A Tour Guide Shows Sydney

The Easter break in Sydney disappeared in a whirl of activity. I took on the role of tour guide to show a friend some of the sights of this great city; to explore some of the harbour walks and try a few eating places.

By the end of my friends visit, we'd had a marvellous time, despite my “low caffeine warning light” being on, which was entirely my fault.

The time disappeared in a blur but some of the activities we enjoyed: Watson’s Bay (further around from Bondi Beach) and a stroll along the fine golden coloured sand. We walked up the track past a notice which reminded those walking the track that they must be fully clothed! Sure enough, when I glanced down onto the pretty curved beach, the sight of the naked bodies was not a pretty one - sorry no photos! However, the spectacular views back over the city and to the Sydney Heads is pretty. It's the entrance for ships entering/leaving the inner harbour.

After our walk, Doyle’s (the famous fish restaurant) waylaid us, and on a gloriously hot day, we sat on the jetty and munched our way through a delicious serving of fish and chips.

Of course the walk I’ve written about previously from Coogee to Bondi Beach had to be repeated. I really love the Bronte (about half way) to Bondi Beach section and en route a compulsory stop at the café beside Tamarama beach. It is always very welcome for both the location and the caffeine hit.

Another day and another walk - the Maroubra to Coogee walk was new to both of us. These beaches all link up to those mentioned earlier in this posting. Unfortunately after some glorious sun kissed days, a storm threatened. Nonetheless, we decided to risk it and I am glad we did. Maroubra Beach is less sophisticated and not as built up as the other areas we pass along and it appeals more to me. Along the way some interesting honey combed cliff faces made for some creative photography.

Just after we reached Coogee and stopped for lunch at a nearby cafe (with excellent Numero Uno coffee) the clouds burst and a torrent of water raged down the street. Clearly it was sometime since people in the area had seen such a deluge because there were many excited spectators. When we returned to my wee place at Bondi Junction, just a 15 minute bus ride away it appeared as though there had been little rain.

Another walk - from Milson’s Point, we walked back to the city over the Sydney Harbour Bridge as day turned into night. Bats flew noisily overhead and before our leisurely stroll was over bright neon lights transformed the sky. It is always a joy to watch the sun setting over the iconic Sydney Opera House and once back at Circular Quay we stopped for a drink (or was that two!) beside the water. After dinner and a visit to the chocolate desert café in the Rocks, it was another late night out in this vibrant city.

Unfortunately the view from my preferred stop on Circular Quay (the Cruise Bar) was obscured by a newly arrived ship, but a few days later I was able to sit there (no ship this time!) with another friend and watch the sun setting over the Opera House yet again. I never tire of that view.

What I'm reading....The Secret River by Australian writer Kate Grenville. Also my Spanish language books to brush up on my skills.

I'm surprised....for Anzac Day Australians wear a piece of rosemary on their lapels. The striking poppy is for Remembrance Day. This auspicious day is my birthday which I celebrated here last year but I didn't see any poppies.

I'm loving.... travelling relatively light and being free of possessions. Part of this is not having to clear out gutters, no car to fill with petrol or check tyre pressures and living in a small space. The latter is my choice but I love it.

Photo: Watsons Bay

I arrived in Sydney with one red suitcase (full of clothes) and, in my backpack, my camera and laptop. I've been working here just over six months now.... I now own (in Australia) the following:

• a work wardrobe for both summer and winter,
• an iron....


• several pair of shoes


• and a beaut leather (yellow) couch! How well will this pack?


• I've also added several pillows (well its difficult to get one that suits and besides, they look good piled up on my bed!),


• an assortment of cutlery, crockery, vases, candles


• and I've added a slow cooker to my possessions. etc etc

Ouch! How did that happen?

The truth is that the longer I spend here, the more I surround myself with a few nice things so that I am comfortable.



My employer's have asked me back after my next trip, so it seems as though I will be in Sydney awhile. That's my excuse for buying a few things.

But, in May I leave and during this trip I will be sailing in New Caledonia, then traveling around Cuba, Mexico and NZ.

Besides....I'm still thoroughly enjoying the travel (and planning it), life and my work so why not?



A few weekends back I had a lovely trip to Canberra with a friend. The trip via the small towns of was most interesting and the company excellent.



In a few weeks time I have another of my friends from NZ to visit while on business and I'll enjoy a catch up. Then over Easter another friend will visit for a few days. Together we'll explore more of this wonderful city and perhaps take a rental car (I haven't succumbed to a car purchase yet) up the coast for more sights.

I just love it......

The Important Things in Life

The Important Things in Life
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle,
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before her philosophy class
And had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly,
She picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

She then asked the students, if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
them into the jar. She shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.

She then asked the students again
If the jar was full... They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand
And poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
She asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded
With a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table
And poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively
Filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things – Children, family,
health, friends, lovers and favorite passions –
Things that if everything else was lost
And only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter – whatever that may be to you -
your job, house, and car.

The sand is everything else - the small stuff.

If you put the sand into the jar first, she continued,
There’s no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are
IMPORTANT TO YOU.

SO.........

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner....smell the flowers

There will always be time
To clean the house and clean the gutters.

Take care of the golf balls first -
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

Then one of the students raised her hand
And inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled.

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.

Apologies…I do not know the source of this tale but I say
Hear hear.

My calendar – the wonderful one with coffee sayings has a speech bubble
With “CAFFEINE QUEEN”….that’s ME!

Stage One of My Journey

It's just over one year since I left NZ!!! Here are some of the countries I visited.

I especially want to go back to Cambodia (Angkor Wat and other temples) and Laos.

But in the meantime, I am planning more exciting journeys and will keep you posted.....of course!!!

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 ??????

Weekend Treats

Weekend Treats



I've been having a great ole time exploring. I went down to Wollongong for one weekend, Melbourne for another and last weekend walked the Bronte to Bondi Beach stretch again.



The train to Wollongong takes about one half hours - just enough time to leave the city behind and dream about visiting a new place by the sea. I had a beaut time catching up with Mum and Dad and other relatives. Mum had been there for 3 nights already so she had a favourite cafe and it quickly became my "fav" too. The coffee was excellent; the food a tasty mix of Greek and Australian. We were spoilt for cafe choice in this vibrant seaside community.



Back in Sydney I went to see My Fair Lady. Ooh what a treat. We had really great seats and the show was as foot tappingly wonderful as ever. I first saw it as a child and it was lovely to become re-acquainted with it. This production was very professional and fast moving with fantastically beautiful costuming.



Last weekend it was Melbourne's turn and of course the main reason for being in town was to see the netball....but I've already written about that.



They take the arts and coffee very seriously in this sophisticated city. Fantastic sculptures of all sorts are dotted around the walk ways and parks. As it was close to Melbourne Cup time, I was interested to see the magnificently crafted hats in the shops. They were noticeable in cafes too as women sat to rest awhile, their meticulous white hat boxes taking pride of place on the table top. I was not game enough to ask for a peep but it was ever so tempting!



Where to take my coffee stops was a constant challenge because there are many to choose from and I didn't want to waste a break in a sub-standard cafe. My sister introduced me to one. I am glad she accompanied me to My-ko cafe which is in a little back street off Bourke and close to King Street. They are very proud to serve fair trade coffee. My cappuccino was lovely with sweet notes on the palate. The hosts are very friendly and I loved the booth style table seating.



My other coffee find was Brother Baba Budan at 359 Little Bourke Street http://www.brotherbababudan.com.au/. Coffee IS their business. The crema on my long black looked (and was) thick and caramelly. The coffee was rich with complex flavours alighting my taste buds. Although the coffee was the highlight, being in the cafe itself was not an overly pleasant experience because it was too crowded. I was extremely impressed to note though, that when the barista changed, she brewed a "taster" for the manager to critique.



Then last weekend I was again on the Bronte to Bondi Beach walk to see the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. What a joy! Such wonderful creativity presented in harmony with the cliff faces, parks, sea and rock-scape. I loved it. This is its twelfth year anniversary and it's on for about three weekends so if you're planning a trip to Sydney around this time next year, I would definitely recommend trying to combine it with this exhibition. Pam and Allan and I finished off (as you do) with a long lunch at Bondi Beach. What a great way to finish a superb day.



It's an interesting life and I haven't even had time to tell you about the course I am doing in Aborigine Culture. It is confronting; it's fascinating; it's extremely interesting.....maybe another time......



I'm missing........good bread. I can't find any - even the Baker's delight is different.



I'm loving........how close I am to everything here at my wee little place in Bondi Junction.

The newspapers are full of..........various scandals, news about how broke the NSW Government is and - last week the Melbourne Cup (from days and days before the event), the US elections etc



I'm surprised.........how much attention is given to the execution and comment around and about regarding the Bali bombers....I find it quite, quite offensive.



I'm reading..........Nothing!!!

Photos: My-Ko coffee
Images from Sculpture by the Sea

Airport Pet Hates

Airport Pet Peeves

I love travelling....but there are some things that remain constant irritants and "life as a flash packer" would be even better if airlines and those in charge of airports accommodated our needs a little more. Here are some of of the things that irritate me as I journey around the world:

1. Cafes where you order food and drinks but have to carry it all to the table yourself. Hey guys - think about this - we are travelling and that means extra hand baggage which also means it is much more difficult for us to conduct this juggling act. It's especially challenging for single travellers because its impossible to safely take a table and leave a few things then go up to the counter to make the food/drink decisions. If you forget something crucial to make the meal an enjoyable experience (like cutlery/salt, sugar etc) - retrieving it is damn near impossible if you travel alone - it's often not worth the hassle!

2. Queues. Queues to check in, queues to get through security, queues to get on the plane and then repeat it again to get off.

3. Small seats. AND its even worse if an overweight person sits beside you. Or, someone hogs the limited space - like chaps spreading legs widely - or those who take over the arm rest.

4. Automatic check-in. Actually I LOVE them when I don't have luggage. But as soon as I have luggage it warrants a listing in my pet peeves because it's another transaction I have to juggle and get in a queue to "bag drop" - if only it was just a bag drop. There HAS to be an easier way to do this.

5. Insufficient leg room. My knees are frequently jammed against the seat in front of me (OK ...OK, I am a coach/economy traveller!). Then with my knees touching the back of the seat, the passenger in front of me reclines their seat and crunches my tender kneecaps. Ouch!

6. Trays being left too long after the meal has finished.

7. The price of airport food and drinks. What is is about airports that they must charge us 20-50% more? Grrrrr.

8. When everyone is settled and the plane is ready to go (on time) but it can't leave because some inconsiderate passenger decided their time is more important and stayed too long in the duty free shops or bar. MAJOR irritation.

9. Small toilet cubicles. Travellers need a little more space. They also NEED hooks on the door.

I'm sure you will have your own list. If you want to...let me know - it's easy to leave a comment on my site and I will add your "pet peeve" to the list. You never know we might get a ground swell of "issues" and get some change......