Adventures in Oz

Magnetic Island

2006-07-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Less than a month til I get home! WA! Mixed feelings but mostly excited. I arrive home around the first week of Augest. I can't wait to see everyone again! Can you believe its been just under 10 months away from Canada?

Yesterday my mom and I visited Magnetic Island. Beautiful island about 1/2 hr away from Townsville on the East Coast.

We went to the beach, went for a long hike and visited the many stores around the island. We are leaving Townsville on Monday and heading up to Cairns. We plan on staying up in Cairns for awhile. There are lots of things to do and see in the Cairns area.

The East Coast is really beautiful and we have been blessed with really nice weather. Although its the middle of winter here, I think the weather is similar to the conditions in Toroto. Except we have not had any rainy days yet. I hope everyone is enjoying the summer back home!

Finding Nemo!

2006-07-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome home Allison! By now I am sure everyone has gotten their big surprise. Allison wasn't really working on a boat on the East Coast. She has been planning on surprising her parents for most of the year. Allison arrived home a couple of weeks ago. Miss you Al!

My mom and I have been on our roadtrip for just over a week. We started out in Brisbane and spent a few days there. After that we were on the road for a few days seeing the Sunshine Coast. We arrived in the Whitsundays on my birthday. So far the highlight of our trip is taking a cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. Both my mom and I spent the day snorkelling around a peice of the Great Barrier Reef. The fish and sea creatures that we saw were amazing. Sea turtles, giant fish, tiny colourful fish and so much more! Another favourite we did was seeing Hamilton island and Whitehaven beach on Whitsundays island. We leave for Townsville in a couple of days where we plan on visiting Magnetic Island.

<-- Mom in Brisbane
<-- What we saw when we went down in a sub around the reef
<-- Mom in the water
<-- A bad shot of me just as i get in the water
<-- Whitsundays

Vacationing in Sydney

2006-06-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Well, once again it is time for me to move on. This time I am off to Brisbane. I will re-unite my mom and we will tour the East Coast starting in a few days. I am really excited to see my mom. I have been away from home for just under 9 months now, the longest I have ever been away from Canada. I am starting to get excited to see home again and get back to normality (whatever that may be!).

This past couple of weeks in Sydney have been full of new experiences. Due to visa restrictions I was unable to go back to my old job. I have reunited with alot of old friends from Sydney and cultivated some new talents! I am learning how to Salsa dance and learning how to cook and eat Japanesse food. Monica ( a friend from McMaster University who is currently living in Sydney ) and I have also made some new friends who have introduced us to a venue that has traditional irish music. I have also taken a small trip to the Blue Mountains to do some hiking. I am enjoying the atmosphere in Sydney right now. The city in alive with World Cup fevor and I hope Aus can beat Croatia this Friday.

<---Day Trip To Blue Mountains
<--Monica didn't even need the lessons- she is a pro!

Monica and I outside the Salsa Club (above)
<--traditional Irish music turned a bit mad near the end!

This post is quite large.

2006-06-09T05:24:00.002-07:00

It's hard to believe that its only been a month or so since I left Susan, Vicky and Jenny in Perth. I've been so very busy seeing such beautiful things, getting to know me and meeting so many amazing people along the way. So this is the most recent leg of my journey, i've been as selective as humanly possible so bear with me...

First stop was Alice Springs, Central Australia, where I coincidentally met up with Lucy (from Sydney) at the backpackers before heading out on a journey that took me up to Darwin on the North Coast.

Uluru. It was early up at 4am and walking around the rock by 6. We watched as the colours of the rock shifted to reflect the rising sun.

The walk around Uluru lasted more than an hour. I spent the entire time completly in awe of the size and magnificence of this very out of place rock. Around every corner the shadows shifted and new crater-like crevices appeared. The trees and basically barren landscape that surrounded the rock created a contrast that made it easy to understand why the Aboriginal Aussies hold this as such a sacred place.

Devil's Marbles... we know how I love rocks. I spent an hour or so wandering around this geologically stunning mound and couldn't believed nature created this all by herself.

Sunsets over Central Australia. Wow. We had spent this day swimming in thermal spas, and waterfall hopping. What a way to top off the day.

After conquering two waterfalls in one big swim. The two girls with me were absolutely amazing, Dorian and Carmen, we had just finished hiking Katherine Gorge and were about to gorge on chicken wings in the park nearby.

This was one of my most favorite mornings. We did a crocodile river trip and while waiting I got to hang out with this amazingly tame Python, she slowly shifted and worked her way around my torso to bask in the sun. I resorted to making my breakfast with her in tow so as not to go hungry altogether. It was one of those moments that you feel like you are speaking to the very ground beneath your feet.

We did a hike in Kakadu National Park in Northern Australia, stopping along at various sights to see ancient cave paintings. I learned a lot more about the aboriginal cultures and their traditions. This area was surrounded my flood plains that were, at the time, both flooded and being ravaged by forest fires. Smoke rising above the rocks and water ripping through the landscape. It felt timeless.

In Darwin I rented bikes with two friends, Jenny and Elaine, and we rode along the North, crocodile infested beaches, and stopped to watch the sun go down.

After such a beautiful time in Central Oz I was looking forward to seeing the East Coast. I met up with Lucy in Cairns and after a three day dive course to get my advanced certification we headed down to Brisbane together via Magnetic Island, Airlie Beach and Harvey Bay.

Top deck of my four level dive boat on the beautiful great barrier reef. I learned how to deep dive and night dive (which I loved) and I swam along just about everything you could hope for from reef sharks to sea turtles to eels to some of the most beautiful fish i've seen so far. On one of the night dives we had about three of these huge red fish swimming with us, hunting by the light of our torches. When we caught smaller fish in our light the red fish would attack right in front of our faces... I loved it.... it that wrong? We also saw all kinds of sleeping fish and tiny crustaceans that you could never catch during the day.

10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6304/1851/200/IMG_6695.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> Day trip to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the beach. It was a beautiful day of gorges, swmming in rivers, hiking through rainforest and snake and crocodile spotting. To top it off we stumbled on these boys doing a tv shoot on the beach and ended up part of their show... they're part of a band called 'Digger and the Pussycats' and were doing some travel doco for a show in England. It was a fun little side adventure in this super isolated little town.

These two pics are of Lucy and I at Whithaven beach at Airlie beach (where i'm working now). It is known as the most beautiful beach in Australia (if not the world) and lived up to the expecations. It was such shallow, pristine water and was the most unique shape, stretching from the island out into the sea in a king of reverse mushroom shape.

Sunsets on the sailboat. Clear skies and no moon meant sleeping out on the deck and being witness to tweleve shooting stars, two of which were those big blue ones what streak right across the sky in a fleeting moment you don't forget for a long time.

More pictures aboard 'Hammer'. I was such a natural at the whole sailing thing they let me set course and sent the skipper home. The boat is meant to accomodate 20 customers but there were only nine of us making for a very inimate and comfortable trip. My luck with the weather continues and Shelia was thriving.

Fraser Island. Eleven strangers locked into a 3 day contract with a 4x4 and a load of tents. It was amazing, lots of driving on the beach and exploring the rainforests and sand dunes. This is where we camped the first night... not bad eh? Later this night we did a wander up the beach to a boat wreck to explore under another sky full of stars.

Dingos moving in... these guys swarmed our camp by night and morning.

The very same boat wreck by day light. The wreck is from 1936 and so was another part of the trip that I spent in awe of both how fast and slow the world moves around us.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. I loved this boat.

Luce and I reflecting on an amazing ten days together on the East Coast. This is on the edge of a cliff called Indian head where you could look down at the waves crashing below. We sat here for a very long time.

Eli Creek, last stop of the second last day of Fraser Island. I walked with three friends up this knee deep creek and then stripped down to our bathers and floated back out to the ocean watching the rainforest pass overhead. I can't complain, this trip was absolutely fabulous.

I am now back in Airlie Beach working with a sailing company doing odd jobs aboard the boat to make money for my ticket home. I am coming home. I have very mixed feelings about this as I have had the most amazing last couple years journeying through Asia and Australia but finally feel I've accomplished what I set out to achieve and am getting comfortable with the idea of return to what I hear is a very hot Canadian summer. I'll be home before August so keep some spots open in your calendars open and i'll be wherever you want me to be and at the cottage. Not planning to rush back to work, or to rush at all for that matter. I miss you all and can't wait to catch up.

Back In Sydney!

2006-06-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

I (Susan) have arrived back in Sydney and will be staying here for a couple of weeks. Some of the great people we have met on this trip are also back in Sydney for a short break or taking a stop here to work and save some money. I am currently living with our english friend (Louise) in a flat in Darling Harbour. The flat is absolutely amazing and in a really good location. Louise is working and saving up some money for the East Coast and I am picking up a few shifts at my old job (at Queenspark) for a couple of weeks. I am also here visiting a good friend of mine from Canada, Monica! Monica is living out in the Beaches doing some lab work at the University. This weekend we all plan on going to an Aussie Rules Football game. Can't wait!

Sydney is as beautiful as ever but the weather sucks! I have had to go out and buy a winter jacket! How sad! Even a scarf! Most buildings in Aus. don't have central heating so when you are indoors it feels like you are outside. Shopping hasn't been a problem for me so I have enjoyed the excuse to buy more clothes!

I am anticipating the arrivial of my mom at the end of June. We plan on travelling up the Coast and I am going to show her around Sydney at the end of my trip.

Isn't the inside of the building cool! Very modern. (pics above)
<--- Our Room

End Of An Era

2006-05-25T02:32:00.000-07:00

This is a post dedicated to my travelling bud Allison. For those of you who don't know, Allison and I are on diverging paths now for the rest of our trip. I will be with my mom and Allison's location is anybody's guess. The pics previously posted of us up the West Coast was our last travel together in Aus. No longer travelling companions in Aus but still best of friends. Trips like this can often hurt friendships but I am happy to say that "we got on like a house on fire" (that one was for the aussies). Somehow I am certain that this will not be the last time I travel again with Allison. I miss you so much Allison and can't wait to see u back in Canada!!

Bye Bye Billabong!

2006-05-25T02:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Well, time again to leave another great city downunder. I make my way back to Sydney in a few short days. I will be spending a week or two there getting caught up with a friend from Canada, who has just arrived in Sydney. After that I am off to Brisbane to meet mom for a short stint up the East Coast. I have stayed a couple more weeks out in Perth than Allison, who is already out on the East Coast. This weekend will be my last weekend of work and I think my last work experience in Aus. Where did the time go?

I have been living at a hostel in Perth called Billabong. I can't believe I lasted a whole 2.5 months at a hostel but I've made it. I must say, its not your typical hostel. It has a pool, beach v-ball court and is a clean place to live. Allison (along with a few friends we made in Sydney) put in a good stint at the Billabong. Leaving Billabong will be sad but I feel ready for a change.

View from my room (left) Billabong (right)

King's Park
<---
A night at Billabong (below)

<-- Elephant and Wheelbarrow (British Pub I Work At)

WA!

2006-05-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

Suz and I are now safe and happy in Western Australia. We've both been crazy busy seeing and doing as you can imagine, but the good news is we have tons of pictures to share. We've done 2 trips, one up the coast, Suz and I went as far as Monkey Mia (about 1000km) and I went another 800 up to Exmouth. When we got back Jenny (from Sydney) was here and we did a day road-trip down to Margaret River, about 3hrs South of Perth.

Scarbourough Beach, just outside Perth. Suz and I went with our French-Canadian friend Anne-Marie and her friend Dan.

Western Xposure Trip
We saw and did so much in 7 days, and all of it was so beautiful and so hard to describe, especially because i'm rushing a bit. I'll keep it simple, here goes...
First stop, the Pinnacles, limestone formations on the coast a couple hours North of Perth, I love rocks so I loved this.

View over the 'Z Bend' gorge in WA on Day 1.

Abseiling at the gorge.

A fabulous view of WA. It's covered mostly by sand, rock and shrubbery like this.

Nature's window. Good photo op.

Shell beach.

Wild dophins at Monkey Mia.

Suz's group sandboarding stop on the way back to Perth.

Coral Bay. What a beaut. Spent the day snorkeling off the beach and off a boat. Found and followed Sally the Sea turtle with two friends from the trip for almost an hour, she swam just below my belly, taking us on a tour of the reef, coming up for air, letting us pet her shell, was almost a metre head to tail we figured. The most beautiful creature i've ever laid eyes on.

Quick photo op at the Tropic of Capricorn, just want to show you the bus.

This picture doesn't do justice. This is the smaller (5m) of the two whalesharks we saw this day, did 7 snorkels with them, one of the most beautiful days i've had.

Andre and I opted to scuba dive the Ningaloo Reef before and after the Whaleshark snorkels, got up close and personal with even more of the underwater world.

Holding hands with a prince. Prince Leonard formed his own country in WA about 30 years ago when he was having troubles with the government. A loophole in the law allowed him to seperate, and, after making his own postal system and currency, he did. A facinating man and interesting bit of Aussie history.

Emu.

Carpet Pythons at a wildlife centre in WA.

As usual, the people made it. I lucked out having the best tour group of all time, everyone was one their own so it made mingling extra easy. Had two guitar teachers on board aswell so Sheila got her fair share of attention around the campfire and at the hostels along the way. Thank you all so much, you made my WA.

Margaret River Road Trip

Heading out to the Indian Ocean. Simone, me, Suz, Jenny and Stevie.

Wine tasting...

I'm now staying with Vicky (from Sydney and Tasmania) in Freemantle, half an hour outside of Perth, and Suz is back working and staying in the city. More updates soon as I'll be heading out shortly to the Red Center and North Coast.

Rottenest Island

2006-04-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hey All!
Life is great out in Perth. I am anticipating Al's visit in a few short days!! Recently some of us from the hostel took a day trip to Rottenest Island. This is a popular vacation spot for Perth residence. We rented snorkelling gear and spent the day in the beautiful blue water in basin bay looking at all the sea creatures. We also walked a few kms around the island. Its a pretty small place and there are no cars allowed on the island. I really enjoyed the day and finding it hard to image living in a place without beaches and palm trees!

Life at the Orchard

2006-04-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

... or, as Suz calls, it 'Rancho Relaxo'. It's hard to believe that another month has already flown by and that this weekend i'll be off to visit Suz in Perth. I've been living with Alanna, Johnny and Justin in a gorgeous farm house just outside Melbourne and my month here has been absolutely, fabulously & creatively laid back. It's hard to describe how much i've needed this time or what i've actually been up to in words or pictures but i'll give it a try...

Kitchen mini jam session with Alanna, Benny, Kath and Just. Benny & Alanna --v

Weekend at Roby's house boat, same lake as last time.

Keeping in touch...
Johnny studied with Justin in England and is now finishing up a thesis in theology...
Jemima has been my main mode of transport this past month, and aside from a brief run in with carbon monoxide poisoning, she runs like a jem.
Justin has setup a record label called 'Exploding Tree Records' and i've been working as official P.A., acting as secretary, formatter extrodinaire and professional photographer... this is a flyer we made for the show i'm going to Saturday.

Screenprinting 'jemima' and 'exploding tree record' shirts.

Alanna makes her millions from home aswell designing gorgeous crafty home decor type stuff, mainly distributing handmade cards like this...

Topless haircuts in the kitchen while waiting for dinner to cook...
Alanna and Dudley. -->
... and last but not least, Sheila and Samuel. Sheila will be touring the rest of Australia with me, but we've got a bit of work to do before our first big debut.

I Reckon I like Perth

2006-03-22T23:07:00.000-08:00

Hello All! Currently typing to you from the most isolated city in the world, Perth. Been in Perth for about two weeks and already off to a great start. I am currently working at a bar/restaurant and really enjoy the job. About 80% of the staff is backpackers from all around the world. I have met loads of really great people and am glad I made the decision to settle here for a short while. Sometime next week I plan on moving in to a house with a few Irish girls that I met at the hostel. Ofcourse, I miss Allie "heaps and heaps" but we chat everyday and I know she will arrive out in Perth soon enough.

Although i am working, I am still not working too many hours. This leaves lots of time for relaxing by poolside (our hostel has a really nice outdoor pool) and this is usually how I spend my days. Perth is really hot and most days it can get up to 35 degrees! In Perth there is no day light savings so the sun goes down early and it cools off quickly.

Haven't taken many pictures in Perth yet. Before I arrived in Perth I did a short tour of the Great Ocean road. The journey was amazing and here a few pics from the trip.

Group Shot!

All by myself

2006-03-21T15:25:00.000-08:00

So it's been just over a week since Suz left me and you're already demanding another update. Right now i'm staying at my friend Justin's place on an orchard just outside of the city, have done some touring around Melbourne and am now settling for a bit to relax & organize myself for another long leg of living out of my backpack. Time is flying as usual and I miss you all like crazy. You'll be happy to know Suz is safe and sound and loving Perth, I'm sure she'll update soon aswell.
My last 10 days in picture form:

Penguins at Phillip Island

Wakeboarding somewhere outside Melbourne, just landing a 360 flip...

Commonweath Games opening ceremonies on the Yarra River in Melbourne.

Road trip on the Great Ocean Rd. South coast of Australia between Melbourne and Adalaide.

The 12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road.

The elusive Echidna, apparently one of the hardest little creatures to spot.

Waterfall in Lorne, Great Ocean Road

Kangaroos eating up a golf course by sunset.

Watching the surfers at Bell's Beach, Great Ocean Road.

Commonwealth Games, Athletics at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Got to see 100m finals, 5000m men's finals, hammer throw finals, some shot put and high jump.

Le Divorce? weep weep

2006-03-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

Allison and I are back in the big city after a short trek around Tasmania. Melbourne is treating us great and we are back in tourist mode seeing all the sites. Originally, I (Susan) had planned in working in Melbourne for a short while but after arriving here I realized it wouldn't be feasible. The Commonwealth Games are coming to Melbourne and the prices have been drastically inflated. That being said, I am off to Perth this Saturday to seek employment and briefly settle for a few short months. Anybody have any connections?!? Allison has decided to take a different path, as a year teaching in Taiwan has provided her some already earned travelling money. She is going to continue travelling around the Melbourne area and then in a few weeks come to Perth to stay with me. Both of us are pretty sad about "Le Divorce" as we mutally feel that we couldn't be better travelling companions! We will keep you updated on our diverting paths in the weeks to come.

Tassie Mania

2006-03-06T16:13:00.000-08:00

Well another chapter in our trip has ended, the trip to Tassie was an absolute success and we wouldn't change a thing. We rented a car in Hobart and traveled up the East Coast and around the island ending in the Devonport to catch the ferry here, to Melbourne.

We traveled with Vicky, who we met in Sydney, and Megan, a fabulous Canadian that we met our first night in Tassie-land. There are a million fabulous pictures we could share but we're going to attempt a top ten, to keep you hungry for more.

<-- Our first hike up Mt. Wellington just West of Hobart overlooking the city. It started to rain about 3 hours in and we ended up hitching a ride back to our car.

Port Arthur, the first prison in Australia for all those POMs. It's at the far South-East coast seperated from the rest of the island by a 100m wide stripe of land. The following day Megan and I dove close to here with her underwater camera so look for those pics later.
<-- Our second proper hike through Wineglass and Hazard Bay and up to a lookout in Mt. Amos on the East Coast.

Further up the coast, Binalong Bay, unanimously voted most beautiful, but somewhat chilly, beach ever.

Our beachy hike across the Bay of Fire, with appropriate rest stops.

Just outside Lauceston, North Central Tassie, at Catarac Gorge.

Our first look at the infamous Tasmanian Devil at a breeding base/orphaned animal center.

Another first for us.

These guys were hopping all over the place but Kangaroo Jack here was the only one brave enough to come close.

Just outside Cradle Mountain.

Best hike for last, in Cradle Mountain National Park on the West Coast.

At the lookout, looking out towards Cradle Mountain.

Finishing up the last hike, still with lots of energy for love. Thanks so much Vicks and Megs, you guys made this adventure.

the adventure continues...

2006-02-16T22:55:00.000-08:00

We're officially in our last week of Sydney. Looking forward to Tasmania and our 'Round Oz in 120 days' tour. Made a little map so you can follow us about on our adventure!
Next Thursday we leave for Tasmania to meet up with Vicky for 10 days then onto Melbourne for a while. After that to Adalaide and Kangaroo Island to meet up with a friend Suz met in Europe and after that we'll see what's what.

The last week has flown by like the rest of our time in the CBD. I finished work last Friday and Suz finished up on Tuesday, so we're both feeling free and fabulous. This week I did my open water PADI course, I think i'm in love. Had a great instructor and superb group. I am completely hooked.

<-- The three on the left are friends from Sweden, the guy with the shades was my instructor, Toby, and the others are American, Cam, and Swiss, Anna.
--> At Camp Cove just after our final dive!

--> Dim, Lou and Jenny

Also recently took a hike up to a lookout by the famous 'Palm Beach' - it's where they film 'Home and Away', a show the Aussies and Brits love but I can't stand.

<-- A little further up...

<-- Cooling off where the celebs hang out.

Farwell Sydney!

2006-02-14T19:48:00.000-08:00

The time has finally come for Allison and I to leave Sydney! Both of us have had our last days at work and we are spending our last week in Sydney relaxing. Going out to the beach in February is hard work but somebody has to do it! We leave for Tasmania on Feb. 24 where we will re-unite with a friend we made in Sydney (Vicky). She will be joining our adventures in Tassie. I am sad to leave this great city but I know that good times will keep coming outside of Sydney.

<--- Out for dinner celebrating a Friday night!

<--- Allison enjoying the beach in North Sydney

With A Little Help From My Friends

2006-02-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

Without a doubt, Oz has already exceeded every last expectation I had before I left. Allison and I have made so many great memories here. We have been in Sydney for 3 months now and have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people from all around the world. Alot of the good times we have had and are having involve some of the great people we have met. We have enjoyed all of our dinners at Scruffy's, after work drinks, big nights out and days on the beach with our friends. Summer in Sydney wouldn't have been the same without you guys! Things are winding down and in a few short weeks we will be on the road again. At the end of the month we plan on tackling "Tassie" and on to Melbourne from there. But, right now we are enjoying all of our good company in the big city!

Giving My #1 A Hug!---->

Goodbye Marketa! I Will Miss You! --->

Cheering On Cyprus!!-->

It's Raining Men!

2006-01-30T22:22:00.000-08:00

What are Sundays for but basking in the sun while watching others work their butts off... literally. The ironman competition was something to see; we may have showed up for the hot bods but ended up in total awe of these ultra-fit men and women.

<-- This one's for you Smitto!

Each competition was a series of three races and each race had three sets; kayaking, surf board paddling and swimming. The winners endured all three back-to-back races, won the final heat, and walked away with over $50,000.

Ironwomen

Watching attentively. ------>

The top-three ironmen

After our big day at the beach we decided to stop over at the Opera House where they were showing the Melbourne Cup. It was pretty cool to see all these people crowded onto the steps watching tennis on the big screen.

Nothing wrong with a little enthusiasm.

Susan and I with not-so-hard-on-the-eyes Andy Rodnick.

Australia Day week of Shenanigans

2006-01-28T15:10:00.000-08:00

Aussie Day Ferry-A-Thon, complete with flag flying helicopter.

Okay, so every country has their 'Day' and this was the week for Australia's. As a Canadian I thought we did pretty well with ours but after having participated in this week's events I'm going to be coming home with some tips. On top of being Australia Day we're also in the middle of the Sydney summer festival so there is constantly a wide variety of cool things to be doing, a lot of which are free. There seems to be no budget what so ever for this month long party that the gov has so graciously thrown.

These pictures start off on Australia Day (Thursday) and carry through to yesterday (Saturday).

<-- Meet Vicky, a friend from work, super fun and our event co-ordinator.
Lucy, another super fab female from work, Vicky and I on the way to the Rocks for our second Jazz concert of the day.
Watching the show and taking in some sun - as the day progressed our group kept growing.

Dimity, our fabulous manager (Spiro quit before Christmas) popped by for a visit

Lucy and Jenny on the way to Darling Harbour for fireworks
<-- A quick dip after a long day of... music?

Making new friends while waiting for the show to start

Friday was Dzen and Eimear's last day at work, a cause for quite the celebration that started at work and ended with Eimear, Dimity, Belinda and I singing Tiffany at an 80s bar downtown.

<-- Starwood's new crew

Yesterday Vicky, Lucy, Jenny and I headed to the fish market, stuffed our faces with deliciously fresh seafood and then headed across the city to meet more girls for a free opera in the park. Another fabulous day with the ladies.
<-- In the market.

<-- The sign says 'Fish Market Evacuation Area'?
<-- On the way to the opera

We spotted these guys from across the park and brought them over for a laugh, they sang us a song and said they were part of the opera later... not sure if we believe them but they did have great harmony...
Waiting for the opera to start. There was supposed 100,000 people to watch 'Madam Butterfly' and we were right in the middle, it was massive.

I'm off the the beach to watch an ironman competition today, so more pictures soon!

Byron and Back

2006-01-19T22:48:00.000-08:00

Two weeks later i'm finding a bit more time to post. While Sar and Fraser were here we rented a car and took a road trip through Hunter Valley (wine country) with a stop over in Nimbin and ending (for me) in Byron. Had three fabulous days of surf and sand and returned home for work last Monday. Sar and Fraser went onto Fraser Island and the Whitsundays for another weeks worth of adventure, you'll have to bug them for those pictures but here is what I was there for.

<-- ???

After feeding some horses and tasting some wine we moved on for the rest of our 10 hour journey, arriving in Nimbin at 1am only to checkout the following morning. The hostel we stayed at was a hipppies paradise, tranquil and beautiful, and because no one picture captured the essence, i'm not posting any... next, onto Byron Bay...

Byron is a little beachy town 12 long bus hours North of Sydney. On our first day we had a surfing lesson and all managed to get up within our first couple tries. By the end of the afternoon we were all pros and I have since started my own surfing school in Sydney... aside from the surf it was a lot of fabulous beaching and entertaining evenings.

Byron Beach & Happy Hour at the hostel.

Good times in other people's shoes.

Since this great adventure Sar and Fries have left us.

It was fabulous to have you both and I can't wait to catch up in the summer. Miss you Sar!!!

Check Me At The Beach!

2006-01-16T00:47:00.000-08:00

Allison and I have been on a beach tour and have spent many weekends checking out the different surf and sand in Sydney. Along with going to the beach we have been doing many coastal walks, some of which are quiet physical, but provide magnificent views of the ocean. Here are some pics of the walk from Bondi beach through Tamark beach, Bronti Beach and ending in Coogee beach. The pools along the ocean are a familar sight in Sydney. They are salt water pools that are open to anybody in an effort for safe swimming conditions.

NYE at the Harbour!

2006-01-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

Sarah, Fraser, Susan and I hit up Sydney Harbour for what was going to be a New Year's Eve we will never forget.

<-- The spot we scoped out and guarded till fireworks time.
<-- This is the crazy street party at The Rocks, the bar street that runs beside the habour.

All in all, a fabulous evening.

Blue Mountains

2005-12-30T20:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Sar, Fraser and I took a day trip to the Blue Mountains, 2 hours outside of Sydney. We did a fabulous trek through a rainforest beside a canyon. What do they say, "A picture's worth a thousand words"?

^-- Three sisters rock, a main view

Christmas in Oz

2005-12-26T21:30:00.000-08:00

We'll start off with Christmas Eve. We boarded our luxury liner about 7pm on the 24th and proceeded to take full advantage of a delicious buffet and bar. It was a beautiful night and doing laps around the harbour locked into a boat full of other backpackers who also had no family to celebrate with was a happy alternative to the turkey we both missed from home. The vibe was excellent as everyone was there just to have a few laughs and meet new people. We saw friends, made new friends and soaked up the views.
^-- Heading onto the boat
The opera house and harbour bridge.

"I live here! Wicked!"

So, needless to say, the night was one we will never forget. It was the best all round Sydney experience that we've had since we've been here and brought us even closer together as friends, if that was even possible.

Next, onto Christmas day! I surprised Sarah and Fraser at the airport Christmas morning, they arrived about 11am and we're raring to go. We spent the day at Bondi beach where the Christmas celebrations were in full swing and caught up on what's been happening in Canada the past year. It was the strangest Christmas I've ever had. We kept forgetting and remembering that it was, in fact, Christmas.
WICKED!!!
Bondi Beach at maximum capacity. -->
Yesterday we gave Sarah and Fraser the tour of downtown. We walked through Hyde Park and the Botanical Gardens to the Opera house and they when up in the CenterPoint tower. The rest of the week we're going to be doing more of the tourist thing so expect more posts soon!

Does that really say what I think it says??? Only in Australia. -->

<-- Spot Sarah and Fraser.

Merry Christmas from 317 Castlereagh!

2005-12-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

We'd like to send out a little love before Christmas, hoping you are all having a fabulous time wherever you are.

Even though christmas doesn't feel like christmas with all this hot weather, we'll still be celebrating, just a little differently than normal. We're doing a Christmas Eve cruise around the harbour, $80 for 4 hours with everything included, so we're pretty excited for that. On Christmas day Sarah and her man Fraser arrive from home and will be staying with us in Sydney through to New Year's then the three of us (Suz has to work) will head up the coast for a week! Can't wait to see you Sunday Sar!!!

Missing you all tons and wishing you a very merry Christmas and fantastic New Year.

*Dewy and Julia, our roomies, getting festive.

Queenspark Vs Starwood Privilege

2005-12-16T22:51:00.000-08:00

As promised, here are some pics of my myself at work. Instead of picking fruit, I have been working at a clothing store for the past month. I am working on Pitt Street, which is known for its shopping centres, a stone's throw from Allison's work and 15 minutes from home. Both of us spend our days surrounded by suits as we live and work in the central business district. Queenspark, is a store for ladies with big bank accounts so it makes for some interesting stories.

Marketa after a 'hard' day's work. -->
This past week we had our V.I.P. day complete with champagne and appetizers in the store, not reserved only for customers! I am getting along well with my work "mates". This past weekend we had a staff Christmas party. We all dressed up and the company paid for a very expensive dinner at a restaurant with a beautiful view of the skyline of the city- i felt so lucky! I have made a superb friend at work. Marketa is from Czech Republic and has been going to school here for the year. She is loads of fun and always makes me laugh!

Last night Allison had her Christmas party and the Queenspark crew merged with Starwood privilege which made for another great night in Sydney!

Why can't we all just get along?

2005-12-12T22:33:00.001-08:00

Just want to let you all know that we're safe and sound and far out of the way of all the craziness that's going on in the news right now. The beach and suburbs where most of the rioting is taking place is about an hour outside the centre of the city, and not at a beach that we frequent.

From our perspective this whole thing seems a little nuts, not very Canadian at all. Though the Aussies are a fun and friendly bunch there is a lot of racial discrimination that goes on. Very generally speaking, anyone of a race that isn't white or asian seems to be looked down upon by the majority of the Aussie public and thought to be trouble.

A lot of this rioting stems back to the mass panic that occurred after terrorists who were planning to bomb three major buildings (power building, gov., etc) were caught a couple months ago. On top of this, a storage of guns was just found underneath a mosque in suburbia and so the police expect a lot more of this race rioting before it calms down.

An example of the racial hatred that we aren't really familiar with as Canadians (or MIT students) can be encapsulated by a comment made by my very un-politically correct boss this morning. He said that the three Lebanese were 'put into a cell with meanest Aussie criminals so that the guards could look the other way while they were beaten to a pulp, teaching them not to mess with Australia.' He didn't really seem bothered by the idea that this might just piss off everyone more, or that it completely goes against everything we were taught in kindergarten.

I can't really say I necessarily sympathize with either group as the Aussies enjoy egging on a good fight, and although the 'others' are obviously being ostracized, the ones doing the rioting are causing problems for every other Muslim in Australia. Obviously, I have no real idea of the roots or reasons for all of this but as the famous saying goes, 'Why can't we all just get along?'

Uptown Girl.

2005-12-11T01:46:00.000-08:00

So, so far so good on the work situation. Slowly making my way to top telesales woman in Oz. What makes my job is not so much the riveting sales (if you can believe it) but the people, so here they are! (Keep in mind these pictures were taken on a Friday afternoon/evening on Peter's last day and in no way reflect the day-to-day seriousness of my job.)

Suz is promising a similar update Wednesday.

<-- Lunch break. (looks like we're in a club, no?) Dzen from Ireland, Ben from England and Peter, also from England and on his way home.
My cubbie -->
<-- Ben and Michael, an aussie, illustrating the exciting benefits of the Starwood Privilege package.

Getting a little later on into the afternoon and losing steam. (I'd explain what the post-its say but I think it's a 'you'd have to be there to appreciate the full humour' situation, so I won't waste your time.) -->

<-- Post-work farewell bevy's. Cheers Pete!

Group shot! (In the back are Ben's girlfriend Jenn and her friend)

We've been flat out, sorry for slagging off.

2005-12-04T00:45:00.000-08:00

Ok, the last few weeks have been busy, and we've gotten requests for an update. So here it is. We've basically just been living the lives of working girls in Australia, packing lunches, making dinners, fitting in with the suits in the CBD and enjoying the weekends. It's weird to be so at home and sorted out so quickly but we're really feeling like we've been here a lot longer than a month. Work for both of us is going really well but we are also looking forward to travelling up the coast after christmas, probably in February. We're having a christmas celebration at our place with friends and roomates and should be on the beach with Sarah and Fraser on boxing day! Some pictures and details...

Bondi Beach... The sign says "surfboard riding permitted", do you think they know i'm not Australian?
Bondi beach from a distance -->

Ahhh, christmas in summer. Not at all what we're used to, and they don't know how to do it up like we do, but we'll try anything once.

On a trip to Paddy's Market, a 10 min walk from our apartment. We're pretty pumped about it, it's like an Asian market, a little more expensive but still super cheap, especially in Australia. We stock up on lots of fruits and veggies here to make sure we are maintainig a well balanced diet. The picture with Susan is by the train station, between home and the market. Just a little glimpse into our well established routine.

"I'd Rather Pick Fruit"

2005-11-16T22:56:00.000-08:00

G'Day!!
After 1.5 days I have quit my telemarketing job. Over lunch with Allison I summed up my state as "i'd rather pick fruit" and the comment is now a running joke (picking fruit in oz is usually a last resort for backpackers). Nevertheless, I have landed on my feet and managed to get a few interviews in clothing stores (Roxy and Queenspark) and should be working again within a couple of days. Allison is sticking it out and made more than a few sales. She is planning on being a millionaire by Christmas.

This week we went out to celebrate our recent friend Kei's departure to South East Asia. He had a sales event with a year's worth of traveller friendly goods. We managed to haggle him down for a deluxe package at a good price. A cell phone was included in this package and we will send an e-mail with the number. We can now join the revolution of text messengers!

Everything is well except the cold weather. There has been seasonal lows (20 degrees) and we are hoping it will heat up real soon...still nothing like Canada :-)

Miss you all

Sunday.

2005-11-13T00:37:00.000-08:00

Some pictures of our walk through Hyde Park and The Botanical Gardens on our way to the Harbour.
Hyde Park
Harbour Front

Our House... In the Middle of Sydney!

2005-11-13T00:16:00.000-08:00

We finally moved in yesterday to our apartment. We couldn't be happier and the pictures should speak for themselves. To celebrate Susan cooked us a nice dinner and we hit the town for our first night out.

<-- Our Lobby & Master Suite

Our Balcony & View!

Gym and Pool!

<-- Our first dinner at our fabulous apartment

$5 Steaks Anyone??

2005-11-11T16:37:00.000-08:00

This is us at our new favorite dinner joint 'Scruffy McMurfy's'. We each had this delicious meal (mine with mashed potatoes) for $7.50 - with a PINT! It's been too long since i've had a real steak that this was a super treat. You can also get fish, chicken or pasta for the same price!!! Who said Sydney was expensive?!!

Day 3

2005-11-11T00:19:00.000-08:00

We have just come back from our first day as working women of Australia. Our job turned out to be more than expected, still telesales but we're peddling hotel reward cards to the rich so it shouldn't be too bad. We're also working 8:45 - 5 Mon-Fri so we're super happy about the hours and the money ($16.50/hour!) We also can earn mega bucks commission (if we're any good), one of the guys made $750 this week alone! The office is right downtown, about 5 min from Sydney Harbour and the Opera house. We had our first TGIF beers at our office after work and are looking forward to our $5 steak dinner... we'll see how that turns out.

Tomorrow we move in to our new place around the block from our hostel, a 15 min walk from work and look forward to unpacking and resting before our first full-week back to the grind.

We're Finally Here!!!

2005-11-09T23:37:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that after a year and a half we are now finally reunited in Sydney, Australia.

We are going to use this site to keep you up to date on our adventures and daily life here so be sure to check often!!!

Susan arrived from Auckland, NZ 2 days ago and Allison arrived just yesterday! The weather is beautiful and already we have managed to secure ourselves with a sweet apartment and job (for now). We opened our bank accounts, had our visas stamped and are ready to begin the festivities.

So far we're riding high on Cloud 9, and hope our luck doesn't run out any time soon. We are posting the picture of our first tourist stop, and proof of our presence in Australia.

^-- Us in front of the Opera House at Sydney Harbour, featured in many news programs as well as the acclaimed 'Finding Nemo'.

* We are shocked at the size and weight of Aussie coins. The $1 and $2 are the smallest whereas the .20 is about the size of a twoonie and the .50 is the size of the filling in an oreo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!