Why did I leave such little time for the world-renowned city of Sydney? (Simple answer is I was loving Melbourne so much.) Since arriving and realizing how much there is to see and how short a time I'd allotted to see it in it has been a non-stop whirlwind tour. Luckily for me the sun and warmth has continuously been on my side for the first multi-day stretch of the trip (and only supposed to heat up from here).
Arriving bright and early I trucked it around (and by trucked it I mean hiked it) all over this fair city getting a full memory card worth of photographs of the iconic Opera House from every imaginable angle. Being welcomed by my gracious hosts after a full day of sight-seeing with a hearty dinner was more than I could have asked for.
Joined by Yian Yian the next day we walked the Harbour Bridge, ate at the market, toured museums, science centers (gotta go back still!), the observatory and more - and without a break met for drinks, dinner and more drinks in some of Australia's oldest pubs. The rooftop patio wasn't too shabby either.
Bright and early today was a hearty breakfast with another friend, Peita, from my brief frat house days in Vancouver before some fun in the sun. You'd think a day at the beach would be relaxing, but Dan doesn't like to sit still (and frankly neither do I) so the beach included snorkeling, body surfing, frisbee, and dinner+drinks at the Australian equivalent to the legion (overlooking the large crashing waves of the beach).
Alas this has turned into a 'What I did on Summer Vacation' post which I swore I wouldn't resort to. But there's no time to be creative and rewrite it - so this will have to also serve as an 'I'm alive and doing fine!' post too since I meet my two-week adventure tour an hour away from here tomorrow at seven in the morning (7 am) (0700h). Guess I can't complain.. just hope the kookaburra doesn't ruin my rest!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Impressed/Impressions
I've been ushered directly into a party. A confluence of music, culture, fashion, and bright spirits that everyone seems to have heard about. And I've skipped the queue.
Despite my shoddy clothes and hiking boots I've been offered the insider's tour, complete with food and drink and personal meetings. It began by entering the en vogue Melbourne neighbourhood of Carlton North, steps from Brunswick Street where all social ventures seem to revolve around meals and drinks. In that vein I've drank the local brew in the corner pub for dollar tacos, feasted at the impossible-to-get-a-table Moroccan restaurant, lunched at the $4 pizza hot spot with fashionable people beyond my understanding.
Perhaps most exciting for me is my introduction to the absolutely surging and dynamic Melbourne music scene. This has allowed me to drink with a singer in the band (The Boat People) before watching their show and then chat with him about their upcoming opening slot for Crowded House. In addition to that I've been sleeping in the music room of the former Isle of Man who is working on a new project as we speak (keep an ear out for Wilding). Browsing the Beat, Melbourne's local music mag, is like looking at Lee's personal daytimer as it is full of friend's bands playing around town and around the country.
All of this and still the chance to check out the local football club (soccer), Melbourne Heart, a day oggling penguin babies, sea-dragons and sharks at the aquarium, a bike ride/river paddle. Most hilarious was the 90's throwdown at the Town Hall full of unbuttoned, curly-haired (and I don't just mean that on his chest) characters, plus the angry grinding red-head, and the overly enthusiastic Zac Galifinakis dancing like it was 1999 all night long!
With the plethora of quirky little shops, tasty independent restaurants, grungy corner bars, talent-filled music halls and plenty of oddly dressed but outgoing people to frequent these places, it seems that Melbourne's party is going to go strong into the night and I'm just happy that I've gotten this opportunity to stop in for a drink.
Despite my shoddy clothes and hiking boots I've been offered the insider's tour, complete with food and drink and personal meetings. It began by entering the en vogue Melbourne neighbourhood of Carlton North, steps from Brunswick Street where all social ventures seem to revolve around meals and drinks. In that vein I've drank the local brew in the corner pub for dollar tacos, feasted at the impossible-to-get-a-table Moroccan restaurant, lunched at the $4 pizza hot spot with fashionable people beyond my understanding.
Perhaps most exciting for me is my introduction to the absolutely surging and dynamic Melbourne music scene. This has allowed me to drink with a singer in the band (The Boat People) before watching their show and then chat with him about their upcoming opening slot for Crowded House. In addition to that I've been sleeping in the music room of the former Isle of Man who is working on a new project as we speak (keep an ear out for Wilding). Browsing the Beat, Melbourne's local music mag, is like looking at Lee's personal daytimer as it is full of friend's bands playing around town and around the country.
All of this and still the chance to check out the local football club (soccer), Melbourne Heart, a day oggling penguin babies, sea-dragons and sharks at the aquarium, a bike ride/river paddle. Most hilarious was the 90's throwdown at the Town Hall full of unbuttoned, curly-haired (and I don't just mean that on his chest) characters, plus the angry grinding red-head, and the overly enthusiastic Zac Galifinakis dancing like it was 1999 all night long!
With the plethora of quirky little shops, tasty independent restaurants, grungy corner bars, talent-filled music halls and plenty of oddly dressed but outgoing people to frequent these places, it seems that Melbourne's party is going to go strong into the night and I'm just happy that I've gotten this opportunity to stop in for a drink.
Aussie Eyes (Pics!)
I haven't quite been able to give you 1000 words on everything that I've seen so here are a few highlight pictures to satiate your appetite until I return to Canada with a full-out slideshow. Feast your eyes on these!
- Darling, curious, Koala kub
- Kermit's well-deserved star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame
- Buzzzz
- What Australian photo blog would be complete without Kangaroos?
- Or their little Wallaby counterparts?
- Remarkable climb up the Remarkable Rocks
- Fur Seal Nap Time
- Comments needed!
- Darling, curious, Koala kub
- Kermit's well-deserved star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame
- Buzzzz
- What Australian photo blog would be complete without Kangaroos?
- Or their little Wallaby counterparts?
- Remarkable climb up the Remarkable Rocks
- Fur Seal Nap Time
- Comments needed!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Mel B.
Melbourne greeted me quite pleasantly at 6:15am with the sun streaming in as my overnight bus ambled over the bridge toward the large and bustling city. A megatropolis compared to Adelaide, Melbourne seems to be teeming with life and culture, business and people. Even more pleasantly following a relaxing day of sightseeing I was greeted by my good friend Lee who lives here with her boyfriend. She's been a most gracious host and I've already been welcomed by more sunshine, beer and a massive Moroccan feast with a slew of her friends. More of the same, plus gigs and bike rides and all sorts of fun awaits!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Itemized Animals *Updated*
Being on a new continent there are many things to see that I've never encountered before. More specifically there's a plethora of wildlife that I have/am going to/want to check out and to track all the new fauna I've decided to keep a list.
Kangaroo - Getting the most obvious out of the way first. This large, often upright, animal is in fact as abundant as deer are in Ontario - if not more so. Unlike many visitors my first encounter was NOT with roadkill, but was still from a moving vehicle as a few stood in a field as I whizzed by on my way to Kangaroo Island. These were only slightly more exciting than the taxidermied ones in the museum.
However on Kangaroo Island within only a couple of hours we went for a walk and rounding the first bush came upon a mother and her joey (out of the pouch). They were neat and not at all afraid, allowing us within 5 meters or so. Fun to watch, especially when moving along with their tails or hopping. Video to prove it!
Voted: Hoppiest.
Update Also spotted approximately 720m above sea level grazing in a group of five, including a Joey, at the top of Mount Lofty. The clouds clearing to offer a panoramic view of Greater Adelaide as I completed the ascent made the two hour hike up well worth it!
Wallaby - These lil guys resemble kangaroos but are much smaller and have less thick tails. Spotted EVERYWHERE on Roo Island they also let me approach quite close.
Voted: Most abundant, especially at night, resulting in many carcasses in the morning.
Birds - I don't particularly like birds so I'll lump them into a category of their own as there were a few notables. Bright red and green ones flying around mountainside, while in the parks and rivers there are aggressive and loud birds all over. Pelicans were in the river and were seen gorging themselves such that their throats were bulging out as if there were triplets stuck in there (a stork reference, I know). A massive Wedge-tail Eagle was displayed at a show while a darling and fluffy, white Barn Owl sat on my lap. (Truly! Albeit a trained one.)
Voted: Most colourful.
Koala - Perhaps the cutest these lazy grey balls were spotted perched only a few meters up in the trees. Not overly enthralling as most were caught during their 22 hour nap (each day) but the awake mother with her curious and cute baby clutched to her lap were stand-outs!
Voted: Cutest by far.
New Zealand Fur Seal - Playful creatures seen unknowingly getting washed off rocks by large waves through Admiral's Arch.
Voted: Silliest.
Sea Lions - Small cubs squawking and running out of the way of massive feuding males. Indifferent females rebuffing the buffoon male's approaches. All of this was seen from mere meters away as all of this went on around me. A sea lion even emerged from the bush right behind to saunter by casually.
Voted: Strongest.
Dugg - A most intelligent, vegetarian creature, often spotted on Kangaroo Island. With a red fuzzy face and dread-locked hair he was quite knowledgeable of other animals and really knew how to have a good time! Prepares a decent meal too.
Voted: Best guide.
Pictures to come! (I promise..some time)
Kangaroo - Getting the most obvious out of the way first. This large, often upright, animal is in fact as abundant as deer are in Ontario - if not more so. Unlike many visitors my first encounter was NOT with roadkill, but was still from a moving vehicle as a few stood in a field as I whizzed by on my way to Kangaroo Island. These were only slightly more exciting than the taxidermied ones in the museum.
However on Kangaroo Island within only a couple of hours we went for a walk and rounding the first bush came upon a mother and her joey (out of the pouch). They were neat and not at all afraid, allowing us within 5 meters or so. Fun to watch, especially when moving along with their tails or hopping. Video to prove it!
Voted: Hoppiest.
Update Also spotted approximately 720m above sea level grazing in a group of five, including a Joey, at the top of Mount Lofty. The clouds clearing to offer a panoramic view of Greater Adelaide as I completed the ascent made the two hour hike up well worth it!
Wallaby - These lil guys resemble kangaroos but are much smaller and have less thick tails. Spotted EVERYWHERE on Roo Island they also let me approach quite close.
Voted: Most abundant, especially at night, resulting in many carcasses in the morning.
Birds - I don't particularly like birds so I'll lump them into a category of their own as there were a few notables. Bright red and green ones flying around mountainside, while in the parks and rivers there are aggressive and loud birds all over. Pelicans were in the river and were seen gorging themselves such that their throats were bulging out as if there were triplets stuck in there (a stork reference, I know). A massive Wedge-tail Eagle was displayed at a show while a darling and fluffy, white Barn Owl sat on my lap. (Truly! Albeit a trained one.)
Voted: Most colourful.
Koala - Perhaps the cutest these lazy grey balls were spotted perched only a few meters up in the trees. Not overly enthralling as most were caught during their 22 hour nap (each day) but the awake mother with her curious and cute baby clutched to her lap were stand-outs!
Voted: Cutest by far.
New Zealand Fur Seal - Playful creatures seen unknowingly getting washed off rocks by large waves through Admiral's Arch.
Voted: Silliest.
Sea Lions - Small cubs squawking and running out of the way of massive feuding males. Indifferent females rebuffing the buffoon male's approaches. All of this was seen from mere meters away as all of this went on around me. A sea lion even emerged from the bush right behind to saunter by casually.
Voted: Strongest.
Dugg - A most intelligent, vegetarian creature, often spotted on Kangaroo Island. With a red fuzzy face and dread-locked hair he was quite knowledgeable of other animals and really knew how to have a good time! Prepares a decent meal too.
Voted: Best guide.
Pictures to come! (I promise..some time)
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Quotes and Questions
- "ARE YOU READY, sir, for the second coming of Jesus Christ?"
I had to laugh at the formality of the man thrusting a pamphlet at me on Hollywood Boulevard.
- Do Not Enter Bus Through Window
Is it really necessary to put this sticker on the public buses in Adelaide? Wouldn't the driver object to you boarding his lap anyhow?
- This is more of a reflection, but is it wrong that I came halfway around the world to go out drinking with a couple of Canadians? And a Kiwi.. that makes it okay, right?
How much more Australian could I really get than going to a place called Kangaroo Island tomorrow? Going to see sea lions, enjoy the Fairy Penguins fairy much, and most likely see my first live Kangaroo on his eponymous island!
I had to laugh at the formality of the man thrusting a pamphlet at me on Hollywood Boulevard.
- Do Not Enter Bus Through Window
Is it really necessary to put this sticker on the public buses in Adelaide? Wouldn't the driver object to you boarding his lap anyhow?
- This is more of a reflection, but is it wrong that I came halfway around the world to go out drinking with a couple of Canadians? And a Kiwi.. that makes it okay, right?
How much more Australian could I really get than going to a place called Kangaroo Island tomorrow? Going to see sea lions, enjoy the Fairy Penguins fairy much, and most likely see my first live Kangaroo on his eponymous island!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
RAd-elaide
Knowing that I am safely arrived in Adelaide after what I calculated to be 36 hours from door-to-door traveling (whew), you can all now rest as easily as I did last night. That despite the five other people in the dorm room and the one that kept attempting to start his chainsaw over and over. Wait.. for clarification he was snoring before any of you have HOSTEL the movie thoughts. Uh-oh now I'm thinking about it.. no sleep tonight I guess. Especially after touring the Old Adelaide Gaol this morning, site of 45 executions and many of their graves, and some of their ghosts!
The city is compact, and friendly. Plenty of great restaurants and walking paths and free museums and the like. Going to have a grand time here I believe. Tell you all about my exploits soon.
The city is compact, and friendly. Plenty of great restaurants and walking paths and free museums and the like. Going to have a grand time here I believe. Tell you all about my exploits soon.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Arrived Down Under
I've made it.. sort of. Two flights in, two still remaining, but at least the 14+ hour whopper of LA->Sydney is behind me (as of ten minutes ago). The flight was manageable, kind of like one really, really long, somewhat sleepless night that in actuality took two days (silly international dateline). Only quick hops now on to Melbourne and direct transfer to Adelaide, then I get to work my way back here over land during the next few weeks.
LA was seen in a haste. Leaving the she-male on the subway (no amount of cover-up can cover that up..) I ran around the Walk of Fame trouncing on everyone from Faye Wray to Chevy Chase to Rush! Saw the Kodak and Chinese Theatres and some shady parts of Sunset Boulevard. Also scorched through downtown on foot by the library, city hall and old Walt's Music Hall (Disney that is). Most importantly I kept track of the HOLLYWOOD sign at all times.
So far so good. I haven't a clue what time it is anywhere despite what my three time-zone watch tells me, all I know is that it needs to be Shower-time, and soon!
LA was seen in a haste. Leaving the she-male on the subway (no amount of cover-up can cover that up..) I ran around the Walk of Fame trouncing on everyone from Faye Wray to Chevy Chase to Rush! Saw the Kodak and Chinese Theatres and some shady parts of Sunset Boulevard. Also scorched through downtown on foot by the library, city hall and old Walt's Music Hall (Disney that is). Most importantly I kept track of the HOLLYWOOD sign at all times.
So far so good. I haven't a clue what time it is anywhere despite what my three time-zone watch tells me, all I know is that it needs to be Shower-time, and soon!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!
Ah the land down under. How many cliches can I cram in?
With the good fortune of a couple months free before settling in I'm taking full advantage and doing some globe trotting. The decision of where to go wasn't too difficult to make. Where is the furthest possible place that will warrant a hefty chunk of time? Additionally where do I have friends that I'd love to catch up with? And where will the weather be sunny and bright just as the cold sets in on Ontario?
So off I go! Short notice but time is short. The hellish flight there will be broken up by a lengthy layover in LA. Sayin' hello to Hollywood! (Trying to look at it with a positive spin.) Then crossing the Pacific and hopping my way to Adelaide in the south where I will begin my overland route back along the coastal cities all the way up to Cairnes in the northeast. (See itinerary-> on the side for VIA points.)
Don't fret - I'll try to keep you in the loop via this here blog, and before you know it, bam, I'll be back before Christmas with many stories to tell (and more than likely a tan!)
With the good fortune of a couple months free before settling in I'm taking full advantage and doing some globe trotting. The decision of where to go wasn't too difficult to make. Where is the furthest possible place that will warrant a hefty chunk of time? Additionally where do I have friends that I'd love to catch up with? And where will the weather be sunny and bright just as the cold sets in on Ontario?
So off I go! Short notice but time is short. The hellish flight there will be broken up by a lengthy layover in LA. Sayin' hello to Hollywood! (Trying to look at it with a positive spin.) Then crossing the Pacific and hopping my way to Adelaide in the south where I will begin my overland route back along the coastal cities all the way up to Cairnes in the northeast. (See itinerary-> on the side for VIA points.)
Don't fret - I'll try to keep you in the loop via this here blog, and before you know it, bam, I'll be back before Christmas with many stories to tell (and more than likely a tan!)
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