able to take as long as I liked.

So, after sustenance at Bronte, the Tamarama Beach Cafe beckoned me. Tamarama Beach has been nicknamed Glamourama because of the beautiful people who frequent it but this day they were obviously enjoying a champagne breakfast elsewhere. This pocket sized beach has a couple of volleyball courts marked out and some fit enthusiastic foursomes played competitively.

As I sat there on the edge of the beach, relishing my excellent long black and enjoying the spectacle before me, I contemplated the world yet again. I felt no desire to swap places with the energetic foursomes. Would my feelings about swapping, I mused, be any different a few decades or so earlier....during the time I sauntered around in short short skirts? ....I doubt it. I like this stage of my life.

I'm enjoying.......exploring new places. I've been getting off the bus a few stops before the Uni and wandering around Randwick.

Taste sensation.........gorgeous rock melon.

I'm reading what book?.......A Parrot in the Pepper Tree by Chris Stewart. He's the author of Driving over Lemons which is a best seller about setting up an organic farmlet in Spain. It's great.

I'm surprised........over a news report stating Australian's have about 50-60% of their wealth in superannuation. Oh my...wouldn't kiwis love to be in that position?

Very special.......one of the lovely ladies at work gave me a CD the other day. It's Gunyah by John Williamson. She gave it to me because of the song about Emu's and Kiwi's. The lyrics go something like "the Emu's and the Kiwis stick together like glue - when tempers fray on a summers night if you pick on one you pick on two....the Kiwi's and the Emu". It's lovely and all the more special because Maria gave it to me.

The Plan Continues - Sydney

The Plan Continues – Sydney

I’ve been here in Sydney for about six weeks now and loving it. Of course living in Bondi is such a cliché for a kiwi but it’s fantastic for me as I am a few minutes away from the massive Westfield shopping centre, quick access to beaches (Bronte and Bondi) and a short bus ride to work. The city is just ten minutes away by train.

I hear a little talk of a recession and tough times but on the weekend the Mall is jam packed with people. Just before opening time at 10am people are standing around waiting to get in. The people buying at Harvey Norman’s or Dick Smith’s don’t seem to think there is a problem – and the stores are always full.

I’m enjoying my job at the University too. I’m writing and getting paid for it! It’s extremely interesting work too. Of course me being me, I completely altered the content, look and feel of their policies so it was a nail biting time while I waited to see their reaction to the first few. Thankfully they really like my approach. Even so, I must say that after nine months of such delicious freedom it has been rather challenging for me to work an eight hour day.

That said, I really don’t think I could have written a better script for myself! Oh…perhaps if I was able to report that I was sailing regularly in these beautiful waters around here that would be an even better outcome. That remains elusive so it’s obviously not my time to be out on the water.

What is definitely panning out for me though is leaving a regular job to replace it with something much more elastic and tenuous. I like the “possibility” that comes with this type of life. Even though I was extremely scared at the time, I am so glad I took this punt and that it is working out for me right now.

I’ve had many visitors too and it’s been great to spend some time with them in this vibrant city.

Last weekend Suzanne was over and so we took a ferry trip. She owns a leather handbag manufacturing company and is starting a blog about a wandering bag so I helped out by holding it up in odd places to capture some photos for her to use. The people around us thought we were crazy but we had fun.

I loved the bag so much that I bought it off her and now it will have different adventures! It’s one of those perfect bags with special spaces for everything I need. Once, after deciding I was carrying around too much "stuff", I bought a small handbag. The theory being I would just ration what I carried around with me. It didn't work for me! I frequently had to leave the zip open or carry important things in my hand. I was so relieved once I realised my "small handbag experience" wasn't working and I could be true to myself with a larger version. My new bag is large and it kinda reminds me of my old schoolbag - except this is a beautiful and very pleasing colour - one that will complement most of my clothes. Here’s Suzanne's website featuring some other bags - www.konev.co.nz.

My plan is to work here until March or April next year then pick up where I left off and travel to Eastern Europe for a few months and then repeat the work/travel cycle. I am keen to continue doing this for as long as I can as I have many more places I want to explore. It’s a beaut existence.

I’m loving…..Living the dream. It’s wonderful that I have been able to arrive in a country and have my skills highly valued, and so very quickly.

I’m reading…...Lonely Planet Eastern Europe book to research the next travel segment.

Taste sensation……Yummmmm….where do I start? Raisin toast, cherry tarts, eating divine cherries and strawberries (in September!); anything from the roast nut stands. Add to this list Greek style fetta and yoghurt and Portuguese tarts (custard nestled in a light crispy filo style pastry). Of course all of the “bad” things are taken in moderation!

Good restaurant…..The Bondi Social Club – very well presented tapas style food. If you get a terrace table the view over the beach is excellent. The toilets are not recommended though!

Best Coffee……A little erratic but coffee from one of the Uni’s cafes is pretty good. The coffees quite good just down the road from me at the Curious Cat – yes complete with a cat that pays rent for the best and sunniest spot.

I’m missing……the Friday afternoon drinks and nibbles after work. Hey…here we even get to buy our own supplies of tea and coffee so as you can imagine I will NEVER be offered a glass of wine to finish up a week. Besides…I think it’s probably not allowed……I must check (or write) a policy!
Speaking of wine I am also missing not being able to buy it at the supermarket. Buying it at a bottle shop almost feels like a criminal activity.

In the newspapers…..heaps on politics. When Sarah Palin was announced as McCain’s running mate there was page after page after page on them. There’s been lots of upheaval here in state and federal politics and so that dominates at the moment.

I’m disappointed…….(extremely) to see that even when the Australian netball team won against NZ that they rated a few centimeters in the papers. When there was some big jock sports awards the wife’s/partners of the jocks got huge coverage – for their dresses, legs and cleavage!

I’m extremely excited….to be going to Melbourne in a couple of weeks time to see a NZ/Australia netball match. Bring it on!!!