Are you after a middy or a schooner?

If you think Aussies speak English, well, you'd almost be right.  The words are English - although the spelling may not be - and how the words are used - it might take a bit.  Give this a go and see how you do.


Before I hot up, why not tinney over for a walk-a-bout.  We'll have a chin wag about what's on.  Oh, and don't forget your sunnies!
Translation:  Before I get busy, why don't you take your boat over and meet me for a stroll.  We can chat about what's happening.  Oh, and don't forget your sunglasses!


Oh, "middys" and "schooners" - beer glass sizes and not to be confused with a Five or a Jug.  But then you knew that! 


"What are you after?" No, no, don't turn around and look behind you.  That means "What can I do for you today?" 

We're catching on - but the Aussies do love our accent!

Road Trip - Blue Mountains

Are the mountains blue? 

Not up close, but the waterfalls and rainforests create numerous droplets in the atmosphere. These cause the mountains to appear blue from various vistas.  The 3-Sisters in Katoomba are likely the most well known site in the range.  Legend has is that three maidens were in love with three warrior brothers from a neighboring tribe.  Battle ensued, a spell was cast to "temporarily" turn the girls to stone.  And yes, alas, as always seems to happen in these situations, the person who could reverse the spell died.

However, that doesn't explain the waterfall at Govett's Leap that falls up!
And for those that find God in nature - there is the Cathedral of Ferns.

Click for pics

Happy New Year!

The lunar year of the Tiger was ushered in on February 21, 2010 in Sydney after a full week of activites, carnival and foods galore. Sunday evening the serious celebrating began with miles of crowds and thousands of people standing 10 to 20 deep .  If there was a turkey and giant baloons overhead, you would be certain you had stumbled on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  (Okay, and it would also be about 30 degrees colder.)  There were dragons and Yum Cha (that's Dim Sum to the rest of us) rollerskating by.  And naturally dragons galore.  The crowd was terrific and we had a blast!CLICK HERE TO SEE IT ALL!!

But it's not over yet.  The festiviites continue this week with two day so fdragon boat races ending in - you guessed it - fireworks!