I realized that I often don't recognize how much my surroundings affect my physical and mental condition. It took the last two days (and continuing tomorrow) spent away from the city to notice that I'm much more chill when in inspiring natural environments, and, moreover, being active. Yesterday, I took the ferry from the main harbor, around a couple of coves, to Manly beach, a bit north of Sydney. It is a pristine 1-2km stretch of soft sand beach, where surfers, waders, and volleyball players congregate, while others stroll the promenade through town and overlooking the beach.
I did the requisite jump into the surf, then looked for a game of volleyball to play. Also joined two school teachers who'd just taken up "rocketball" (similar to badminton but with a birdie that flies further and rackets like squash rackets. I gave them a few pointers on proper rocket technique. Strolled through the neighborhoods on the way back to the ferry - saw some prime real estate on the top of the bluff overlooking the sea, with glimpses of the city in the distance. Architecture award goes to the house with the sliding doors that opened up an entire wing of the house to the well-landscaped yard. Including what appeared to be a glass floor in a hallway that revealed the canal-like water feature that ran through the yard. Pulling into the dock past to the backdrop of the night skyline was cool.
The second night in King's Cross was quieter (Sunday night), but only slightly. The noise quieted down before sunrise this time. As the 6 other guys (and 1 girl who was already asleep) rolled in to the room throughout the night, it occurred to me that "backpacker" traveling could determine the fate of the world to come. If everyone had the experience of having to share a room with strangers from around the world, stumbling over their stuff, exposing yourself in varying stages of undress, sharing food, drink, and Internet usage with them, could make the world's citizens more tolerant and cooperative. Or, I suppose inevitable hostel tensions could escalate to hostile intentions towards others.
Speaking of hostels, I'm currently luxuriating in one of the nicest I've ever been in. It is spacious (12' ceilings), clean, and has more amenities than most resorts - most notably, and appreciated, is the huge kitchen with no fewer than 6 gas stoves, 6 fridges, an industrial dishwasher, settings for 40+ people, full array of pots, pans, and utensils, and, get this, bulk containers of the staple seasonings, all for public use. There are "free food" shelves, tea and hot water at the ready - enough to sustain me for several days! This is the Blue Mountain Backpackers joint in Katoomba, 2 hours west, and about 900m elevation gain, from Sydney. To find it, get off the train and glance around til you spot other nice looking travelers, in this case, two German girls, who, societally ingrained or not, have done a bit of pre-planning and booked a place, then follow them to their intended destination (preferably after striking up a conversation with them and offering to carry their grocery bags - or some other gentlemanly gesture)(not from 15 to 30 paces behind, depending on the density of the crowd and the terrain).
The Blue Mountains, are a wildlife Heritage site and national park, a temperate rainforest amongst the sandstone cliffs; cuckatoos and some long-tailed pheasants, pleasant or not, were the only fauna sightings, however. Went for a 3 hour trek, down into a canyon created by sheer cliff faces hundreds of feet high, past an old coal-mining site, through the rainforest (at which point it added to the authenticity by starting to rain on us. It was thoroughly spectacular, with the gum tree forests rolling across the landscape, waterfalls, giant ferns, and misty peaks in the distance. Quite excellent to be away from the skyscrapers, getting exercise, breathing fresh air.
Cooked dinner back at the hostel! It's so nice to have that option, as I get sick of eating out all the time while traveling. Veggie pasta and... bbq'd kangaroo kebabs! They were rather gamey, compared to a cross between lamb and liver. Good though. It's seasoned and packaged in different cuts at the local grocery store, for $10-18/kg. You have to go to a specialty butcher for crocodile meat, apparently. I did a load of laundry (also gratis while we cooked). I'll sit by the fireplace and finish my evening tea now, before going to sleep to have energy for more exploring tomorrow. Guten night.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
wanderings
Got ahold of the family in Seattle to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving yesterday. Talked to all but 6-month-old Xavier, who was napping, pre-turkey. I tried to check in to several youth hostels, to spend the weekend downtown, and was told they were booked full for the next 2 nights. Came across a couple who looked like seasoned backpackers, and they directed me to Kings Cross, where I did eventually find a bed, almost in a private room (last spot, since the private is rarely booked in such places). More on the hostel later.
Walked to the wharf, looking for more salsa music (of which I heard none), and stopped to watch some buskers. One of them eloquently, and philosophically, reasoned a coin out of me for his performance, which consisted mostly of a steady stream of humorous comments (something Aussies seem adept at): "looking for a handsome, strong man... you, sir, can you help me... select one." "I've given something I value to you, please offer something in return. Doesn't have to be money, ladies. For you, sir, it does..." For his finale, he juggled three daggers while perched on a 12' pole supported by audience participants holding the ropes.
Back at the hostel, after several kilometers of strolling, including past the impressive St. Mary's Cathedral and other former government (I think) buildings in Hyde Park, which were decorated by displays of light, perhaps best compared to the patterns of the Kremlin in Moscow (though I haven't been there in person, yet). Encountered Germans, French, Korean, and Japanese. Probably some others thrown in, but not verified. I was told by one, that in 10 months in Australia, he'd only encountered 3 Americans... Where is our contigent, people? I should start a collection to support me representing our nation. Around the table, as the discussion turned to the commerce, use, and legalization of a certain horticultural specimen. I opined that it certainly must become legalized at some point in the near future in the US, if for no other reason than to make room in our penal system for other offenders.
In a statistically unlikely scenario, I was recognized by a lady staying there from whom I had asked for directions on my first day exploring Sydney. She has been living and working in Australia for awhile. Anyway, just interesting that we should randomly meet again in such a large city.
Stayed up beyond the point of being tired. Thus, when combined with the noise of club-goers out on the main strip (a dual meaning, since King's Cross is apparently Sydney's red-light district with many strip clubs on that street), made for a very sleepless night. The noise from drunken partyers didn't subside until around 6AM. There was brief respite before the traffic started a few minutes later. So, I'm going to sleep before 10 tonight - rather prudent of me. Or prudish? Oh well, sleep-deprivation hangovers get attended to.
Went to a national park today (I'll find the name later), just South of the city, which had a nice bay in which I snorkeled. Small schools of small fish, a crab, a round, spiky creature. There's also a river that they corral with sand (before it reaches the bay, possibly to keep it deep enough for youngsters to jump into from the sandstone cliffs/rock outcroppings. One thought I needed coaxing, so he suggested we run and jump off in tandem. I leapt first.
Learned a bit more about cricket, apparently Australia's second most popular spectator sport behind rugby, from the guy who took me to the park. Most notable, were the heat-sensing cameras that they use in replays to determine if the ball hit a player or not. They also have mics on the players, at least in friendly matches, to hear their banter. As for the game itself... uh, what do you want to know, exactly?
To sleep now. Goodnight.
Walked to the wharf, looking for more salsa music (of which I heard none), and stopped to watch some buskers. One of them eloquently, and philosophically, reasoned a coin out of me for his performance, which consisted mostly of a steady stream of humorous comments (something Aussies seem adept at): "looking for a handsome, strong man... you, sir, can you help me... select one." "I've given something I value to you, please offer something in return. Doesn't have to be money, ladies. For you, sir, it does..." For his finale, he juggled three daggers while perched on a 12' pole supported by audience participants holding the ropes.
Back at the hostel, after several kilometers of strolling, including past the impressive St. Mary's Cathedral and other former government (I think) buildings in Hyde Park, which were decorated by displays of light, perhaps best compared to the patterns of the Kremlin in Moscow (though I haven't been there in person, yet). Encountered Germans, French, Korean, and Japanese. Probably some others thrown in, but not verified. I was told by one, that in 10 months in Australia, he'd only encountered 3 Americans... Where is our contigent, people? I should start a collection to support me representing our nation. Around the table, as the discussion turned to the commerce, use, and legalization of a certain horticultural specimen. I opined that it certainly must become legalized at some point in the near future in the US, if for no other reason than to make room in our penal system for other offenders.
In a statistically unlikely scenario, I was recognized by a lady staying there from whom I had asked for directions on my first day exploring Sydney. She has been living and working in Australia for awhile. Anyway, just interesting that we should randomly meet again in such a large city.
Stayed up beyond the point of being tired. Thus, when combined with the noise of club-goers out on the main strip (a dual meaning, since King's Cross is apparently Sydney's red-light district with many strip clubs on that street), made for a very sleepless night. The noise from drunken partyers didn't subside until around 6AM. There was brief respite before the traffic started a few minutes later. So, I'm going to sleep before 10 tonight - rather prudent of me. Or prudish? Oh well, sleep-deprivation hangovers get attended to.
Went to a national park today (I'll find the name later), just South of the city, which had a nice bay in which I snorkeled. Small schools of small fish, a crab, a round, spiky creature. There's also a river that they corral with sand (before it reaches the bay, possibly to keep it deep enough for youngsters to jump into from the sandstone cliffs/rock outcroppings. One thought I needed coaxing, so he suggested we run and jump off in tandem. I leapt first.
Learned a bit more about cricket, apparently Australia's second most popular spectator sport behind rugby, from the guy who took me to the park. Most notable, were the heat-sensing cameras that they use in replays to determine if the ball hit a player or not. They also have mics on the players, at least in friendly matches, to hear their banter. As for the game itself... uh, what do you want to know, exactly?
To sleep now. Goodnight.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
fun in the sun
Happy Thanksgiving to all the folks back in the States. Save some pumpkin pie for me.
Last couple of days in Sydney were days under the sun. I checked out the University of Sydney campus, talked to a few students, checked out their galleries/museums, and old sandstone architecture. Found my way to a community center, where I played pick-up basketball for awhile. Wandered through the Chinatown. It wasn't as big as the one in Shanghai last trip...
Finished the day playing soccer with the locals at a grass (unusual in Seattle) field near the house I'm staying at. So, a day of sporting. Does that make me a punter?? I'll figure out its definition before I leave here.
Dude, mate, man - surfing is a righteous blast. Rippin' it (something, yet to be diagnosed) up out there! Yesterday, went to Cronulla beach, for some time on the waves. The instructor was pretty decent, so I got the basics in order, and was able to catch a few waves (no, not in the curl/tunnel?? - lots of terminology to pick up in that sport...)!
Spent Thanksgiving dinner at a German restaurant in the Rocks (Sydney's oldest neighborhood near the docks, where they first established the city). I'll try to get the pic posted of me in the hat-exchange, leg-slap, hop/skip dance that the 3 old guys singing and playing music had some audience participate in. Needed my lederhosen? for that. Instead, just rolled up jeans... and crocs.
Finished the evening at a club on the water, as the salsa tunes caught my hear as I was walking towards the train. Danced to a few songs - better than my first salsa experience 5 years ago in South Korea, when I was told I should come back when I learned the dance. I know enough of it now to shimmy my way through a whole song. Then repeat the same moves with a different partner and it looks like you know what you're doing!
Cheers.
Last couple of days in Sydney were days under the sun. I checked out the University of Sydney campus, talked to a few students, checked out their galleries/museums, and old sandstone architecture. Found my way to a community center, where I played pick-up basketball for awhile. Wandered through the Chinatown. It wasn't as big as the one in Shanghai last trip...
Finished the day playing soccer with the locals at a grass (unusual in Seattle) field near the house I'm staying at. So, a day of sporting. Does that make me a punter?? I'll figure out its definition before I leave here.
Dude, mate, man - surfing is a righteous blast. Rippin' it (something, yet to be diagnosed) up out there! Yesterday, went to Cronulla beach, for some time on the waves. The instructor was pretty decent, so I got the basics in order, and was able to catch a few waves (no, not in the curl/tunnel?? - lots of terminology to pick up in that sport...)!
Spent Thanksgiving dinner at a German restaurant in the Rocks (Sydney's oldest neighborhood near the docks, where they first established the city). I'll try to get the pic posted of me in the hat-exchange, leg-slap, hop/skip dance that the 3 old guys singing and playing music had some audience participate in. Needed my lederhosen? for that. Instead, just rolled up jeans... and crocs.
Finished the evening at a club on the water, as the salsa tunes caught my hear as I was walking towards the train. Danced to a few songs - better than my first salsa experience 5 years ago in South Korea, when I was told I should come back when I learned the dance. I know enough of it now to shimmy my way through a whole song. Then repeat the same moves with a different partner and it looks like you know what you're doing!
Cheers.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
orientating myself to sydney
Day 2, first full day, was enjoyed with a harbor cruise that gives a stunning overview of this city set on various waterways. It is Seattle on a grander scale, with countless bays and jutties making up the environs. There are numerous islands in the bay, parks that dot the shoreline, residential neighborhoods featuring luxurious waterfront properties (think 5-tiered terraced houses with boat docks). The cruise was aboard a large, well-appointed vessel (teak floors, brass bar fittings), and inlcuded a delicious meal (I picked the baked salmon - that Pacific Northwest disposition towards fish, I suppose).
Walked along the waterfront past buskers (two didgerdoo players, a juggler, and silent mime/statue wannabees), around the Opera House (truly an aesthetically pleasing design), and into the botanic gardens (where a variety of colorful birds were also displaying themselves - cuckatoos and?? any orinthologists out there? Stumbled upon the music conservatory, where students were giving recitals for their final exams, so listened to a guitarist for a bit. Checked out the library (I tend to visit those wherever I go), and came across a backpacker's hostel/bar combo that had friendly travel information available.
I'll post a few pics (only a few, because the computer is not cooperating right now) of some of those sights.
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/travelingjp/FirstCoupleOfDaysInSydney
Jony, Alison and Dave's son, brought me to church service tonight... at a bar by the beach. Maybe that's where the Catholic church needs to start holding mass! Live band playing music that wasn't immediately recognizable as Christian rock; it was good. Met some nice folks who wanted to know more about Seattle. What should I tell them, folks? I told them we're mostly liberal, try to be progressive, that the "freeze," in my opinion, is more just an inclination to leave people alone (in a good way - you live your way, I'll live mine), rather than not being social.
What's the verdict out there on this issue of Seattle having a reputation for being a hard place to meet people?
Also said it's a place that has all the big-city amenities, yet is compact enough that they're accessible. And that we try to be into "good causes" (ie environmental conservation, healthy lifestyles). And, that I personally like the outdoor offerings (every outdoor activity is available nearby, in a fantastic natural setting). What do others like about Seattle? (I want to make this more of an interactive blog, to have it initiate discussions... anyone join in?).
I've said my piece for the day. Goodnight.
Walked along the waterfront past buskers (two didgerdoo players, a juggler, and silent mime/statue wannabees), around the Opera House (truly an aesthetically pleasing design), and into the botanic gardens (where a variety of colorful birds were also displaying themselves - cuckatoos and?? any orinthologists out there? Stumbled upon the music conservatory, where students were giving recitals for their final exams, so listened to a guitarist for a bit. Checked out the library (I tend to visit those wherever I go), and came across a backpacker's hostel/bar combo that had friendly travel information available.
I'll post a few pics (only a few, because the computer is not cooperating right now) of some of those sights.
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/travelingjp/FirstCoupleOfDaysInSydney
Jony, Alison and Dave's son, brought me to church service tonight... at a bar by the beach. Maybe that's where the Catholic church needs to start holding mass! Live band playing music that wasn't immediately recognizable as Christian rock; it was good. Met some nice folks who wanted to know more about Seattle. What should I tell them, folks? I told them we're mostly liberal, try to be progressive, that the "freeze," in my opinion, is more just an inclination to leave people alone (in a good way - you live your way, I'll live mine), rather than not being social.
What's the verdict out there on this issue of Seattle having a reputation for being a hard place to meet people?
Also said it's a place that has all the big-city amenities, yet is compact enough that they're accessible. And that we try to be into "good causes" (ie environmental conservation, healthy lifestyles). And, that I personally like the outdoor offerings (every outdoor activity is available nearby, in a fantastic natural setting). What do others like about Seattle? (I want to make this more of an interactive blog, to have it initiate discussions... anyone join in?).
I've said my piece for the day. Goodnight.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Adventures Down Under - Australia 2009
G'day from Sydney, Australia. Arrived to summer heat, from Seattle's rain and cold, early Sunday morning, November 22, 2009. Right on shhedule (sic), not bad, considering I was informed that I needed a visa to get into Australia... as I was checking in. Hmm. Must have missed that note. No worries though, mate. It can be done, online, for free, the day you leave, goes through straightaway. So, keep that in mind for future reference.
Ran two terminal-lengths to make the connection, after leaving Seattle 40 minutes late (off the plane at 6:35, international departure at 7:00PM on Friday evening.) Surprisingly comfy Air New Zealand flight, decent food, largest selection of media entertainment on a personal screen. So, thus far, things have been working out good on me.
Met at the airport by family friends, the Rumps', who live in Sydney, and within minutes, the harbor and Opera House were in view, as fantastic as all the photos make it appear. I'll spend more time around the harbor later this week, including a cruise tomorrow.
Met their son, Jony, who works in the travel industry, including escorting American high schoolers up and down the east coast of Oz. Delicious seafood lunch overlooking a jam-packed, sandy beach with surfers and swimmers stretching for hundreds of yards. Realized, of all the coastline in Seattle, not much is accessible beach, even less is sandy, and, typically, not braved by many... So, it was nice to see a lot of coast dedicated to public use. I jumped in right after lunch, the initial cold shocked the jetlag out of me - I think I was expecting SE Asia temperature waters!
Well, wanted to get the first posting sent out, while I'm relaxing in a well laid out, comfortable flat in Shire, a suburb just a few minutes train ride south of "the City's" main downtown zone. More later, if I have some spare moments on this adventure trip. For now, bonus points for finding all the "Aussie" terms I've included (I'm studying the language while here). How many used accurately?
Cheers.
Ran two terminal-lengths to make the connection, after leaving Seattle 40 minutes late (off the plane at 6:35, international departure at 7:00PM on Friday evening.) Surprisingly comfy Air New Zealand flight, decent food, largest selection of media entertainment on a personal screen. So, thus far, things have been working out good on me.
Met at the airport by family friends, the Rumps', who live in Sydney, and within minutes, the harbor and Opera House were in view, as fantastic as all the photos make it appear. I'll spend more time around the harbor later this week, including a cruise tomorrow.
Met their son, Jony, who works in the travel industry, including escorting American high schoolers up and down the east coast of Oz. Delicious seafood lunch overlooking a jam-packed, sandy beach with surfers and swimmers stretching for hundreds of yards. Realized, of all the coastline in Seattle, not much is accessible beach, even less is sandy, and, typically, not braved by many... So, it was nice to see a lot of coast dedicated to public use. I jumped in right after lunch, the initial cold shocked the jetlag out of me - I think I was expecting SE Asia temperature waters!
Well, wanted to get the first posting sent out, while I'm relaxing in a well laid out, comfortable flat in Shire, a suburb just a few minutes train ride south of "the City's" main downtown zone. More later, if I have some spare moments on this adventure trip. For now, bonus points for finding all the "Aussie" terms I've included (I'm studying the language while here). How many used accurately?
Cheers.
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