Design is over!!!

Well it was over October 26. Up until then I was spending countless hours finishing up my report and working on some other stuff. But finally, on Thursday afternoon, we handed in a massive report - I reckon the total page count was near 700. Then I relaxed in the evening shopping with Alicia and Sasha in the city.

Friday morning I had to get out of bed and bus it to UNSW for a final presentation. And then on the way back, some more retail therapy.

Friday night was the Design Dinner. I got a little lost along the way after I misheard the bus driver tell us to get off because he was making a detour due to some demostration on the street, but as I was walking I saw him go in the direction I wanted to go! Then I walked too far and ended up walking through some dark, quiet streets. Finally, after failed attempts, I asked someone where this place was and although he didn't know, he pointed me in decent direction which I followed. Then I encountered a map, and found out I was really far away. I turned around and walked some more, then asked a hotel reception. Turns out, the restaurant was just around the corner from there. And, might I add, I had passed this hotel not 20 minute before! A little annoyed at my lack of direction and idiocy at not brining a map, I finally encountered the restaurant "The Belgian Biere Cafe".

I found a seat among the 3 large tables of students, some profs and their partners. I ordered off the set menu and mingled. I chatted with some classmates and people talked about their plans for the summer and grad jobs. It was fun. I forced myself to talk pictures and did the rounds. Dinner was okay but the Belgium waffle for dessert was great. Then Chris (aka "Chicks") and Varun ordered me a drink. The best line of the night was Varun's response to the waitress telling him they didn't have Red Bull... he said, "Then just give me your number." Unfortunately, it didn't work. So we had two drinks there and did some more chatting. Some of the guys made up some fun awards to give eachothers, like the "I don't deserve to graduate" award to Milan, the "Babysitting" Award to Don (our Design prof who put up with some pretty unintelligent design questions throughout the year), "I'll Hard your Drive" award to Yish (being accused to doing it in the comp lab), "Marrying to Money" award to Gaz who it going to work for Halliburton in Perth as a Field Engineer. And there were a few others, I just can't remember them all.

After that, people began to leave and others made plans for the afterparty. I said my last good-byes to some of my classmates. And all the while thinking I wish I had gotten to know them better. I wish design and thesis wasn't so stressful for everyone and that we all could go out more often. But I'm glad we had that night. Because it only got better...

After the restaurant, we went to the Orient Bar just down the street. Nancy didn't have ID so we pulled the old switcheroo and another Asian girl Mei, went in earlier and Matt (aka "Grog") brought her ID out. Sandy got in easy as pie. We all sat around the table, our group had shrunk a little. Varun, Chicks and I hit the bar once more. I had my first (of 3 that night) Jagerbombs. And wow! Were they ever good. It's a shot of Jagermeister dropped (bombed) into a glass of Red Bull and you are meant to chug it soon after. We also had 2 shots of Tequila and I downed a beer of XXXX in a matter of minutes. Needless to say I was feeling nice - and rightly so after working very hard for the previous 3 weeks. We danced a little as well, even to some cheesy R&B/Hip Hop oldies, but soon we got sick of it.

People began to split and we hopped into a maxi taxi, but half the group wanted to go to Star City (the casino), Chicks, Varun and I didn't want to go, so we were dropped off at Darling Harbour, thinking the rest of the group was at a club in the area called "Slip Inn". But upon our arrival, it was confirmed they were actually at "Ship Inn" near Circular Quay (aka too far). So we headed into Cargo Bar and by this time, it was about 2am. We drank a little more and hit the dancefloor. The music was really pumping and we were loving every second.

Sometime at around 4 am or so, we all got kicked out because they were closing. We went out closer to the water, just dangled our feet over the water and laid down on the concrete pier. We watched the stars and chatted (although I can't remember what about). At some point, a very drunk Irish girl came to join us and sat down. A while later, she got up and walked around a few meters behind us to the other end of the pier. Next thing we know, we heard a big "splash" and all that was left were her shoes and bag. We ran across and found her bobbing up and down in the water trying to swim. Chicks, the hero of the night, stripped down and jumped in after her to save her. They swam a few meters to get to the Sydney Aquarium boat. Varun found a way to climb the gate and helped her over. He offered her his jacket as she shivered. We walked over to Cargo Bar to ask for help or a blanket. The security guard and waiters inside wouldn't help - not even open the door!! It was rediculous. So we grabbed our stuff that was on the pier and walked this girl home. She claimed the pier was slippery but it's iffy what really was going through her head. And I can't even imagin what would have happened if we were there to help her. We walked across Pyrmont bridge to were she was staying. And although she invited us in for coffee, we kindly declined as by now, the sun was rising and Chicks decided it was best if we didn't get more involved with this obviously crazy, drunken girl. I can't imagine how dirty that water is and she obviously swallowed some. Gross! And considering there is a stretch of lounges and restaurants, I wonder if that sort of thing happens often.

We then walked all the back to the centre of the city and got some Macca's (Mc Donald's) breakfast. Varun and Chicks grabbed a train and I walked to Central to grab a bus. My feet were very sore at that point and I now have 4 blisters in places I never thought they could exist. I got home and not feeling too tired, found David, Diana and Steph online so we chatted. And I think I finally went to bed at 8 am. Overall it was a fun night and one of those great stories you'll have for a while.

I went shopping Saturday afternoon and bought a big backpack for my travels. Then I crashed from 7pm onwards until I woke up this morning at 8. The weekend just flew by.

So here are some pictures of the night. I didn't take any pictures of the rescue, but I suppose it would have been "too paparazzi-ish". Click here for all PICTURES

Me, Monica and Nancy

Fiedl design group (Yish, Me, Jemma, Will, Adam (in front) and Ven is missing)

Yes, Jagermeister!

Rob, Milan, Me, Varun and Chris

Future Australian Chemical Engineers

Presenting some fun awards (Don in the red)

In the maxi taxi

At the base of a massive Christmas tree in Queen Victoria Building

It goes all the way to the top, with crystal ornaments and a huge starburst and a few security guards to boot.

More slang and commonly used words

I've been meaning to update the blog with a post like this since I had been collecting a list of words for a while now. So here goes...

Chemist - that's the pharmacist or the pharmacy here
Carpark - parking lot
Dear - very expensive "That shirt is quite dear"
Bloke - a guy
Esky - a cooler
Cut - drunk
Rubbish - garbage
Goon - cheap boxed wine
Feral - gross or disgusting
Partner - means a boyfriend or a girlfriend - even in a heterosexual relationship
Jumper - sweater or sweatshirt
Disco nap - a nap you take before going out partying
Bogan / Hoon - a white trash Australian
Waffle - blabbing or saying something with many words -in particular when writing a report, thesis, etc. "Don't waffle, just get to the point"
Scull - chug
Besties - best friends
Billy pot - pot to boil water, used when camping

Commonly Used Words
Far out - No way
Massive - "I had a massive night yesterday"
Ages - a long time "That gospel took ages"
Yum - "that Thai food was yum"
So over it - like, "so sick of it" as in Design

I'm sure there are more and I'm sure I'm used to a lot of them by now. And I even catch myself saying these. I wonder if people in Canada will notice a slight difference when I return. Unfortunately, I won't return with an Aussie accent, I'll just come back with the usual "American" one. :)

Just because I have *so much free time*...

Here is a map of my trip around Australia. I didn't realize how far I'd actually be travelling until I did this little exercise. Keep in mind, Australia is roughly the same size as continental USA.

Click on it to make it bigger.


It's a good thing the weather has been crappy and miserable - it would make staying in a doing work a lot harder. In the final week now!!

I've also been trying to stay in and be cheap, because I need to save for my trip. Wish I could do all the shopping I wanted, but for me, travelling and seeing and doing is more important. But gawd! is it ever hard to see the cutest things and not buy them... We'll see how I hold out ... I may just have to eat less to buy those cute little outfits. LOL! Bottom line: I don't like budgeting.

Yesterday was a very productive day though and I got a lot done. Even managed to find a little time at lunch to go to Balmain with Carrie for thai. Balmain was really cute, just like Newtown with the same sort of shops and store fronts and buildings, but with a different feel. Stayed in last night because it was rainy and still had lots to do. Went to sleep in my long pjs, socks and a sweater because it was so cold! At least the cockroaches stay away in the cold weather. Can't have it all!

Here's a quick funny story. I was buying more Vodafone pre-pay credit for my mobile in a convenience store down the street, from a guy named Ali. I asked for the Vodafone card and in trying to make conversation, he asked me if I was Irish?!?!? Huh!?! I was dumbfounded. Not only do I not look very Irish, I also don't sound like it all. (But I guess it's better than being asked if I'm American). Anyway, I told him I was from Canada, Toronto specifically. He said we was going to move there. And then as my EPTPOS was being processed, he gave me two free yogurt candies... just because I was from Toronto. Weird.

And today at dinner, with Alicia and Sasha at Hoochie Mama's, some arrogant, loud mouth came over interrupting our dinner and chatted us up along with his very demure, quiet and obviously embarrassed friend. He asked me where I was from, again I said Toronto. He said he was going to Toronto and driving to New York. (Along with a lot of other random BS like dropping out of MBA and submitting a patent and having connections in the club scene). Apparently everyone I meet is going to Toronto, go figure! Have fun in the snow!!

Well that convo ended in hilarity when as they were departing after a very awkward 15 minutes, he said, maybe I'll see you Toronto to which I responded, "yeah... I don't think so."

Desert, Rainforest and Beach!!

Only 9 days left of class ... well not many classes left but a lot of reports to hand in... big fat design, and Enviro report, presentation for Bio-products and an essay for Sports.

In the midst of all this, I've been planning my trip around Australia. In the next 2 months I will be traveling up the outback, across to the rainforests, then down the east coast to see some of the most beautiful beached in the world! I'm sure some things will change as I meet people and think of other things to do. But I got a great deal on the tours and I'm doing a lot as you can see! I just really need to worry about half of my nights in accomodations and food.

Some things I'm really axcited for are the Outback tour. I read about Cobber Pedy and it's an old opal mine. Many of the houses, restaurants, churches, etc are in underground dugouts because it get so hot (up to 50C!) and also soooo cold at night. That will be very interesting to see I think. Then there's Uluru that majestic rock in the heart of Australia. Up toward Darwin I'll start to see rainforest. Loads of gorges and waterfalls. I am going at the start of rain season so hopefully it's not monson-like and the waterfalls are open. I'm sure I'll get to see some crocodiles. Then flying over to Cairns, and visiting Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest. There I'll spend the night in the rainforest which is a few minutes walk to a beach! From Cairns I'll scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef. Further south in Mission Beach, I'll be white water rafting and sky diving (and I'm already very nervous about it, but how could you pass up seeing the reef from 14, oooft and landing on the beach. (Just, don't tell my mother I'm doing that!) Then a relaxing 3 day cruise around the Whitsunday Islands. I suspect I'll be seeing a lot of blue seas and white sand for a while! Then to Fraser Island, an island completely made of sand, for a 3 day 4WD safari, camping out on the beach and exploring with a group of strangers! Then sea kayaking with dolphins. A surf camp over Christmas and then back to Sydney for NYE and then home.

I can't wait!! Just one minor issue.. hoping the Australian government grants me a visitor visa after my student one expires in mid December!

Now I just have to concentrate for 9 more days !

Also! A very BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to David! It's the big 2-3! He's in Houston right now training for work. I miss him dearly and I wish I could with him on his birthday. I just hope he has a fantastic day and he knows I'm thinking of him.

They just love me too much

Yes... there has been another incident. This time, I was really disgusted and literally cried as I retold the story to David. Again, I was in the shower, minding my own business and there he was...on my hip!!! I brushed him away and then I couldn't find him again! They appear and disappear. I thoroughly checked the bathroom, the walls, the window sill, everything before starting the shower! Those little bastards are freaking me out! If I feel the slightest tickle or feeling anywhere on my body now, I instantly look and run my hand everywhere to get whatever it is off me... usually it's nothing. But I am starting to get cockroach paranoia. I can't even walk into a room without taking a quick scan of the wall. I'm scared to go to the toilet!

I went to Mitre 10 a hardware store and bought, Lure N Kill. They are little black plastic cases with pesticide that supposedly kills them. 5 are in the bathroom, 6 are in my room. Now I'll find dead cockroaches. But once I find a dead one, I'll let you know which is worse, but I reckon nothing can be worse than finding one your body in the shower! Wow, I just had a 'eureka' moment ... I wonder if it's my soap that is luring them. The Lure N Kill package said "now with a new honey and malt formula" and my soap is milk and honey! eep!! I'll have to test that theory and get to the bottom of this creepy cockroach conundrum!

On top of that, today I saw a Huntsman spider. It was on the wall in my classroom. I didn't even believe that it was real at first because it was so big... I thought it was a plastic toy. It was easily the size of my palm! I am not having very much luck with this pesky critters.

Aside from that the weekend was good. Spent all day at Bondi Beach on Saturday. It was 35 degree weather and I just suntanned and swam from 10am to 5pm. It was soooooo hot outside. I loved it! I did some reading, listened to music, took a nap. What a nice way to spend a hot day.

Then on Sunday, the weather changed drastically. It was cloudy and rainy and cold. But I went to Manly Beach for a field trip for my sports class. We saw the Nippers training session. The Nippers are little kids which train and compete from young ages surf life saving skills. They run relays, so surfing, swimming, other races and tons of beach stuff. It was really cute and a great way for kids to learn become familiar with the surf and the beach. It was pretty cool.

Then, my prof had organized surfing lessons for those interested. For $30 we got a surf board, a wetsuit and a 2 hour lesson. I had originally signed up, but with the crappy weather, I wasn't in the mood. But when it came down to decision time, and there were other students still going ahead with it, I joined in. We suited up, had some on sand instruction and then hit the waves. The waves, by the way, were huge! And there was a strong current.

Trying to gain balance just lying on the board was pretty tricky. I tried so hard to paddle toward the sand bank, by it was wide and clear that I have no upper body strength. The instructor kept having to push me. When the right wave was approaching, he'd turn me around and push me toward the way. Now come the part when I was supposed to get up on the board... but failed miserably! I tried a few times and even got up on my knees. But I kept losing my balance and forgeting what I was supposed to do. Near the end when I was sort of getting the hang of it, my arms were so fatigued I coudln't life my self up. I few times there when I fell into the water and waves crashed on top of me, I swallowed quite a bit of water and realized how dangerous it can be. The waves do really push you under. Nevertheless, I had a good time although I'm paying for it now, my shoulders and pain are in pain. And despite the weather being so cold, those wet suits are amazing - I didn't feel cold at all. But they sure aren't flattering. I'll definitely have to try it again, maybe when the ocean isn't so tumultuous.

Nippers training

I'm one of the heads poking out of the water.

That's me in the front on the left.

Lastly, today I went to the travel agent to start planning my 2 month tour of Australia. I'm so excited, I can't wait. I'll update you all sometime soon with my travel itenerary! yay!

My Uninvited Shower Buddy

It was an incredibly hot day in Sydney - max of 35. I was really annoyed I had to go to class for a quiz, instead of lying on the beach, but that's not part of this story. Besides I'll be going to the beach tomorrow for another 35 degree day.

So I was taking a nice cool shower to refresh myself and of course, making my legs silky smooth for the beach. About half way through my routine, I glance down and see something dark on my leg, just next to the knee cap. It took a second for the gears in my head to start turning and after a closer look, I scream and shake my leg violently because right before my eyes was a COCKROACH!!

After taking a few deep breaths to relax and realizing how crazy I sounded screaming in the shower while my roomate and his friends were just outside in the living room, I frantically search the shower floor. I found him, crawling up the side of the door. I was disgusted! I couldn't believe what was happening. I didn't even feel him on my leg! ugh!! He was skinny and long with antenni just as long as his body. eeewwwwww!!!

I quickly finished showering, all the time keeping my eye on the little bastard, and then got the hell out of the bathroom! By then, he was half way up the shower door. When I returned moments later, thinking I had the courage then to kill him... he was gone.

Now you must be thinking I live in cockroach invested, dirty student housing. I have to admit, sometimes it gets dirty (old dished, food scraps, etc), but it's a modern building and believe me, the place I lived downtown in Toronto was worse (but then again, I did see a few mice in those times). We were actually warned of Sydney's little (or big!) cockroach population during orientation - the lady specifically said, it doesn't mean the place is dirty if you seen one or two. I've already seen them scurrying about at night on the sidewalks... some already meeting their fates. It's the norm with the hot weather. Today I am sure, many young cockroaches were born in Sydney. Two had already appeared in the second floor bathroom a few weeks ago - one of which I successfully killed via drowning a la hot water. I even spent some 30 minutes with my flatmates as they told me their cockroach stories.

I have been a feeling a little lonely since David left... especially tonight when I had mundane errands to run and felt like I should stay in and do some work. Perhaps I should take solice in the fact the cockroach was trying to be friendly. Maybe he could sense my loneliness from afar and came to keep me company. But geez, he was getting quite frisky there! Going half way up my leg and all, even before we had met!!

Haha... as I retell this story, I find it quite comical... almost surreal. It was really gross, but it was only one. I would have freaked out more had it been a spider. But god help me if I find a cockroach in my room or in my bed (as my flatmate has unfortunately experienced). I have to make sure I sleep with my mouth closed (don't want his buddies getting any funny ideas)!

Getting back to my daily life... that was quite the excitement in a dull night. I did laundry and some grocery shopping. Made a really nice chicken soup for dinner and next I will plan my travels around Australia. I need to book some tours that I want to do and also some flights and plan my budget.

Aside from all that, I have way too much school work. Only 2 weeks left and I cannot wait for them to be over. I can see the finish line!!

A new day - with so much to do!

After a lonely night and some really freakish dreams, I woke up this morning, still sad but feeling better. David texted me early in the morning to let me know he arrived safely in LA and that made me feel heaps better instantly. Then later this morning I spoke to him briefly and found out he's doing well. It was so nice to hear his voice and I feel like I'm back were I was 3 months ago when I first arrived here. It's been a lazy morning for me, but slowly I'm getting things done and figured out - like how to extend my visa, where to buy travel backpacks, etc.

So I'm doing good. Weather isn't so hot, but that's a good thing because it'll make staying in and doing homework a little less painful.

That's it - just wanted to quickly update how things are going. David is back in Vancouver, in transit to Victoria. He'll be happy to see his Mom, Gma and sister. We'll get back into our own routines and see where the next few weeks/months takes us both! I only have 4 weeks left in Sydney, and I'm determined to make the most of them. Time just really slips by if you're not careful.

David has gone back :(

The past few days, the last few that David spent here were just magical. We didn't do anything crazy or out of the ordinary, but just spending quality time together and enjoying each other's company was absolutely the best.

Since the Blue Mountains, I had to be at school for HAZOP on Wednesday and Thursday. So while I was out, David was exploring the city himself and going to the beach and even buying groceries! On those evenings we tried making curry. David bought an amazing curry paste and bought coconut milk to go with it. It was absolutely delicious and we finally made some great curry. Which we had on both Wednesday and Thursday night! On Thursday we went up the tower to get a view from Sydney from above. Sorry, Sydneysiders, but Toronto's CN tower has got you beat on that one.

On Friday we went to explore the Nothern Shore and had this great walk planned out, but just a few hours into it, we were both so tired and the weather wasn't that great, so we cut it short and headed back into the city. I finally bought a bikini I like! And we went home and took a nap thinking we'd get up and party, but we kept sleeping!! So we didn't do anything, just slept the whole evening and night away.

On Saturday, David's last full day in Sydney, we went to Bondi. The weather was gorgeous! We rented a boogie board and really had some fun in the water. The waves were huge! Once it cooled down, we went back home, changed and headed to Leichhardt (Little Italy) for some dinner. After walking around Norton St for a while, we found this amazing BYO Italian restaurant called Pavorotti's on Norton. David had steak and I had veal. Calamari was our appetizer (or entree as they call it here!). It was a delicious meal with some delicious wine I had bought up in the Hunter Valley 2 months ago. It was McGuigan 2002 Shiraz - just yummy. It was just a perfect night. The full moon was out. We were dressed up. We had some coffee and gelato after dinner and then headed home.

This morning, we packed David up and I went with him to the airport. We said our final goodbye. It was so hard. Almost harder than it was back in July. Coming back home alone, just felt awful. We just had such an amazing time together in Sydney and now that he's gone, I really feel lonely. I've been an emotional wreck this whole afternoon. He's been in the air only 3 hours. I just miss him so much already. And coming back here is hard, because everything here reminds me of him. He was just here. We were just laughing together. Exploring together. Having so much fun. It was a vacation for me too! And now, I have to get back to the routine. I have lots of uni work to do. School ends in just 3 weeks! I have some travel stuff I have to organize as well. And now I'm starting to realize that it's going to be hard traveling without him. He's my travel partner! I can't imagine exploring this country without him, but I will have to. It's been my goal now for over a year. It just hurts to be away from David. I love him with all my heart and we just have the most amazing time when we're together. And now I'm so sad that he is gone. *sigh* I just feel zapped of energy and motivation for anything. I know at some level it's a little silly. I'll see him in January. But it won't be the same. For the next little while, we'll always be visiting eachother, not acutally living close - not a short walk or drive away, within the same city. I know I'll feel better once I talk to him and once I know he's landed. Right now, I'm just trying to fight back the tears (although I haven't been very successful) and trying to keep myself together. Loneliness hurts. Being away from the ones you love is hard. Even though I'm doing it for the right reasons. And even though I have so much to look forward to. It hurts. It hurts more than I expected. I just want to wake up and feel better. I know I will.

I'm so thankful he came to visit me. David really enjoyed Sydney and I realy enjoyed his company. It felt like 'home' when he was here. It was just so fantastic. It just takes time. It gets easier with each passing hour. I've been through this before. I talked to my parents and my sister. I miss them too. And I'm glad my friends who were online on MSN, I just needed people to talk to today and to be around others. I needed distractions.

So I think I'll read this in a few days and realize it may be a little over dramatic. And it's just a stream of consciousness, it probably doesn't make much sense. But that's how I'm feeling at this very moment.

David makes me so happy. He is so loving and he treats me with respect. We just have a ball together... no matter the situation. He always makes me laugh. I'm so thankful to have so much love in my life and to share such a special connection with a truly wonderful person. I just look forward to spending many happy times with him and making so many more fun memories. We started looking through pictures last night since the time we first met and we just laughed our butts off the whole time remembering all the funny moments. An hour into it, we had barely scratched the surface, so many memories and pictures. It would takes hours to get through them all! I'm just so lucky and so happy.

I'll finish this blabbering and end on a happy note: Although life takes us in different directions, I'm confident we can get through anything if it's meant to be. And in the meantime I will cherish the moments I have with those I love around me and that will give me the strength to get through these lows of loneliness and sadness. And I will travel and every picture I take and every moment that passes, I know I will wish I have David, my family and friends with me to share it all, but I'm on a journey and an adventure of self discovery and growth which has to be done by myself at this time. And in the end, I'll be a stronger person and know exactly what is important and valuable to me. I will get the most out of this trip and out of life.

At dinner in Leichhardt.

More Pictures. Click Here.

Holy Picture Upload Batman!

Yup... here are the 500 odd pictures we've taken in the past 2 weeks. Check out my super awesome Unlimited Storage on Rogers Yahoo pictures.

These are the new albums

Harri's Party and Alicia's 21st
David's First Day in Sydney
Manly Beach
Bondi & Cronulla Beaches
Coogee Beach
Melbourne - Great Ocean Rd
Melbourne - Wandering the City
Wilson's Prom Camping
Healsville Sanctuary
Bondi to Coogee Walk
Blue Mountains Day Trip

The time is just flying by...

It certainly does... David's time in Australia is quickly winding down *tear*

Before, David missed a lot of interesting details in his past blog updates. But one thing I would like to mention is that it was SUPER COOL to have the Carpet Python slither up my arm. At one point, it has a good grip around my arm and was slowly tightening it. Then the zookeeper came and put him back on his post. I think the little python liked me. His skin was so smooth and leathery - just like what a snake skin purse feels like. (ps I don't endorse killing animals) (pps but I do have an ostrich skin wallet)(ppps but that was a beautiful gift from David, send him the hate mail)... err... I'll move on now...

So after the Sanctuary, we had a fabulous dinner at Pat's house with his family and other guests. An amazing BBQ with fantastic food. (Even though we were STUFFED with all the great food Jacinta's mom gave us!) We easily put on 5 lbs each that week! Then after some great dinner conversation, wine and food, Pat, Jac, Dave and I headed to the "Little Italy" part of Melbourne for some gelato and coffee.

Friday, Dave and I explored the city some more. Then chilled out Friday evening at Jacinta's new house. Saturday morning, we helped Pat move to his new place in the city and they kindly drove us to the Airport for our flight back to Sydney.

Pat and Jac's hospitality and generousity made our trip really fantastic. They showed us around and we got to see A LOT of Melbourne and the surrounding area. It was a great week! (Thanks guys!)

By the time we got home Saturday night, we were pooped! We got some Thai food and crashed.

Sunday we headed to Bondi Beach. We did the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee. It was great weather and the views were amazing as usual. Dave took us through this crazy rock climbing path along the water. I was scared for my life at some points. And often we encountered nude sun bathers... guess they didn't expect people to be going that way!

We got home Sunday, made dinner and took a nap. Later that night we headed to Home in Darling Harbour for Godskitchen. OMG!!! Was is EVER good! Matt Harwick, Above and Beyond, Eddie Halliwell and Cosmic Gate. Tracks were great, we had an awesome view from the top level and I just danced the whole night. Matt was better than I expected... mainly because I didn't know what to expect. A&B were amazing as usual! Played "Black is the Colour" and "Satellite" and "Alone Tonight" and I almost lost my voice. Eddie is just amazing to see mix - the way he can use that mixer is INCREDIBLE. Didn't stay long for Cosmic Gate because David was quite tired and I won't even tell you what time (in the morning) we left.

Monday was Labour Day here, so we slept in, until noon and then headed to Coogee Beach for some sun. But the sun was hidden behind some pesky clouds and we headed back to the City. We walked around and I bought David 2 wool sweaters from David Jones (as a early birthday gift). It's so they'll keep him warm when he's working in Northern Alberta. LOL
Tried making curry later that night for dinner, but the sauce we had bought was too sweet. Finished the night with some tea and Tim Tams!

Tuesday (today) we woke up early (aka 6am) and took a 2 hour train to Blue Mountains. We walked all day (from 10 to 5pm) and only breaking for pictures and lunch. It was absolutely beautiful! We did the cliff walk, then descended into the rainforest, around the Three Sisters, then continuing on to Scenic World and climbing the Ferber Stairs and finishing the loop at Echo Point. WHAT A DAY!! Truly a fantastic way to spend the day, but now our feet and legs are sore... still, it was worth it.

After a long funfilled day...