Saturday, September 19, 2009

Kiama - where the sea makes a noise

Kiama - where the sea makes a noise

Since arriving to live in Sydney, one year ago last month, I've wanted to visit Kiama. The name Kiama means "where the sea makes a noise".

With another friend in town time to explore and a gorgeous sunny 30 degree day promised we set off, in the excited fashion of kids on an day excursion.

The train from Central Station heads south through Sydney suburbs, chugs slowly uphill through quiet native bush and wends its way past idyllic looking seaside communities. Two hours later we reach the pretty harbour town of Kiama hugging a volcanic coastline; its lighthouse gleaming on the hilltop.

Having left early, we were rather hungry so our first stop was to find a cafe with lovely views over the road to the harbour. Lads in this town love their vintage cars and bikes so we were treated to a steady stream of carefully restored vehicles cruising by while we munched on breakfast.

One of the key attractions here are the two blow holes where water is pushed into an underground cave through an opening in the black rocks high up into the sky. There are two blow hole vents; one small and one large and the spurt of water reminds me of the Rotorua geysers.

Kiama also has a couple of those iconic Australian swimming pools beside the open sea which are filled with sea water. I continue to be captivated by them and spent some time trying to photograph them.
It's also famous for its pelican and has made a statue of one although this photo was not taken there.


The day delivered the promised temperature but the sea breeze kept its cooling vigil so it was a very pleasant day for tourists.
Sadly, we didn't see the blow holes playing so I will have to return another time to ensure its not a myth. I will also time my next visit so I can see one of the regular markets.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

A Close Game



A Close Game:


If the Silver Ferns were daunted by walking into the Sydney Acer Arena it didn't show in their performance.


The NZ netballers walked out into the darkened stadium to see thousands of flashing "diamond" necklaces. I thought this was sheer marketing genius to link the Australian Diamond Netball Team and their supporters to these flashing lights. the necklaces flashed brilliantly in the dark and the spectacle must have boosted the Australian team. As I cheered on "my team" my necklace remained snug in my handbag.


The new look uniform of the Silver Ferns with sparkling silver strips looked stunning.

Captain, Casey Williams led and played outstandingly well the whole game, limiting the Australian shooter Catherine Cox's success rate. She was replaced at half time.


It was great to again be at a live netball match, even though I was surrounded by cheering supporters in green and gold. However, a few minutes after the whistle blew to start the game, the crowd was almost silenced as we reaced to a 5:0 lead. The crowd booed every time the referee called against the Australian team. I confess I really don't like this trend.


Approximately 11,000 watched NZ win 53:50 and I'm a very happy supporter. I'm also glad the two Cambridge ladies dressed in Waikato colours who flew over especially to see the game got to see "our team" win.
Photos: outside the Acer Arena - Diamond flags flying
Casey Williams in the old team uniform