And the Jacaranda blooms

pizza pizza

Well, it's that time of year.  Exams just finished yesterday and i'm ready for vacation.  It's been a slow week. Just studying, bushwalking, swiming, and just hanging around.  Although the weather hasn't been exactly summer, I've seemed to be able to complete a few summer activities in the past couple months.  To add to my version of the 'austalian experience', I went to the Australian Hotel yesterday and ordered some pizza.  Well, it was pizza with 'australian' meats.  I was fortunate enough to try kangaroo, emu, and crocodile.  This was obviously a novelty dish, but that doesn't mean it wasn't tasty.   (imo the emu was the best tasting).

 One of the cool things about this time of year are the Jacarandas.  Pronounced exactly as it's spelled, this tree blooms a vibrant purple.  This blooming, often signifies summer... and the dreaded exam period.  well, since i'm done with exams; for me, it signifies a nice tree.

Anyways, since its holidays (i'm not in school), I'm gonna take a break from bloggin for a couple months as well.  .  Well, i'll be travelling around here and there: recharge, relax, and keepin it real.

A night at the House

oh SNAP

Australia is known for two things: the native land of kangaroos, koallas and wallabies... and having a kickass opera house.  A couple weekends ago, I got to experience the later.  I figured, since I'm here I might as well see a show.. ya know.  get the whole experience (or something like that).  I went on a tour of the house a couple weeks before that.  pretty cool.  (some interesting facts, history, yada yada yada).  well, after the tour, I went to check out the upcoming shows.. why not?  and saw something I really really wanted to see.  Blue Ocean w/ the sydney symphony (the same dudes from BBC that make Planet Earth).  Sounded like an epic adventure with great scenery footage and awesome sound track..... but I missed it.  So a bit later, I checked out that pamphlet again and BOOM.  Pixar-In-Concert.  How could I miss this opportunity?  so a little background of the Sydney Symphony:  they've been around since the 1930's doin gigs and collaborations with artists and whatnot.  They've done some tv, movie, and video game soundtracks as well.  Some of the popular ones are: Final Fantasy, Star Trek, The Wizard of Oz... and most recently, the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.  So i'm pretty stoked, and on top of that, the venue was the Concert Hall.
 Lemme explain:  ther'es multiple theaters at the Sydney Opera House.  There's a studio, drama, and some other one that I can't remember.  All those stages are pretty technology heavy and can put on some sweet plays and musical..etc/  In the largest of the barnacles, is the Concert Hall.  This theater is the largest of them all.  featuring a 360 stage, the ceiling is held up by the roof, kinda like a bell..  let that sink in for a second.  ; the sound isn't dampened by the walls.  and to top it off, there are these 'space donuts' in the center to help with sound amplification and prevent any deadspots.  Also this theater was designed where everyone had a good seat without any view obstruction.  This was accomplished by a pretty steep 'stadium seating' arrangement followed by staggering of seats.  The concert hall (and opera house) also took hella monies to build, but has held events such as boxing matches and sumo wrestling (both one-off cases).  This might seem a bit boring, but  it's interesting to me and this is my blog.. so BooYah\!!

da Concert Hall

Alright.. on to the actual show.  Imagine a montage of every pixar movie into 5-7 minute segments.  accompanied by kickass instrumentals.  Bubbly ballads (with 'exotic' instruments) for Finding Nemo.  Upbeat spy music (heavy on the horns) for the Incredibles.  Light-hearted waltz (yep.. bet you didn't think I knew about dem waltzes) for Ratatouille.  Those were my favorites and it was all pretty moving.  For those of you familiar with cinema, you know the soundtrack/ music plays a huge part in setting the mood and ambiance, and it was pretty awesome to see film clips with that extra 'umph' and emotion....  well that's where it got a little complicated with Toy Story 3.  If you haven't seen it, it's not a movie you wanna watch with 'the guys'.  If you have seen it, then you know it tugs rips at the heart strings.  Imagine 'that scene'... you know the one near the end . now add the complex sounds of the symphony (damn you string ensemble... that goes double for the timpani).
Luckily, they finished the concert with the Randy Newman classic : ' You've got a friend in me'...it was a good note to end on.  (see what I did there?).

'MERICA

livin the dream

So, as those gifted with the blessing of tv and internets, yall know the US presidential election was this past tuesday (wednesday in australia).  Well, as an import from overseas I'd be damned if I didn't feel a bit patriotic.  Longing for the land of the free (debatable depending on who you talk to), I woke up and turned on the TV.  Not one, but two stations were covering the election.  'USA Voting' and 'America Chooses', I believe where the names of the program (one was a bit left, and another far right).  Anywho, during the programs, they'd show footage and clips of interviews of both candidates and the 'general public'..  which led me to understand the perception of America from the Australian point of view.  .  I've asked a number of people about their view on Americans and it's pretty much what was expected.  Wal-mart, the deep South, Hollywood, New York, rednecks, rascal scooter carrying the obese and uneducated.  (even though we did pretty well in the Olympics and just earlier this year, we landed on Mars.  BooYAh)

damn straight you can

 Well, who can blame them, after all everything portrayed in the news and imported tv shows are the only glimpse of American life available.  I understood how they felt, when I came over here, I didn't expect Crocodile Dundee or Steve Irwin (R.I.P.) to be strollin around, but it was all I had going for me.   (though I've only met 2 aussies that have tried surfing.. I kid you not..)  Anyways, while watching the elections, I was really surprised about how much the general public of Australia knew about American politics.  I'd bet the average Australian  would know more about US politics than an American would know about Australian politics  It was pretty impressive.  So I'm lounging around watching coverage of the elections and it cuts to the activity in Canberra (the Australian capitol).  As they were watching the elections ( i think the us ambassador is there), they had an 'American' party of sorts: red, white, and blue all around.  serving the traditional American cuisine of gumbo and hot dogs.. (but no Cheetos?).
It's quite unfortunate that the sterotypical image of the States are like this (though who doesn't appreciate gumbo?), although I know many individuals (such as yourself) who know differently.   The trick is to see this in a comical light and not take it to heart.
Hailing from California, a 3 hour drive and take you to the deserts, forests, mountains, snow, valleys, ocean, even Disneyland and Mexico (depending where you at).  not many places in this world are that diverse and these are the treasures that aren't capitalized in the media (same goes for many other states, but you get the gist.)  I'm not gonna say the US is the best country in the world (cause that's just a known fact haha/ jk), but as the most powerful country in the world, it's a nation that gets a lot of hate.  For those of you reading this (and haven't been to the States), you should check it out and i'm sure you'd enjoy it.... maybe stay a while.... and start a blog

Freo

don't let the exposed piping fool you, this place is pretty bangin

Ah dear friends, I'm back!  A great weekend filled with fun on the west coast.  Well, to start out, I met up with a buddy of mine and headed straight to the crib in Fremantle (spoiler: I had an awesome time and had to make separate post to emphasize that it is distinctly different).  Just south of the city of Perth, this suburb by the sea seems to be the place to relax and chill.  The first thing I noticed, was the casual atmosphere EVERYWHERE>  We took a bus and I was supposed to get a standard ticket for $4, but the driver looked at me with my bags and was like... watev  $2.75 plz.  cool.   Anyways, that's the kinda relaxed, easy-going vibe around Freo (Fremantle).  There's a bit of shopping streets with cafes and shops (shopppes?) but the staple of Fremantle's tourism must be the brewery.  The Little Creatures brew a couple of nice beverages though the surprising thing about this place, was that it was really family friendly.  I mean they have a sand pit for children to play in, while the grownups get properly intoxicated.  Although a bit expensive, it's definitely a place to spend an afternoon with good company.  They also offer free tours at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm,... and somehow I missed ALL OF THEM (complicated story), but we did get a free tasting out of it so I wasn't too disappointed.  As Australia is known for sunny hot climate, it makes sense for the drinks to be complimentary.  Lagers, pilsners,  ales, ciders..  all drinks of the refreshing sort.  quite tasty I might add.

Sunset over the Indian Ocean

 Anywho, as you may recall, I went back to the states during the 'winter' break.  The one thing I had forgotten to do was see the sunset of the ocean, and I'd be damned if I missed it in Australia.  So viola!  The weird thing that struck me was that this wasn't the Pacific Ocean (obviously); I just never thought that I would ever see the Indian Ocean.. word.   The water is quite a bit warmer and just nice. (In my quiver of vocabulary,.. I think 'nice' is a pretty good description.)  So me and said buddy watched the sunset with the warm glow of light and heat emitting from the ground.  serene, peaceful, relaxed...  then we got hungry.

tourist information for a restaurant: sell out or just that good?

Hallelujah Hollaback 

 Luckily, everything worth seeing in Freo is right next to the beach.. including 3 or 4 fish and chips restaurants.  Well after going to the wrong restaurant (another long story), I finally ended up at the mythical establishment known as Kailis.  Recommended by my housemate as the 'best place' for fish and chips, there was a lotta hype.  And having many fish and chips (fishes n chips?) in my time, I think I've got a fine pallet for such tastes.  So after a long trip (also a long story), I finally made it to the holy land. Hot weather, shaded table, ever so slight breeze... yep.  perfect conditions for fish and chips.  I looked at the menu and was faced with a dilemma.. fish n chips..  or full on seafood platter.  Well in any situation like this.. gotta pull the trigger. BAM.  mussels, calamari, shrimp, scallops, and, of course, fishnchips.  (why there's salad, I haven't a clue).  Then to complete the meal.. a nice lemon bitters drink.  Yep,.. to say I was content would be an understatement (note, I did share the platter.. I think it'd be too much for just one person to indulge).  Verdict: it was a damn fine meal. on a scale of 1-10, I'd give it a 'delicious'.  I didnt know how much fresh fish made a difference, but it was all flaky with minimally light batter. (non of that crumbly cakey stuff).  The mussels came in a red tomato sauce.  The mussels were alright, but the sauce has a consistency closer to soup.  Also good.. just a bit messy.  The other fried food was great.  especially the scallops: lightly crispy and held together well for maximum dipping potential.  All-in-all: Awesome meal.  awesome time in Freo.  That being said, I did get to see a bit of Perth during the weekend, but I'll cover that next week. until then- keep it real.

Floriade

flower city

hipster flower was red before it was cool.

Floriade (pronounced:  floor e' a_de)  the pride of Canberra.  This flower show is the biggest in all of Australia and attracts people from all over.  Flowers on flowers.  Well this was just a pit stop on our way outta the capitol city.  We strolled around for a bit and took in the aromas and fragrances of tulips, gardenias  (is this a real flowers) and other flowery things.  I've never been to a flower show before but it was more than I expected.   I mean this is THE event for Canberra.  Everyone comes out for this event. So there's carnival stuff, stands for food, arts and crafts... stuff like that.  So the flower patches (gardens?) were in designed to make some image, .. but from the viewing angle and disproportionate growing patterns (courtesy of weather)... the designs didn't turn out so hot.  In any case we had a good time wandering around... til we saw this.

gnomes... everywhere

 So, along with any garden belongs a mischievousness gnome.  Thus.  gnome decorating contests!  They were classified into different groups, based on age.  (note: 0-6 years of age, motor skills have not been developed).  It was good to see different groups collaborate and produce a theme... though so got kinda weird .

note:  death metal gnome

So next week, i'm going to perth.  check it on the maps.. yep all the way across the continent.  (is the west coast the best coast?)  i'll find out soon enough.  with that said, imma skip out on the post next week and write when i get back.  til then, keep it real

Canberra: Parliment

It's like a crane game.... from space

Ahh,  Canberra.  located to the west in its own state, the ACT (Australian Capital Terriroty).  If look on the map, this city is an island of sorts in the state of New South Wales.  This also marks my first venture outside of the state.  Anyways, (little background) Canberra was built as a capital city.  I mean, there was no historic reason or monumental significance prior to being a governmental city.  Other than having nice paved roads, this city is well known for having no night life... which was fine, i only went for a day trip anyways to help a friend move.  Anywho, this (to the left) is the parliment building.  Government stuff goes on there.  Also the city has a cool infrastructure.  Similar to Washington D.C., there are straight lines from the 'mound' to other important government buildings and landmarks.  Similar to spokes on a wagon, the parliment building was the nexus of the city.  Well, i'm not one to dilly dally in political issues, but I like to known where government does governmental things.

red room

blue room

 There's a different governmental structure in Australia than the US, both of which I am unfamiliar with.  I have my own opinions about governments, but that might be a discussion filled with frustration and cynicism.

So there I am... just in aw of australian government stuff.  Even though I don't like politics... the interior of the bulding was all marble and steel.  It was kinda weird.  It seemed like a 30's artdeco future building.  word.   Anyways, we wandered around for a bit, but we heard rumors of some pretty cool views at the top (of the mound).  So we got in an elevator (which was a weird one at that) and got to the roof.  The first thing we noticed.. is the grass

It's like memory foam... but for your feet

Oh lord-ie lord-ie LORD.. that grass is lush like no other.  'Organic carpet' as it were to be described.  I think we spent more time admiring the grass, more than the view.  We also heard people used to roll down the hill (side of the parliment has some pretty sweet rolling grass).  But of course we wouldn't do that.  Nah, we were mature adults, besides we had stuff in our pockets.  No way we were gonna do that.... psych.   pretty good roll down.

After a nice afternoon of laying in the grass, it was time to head home and we headed through the exit/ gift shop (btw: the parliment gift shop sells boomerangs and ugg.... just something to think about).  Our relaxed and whimsical journey was at an end... or was it?  Next week, I'll capture the magic, nay the 8th wonder of the world.... Floriade (pronouced: floor e ade')

ye olde gift shoppe

Surfs Up Dude

catchin awesome waves on the boogie board...brah'

So this week was my mid semester break, which marks the midway point in the academic career in Sydney.  Of the many things I'd like to do with my time in Australia, surfing was definitely on the checklist.  So yesterday (courtesy of Clay and Bec), we headed to one of the northern beaches.  It was a little cloudy, with a hint of wind.... just the way I like it.  Well, i've never surfed before (despite Californian stereotypes), so I was anxious to give it a go.  So... when we first stepped onto the beach, it was pretty chill.. except for a couple noteworthy observations.  I was made aware of 'blue bottles'.  Contrary to the cute name associated to coffee chains from Nor-Cal, these small little jellyfish, about the size of teaspoon (or tablespoon), deliver a little sting and seemed to be in bunches (as they were washed up on the beach).  Luckily, there were some people in the water and if they weren't afraid, I wasn't gonna wuss out cause of some faceless rubberbands.  Well, we strolled along the beach to set up camp.. meanwhile passing through some lifeguard training. 12-year olds practicing saving lives? alright cool, but I didn't see any other 'adult' (read: proper) lifeguards around... so if something were to happen, my life would be in the hands of some pre-pubecent youngsters.  Luckily, I'm fairly confident in my swimming abilities.  We headed out to the waves.  As the water is pretty clear, we could see the sand for a while.  Pretty far out, I spotted some dark patches below... suddenly, i panicked.  All those news reports and tv shows (River monsters) flashed through my mind... oh god, i could see the headlines now: "Foolish International Attempts Surfing, Ignored Warnings From Internet.. More News at 6".  Luckily, Clay comforted my fears and determined I was tripping out cause I saw some seaweed or rocks, rather than sharks or rays.  Anywho, after some boogy boarding and body surfing, I decided to pull the trigger and do what I set out to do.
So we headed out to the break and patiently waited for some good waves.  During this time, I was constantly drifting away from where the waves were breaking so i was continuously paddling horizontally back to the 'spot'.... I can't emphasize how tiring paddling is.... also my balance is pretty bad already, but the board has wax to keep me from sliding off.  Unfortunately the wax is also pretty unfriendly against bare skin... watev.  Eventually, I saw it... the wave I wanted to catch.  I paddled, caught it right after the break, and stood up..  .  (even though when I got to standing up, the wave had almost died down).   It was magnificent... for all of 2 seconds.  then I 'wiped out'.. and found myself in flurry of sea and sand.

before

after

Somehow I got back to the sand (probably washed up on shore) and called it a day.  I was so exhausted.  Caught a wave, stood up,.... .  Finished off the day with some hot chips and chicken salt.  yep mission accomplished

donezo

Biennale18

buttons & cups

art ... everywhere

middle of the room art

closeup

arches & color

Alright... now that I got all that art photos outta the way.  These are some of the art exhibitions of the Biennale (an art show that comes to Sydney every 2 years).  All the exhibits above were located on Cockatoo Island, just a little island in the bay.  Note: the island used to be a prison, then a shipyard, and now  it's just a bunch of abandoned buildings (with campgrounds).  Anywho, the art show is free and I had time, so off I went!
So a lot of this is exhibition art which varied on different scales and media.  From the complex strings and colors to a video of 4 people laughing for an hour (yes, this was an actual exhibit.. 4 people, in colored suits... just laughing... for an hour).
Well describing the art work will take rather long, and i'd probably bore you to death, so i'll describe the experience and such.

To get to this island, there was a (free) shuttle, which ran from the city.  Getting around the island, though pretty small, took a couple hours.  Mostly cause we tried to inspect and see every corner of the exhibits.  Some of the art were located in a main industrial warehouse,.. others were in the old living quarters or tunnels.  To make the point short.. it was a good trek outside the city.

The great thing about the Biennale, is there are multiple venues.  Right down the street from my crib, there was the performing arts exhibition.  We checked it about, but there were no performances.. so we headed to the pub (a very Australian thing to do.. i assume).

The other venues were at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Art Gallery of New South Wales and a set of old piers (wharfs).  Again, I won't go into detail about how 'deep and meaningful' the art was, but the amount of exhibits were just too much to count.   Going to each venue, I felt more and more confused.. When I though I was getting to understand some of the art (or at least appreciate it), ther'd be something outta left field and BAM... mind blank.

I've taken a couple art classes before and have a basic understanding of 'introduction to contemporary visual art'.  Since then, I 've been trying to understand the 'soulful expression' of artists and their 'struggle to define art'.. but usually end up calling SHENANIGANS!! and realize why they usually have to make frappaccinos to supplement their income.  Though this art show was pretty amazing.. I think I was just awed with the size of the art works and use of space to display their talent. .... Yes. talent.  I haven't been to many art shows.. (usually just art and wine festivals), but here, I really felt that there was a variety of talent used to imagine and materialize thoughts and ideas.

I was a pretty good experience to see all the Art throughout Sydney and, dare I say, I even felt a little more 'cultured'.  Who knows, perhaps I may even trade in my laptop for one of those apple computers and write this blog at a cafe that only serves fair trade coffee while eating organic radishes and sport a hemp scarf, fedora and skinny jeans....  nah....

Victory!!

Well Hello readers, sorry for skipping a week, but i'm sure you've made it through the week without the guidance of my blog.  Anyways, the reason/ excuse I came up with is the bane of student life: a midterm.  Oh jesus, I had a midterm and needed to study for that, so lemme reflect on this experience (especially when I read this entry in a few years time, i'll be able to reminisce on this experience).  As many of you know, i'm a science guy.  I love science. science science science. love that jazz.  Throughout my schooling career, i've had plenty of exams.  Finding addition, subtraction, fluid dynamics, hell yeah.  Give me an equation and i'll solve it (or at least look at it really hard).  When there weren't calculations, I had to write reports (such as I'm accustomed to as a grad student).  Well all and dandy, but this was the first midterm that I had in a long time.  To make things worse, this hour-long midterm was answering a couple questions... on paper.  yeah, I had to write things.. on paper... with a pen.  SAY WHA? (what when through my head).  I can't remember the last time I had to have a written midterm with essay questions... maybe high school?  maybe regarding the heroics of Atticus Finch.

credit to  Dave MacDowell.. damn straight I cite my sources

Anyways, if I wasn't nervous enough, the midterm was for my international business class.  I have never taken a business class in my life!  so i'm in a bit of a panic.  entrepreneurs, corporate strategy,... uhhh   and to top it off, all my class mates have some sort of business/financial/marketing (read: money degrees).  Well, I studied like no other.  For days, I pondered the theory of industry markets and innovative trends.. and on exam day.. I was ready.  well, almost.  The one thing I didn't prepare for was the amount of fatigue my hand would have to endure during the exam.

my preferred method of pen holding

 The intensity of the exam just goes to your head, and you're allowed one-hour to vomit as much information on to the 8"x11" booklet.  Holding your precious pen, thoughts flying through at 100 mph (160km/h).. you're on a roll.  And suddenly, you hit the wall.  not a mental block, but the agonizing numbness in your fingertips.  It occurs without notice and suddenly, your words-per-minute rate plummet.  Try to shake out the pain and get the blood flowing back into your hand, but it's only minimally better (also, I probably looked like an idiot).  At this point, the 20 minutes I've allowed for each question needs to be readjusted due to the slowing writing pace and my atrocious handwriting begins to look even more heinous..  it was like my handwriting slowly reversed in time, and soon my handwriting reverted back to the 5th grade.   Oh boy..

10 minutes left:  i'm almost halfway done with the last question.  Good pace, I just gotta push through for a little while longer.

7 minutes left: wish there was more time.. gotta step up the pace a bit.

2 minutes left:  wrapping up the question, just about finished--HAND CRAMP! oh god,... why now.  what do i do?  switch left handed? nah, too risky.  shake it out? nah, too little time left.  last resort...switch grips and write BIG.  my scribbles seem to barely pass for words...watev, good enough

13 seconds left:  i've done it.. finished with the exam.  looking over my answers (and subsequent de-evolution of my hand writing).  answered questions as good as I could and felt satisfied.  I was proud

1 second left:  Think I heard someone fart... (maybe... still suspicious)

Time up: Pencils down and exhale.
Whew, exam done.  It's all behind me now.  Victory.

Hyams Beach

the land of lost beaches

sand for DAYS

A couple weeks ago, me and couple friends decided to head down to Jervis Bay for a day trip.  It was a nice 3 hour drive down south (I was asleep for most of the way).. lucky me.  Oh real quick sidetrack,.. we stopped by some place to eat/ get some coffee, but I had the heartiest pie ever.  it had some basic beef + gravy, then add on some bacon and an egg in the middle= delicious! ... ok back to the story.  I didn't know what to expect of this place (I guess have have a habit of not knowing what to expect).  Well, I just knew it was south and the beaches are supposed to be "nice"... Quite an understatement if i ever heard one.  Anyways, our arrival in the bay ended up with us getting lost (surprise surprise).  We must have driven 40 minutes just trying to get to this one lunch place.. and didn't even find it.  But whatev.  we found a cafe, and took our sandwiches (well, they got sandwiches, I was content with an apple strudel and juice) and strolled down to a beach.  Sitting there in the sun, with the sand below our toes, the day just drifted and swayed.  After a seemly distant time, we got up and seeked out Hyams beach.  This beach is known for two things: having a deceiving pronunciation... and the whitest sand beach in the world (guiness book of records.. check it)

waters gonna water

 To describe how phenomenal the sand is... it squeaks.  lemme explain.  the sand here is so fine that when you scruff it with your foot, so many particles (sand) rub up on each other and break the sound barrier (produce the squeak).    Now I must remind you it was still winter.  So good news,.. we pretty much had the beach to ourselves.  Bad news.... water was just a tad chilly, but that wasn't gonna stop us.  We ditched our gear and went for a swim.  This was probably the clearest water I've ever swam in.  You could see the sand below the water, even 50 yards out.  And the sand was so fine, walking in the water produced a sort of underwater dust cloud, though it seemed the sand behaved similar to a puff of flour or baking soda.  Although the water was a bit cold, we soon forgot it and splashed around the waves.. After a while, the waves got a bit bigger so we rode the waves on our backs and let the swells roll us around til we got tired.  But the sun was still up!  after a round of coffee, we took a most excellent stroll on the beach.  The consistency of the sand led a long and in-depth conversation of the 'sinkage' level and comfort between our toes.  We strolled on and on til we had lost a sense of time.  Eventually we turned around, just as the sun was setting behind the hills.  It was a good day; the scent of sand lingered on my clothes as I drifted to sleep on the drive home.

dusk

Dem Medals

Sydney welcomed back the nation's Olympians this earlier this week.  There was a big parade in honor of Australia's proud athletes... and I missed it.  meh, I got there just as they were wrapping up and signing autographs and stuff. 

 Dozens of yellow and green trackies crowded around with bright smiles and sharpies at hand.  This is probably the closest i'll ever get to a gold medal, but check out the size of that piece!.  it's pretty big, i'm sure some athletes had some aching necks afterwards.

autographing smartphones are the new thing

Anyways, I didn't get to watch much of the olympics (cause my cable was all wack), but the bits/ highlights were all focused around the Australian athletes.  Of course this shouldn't be a surprise, though I wish there was some coverage of other events that didn't have a water element.
Well, every olympics, for a couple weeks, the world gleams of national pride.  Australia was no exception,  though I had to question... what are the national colors (colours) of Australia?  the flag got some red, white and blue.. but everyone seems to rather sport the yellow and green... which is a better color combo according to the fashion police (citation needed).

'getting gelato, they're just like us'  - people magazine

If you ask any Australian about the results of the 2012 olympics, 'disappointment' is probably the most common answer.. i've actually done this survey myself.  Although the Australians usually show a justly dominant force in water sports, these games seemed to prove otherwise.  But what the Australian athletes seem to capitalize on is approachability and character.  lemme xplain.  I've seen some elite athletes who appear at these big events, but tend to hide from the crowds and lurk behind the stage to avoid interaction with us 'normal folk'.  Well the Australians stayed around for hours after the parade ended to sign autographs, take pictures and pretty much hang around.  I would have been inclined to get an autograph or a picture... if i knew the name of just one Australian olympian....but I didn't... so i bounced... besides.    'merica

Royal National Park (inland)

Yep, so there was a second time to the Royal National Park, though this time the venture was inland.  Still teeming with water features, this route had the added bonus of hills and whatnot.  So, lets begin with a little recap:  same as last time, 10 minutes of research, the night before, and we were set ..   The day started off as little train ride to the town of Waterfall (known for its proximity to waterfalls).  Well, where there's some waterfalls, there's some pools and we were on a quest to seek out them pools... cause.. why not.  Well, getting to the pools were a mix of technical scrambles, followed by narrow trails with impeding branches and shrubbery.  Well eventually we got to where we were supposed to go.

water on water

livin the life

keep an eye out for raptors

Well, damn them pools is pretty neat. (see pics above).  crisp pools of crystal clear water.. what more could you ask?.  well, warmer weather i guess.  Also check out the pic to the right..  look at how big those plants are..  holy crap!  that bushy looking thing could be the size of a small bedroom.  It was like plants from the pre-historic ages.  HUGE.  I didn't even know plants like this still existed... it was like we traveled back through time.  I know i'm rambling a bit about these big ass trees, but it was pretty cool to see.  surreal almost.

Anyways, this day was just a bunch of hiking.  Huge outlooks made of sandstone formations were perfect for cloud-watching and watching the day pass.  The thing that surprised me the most was the lack of people on the trail.  A beautiful park.. and not another soul in sight.  I guess that was the best thing about that day too.  We had all day to ponder the wonders of life and galaxies.  Meander the mountains with only our thoughts.. it's something everyone should do once in a while.  a little breath and crisp air never hurt anyone.  

Royal National Park (coastal trail)

A little while ago, me and my (then) housemate went to the Royal National Park (obvious from the title).  Well, I didn't know what to expect, .. the only other national park I went to was the Blue Mountains, but it was pretty well stocked with tourists and information kiosks, so a total of 10 minutes of research were contributed to transportation for this trip.  Pretty easy directions: take a train south, then a ferry to a town that's right on the edge of the park.   After a couple distractions and timing issues, we finally arrived in the small town and went to find the information center/ ranger station.  Good news: no entrance fee to the park.  Bad news: no information center, just a faded looking map against a wall...  The only thing that pointed us in the right direction was a pamphlet that I happened to snag on the ferry.  WEll, immediately we got lost walking into what we though was the right direction.  wandering through residential neighborhoods and a vague sense of where the ocean was, we were desperate to find a trail head.  With the help of some feral looking natives, we finally got on the right track.. so to speak.

Lucky...

 This is what some of the trail looked like.  yep maintenance was minimal and it had just rained the night prior.  Well, this slowed our progress down quite a bit.  Having to jump over mud puddles and balance on tree roots, it was pretty fun... for the first 5 minutes, then I fell in one of the mud pools.  Completely soaked and cold, I've come face to face against my greatest pet peeve.. wet socks.  Well, thanks to my fantastic preparation skills, my quick-dry socks saved me from misery in a flash.  My partner had other plans.

Not so Lucky

So we wandered along the coast when we stumbled upon a beach.  specifically Marly Beach (I only remember because there was a smaller beach next to it called Little Marly Beach).  Anywho, there was a formidable stream at the edge of the beach and it looked like we had to cross it to make our way to get to the other bit of the trail.  We decided to look for a path around (big mistake).
Well, after a bit of water, we realized how duney (not sure if this is a real word) the beach was.  Dunes + cloudy skies looked pretty apocalyptic.  After an hour of treking in this coastal desert, we eventually made our way to the other side of the beach and continued on to the trail.

sand for DAYS

Further up the trail, there was a sign toward some sort of 'deer pond'.  WEll, why not? I'm down to check out ponds and stuff.. it looked like there was some sort of trail.. kinda

supposed to be a trail... deer pond ahead?

Waterfallin to the ocean

We spent another half hour or so trying to figure out where the hell a pool was supposed to be, but the trail was so overgrown retreat was the only viable option.  With ominous skies looking close, it was getting pretty late in the day.  We decided to head back to the ferry before nightfall.
What was planned to be a peaceful walk along the coast turned into a real adventure full of sidetracking and obstacle... and I wouldn't have it any other way.