Brighton Beach Box - aren't they delightful?

And the asking price for these 10X20 jewels?  

A mere $100K plus.

No electric, no running water, strict decorating codes and a waiting list over a generation long. But they are magical!  See the delights of an afternoon at Brighton Beach and St. Kilda - a mere 10km from Melbourne - or -  "Mel-bin".  Click to see a day on the boardwalk

Houseboating on the Upper Hawkesbury River

Is that Captain Steve's new boat?

Join us, with our US friends Fran and Tom, aboard "Serenity" on the upper Hawkesbury River.  Only 60 miles north of Sydney, but you could be hundreds of miles away.  And the boat, well really a house on the water.  4 bedrooms, 2 baths, a full kitchen, hot-tub on the top deck and a "barbie" of course.  Ripping along at 10 knots.  Watch out Blue Chip!
Note - Berowa Waters Inn offers 5 star dining and a mooring, if you happen to be in the hood.

Click to see what we saw!

What's that you're holding?

Let's face it, animals from OZ look, well, like they are from OZ.  What is taken for granted down under, never ceases to amaze those of us from the other side of the equator.

Friends complain about how a Kangaroo & her Joey ruined someone's birdie on the 9th hole - or how a Walabee stares down the neighbors when they go to walk the dog.

Well, living in Sydney, we don't get much of that . So while visiting Brisbane, we took a river cruise to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - the oldest in Australia. Touching and feeding was believing.

This koala weighs about 15 pounds and sleeps the better part of a day.  Who says a vegetarian diet will keep you slim and full of energy?

Click to see more of him and his "ozzie" mates

Easter in OZ

EASTER - well that's a 4 day weekend mate.

No you don't see many churches about, but it's been over a month since we've had a decent holiday, so everyone will be taking off Friday, oh and Monday as well.

See you next week mate!  Or the week after, 'cause the kids are on holidays

And the egg?

Well we do things big down under.  Just duck if you see one coming at you.

Jakarta? It must be Saturday

Jakarta - A typical large modern wealthy Asian city with 13MM people, traffic to match and spotless streets.  It's motto is "Unity in Diversity."  Clearly many Asian countries are represented here with warm, friendly people. Although primarily moslem, there are not many apparent mosques or calls to prayer.

There are numerous urban malls with more top designer stores than America's 5 largest cities combined - with noticeable economic disparity just  around the corner. Markets and a working harbour are just a few miles away - or 45 minutes in traffic.  March 7 to 9, 2010
 View Jakarta

Bali - Tranquility

Lush, peaceful, provocative - Bali
From the moment of arrival, this is clearly different from other places you have been.  Calm, smiling beautiful faces.  Lush green jungle rushes from volcano strewn mountains to the rice paddies and then the sea.  Nearly all of the 3MM islanders are Balinese Hindu with their altars and small offerings at every turn.  Community focus is devoted to religious matters. Members give half of their income to community elders who orchestrate the care of temples, the building of statues, preparation for worship and costume for participants.  Temples dominate with Buddhist, Moslem and Christian places of worship openly respected.  Stone statues adorned in black and white checked fabrics remind that good balances evil.  These along with fabric design, music, dancing and the sea are the things you will always compare and never forget about this place. March 4 - 6, 2010   Click here to take a peak at Bali

Sydney Opera house in the nude?!

Yes that's us.  The Kaufman's - 12th row back, spot number 23 and 24 from the left. 

Sydney prides itself in having the biggest Mardi Gras bash in the world - after New Orleans.  It is definitely a "gay" affair celebrated by all.  After the partying is over, what to do for an encore?  Invite the entire city to a nude break during their lunch hour.  So, we figured, why not! 
For more details - click this link.  

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!