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.