What a day! Today was the City2Surf 14K race. I have to say – it was absolutely incredible! I ran with 70,000 of my closest friends…
I really was not all that excited about running this race. I am used to knowing people in all of the races I run, and usually having someone to run with (Sally or Brandi, most often). Plus I had no idea really where the race was, logistics, etc. And on top of all that, I haven’t run all that much since I have been in Australia. So I was thinking that a 14K might not be my smartest decision while over here. But I managed to run an hour last week, and I have been working out a little bit. Plus this race is my one chance to run a race on a completely different continent from what I am used to doing. All those thoughts gave me a little boost of confidence. Plus there were folks sending me emails telling me good luck late last week, so I was feeling better and better about the race by the time Sunday rolled around.
I made it to the office, which is where we were all supposed to meet up and jump on a bus to be driven over to the start line. However, a few of us figured out that the bus wasn’t leaving until 8.30 (at the earliest), and the race started at 9. So a few of us walked about 10 blocks over to the race, just so we could get there on time. Plus it gave me a chance to stretch out a little on the warm-up.
Once I got to Hyde Park (where the race started), I had to find out where my group was starting. The race has five waves of starts. The first is the elite runners, who ran the race in less than 75 minutes last year. The second is for people who ran last year’s race in 75-100 minutes. The third wave is for people who have not run the race before or did not run it in under 100 minutes. The fourth wave is called “Back of the Pack” and is for people who want to walk instead of run. I think the largest number of people might have been in this group. I was in the third wave, the blue group.
The worst part of the race was the start. It took forever to find my group, and then I had to figure out how to tuck into it. The roads were all closed off, the park was slightly above the road (there was a wall lining the sides of the streets), and the only way to get into the group was to find the back. Yeah, right. A bunch of people jumped down from a wall to get into the middle of the group. Including me. Which bring us to the latest episode of Good Idea/Bad Idea. Good Idea: Not having to start in the back of the time group. Bad Idea: Jumping off a wall into a large group of people with absolutely nowhere to move. I was pretty much pinned against the wall until our time group started. Very little room to move, I couldn’t do much stretching to get ready for the run. But the third gun finally went off (one for each group start), and the herd of people started thinning out as we moved towards the start line.
The race itself was awesome. The weather was absolutely beautiful for the run. I was wearing a light-weight long sleeve shirt, with the official short-sleeve office race shirt on top. (And shorts, of course!) As I stood in the mass of people, waiting for the race to start, I started to re-think wearing two layers. The sun had come out, and it got really warm. But once the race started, it got a little cooler as the people spread out. For the rest of the race, the weather was absolutely perfect. And as another sign of how great the race was, the song selection on my iPod was great! I didn't have anything pre-set. In fact, I have been listening to the songs alphabetically by title since mid-July (just because I can). I was on "R" just in time for the race. There were lots of songs that had something to do with running. Or Runaways (Amy - your Bon Jovi tribute there). But it was really cool to have all the right songs come up just when I needed it. I couldn't have planned it any better!
As far as the running goes, the race was tough. But it was a really cool experience. I got to run through all kinds of areas of Sydney. The race went through Kings Cross (the sketchier part of town), out towards the southeast suburbs. In fact, we had to run through Kings Cross Tunnel. There were a ton of people standing on the bridge above the tunnel entrance. And as we entered the tunnel, a guy yelled out “AUSSIE! AUSSIE! AUSSIE!” To which most of the crowd replied: “OI! OI! OI!” We then ran through Double Bay and Rose Bay, then on up to Dover Heights, which was basically the halfway point. In order to get there, we had to run up what they call Heartbreak Hill. The Hill was definitely tough; it was a long incline over a 2-3 km (1-2 mile) stretch. Since Heartbreak Hill was right in the middle of the run, and people were already tired from the first part of the race, there were lots of people having to stop and walk. In a way, the Hill made the run even tougher, as people like me who hadn’t stopped running had to wade through these walkers. I honestly think that this race was more like 16K by the time you ran around all of the slower runners and people who stopped to walk. But it was a lot like the other big races I have run back in the US where there are lots of people. So I was kind of expecting it.
You would think that once you got up Heartbreak Hill, you would run down for the second half of the race. Nope, wrong. At the top of the Hill, there was a little plateau. Then another smaller hill. As we were running up the small hill, I started to laugh. There was a freaking genius parked on the side of the road. That’s right: ICE CREAM TRUCK! Man, if only I had been carrying cash! No, not really. I mean, I was in the middle of a race. Who needs ice cream at that point in time? But if I had been one of the walkers in the back, I definitely would have hit that guy up!
Eventually, we got to a decent downhill. But the roads were getting narrower as we were headed into Bondi Beach, and with all of the people who were starting to fade in the race, it was still hard to really break free. I had 3K to go, and felt pretty good. As we got to Bondi, you could see more and more spectators up ahead. With 2K to go, you made the turn into Bondi. 1K to go, and I was running along, with the road right near the beach. At this point, I was trying to find the finish line up ahead. A lady next to me shouted out, “Good God, where is the end of this thing?” I laughed and told her I was wondering the same thing. But in the distance, I could see the line of people turning the corner to finish along what I would call the Boardwalk. So I tried to kick it in for the end.
I was shooting for a 90-minute race. I missed it by 90 seconds. Crap! But there was no physical way to get into a sprint during the last 2K, as the road got narrower and people kept stopping. Figure that one out… You have run 13K, and you decide that the best time to stop running is with 1K left to go. 5 minutes left, and you can’t run it. I just don’t get it. But I managed to finish, which is what matters. I collected my fancy gold-colored metal finisher’s medal, and found my way onto the beach.
The office sponsored a tent, so a bunch of people were already there when I got done. Some people had run, and others just came for the free food and beer. It was fun, though. Lots of my friends from the office were there, and we hung out for a couple of hours. I got to talk to a bunch of people, and had fun with my friends and their spouses/significant others. Then the weather really dropped. I mean, we were sitting out at the plastic picnic tables in front of our tent on the beach, and it got absolutely cold. The clouds started coming in, too. We started to feel some drops of rain, so we moved in under the tent. Suddenly, a storm rolled in and let loose. When the rain finally stopped, we heard that the tour bus was there to drive us back to the office, so we all piled in and headed for home.
Now, I am guessing that you guys feel slighted that I don’t have more to share from the race. I can’t tell you a whole lot, other than what I have already shared: The weather was absolutely gorgeous during the run, and the scenery was beautiful. With that said, I have a little surprise for everyone: I decided to have a little fun during the race, just so you could experience a little of it with me. I bought a disposable camera on Saturday, and carried it with me during the run. (There was no way I was carrying my digital camera, since I was sure I would drop it. Or that it would be too heavy and I would drop my shorts. Either way, I wasn’t ready to drop anything during the run.) I snapped several photos for you guys at a lot of different parts of the race.
So I think that you guys will get to understand how good the race was once I get those posted, as the pictures will tell more of the story from the race than I could do just by typing more words. Plus you will get to see some different areas of the City in these photos. Besides, I don’t think there is a lot that I can say though my writing, other than it was a good run and I finished. It was all about the scenery! Unfortunately, it is going to take a little time to get those photos up on the blog site, since I have to get the pictures developed. (Do they still develop pictures???) Then I’ll have to figure out how I can get them scanned in so that I can post them. But I promise – this little task is on my list of things to do this coming weekend!
So the race is done, and the weekend is over. After I got home, I jumped in the shower, quickly packed, and got out the door to drive to Canberra. The drive wasn’t too bad, although my legs started cramping up after hour #2 in the car. Luckily I was able to set the cruise control for most of the trip, and I could stretch my legs a little as I drove along.
Speaking of the drive, I will report that there were no kangaroo sightings this week. Sorry! I think it was too cold for them. I think it is supposed to ice over tonight, so I am hoping that the little fellas managed to hide out somewhere warm for the night!
Canberra is pretty much the same as I left it. I’m staying in the same MOtel this week. However, I am in a different building. When I was here last week, I thought that this part of the MOtel had inside rooms, but I guess I was wrong – all of the rooms are exterior. And it is going to be freezing cold here this week, so it sucks to walk outside! Oh well. But the room is fine; pretty much the same as my room from last week. And there were no cops waiting outside by the front door this week, so it was a much more positive and welcoming experience this time!
So I am going to end my post here. I am freaking tired after the events of today. And even though Olympic men’s water polo is one of my absolute favorite sports to watch on TV (second only to the gymnastic floor routine with the pretty fabric batons), I might have to turn off the TV and head off to bed early tonight.
I hope everyone had a great weekend, and I will talk to some of you during the week, I’m sure!
Hola, Mates!
Just a little something for everyone to remember me by from the Charlotte office going away party...
About Me
- JP
- So here's a blog site that I thought would make it easier for everyone back in the States to keep up while I am working in Australia for the next three months. Posts read from the bottom up (most recent posts are at the top of the page). I will try to keep the photos updated... Keep the comments coming! I want to know how everyone is doing back home!
Southern Swirl Comment
Okay, Don... Ask and ye shall receive. I'm giving you a swirlie. Maybe now you will believe that I am actually here in the Land Down Under. I had to settle for a sink - I still can't find a toilet that flushes using the "swirl motion."
City2Surf Comment
I found a video clip of the City2Surf 14K route, for anyone interested in checking it out. It is not exact, but it is pretty close. And it doesn't quite do the race justice, especially since you really only see the road and not the surrounding scenery (or the steepness of the hills!). But it is still a pretty cool video. And no, there were not any cars or buses on the road with us as we ran...
Driving Commercial Comment
The above commercial is becoming one of my favorites. Enjoy...
Chicken Commercial Comment
My favourite local commercial. Are you one of the 14 Australians...?
And yes, the website shown at the end is real.
And yes, the website shown at the end is real.
07 September Spit Bridge to Manly Walk Comments
All right. I am finally adding some comments! The slideshow starts with a photo of some boats in the water:
[1] Here's a view from Spit Bridge, where the walk begins. [2] Once you cross under Spit Bridge, you get to where the nature hike begins. [3] Like all good nature walks, there is even a little waterfall. [4] A shot of the view from the trail. [5] Another view, back towards where the hike started. [6] Just to show some of the climbs and bridges that are a part of the trail. [7] And, of course, the beautiful views! [8] Another shot of some of the boats in the water. [9] If you look across, you can see the people out on teh beach for a BBQ. [10] A closer view of the start of beach. [11] And here we finally make it onto the beach sand. [12] Here are the folks I was on the hike with. [13] Left to right: Jamie, Manon, Lara, and Tariq. [14] And we even managed to find a starfish washed up on the beach! (Don't worry, we tossed him back into the sea.) [15] Another view across the water. [16] As we get higher up into the trail, you can see further and further out. [17] I thought this little scenic view was pretty cool. [18] As we venture back on the nature trail, we stumble upon some parrots. [19] Okay, so we gave up on the trail after an hour of walking and head out into the Manly jungles. Pretty nice neighborhood, right? [20] Here we are in Manly. This shot is taken from the beachfront, looking back towards the town. [21] Here is the Manly surf. You can tell we had some heavy rain storms the day before. [22] Another shot of the waves. [23] Here's a view along the beach. [24] Another shot down the other end of the beach. [25] The surfers were out enjoying the waves today! [26] I have no idea what this thing is, but it was kind of neat. [27] Downtown Manly on Sunday night.
[1] Here's a view from Spit Bridge, where the walk begins. [2] Once you cross under Spit Bridge, you get to where the nature hike begins. [3] Like all good nature walks, there is even a little waterfall. [4] A shot of the view from the trail. [5] Another view, back towards where the hike started. [6] Just to show some of the climbs and bridges that are a part of the trail. [7] And, of course, the beautiful views! [8] Another shot of some of the boats in the water. [9] If you look across, you can see the people out on teh beach for a BBQ. [10] A closer view of the start of beach. [11] And here we finally make it onto the beach sand. [12] Here are the folks I was on the hike with. [13] Left to right: Jamie, Manon, Lara, and Tariq. [14] And we even managed to find a starfish washed up on the beach! (Don't worry, we tossed him back into the sea.) [15] Another view across the water. [16] As we get higher up into the trail, you can see further and further out. [17] I thought this little scenic view was pretty cool. [18] As we venture back on the nature trail, we stumble upon some parrots. [19] Okay, so we gave up on the trail after an hour of walking and head out into the Manly jungles. Pretty nice neighborhood, right? [20] Here we are in Manly. This shot is taken from the beachfront, looking back towards the town. [21] Here is the Manly surf. You can tell we had some heavy rain storms the day before. [22] Another shot of the waves. [23] Here's a view along the beach. [24] Another shot down the other end of the beach. [25] The surfers were out enjoying the waves today! [26] I have no idea what this thing is, but it was kind of neat. [27] Downtown Manly on Sunday night.
17 August Royal Botanical Gardens Comments
As usual, the text descriptions of the above photos are below. The first photo starts with some buildings in front of the Harbour Bridge:
[1] A view of The Rocks. You can see the Harbour Bridge in the background. [2] Another view in The Rocks, going down the other end of the main street. [3] These tents are where the weekly market is held. Basically a big craft fair and flea market kind of place. [4] Another shot of the marketplace. [5] A better view of the market. [6] Here's the pub where I stopped in for a while. Billed to be "Sydney's Oldest Pub." [7] A different view of the Opera House from the other side of the Harbour (near the Bridge). [8] Of course, people watching by the Opera House is always entertaining! [9] At this point, I am pretty much behind the Opera House. This shot is across the water, a part of the Royal Botanical Gardens. (It's a big U around the water.) [10] Another shot to the other side of the Gardens. [11] Out across the point. I live somewhere in that direction. [12] And now we finally make it into the Gardens. [13] I just thought it was really cool to see the skyscrapers from CBD in the background of the Gardens. [14] Yes, that's a little train in front of me. Like a cross between London and Tweetsie, and that's pretty scary! [15] More views from inside the Gardens. [16] This section literally IS a Garden, with little plants and a random sphere thingie in the middle. [17] More from the "true" Garden section. [18] The sign in front claims this thing is a greenhouse. But from the looks of it (and from the looks of people walking around it), I think it is the largest stash of pot in the world. [19] Within the Gardens are some little nature trails. [20] Another photo from the Garden, looking back towards the waterfront. [21] What park would be complete without a fountain? [22] Or without birds. Although these Cockatoos are the loudest, most annoying things I have ever come across. [23] Wait, that one looks familiar. Have I seen him somewhere before? [24] Yep, sure have... [25] Another view across the Gardens, with the City in the background. [26] Kind of a random little rock ledge in the Gardens. [27] Now you can hopefully tell where the Gardens are located, on the other side of the Opera House from the Harbour Bridge. [28] Looking back across the water to where some of the earlier photos were taken. [29] More shots from across the water. [30] A different view of that earlier rock formation. [31] Looking back towards the City. [32] Another view across the water. [33] The rock formation known as Mrs. MacQuarie's Rocking Chair. She was either the mayor's or governor's wife. I think she used to watch the ships come in from here. [34] I got to the other side just in time to watch the sunset. [35] Another view of the sunset over the Harbour. [36] A close-up of the Opera House at dusk. [37] Maybe I should start selling my photography! [38] Kind of a cool little rock ledge along the waterfront. [39] Another shot back towards the City. [40] More sunset photos. Sorry. [41] One last shot of the Harbour View. [42] A final photo from the Gardens.
[1] A view of The Rocks. You can see the Harbour Bridge in the background. [2] Another view in The Rocks, going down the other end of the main street. [3] These tents are where the weekly market is held. Basically a big craft fair and flea market kind of place. [4] Another shot of the marketplace. [5] A better view of the market. [6] Here's the pub where I stopped in for a while. Billed to be "Sydney's Oldest Pub." [7] A different view of the Opera House from the other side of the Harbour (near the Bridge). [8] Of course, people watching by the Opera House is always entertaining! [9] At this point, I am pretty much behind the Opera House. This shot is across the water, a part of the Royal Botanical Gardens. (It's a big U around the water.) [10] Another shot to the other side of the Gardens. [11] Out across the point. I live somewhere in that direction. [12] And now we finally make it into the Gardens. [13] I just thought it was really cool to see the skyscrapers from CBD in the background of the Gardens. [14] Yes, that's a little train in front of me. Like a cross between London and Tweetsie, and that's pretty scary! [15] More views from inside the Gardens. [16] This section literally IS a Garden, with little plants and a random sphere thingie in the middle. [17] More from the "true" Garden section. [18] The sign in front claims this thing is a greenhouse. But from the looks of it (and from the looks of people walking around it), I think it is the largest stash of pot in the world. [19] Within the Gardens are some little nature trails. [20] Another photo from the Garden, looking back towards the waterfront. [21] What park would be complete without a fountain? [22] Or without birds. Although these Cockatoos are the loudest, most annoying things I have ever come across. [23] Wait, that one looks familiar. Have I seen him somewhere before? [24] Yep, sure have... [25] Another view across the Gardens, with the City in the background. [26] Kind of a random little rock ledge in the Gardens. [27] Now you can hopefully tell where the Gardens are located, on the other side of the Opera House from the Harbour Bridge. [28] Looking back across the water to where some of the earlier photos were taken. [29] More shots from across the water. [30] A different view of that earlier rock formation. [31] Looking back towards the City. [32] Another view across the water. [33] The rock formation known as Mrs. MacQuarie's Rocking Chair. She was either the mayor's or governor's wife. I think she used to watch the ships come in from here. [34] I got to the other side just in time to watch the sunset. [35] Another view of the sunset over the Harbour. [36] A close-up of the Opera House at dusk. [37] Maybe I should start selling my photography! [38] Kind of a cool little rock ledge along the waterfront. [39] Another shot back towards the City. [40] More sunset photos. Sorry. [41] One last shot of the Harbour View. [42] A final photo from the Gardens.
Canberra Trips Comments
The cool pictures you guys have been looking for. The kangaroos are about halfway through. The slideshow starts with a picture inside my MOtel room - you'll see the two beds.
[1] My random hotel room. I really do think it is almost the same size as my flat. And has two beds! [2] Seriously, this space is about the same size as my living/dining area in the flat! [3] The bathroom is definitely bigger! [4] Just to show you guys how cold it is, here's a picture of me. (One of very few you will get!) I am wearing a sweatshirt and a toboggan. Yes, while inside. It took a while for the heat to kick in! [5] Pretty standard hotel room. Although the area where this picture was taken from is the only spot of the entire room that gets warm, since the heater is directly over the bed! [6] The view from outside my hotel room. I have no idea what those things are... [7] And now you can see why I call it a MOtel. [8] It's really dark, but this picture is of the Parliament building in the middle of Canberra. [9] Here you go - Australian deer! More commonly known as kangaroos! [10] Yep, they just hang out on the side of the road! [11] You can see that the one in the middle was hopping across the field when I got this picture. Sweet! [12] This picture is of the Dickson shops right by my MOtel. If you look closely across the top of the picture, you can see the red and green lights that were strung across above the road. It was like Christmas decorations. In August! [13] The frony of my MOtel. As the sign says, it's QUALITY! [14] A shot of the roos from my second week in the Canberra suburbs. [15] I zoomed in as much as I could for you guys. But I think they could sense me. They all started standing up and looking over at me when I shot this photo. Hopefully it won't start a kangaroo stampede! Or would that be a HOPede? [16] Some pictures from the drive back to Sydney. Those animals are cows, in case anyone is confused. [17] The trip from Canberra to Sydney was really open and scenic. [18] Am I really in Australia, or did I end up in Iowa, and someone is just messing with me? [19] Some more of the scenery as I drove along. [20] It really does remind me a lot of a country road back in NC! [21] The mountain views are pretty cool, too. [22] Just another view of Australia's beauty... [23] As we get towards the end of my photos, you can see the sun is starting to set... [24] I just thought the sunset was absolutely beautiful. Hopefully the pictures do it justice for everyone! [25] I don't know why, but I was enthralled by the color of the sky as the sun was setting. [26] A final shot of the Australian countryside at sunset...
[1] My random hotel room. I really do think it is almost the same size as my flat. And has two beds! [2] Seriously, this space is about the same size as my living/dining area in the flat! [3] The bathroom is definitely bigger! [4] Just to show you guys how cold it is, here's a picture of me. (One of very few you will get!) I am wearing a sweatshirt and a toboggan. Yes, while inside. It took a while for the heat to kick in! [5] Pretty standard hotel room. Although the area where this picture was taken from is the only spot of the entire room that gets warm, since the heater is directly over the bed! [6] The view from outside my hotel room. I have no idea what those things are... [7] And now you can see why I call it a MOtel. [8] It's really dark, but this picture is of the Parliament building in the middle of Canberra. [9] Here you go - Australian deer! More commonly known as kangaroos! [10] Yep, they just hang out on the side of the road! [11] You can see that the one in the middle was hopping across the field when I got this picture. Sweet! [12] This picture is of the Dickson shops right by my MOtel. If you look closely across the top of the picture, you can see the red and green lights that were strung across above the road. It was like Christmas decorations. In August! [13] The frony of my MOtel. As the sign says, it's QUALITY! [14] A shot of the roos from my second week in the Canberra suburbs. [15] I zoomed in as much as I could for you guys. But I think they could sense me. They all started standing up and looking over at me when I shot this photo. Hopefully it won't start a kangaroo stampede! Or would that be a HOPede? [16] Some pictures from the drive back to Sydney. Those animals are cows, in case anyone is confused. [17] The trip from Canberra to Sydney was really open and scenic. [18] Am I really in Australia, or did I end up in Iowa, and someone is just messing with me? [19] Some more of the scenery as I drove along. [20] It really does remind me a lot of a country road back in NC! [21] The mountain views are pretty cool, too. [22] Just another view of Australia's beauty... [23] As we get towards the end of my photos, you can see the sun is starting to set... [24] I just thought the sunset was absolutely beautiful. Hopefully the pictures do it justice for everyone! [25] I don't know why, but I was enthralled by the color of the sky as the sun was setting. [26] A final shot of the Australian countryside at sunset...
Hyde Park 10 August Comments
This slideshow starts with the first (more distant) picture of the fountain in Hyde Park:
[1] So here are some photos of Hyde Park. The fountain marks the center of the Park. [2] No matter what side you come from, the fountain is front and center. [3] A close-up view of the fountain. Don't ask me what it is - I don't know. Some war thing. [4] Beyond the fountain, you can walk through the Park under this cool canopy of trees. [5] The famed St. Mary's Cathedral is located next to Hyde Park. [6] A closer shot of the front of the church. [7] Hello? Is the Pope still there? Anyone? Anyone? [8] A shot of the entire front of the Cathedral. It really is quite a beautiful building... [9] The Cathedral is a pretty long building. And if you look close, you can see that the red banners on the street posts are for City2Surf, which will be taking place here tomorrow. [10] Coming from the opposite direction, a view from the tree canopy heading towards the fountain. [11] A shot as you get closer to the fountains from the longer side of the Park. [12] Here you can see the actual park part of the Park. [13] No, it is not a picture from the Park. But I did think it entertaining that these shopping carts were in the hall of the apartment as I got off the elevator. It just shows how ghetto fabulous my neighbors are. Why is it random? Because in order to bring these up, someone either had to walk them across a busy street or take them up an elevator, across a skywalk, back down an elevator, and around a street corner, only to come up the elevator to the fifth floor. Needless to say, random spot for them... Who are these people?
[1] So here are some photos of Hyde Park. The fountain marks the center of the Park. [2] No matter what side you come from, the fountain is front and center. [3] A close-up view of the fountain. Don't ask me what it is - I don't know. Some war thing. [4] Beyond the fountain, you can walk through the Park under this cool canopy of trees. [5] The famed St. Mary's Cathedral is located next to Hyde Park. [6] A closer shot of the front of the church. [7] Hello? Is the Pope still there? Anyone? Anyone? [8] A shot of the entire front of the Cathedral. It really is quite a beautiful building... [9] The Cathedral is a pretty long building. And if you look close, you can see that the red banners on the street posts are for City2Surf, which will be taking place here tomorrow. [10] Coming from the opposite direction, a view from the tree canopy heading towards the fountain. [11] A shot as you get closer to the fountains from the longer side of the Park. [12] Here you can see the actual park part of the Park. [13] No, it is not a picture from the Park. But I did think it entertaining that these shopping carts were in the hall of the apartment as I got off the elevator. It just shows how ghetto fabulous my neighbors are. Why is it random? Because in order to bring these up, someone either had to walk them across a busy street or take them up an elevator, across a skywalk, back down an elevator, and around a street corner, only to come up the elevator to the fifth floor. Needless to say, random spot for them... Who are these people?
Bledisloe Cup 26 July Comments
Okay, this slideshow starts with a distant picture of ANZ Stadium:
[1] ANZ Stadium, coming out of the train station. [2] Slightly closer look at the Stadium. [3] I think this picture gives a pretty good idea of where my seat was in relation to the field. [4] The roof is open. If you look real close, you can see that there are people sitting all the way up to the top. [5] Pre-game warm up for the Wallabies. [6] Pre-game warm up for the All Blacks. [7] Welcome to ANZ Stadium, folks... [8] Another shot of the entire field. [9] I just like this shot because you can see the sea of yellow and green supporters! [10] The teams are about to be introduced here. [11] The teams running out onto the field. [12] National anthems. Although I obviously did not know the words to either one... [13] The All Blacks have some sort of pre-game dance ritual. [14] Seriously - it is supposed to be pretty intimidating. I didn't quite see it... [15] Kickoff! [16] One of the many scrums, which this one was pretty close to me. [17] Halftime entertainment: Hamster ball races! [18] Despite being rugby, I'm starting to feel at home at this game! [19] When the Wallabies score, there is fire! Fire! Fire! [20] Final score. [21] End of the game. [22] Teams congratulating one another on a great match! [23] I have no idea what these things are. They are in the front of the Stadium, and have names listed on them. I checked, and my name wasn't on there. Donors, maybe? [24] Final view of ANZ Stadium on the way to the train.
[1] ANZ Stadium, coming out of the train station. [2] Slightly closer look at the Stadium. [3] I think this picture gives a pretty good idea of where my seat was in relation to the field. [4] The roof is open. If you look real close, you can see that there are people sitting all the way up to the top. [5] Pre-game warm up for the Wallabies. [6] Pre-game warm up for the All Blacks. [7] Welcome to ANZ Stadium, folks... [8] Another shot of the entire field. [9] I just like this shot because you can see the sea of yellow and green supporters! [10] The teams are about to be introduced here. [11] The teams running out onto the field. [12] National anthems. Although I obviously did not know the words to either one... [13] The All Blacks have some sort of pre-game dance ritual. [14] Seriously - it is supposed to be pretty intimidating. I didn't quite see it... [15] Kickoff! [16] One of the many scrums, which this one was pretty close to me. [17] Halftime entertainment: Hamster ball races! [18] Despite being rugby, I'm starting to feel at home at this game! [19] When the Wallabies score, there is fire! Fire! Fire! [20] Final score. [21] End of the game. [22] Teams congratulating one another on a great match! [23] I have no idea what these things are. They are in the front of the Stadium, and have names listed on them. I checked, and my name wasn't on there. Donors, maybe? [24] Final view of ANZ Stadium on the way to the train.
19 July In Balmoral & Mosman Comments
Starting with the photo that has a Corolla in the foreground...
[1] As you walk through the neighborhood, you can get a nice glimpse of the beach in the distance. [2] You can see across the water, a little further up the beach. [3] Looking out towards the Middle and North Harbour. [4] I think this view is of Middle Head, part of the Sydney Harbour National Park. [5] Here's the sandy beach,and part of the beautiful natural areas. This area is Rocky Point. [6] This is a view to the south from Rocky Point. This photo is the wharf. [7] Back towards the northeast, I think this view might be the Grotto Point Lighthouse. Although I am not sure what good it is to have a little lighthouse on the side of the cliff. [8] Some of the houses along the side of the Harbour. [9] Rough life, huh? [10] Yet another view of where the Middle Harbour meets the North Harbour. [11] As I said - Rough life, isn't it? [12] A better view of the beach. [13] A view from the beach. [14] I'm still a little hung up on the boats... [15] It must be nice to live somewhere that you can go sailing in the middle of winter. [16] Yes, if you look in the corner, you can see that some people actually camp on the beach. [17] I just had to get a shot of the kids playing along the shore. They were pretty funny to watch. Especially since the guy in the background is swimming in a full wetsuit. [18] Just behind the beach is a little playground with kids running around and playing. [19] Again, I like boats... [20] Another view of Rocky Point. Wonder where it got the name...? [21] Here is a shot of the Mosman Uniting Church, where I visited on Sunday. [22] Just to show you the monopoly money I have to get used to. The dollars are a funky plastic material, and are pretty self-explanatory (there are no bills smaller than a $5). The coins, starting at the top right: $2 coin, $1 coin, $0.50, $0.20, $0.10, and $0.05. Very few people take the $0.05 coin, so prices are usually rounded.
[1] As you walk through the neighborhood, you can get a nice glimpse of the beach in the distance. [2] You can see across the water, a little further up the beach. [3] Looking out towards the Middle and North Harbour. [4] I think this view is of Middle Head, part of the Sydney Harbour National Park. [5] Here's the sandy beach,and part of the beautiful natural areas. This area is Rocky Point. [6] This is a view to the south from Rocky Point. This photo is the wharf. [7] Back towards the northeast, I think this view might be the Grotto Point Lighthouse. Although I am not sure what good it is to have a little lighthouse on the side of the cliff. [8] Some of the houses along the side of the Harbour. [9] Rough life, huh? [10] Yet another view of where the Middle Harbour meets the North Harbour. [11] As I said - Rough life, isn't it? [12] A better view of the beach. [13] A view from the beach. [14] I'm still a little hung up on the boats... [15] It must be nice to live somewhere that you can go sailing in the middle of winter. [16] Yes, if you look in the corner, you can see that some people actually camp on the beach. [17] I just had to get a shot of the kids playing along the shore. They were pretty funny to watch. Especially since the guy in the background is swimming in a full wetsuit. [18] Just behind the beach is a little playground with kids running around and playing. [19] Again, I like boats... [20] Another view of Rocky Point. Wonder where it got the name...? [21] Here is a shot of the Mosman Uniting Church, where I visited on Sunday. [22] Just to show you the monopoly money I have to get used to. The dollars are a funky plastic material, and are pretty self-explanatory (there are no bills smaller than a $5). The coins, starting at the top right: $2 coin, $1 coin, $0.50, $0.20, $0.10, and $0.05. Very few people take the $0.05 coin, so prices are usually rounded.
Birthday Dinner Comments
Okay, the photos for this slideshow start with a dark picture of a ship...
[1] Here's another photo of the ship where we had the little dinner party. I took this shot as I was walking to dinner. [2] Okay, at this table (right to left) are Paul (bowling teammate) and Sarah, who both work with me (they are a couple, as well) and are from the UK, and Lara (another co-worker) and her boyfriend, Tariq, who are here from Toronto. [3] Charlotte (who I work with) and her husband Dugald, both originally from Scotland. [4] On the left are Ollie (co-worker) and his girlfriend Loiuse, and Doug and his girlfriend Stacey. Doug starts in the office tomorrow All four are from the UK. [5] Nathan on the right - he's the one from Austin. On the left is one of Nathan's friends, here visiting from the US. I think his name was Jake. [6] Daniel (co-worker) and his wife (I think they're married). They are here from South Africa. [7] Martin (co-worker and bowling buddy) and his fiance, Halina, both from Ireland. [8] Here are just a few of us from dinner. Martin made me get in a photo to prove that I was actually here.
[1] Here's another photo of the ship where we had the little dinner party. I took this shot as I was walking to dinner. [2] Okay, at this table (right to left) are Paul (bowling teammate) and Sarah, who both work with me (they are a couple, as well) and are from the UK, and Lara (another co-worker) and her boyfriend, Tariq, who are here from Toronto. [3] Charlotte (who I work with) and her husband Dugald, both originally from Scotland. [4] On the left are Ollie (co-worker) and his girlfriend Loiuse, and Doug and his girlfriend Stacey. Doug starts in the office tomorrow All four are from the UK. [5] Nathan on the right - he's the one from Austin. On the left is one of Nathan's friends, here visiting from the US. I think his name was Jake. [6] Daniel (co-worker) and his wife (I think they're married). They are here from South Africa. [7] Martin (co-worker and bowling buddy) and his fiance, Halina, both from Ireland. [8] Here are just a few of us from dinner. Martin made me get in a photo to prove that I was actually here.
12 July In Sydney Comments
The descriptions below begin with the photo that says "Darling Harbour." Sorry, but this one is a long one!
[1] The trip in July 12 started off in Darling Harbour, which spans across one long bridge. [2] Obviously, there are tons of boats in the Harbour. This shot is the first part of the Harbour you see to the left as you walk in. [3] Panning around, you can see across the Harbour, with lots of shops and restaurants. [4] Looking back from the other end of the Bridge, this view is back towards the downtown area of the city. [5] On the opposite side of the bridge, there is a Maritime Museum, with a pretty cool ship permanently docked in the Harbour. [6] Another view from the other side of Darling Harbour, looking back towards the city. [7] Again, another view of the city from the Harbour. [8] A close-up of the famous Sydney Aquarium. They have duckbill platypuses there - How cool is that? [9] Here's a shot I took of the floating boat restaurant where the birthday dinner party will be held tomorrow. [10] This part of the city is the area over near Circular Quay. [11] I just thought the Australian flag on top of the building was pretty cool... [12] This building, which is right next to the Harbour, is where my office is in Sydney.. [13] A closer shot of the office building. [14] Here's a shot of the QVB (Queen Victoria Building), which is the mall I have to walk through to get from the train to the office. [15] As I told you, this mall is pretty huge! [16] This picture is of the Customs House over near Circular Quay. [17] A picture of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from Circular Quay. [18] Yep - There is an amusement park under the Bridge. [19] I zoomed in as best I could. If you look real close, you can see a couple of groups of people doing the Bridge climb. [20] A shot of the city surrounding Circular Quay at dusk. The photo was taken from near the Opera House. [21] Another photo of the city from the Opera House. [22] Across the Harbour... [23] The Sydney Opera House after the sun has set. [24] Another shot of the Bridge. [25] One last shot of the city. [26] Don - do you believe me now? I have an Australian beer in my hand - you can't buy this stuff in the US!
[1] The trip in July 12 started off in Darling Harbour, which spans across one long bridge. [2] Obviously, there are tons of boats in the Harbour. This shot is the first part of the Harbour you see to the left as you walk in. [3] Panning around, you can see across the Harbour, with lots of shops and restaurants. [4] Looking back from the other end of the Bridge, this view is back towards the downtown area of the city. [5] On the opposite side of the bridge, there is a Maritime Museum, with a pretty cool ship permanently docked in the Harbour. [6] Another view from the other side of Darling Harbour, looking back towards the city. [7] Again, another view of the city from the Harbour. [8] A close-up of the famous Sydney Aquarium. They have duckbill platypuses there - How cool is that? [9] Here's a shot I took of the floating boat restaurant where the birthday dinner party will be held tomorrow. [10] This part of the city is the area over near Circular Quay. [11] I just thought the Australian flag on top of the building was pretty cool... [12] This building, which is right next to the Harbour, is where my office is in Sydney.. [13] A closer shot of the office building. [14] Here's a shot of the QVB (Queen Victoria Building), which is the mall I have to walk through to get from the train to the office. [15] As I told you, this mall is pretty huge! [16] This picture is of the Customs House over near Circular Quay. [17] A picture of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from Circular Quay. [18] Yep - There is an amusement park under the Bridge. [19] I zoomed in as best I could. If you look real close, you can see a couple of groups of people doing the Bridge climb. [20] A shot of the city surrounding Circular Quay at dusk. The photo was taken from near the Opera House. [21] Another photo of the city from the Opera House. [22] Across the Harbour... [23] The Sydney Opera House after the sun has set. [24] Another shot of the Bridge. [25] One last shot of the city. [26] Don - do you believe me now? I have an Australian beer in my hand - you can't buy this stuff in the US!
The Neighborhood Comments
This slideshow descriptions below start with the photo that has the blue car in the left corner:
[1] The cool part of the neighborhood is that in certain parts, you can see across the Harbour all the way to the city. [2] It's a little hard to see, but here's a shot along one of the streets right behind my apartment. [3] Another shot of the neighborhood behind my place. Pretty nice area, right? [4] There's a park (sports field) about 2 blocks from my flat. Apparently they play soccet there on Saturdays. [5] This building is kind of cool. I think it is an old church that they converted to the community center. [6] Another shot of the local cummunity center, just around the corner from my place. [7] A view of Spit Junction. If you see the"Design Store," that shop marks the corner of the street where I live. The skybridge is where my next two photos were taken. [8] The true view of Spit Junction. And yes, you can see the people driving on the left-hand side of the road. [9] A shot going back down Military Road. If you look to the right, the Hotel Mosman is my neighborhood pub. I'm not sure what the duck is for... [10] Here's a view from my apartment window. Not too bad, right? [11] Yet another view from my apartment window. [12] A close-up view. Yep, I can see the local pub from my apartment window. [13] If you open up the apartment window, lean out slightly, and look to the left, you can see a decent view of the city.
[1] The cool part of the neighborhood is that in certain parts, you can see across the Harbour all the way to the city. [2] It's a little hard to see, but here's a shot along one of the streets right behind my apartment. [3] Another shot of the neighborhood behind my place. Pretty nice area, right? [4] There's a park (sports field) about 2 blocks from my flat. Apparently they play soccet there on Saturdays. [5] This building is kind of cool. I think it is an old church that they converted to the community center. [6] Another shot of the local cummunity center, just around the corner from my place. [7] A view of Spit Junction. If you see the"Design Store," that shop marks the corner of the street where I live. The skybridge is where my next two photos were taken. [8] The true view of Spit Junction. And yes, you can see the people driving on the left-hand side of the road. [9] A shot going back down Military Road. If you look to the right, the Hotel Mosman is my neighborhood pub. I'm not sure what the duck is for... [10] Here's a view from my apartment window. Not too bad, right? [11] Yet another view from my apartment window. [12] A close-up view. Yep, I can see the local pub from my apartment window. [13] If you open up the apartment window, lean out slightly, and look to the left, you can see a decent view of the city.
Morning Commute Comments
Scrolling through the photos, the below descriptions start with the darker photo of houses on the side of a hill:
[1] This picture is of the flats next to the wharf where I catch the ferry every morning. Pretty nice digs, right? [2] Once the ferry turns around and starts towards Sydney, these little "toys" are the first thing I see. [3] More sailboats on the start of the commute. [4] Here's a view of one of the ferry ports on the way from Mosman Bay to Circulay Quay. [5] Once the ferry gets into the open water, you can see across the Harbour, and see all of the fancy houses across the water. [6] This photo is part of Sydney. As you scroll through these next 4 photos, it goes from left to right across the horizon. [7] Part of the horizon view, this photo is downtown Sydney. [8] More of downtown Sydney, and you can see the Opera House as I get closer to Circular Quay. [9] We are getting close to the Harbour, and you can see both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. [10] A closer shot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. [11] This photo is the part of Sydney across the Bridge from downtown. If you are scrolling through these photos in order, these homes are to the right of the Bridge in the previous picture. [12] Turning back towards downtown after our final stop before Circular Quay. [13] Passing in the Harbour, here's a photo of what the ferry looks like that I ride on to work each morning and on the way home each night. [14] Getting closer to the Bridge... [15] A closer view of the famous Syydney Opera House. [16] As you get closer, you will see that the Opera House is actually not white, but kind of tan. I hear that the reason is because pure white would be too blinding during the day. [17] Man, that Bridge is pretty far up there! [18] Coming in to dock at Circular Quay. [19] A closer shot of Circular Quay. If you see the building in the center of the photo (it says "Circular Quay" on it), this building is actually the railway, and is where I catch the train after getting of the ferry.
[1] This picture is of the flats next to the wharf where I catch the ferry every morning. Pretty nice digs, right? [2] Once the ferry turns around and starts towards Sydney, these little "toys" are the first thing I see. [3] More sailboats on the start of the commute. [4] Here's a view of one of the ferry ports on the way from Mosman Bay to Circulay Quay. [5] Once the ferry gets into the open water, you can see across the Harbour, and see all of the fancy houses across the water. [6] This photo is part of Sydney. As you scroll through these next 4 photos, it goes from left to right across the horizon. [7] Part of the horizon view, this photo is downtown Sydney. [8] More of downtown Sydney, and you can see the Opera House as I get closer to Circular Quay. [9] We are getting close to the Harbour, and you can see both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. [10] A closer shot of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. [11] This photo is the part of Sydney across the Bridge from downtown. If you are scrolling through these photos in order, these homes are to the right of the Bridge in the previous picture. [12] Turning back towards downtown after our final stop before Circular Quay. [13] Passing in the Harbour, here's a photo of what the ferry looks like that I ride on to work each morning and on the way home each night. [14] Getting closer to the Bridge... [15] A closer view of the famous Syydney Opera House. [16] As you get closer, you will see that the Opera House is actually not white, but kind of tan. I hear that the reason is because pure white would be too blinding during the day. [17] Man, that Bridge is pretty far up there! [18] Coming in to dock at Circular Quay. [19] A closer shot of Circular Quay. If you see the building in the center of the photo (it says "Circular Quay" on it), this building is actually the railway, and is where I catch the train after getting of the ferry.
The Apartment Comments
Scrolling through the photos, the below descriptions start with the photo coming in through the front door, where you will be able to see all three rooms of the apartment:
[1] As you walk in the door, you can pretty much see all the apartment has to offer. Living room and dining room straight ahead, kitchen on the right, bathrool to the immediate left, little office area to the left, then the bedroom is in the back left corner behind the couch. And yes, the bedroom is about the same width as the couch! [2] If you want to come over, we can have dinner and sit at the fancy dining room table! [3] Here's the kitchen in all its glory. (Photo taken from the bathroom door). [4] Yep - you now see all of the storage space in my kitchen. And yes, that square thing is my "oven," although it is more of a microwave. [5] The bedroom, with just enough space for my bed and two little nightstands (at least there are a couple of drawers in them). [6] The closet, although you really don't have a good picture of its size from this photo. Sorry! [7] Between the bed and bathroom is tucked this little study/office area. Right now, it serves as luggage storage, as there is nowhere else to put it! [8] Here's the bathroom. Killer shower! [9] Okay, bathroom slash laundry room. This photo was taken from inside the shower, if that explanation helps to give some direction. [10] Okay, so everyone wants to see the drain go backwards, I know. But they are more into power here. Most toilets have these two buttons. I will let you think about it - a smaller button, a bigger button. In some places, these might be marked with "1" and "2" dots, respectively. [11] The flatscreen HD TV is pretty nice, but I really just wanted to show everyone that I can still watch WWE wrestling over here. Woo hoo!
[1] As you walk in the door, you can pretty much see all the apartment has to offer. Living room and dining room straight ahead, kitchen on the right, bathrool to the immediate left, little office area to the left, then the bedroom is in the back left corner behind the couch. And yes, the bedroom is about the same width as the couch! [2] If you want to come over, we can have dinner and sit at the fancy dining room table! [3] Here's the kitchen in all its glory. (Photo taken from the bathroom door). [4] Yep - you now see all of the storage space in my kitchen. And yes, that square thing is my "oven," although it is more of a microwave. [5] The bedroom, with just enough space for my bed and two little nightstands (at least there are a couple of drawers in them). [6] The closet, although you really don't have a good picture of its size from this photo. Sorry! [7] Between the bed and bathroom is tucked this little study/office area. Right now, it serves as luggage storage, as there is nowhere else to put it! [8] Here's the bathroom. Killer shower! [9] Okay, bathroom slash laundry room. This photo was taken from inside the shower, if that explanation helps to give some direction. [10] Okay, so everyone wants to see the drain go backwards, I know. But they are more into power here. Most toilets have these two buttons. I will let you think about it - a smaller button, a bigger button. In some places, these might be marked with "1" and "2" dots, respectively. [11] The flatscreen HD TV is pretty nice, but I really just wanted to show everyone that I can still watch WWE wrestling over here. Woo hoo!
Friends & Family Comments
The above photos are a random collection of pictures of friends and family that have been passed along to me from various folks. You'll see several folks throughout this slideshow. If you have a picture you want me to add, just sent it along to me!
Pictures From Home Comments
The above slideshow is random pictures, mostly for my personal benefit. I want to see things from back home that I am missing while I am here in Sydney! Keep in mind - these photos will be updated for any pictures that you guys send to me during my stay overseas. So if you want to be features on my blog site, send me some pics!
Pre-Trip Photo Comments
This slideshow is just a little "Before" series of the good things back home. We'll see how these slideshows progress throughout the journey...
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