tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30419093957995592442024-03-14T00:54:13.758+11:00Florida Girl in SydneyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-29960575641286285732014-08-22T22:31:00.000+10:002016-06-18T22:03:35.446+10:00Moving From America to Australia, Again2014 has been full of planning and purging, baseball playoffs and play dates. New friendships will be turning into old ones... and as we move once again, new friends, and much- loved old friends, lurk in the distance. <br />
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Goodbyes, reflections, and regrets fill the air, even though this move to Sydney is all good, it feels almost neglectful to have lived in the San Francisco area almost 2.5 years, and have seen so little.<br />
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And I have lame excuses-- the endless hamster wheel of school, activities, sport teams, and laundry... and did I mention the laundry? But at the end of the day, we did Cali wrong, like really, <i>really</i> wrong, and that's the unfortunate truth.<br />
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We put serious efforts into doing whatever we could during our 4.5 years in Sydney, because we knew our time there was finite. And this move to San Francisco was supposed to permanent, and we were supposed to have plenty of time to "do it all"… but now-- it's done. San Francisco is done. We are gone, and it is over. <br />
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And we never made it to Lake Tahoe, or Sonoma, or Napa (or anywhere else we could have drank ourself silly on a day tour). We ignored opportunities to see Monterey, Carmel, Sacramento, Big Sur, Yosemite National Park, and The Pez Museum. <br />
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And now we are here, back in Sydney, land of kangaroos and <a href="http://aboriginalart.com.au/didgeridoo/what_is.html" target="_blank">didgeridoos</a>. The kids, now nine and ten years old, are back at their old school, wearing those cute Aussie school uniforms and <a href="http://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/news/give-it-a-go" target="_blank">"giving it a go"</a>, reverse-adjusting back to an all-boys school, and the <a href="http://www.floridagirlinsydney.info/2011/06/australian-school-uniforms-and-swearing.html" target="_blank">kids who swear like sailors</a>.<br />
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And here I am getting back up on that writing horse after a very long hiatus, because Sydney was<b><i> </i>not supposed to happen again</b>. It's all very strange, but I'm sure, that I must be back in Australia because I didn't fully get, what I was supposed to get, the first time around.<br />
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And this is what we've left behind...<br />
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Upon moving to America my boys were introduced to baseball-- and became completed obsessed. This is my nine year old making the first pitch of the season.<br />
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And my ten year old: Mr. All Baseball All the Time.<br />
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We tried to tour the It's It ice cream sandwich factory, but ended up with no tour, and just a bunch of ginormous ice cream sandwiches; you can see the disappointment on their faces. Not.<br />
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Our dogs are in America with my mom until October due to changes in the Aussie quarantine laws; my nine year old refuses to look at photos of them, because it makes him cry.<br />
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My sister and the found autograph book she had signed when we were little.<br />
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Basketball clinic with the Harlem Globetrotters.<br />
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Luckily, a month before our move back to Sydney, the Florida grandparents came to San Fran and we took an all-day tour to celebrate my mom's birthday and see a few Bay Area highlights.<br />
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Makes me sad we didn't do more. Broken record much?<br />
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Pier 39.<br />
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Very big trees in Muir Woods with grandparents<br />
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My husband got quality time with his dad during our time in America; it brings me tears. Literally.<br />
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At least we made it to Ghiradelli Square with a visiting Grandma.<br />
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And we ended our big San Fran tour at Scoma's Restaurant for my mom's birthday dinner; this is my mom and sister selfie-taking. These are the times, and people, I will miss the most.<br />
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Goodbye San Fran; hello Sydney. We are back-- older, possibly wiser, and full of sourdough bread.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-63918154578858122762014-02-06T09:25:00.000+11:002014-02-10T17:29:40.404+11:00Surprise: We Are Moving Back to Sydney!<br />
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"Well I didn't see that coming-- like a baby with a mustache." <br />
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- said by my 8 year old, when we told him about moving back to Sydney<br />
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So yes, it's official... we are moving back to Sydney! I could not have imagined this would be happening!</div>
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And so it begins... The Re-Aussiefication of Us.</div>
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Kind of wishing I hadn't taken him to Taco Bell for the first time recently-- shoot!<br />
He's going to be so mad when I tell him there's no <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taco_Bell" target="_blank">running for the border</a> in Sydney.<br />
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And San Francisco has been amazing, though it was sad that the boys' Aussies accents were gone within a couple weeks of our US return :( . <br />
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The kids played little league and were completely obsessed with baseball; not to mention the awesomeness of the Giants winning the World Series, and the 49ers going to the Superbowl the same year we moved here. Ah-mazing.<br />
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I think the dogs will be super happy with this news-- they are Australian Labradoodles after all. And if our luck wasn't already fantastic enough, they just <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/national/new-rules-to-bring-quick-release-from-quarantine-for-imported-pets-20131122-2y1mz.html" target="_blank">changed the quarantine laws</a> in Australia from approximately 30 days minimum to around 10 days! <br />
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Sometimes it just all goes smoothly, and you know it's really meant to be.<br />
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In my head, moving to Sydney a second time seems infinitely less daunting, and easier in every way imaginable. We have our old barbershop, dentists, doctors, school and favorite (or "favourite" as my kids will soon relearn) brekkie spots.<br />
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I am already adjusting my lingo-- we've recently brought back words like petrol and whinge in our house (that's Aussie for "gasoline" and "whine" for my Ameri-friends), and somehow the word "jumpers" was just too ingrained in us, and had never left. <br />
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This time I know what staples to stock up on and bring with us; and conversely, what products I can easily find at Aussie Woolworths, Coles, Bondi Junction, or the glorious Costco Australia.<br />
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Here we go... Australian Adventure Part Deux.<br />
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The boys at the Sydney Opera house, probably around 3 & 4 years old.</div>
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Our big 8 & 10 year olds now: gorgeous, fun, smart, hard working, and last but not least-- adaptable. </div>
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Full steam ahead.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-31831395819165926012012-11-17T21:43:00.003+11:002016-07-29T23:37:55.979+10:00Moving Back to America- 1 Year RepatriationiversaryOne year ago this week, we boarded a swank Virgin Australia airplane and set off for America, softly closing the door on four and a half years, of all things Aussie.<br />
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It seems like a lifetime ago that we spent long, leisurely afternoons at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nielsen_Park" target="_blank">Nielsen Park</a> (Sydney) walking up and down the beach, jumping in the crashing waves, digging our toes into the super soft, fine white sand, and all the while avoiding deadly entanglement in the scary looking shark net; they don't call it Shark Bay for nothing :). <br />
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Walking through the fig trees at Nielsen Park...<br />
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And collecting sea glass...<br />
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This is sea glass from our secret beach in Sydney, sitting in an abalone shell given to us by our tour guide in Tasmania.<br />
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We often remember our favorite (or favourite) places like Oporto, home of the best chicken sandwich in Australia :).<br />
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Before our Aussie departure, they happened to have special cans of Coke with Aussie words on them. I could not have asked for better Aussie blogging material. </div>
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And our favorite Italian-Style Baked Beans with Poached Eggs brekkie (Aussie for breakfast) at Bernasconi's in Rose Bay. </div>
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And then, one fateful day, we came home from school pick up and it was finitely clear, our time in Australia was coming to an end.<br />
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Apparently someone was a baaaad puppy. But that was that, the message was loud and clear. It was time to return to America.<br />
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And in the last twelve months, my children have attended four schools, in two countries, and three states (one Australian, and two American).<br />
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Now my kids wear this to school...<br />
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As many of you know, first we spent four months in Florida.<br />
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Florida was pretty much a lot of this... and have I mentioned it's
about as hot as hell on a sunny day there. Ugh, I hate hot.<br />
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And we've always been a house filled with music, mostly our own. Our
seven year old has been writing music for a couple of years, and in
lieu of a birthday party this year, we went to a <i>real</i> recording
studio in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where thanks to a Groupon type thingy
forwarded to me by my BFF The Fiery Redhead, for the low low price of
$75, he was able to record three of his original songs professionally.
It. Was. Amazing!! Our favorite song "Rock n' Roll" is very catchy,
or, as our guitar teacher says, "He really understands, it's all about "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hook_%28music%29" target="_blank">the hook</a>"."
This video is actually more audio than video, but clearly this child
needs to be on itunes, available for all the world to hear. :)<br />
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And
we soon moved to San Francisco, where the weather is gorgeously sunny
and cool and gorgeous, ALL THE TIME (except this week, but surely that's
just a fluke). And as the months in America rolled by, the boys got
bigger, and louder, and hungrier, and blonder... assumingly, that part was helped very much by lack of the
Aussie "No Hat, No Play" rule, and the California sun.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LM_8AhAim-A/UKc7-u8wjbI/AAAAAAAAAP4/Uf-KNWL5Xgk/s1600/DSC_0206.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LM_8AhAim-A/UKc7-u8wjbI/AAAAAAAAAP4/Uf-KNWL5Xgk/s640/DSC_0206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And our dogs have gotten bigger, and fluffier. <br />
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And some things aren't all that different from Australia to America...<br />
<br />
The barbershops are practically interchangeable.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJpT_23XLHE/UJ9pJylzqDI/AAAAAAAAANk/0A7CLIkva78/s1600/DSC02487.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJpT_23XLHE/UJ9pJylzqDI/AAAAAAAAANk/0A7CLIkva78/s640/DSC02487.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Our Bondi Junction barbershop in Australia.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3096616333/" title="Dualing Barbers"><img alt="Dualing Barbers" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/4/3252/3096616333_b8e5a90121_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>="Dualing Barbers " src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3252/3096616333_78c2836dd5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /><br />
Carl's Barbershop in Davie, FL. Hardcore, old-school barbers.<br />
<br />
And we can even eat Vegemite in either country, though in America Vegemite is at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vegemite-220g-Jar/dp/B002RNZ3PK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352698573&sr=8-2&keywords=vegemite" target="_blank">Lucky-Charms-in-Australia prices. over $12 per jar! </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_EB58XyxZlY/UKdWU6uzMMI/AAAAAAAAARY/X2OgQVEhpVQ/s1600/IMG_3344.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_EB58XyxZlY/UKdWU6uzMMI/AAAAAAAAARY/X2OgQVEhpVQ/s640/IMG_3344.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
And though Australia seems so long ago now, especially I can imagine
even more so for the kids, my seven year old is still "going for the World Record" for
most consecutive days of taking a Vegemite and Cheese sandwich to
school. He's been at this (not exaggerating here) for over three
years. Seriously, should I be calling The Guiness Book" at some point
here??? If you know, please advise. :)<br />
<br />
And our new city looks like this...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Erx_L8PwFSE/UKc4_o7ITGI/AAAAAAAAAPo/IFTtwqI0of8/s1600/DSC04471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Erx_L8PwFSE/UKc4_o7ITGI/AAAAAAAAAPo/IFTtwqI0of8/s640/DSC04471.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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And this...</div>
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<br /></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YlCO_Ecva28/UKCt13zX7EI/AAAAAAAAAO8/DEds7zFpj7M/s1600/DSC04430.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YlCO_Ecva28/UKCt13zX7EI/AAAAAAAAAO8/DEds7zFpj7M/s640/DSC04430.JPG" width="640" /></a>That's actually my mom and sister next to the cable car florist stand :). Yes, the best bonus of moving to San Francisco was that my sister lives here! <br />
<br />
And have I mentioned that my sister is funny? And she is especially, crazy hilarious when she rides Ruby the Labradoodle around my kitchen like a pony. Good times, good times.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tLtKleOKQ6k/UKc4Xo0G6aI/AAAAAAAAAPc/C8NkjqBN63I/s1600/IMG_1667.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tLtKleOKQ6k/UKc4Xo0G6aI/AAAAAAAAAPc/C8NkjqBN63I/s640/IMG_1667.jpg" width="437" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vegemite-220g-Jar/dp/B002RNZ3PK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352698573&sr=8-2&keywords=vegemite" target="_blank"></a>And we somehow squeezed (though I want to say "squoze") in a trip to Alaska this past summer. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--dxHZ0il1MU/UKdDBbtUGXI/AAAAAAAAAQI/St-2bA3JJ4k/s1600/DSC04846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--dxHZ0il1MU/UKdDBbtUGXI/AAAAAAAAAQI/St-2bA3JJ4k/s640/DSC04846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
In our departure city of gorgeous Seattle, we stopped at the<a href="http://www.gatesfoundation.org/Pages/home.aspx" target="_blank"> Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation</a>, a truly inspiring place. <br />
<br />
We cruised with our cousins who came in from Portland, Maine-- and what they, and our children, did not know... was that my in-laws (their grandparents) were joining us for the cruise! So when Grandma and Grandpa from Boca Raton, FL (the crankiest place on earth, no offense Boca-ites:) showed up at the Welcome Aboard Buffet-- well let's just say, it was total shock and awe.<br />
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I've been to Alaska several times, and it never gets old. It's a beautiful place.<br />
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And of course, it's not a cruise without a talent show. I can't help but show off, because my eight year old taught himself to play this on the piano while singing, and I love it. <br />
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<br />
And, my now seven and nine year old boys are in a rock band that plays Weezer and The Beatles and The Ramones and The Sonics. Impressed yet?<br />
<br />
And we were lucky enough to go to a World Series game! It was so so awesome, well except for the two dudes spitting and drooling sunflower seed shells out of their mouths next to us, <b>non-stop the entire game</b>, I kind of vomit a little in my mouth every time I revisit that in my head, and I pity the people who put their stuff down in that spot next game. But I digress... obviously, going to the World Series was amazing, despite the spitting chaos.<br />
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My kids are absolute Giants fanatics, and that is like my husband's dream, for real.<br />
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<br />
The flag on the field at AT&T Park.<br />
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<br />
And finally, after living here for seven months, we <i>finally</i> went to see The Golden Gate Bridge-- just this past weekend. Yes, I am aware that that sounds ridiculous. But here it is, tall and gorgeous, in all its International Orange glory...<br />
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<br />
Not surprisingly, so many people I have met here, are from here. And they don't plan on going anywhere... hence what is believed to be the inspiration for this sculpture on The Embarcadero, by the bay, symbolizing the famous, "I've Left My Heart in San Francisco".<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTBCiKg5zIQ/UKdROCrx6EI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/tcHo4ZAMeQk/s1600/IMG_3757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTBCiKg5zIQ/UKdROCrx6EI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/tcHo4ZAMeQk/s640/IMG_3757.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/S-F-struck-by-love-Cupid-s-big-bow-gets-rise-2751612.php" target="_blank">"Cupid's Span" sculpture, commissioned by the founder of The Gap.</a><br />
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Poof. One year gone.<br />
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Guess it's a good thing I took some photos. :)<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-72997870401324275742012-05-20T06:56:00.000+10:002012-10-18T10:47:56.349+11:00Operation Australia-to-San Francisco: CompleteOur move is complete. We have arrived in San Francisco!<br />
<br />
And I can now say with much certainty, that San Francisco is clearly the mac-daddy of all cities. <br />
<br />
Our move from Australia back to America was a whirlwind of chaos, and stress, and fun, and rekindlings. <br />
<br />
Our repatriation began with a several month long stint in Florida, where I spent my 40th birthday at a restaurant with friends and family, many of whom I hadn't seen since my 35th. And by the way, <a href="http://www.bucadibeppo.com/" target="_blank">Buca di Beppo</a>... you make one sweet-ass plate of meatballs. :)<br />
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Our now 7 & 8 year old boys, had some quality time with their massive posse of first cousins. I Starbucked with my sister-in-law, <a href="http://www.toojays.com/" target="_blank">Too-Jayed </a>with my in-laws, and <a href="http://www.liveloveyogurt.com/0.base.swf" target="_blank">LiveLoveYogurted </a>with my mom and our babysitter, who came us from Australia to help push me through the insanity.<br />
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We tried to have a little down-time and went on a cruise...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/7229201728/" title="DSC_0012 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0012" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7229201728_9ec3b1e14e_c.jpg" width="536" /></a> <br />
Come on, let's be real, is there ever <i>really</i> down-time with two little "energetic" (that's the nice word for it) boys? "Mommy, mom, mom, mom, Mommy, I need you. Mom, can I show you something? Mommy, do you have treats? Mom, mom, mom, mom, maaaaah-m," What??????? What? What? What? "Oh, I forgot what I wanted to say."<br />
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Moving on.<br />
<br />
In St. Maarten we visited an awesomely strange museum/shop of sorts called <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g147347-d2299951-Reviews-Yoda_Guy_Movie_Exhibit_at_Planet_Paradise-Philipsburg_St_Maarten_St_Martin.html" target="_blank">The Yoda Guy</a>. This hidden little, hole-in-the-wall is owned by a British gentleman who designed the character Yoda (as I understand it). And if you buy something, he'll let you walk through his personal collection of movie props and paraphernalia. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/7229076832/" title="The Yoda Man. And the crazy thing is, we both agreed he was very Yoda-ish... like in a dogs-and-owners-who-look-alike kind of way. by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="The Yoda Man. And the crazy thing is, we both agreed he was very Yoda-ish... like in a dogs-and-owners-who-look-alike kind of way." height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5459/7229076832_3b39c45c93_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
This is "The Yoda Guy" and our boys. When we left, there was unanimous agreement that he looked very Yoda-esque, in a dogs-and-their-owners-who-look-alike kind of way :) .<br />
<br />
Anyway, about six weeks ago we finally landed in San Francisco, and we are loving it. Based on the places we've lived (and you know there's been a few :) my first impression is that San Francisco has the topography and landscape of Sydney, with the friendliness and swagger of Dallas.<br />
<br />
And it is only by chance that my sister, who is an amazing acupuncturist and Dr. of Chinese Medicine, specializing in infertility and pediatrics, is here-- she has been living in San Francisco for about nine years and brought us to San Fran's famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_ladies" target="_blank">Painted Ladies</a>, which she lives right near. Having my sister here has been the biggest bonus imaginable. :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/7229123120/" title="DSC03686 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC03686" height="600" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7229123120_3daaccf843_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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And there's more...<br />
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We are living on a real, live mountain!!! Okay, okay, there is the distinct possibility, it <i>may</i>-- I mean <i>MAAAY</i> be... a hill. And there are deer in the neighborhood. And there are plum, loquat, lemon, and Fuji apple trees in the backyard of our house. Seriously, we have all of those in our backyard! Not to mention the kiwi and grape vines-- and the tomato plant I bought at Costco that I am clearly incapable of watering properly.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/7229186802/" title="Ruby a.k.a Lam Lam smiling on her new turf-- literally. by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="Ruby a.k.a Lam Lam smiling on her new turf-- literally." height="800" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5334/7229186802_0f4c09a2c2_c.jpg" width="600" /></a> <br />
Ruby the Labradoodle, taking a big whiff of cool mountain air, while standing on the astroturf in our backyard with a view of San Francisco Bay in the background. Apparently in Northern California, fake grass is the new black. Incidentally, Ruby is the only family member who, six months after arriving in America, still has her Aussie accent.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/7229062094/" title="DSC04422 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC04422" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8007/7229062094_56d808f41c_c.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Three deer in someone's front yard yesterday.<br />
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And after all this traveling and moving and adjusting, I barely want to leave the house these days. I still haven't even seen the Golden Gate Bridge, yes I know, that's crazy. But the good news is, I <i>have</i> left the house to enough to have eaten countless tacos and <a href="http://www.floridagirlinsydney.com/2008/05/food-week-continues-easy-way-tea.html" target="_blank">drank some delicious bubble/ boba tea drinks</a> around town-- I may be feeling tired and lazy, but a girl's got to have her fix. <br />
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This new adventure has been more than I could have imagined so far-- and I am considering that I may need to start up the whole blogging thing again... it's been a while but, hot damn, San Francisco has some stories in store for me... I can feel it my bones. Hmmm, or was that a mild earthquake?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-88754879317331766722011-10-20T16:58:00.005+11:002016-06-18T13:38:18.782+10:00Goodbye AustraliaOver four years ago, we moved to Sydney, Australia with our two and three year old boys-- and a big container filled with "Ameri-stuff".<br />
<br />
And in two weeks, we will leave this gorgeous, amazing city to move to San Francisco, California... another beautiful place where we will embark upon a brand new adventure. <br />
<br />
I have lots of things to say before we go, but for now I'm just going to reminisce in photos about our time here, and how our babies turned into big boys right before our eyes in Sydney, Australia... as professional mini-expats. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2150863714/" nbsp="" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="336" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/3/2213/2150863714_db4f8391e7.jpg" width="448" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
We're moving <b><i>where</i>?</b>?? Florida 2007.<br />
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<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2181678031/" nbsp="" title="Moving Day"><img alt="Moving Day" height="480" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/3/2041/2181678031_ca3d84e98f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The 40 foot container in our driveway in Florida, loading up!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2367176369/" nbsp="" title="Newest Australian Resident"><img alt="Newest Australian Resident" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/3/2197/2367176369_c9fe43c55f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The day after we arrived here, lying on the ground in the courtyard of the townhouse in Double Bay that we rented our first two years here.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2367307329/" nbsp="" title="Brekkie at Top Leaf"><img alt="Brekkie at Top Leaf" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/3/2004/2367307329_8a2939a8f5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Miss Kim, (our preschool teacher from Florida) and the little one, enjoying one of our first babycino's in Double Bay, in a cafe which was short-lived.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2520318059/" nbsp="" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3159/2520318059_4ac0395da3_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>More babycino's at one of our regular spots- "21" on Knox Street in Double Bay.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2220500472/" nbsp="" title="Fountain in Hyde Park"><img alt="Fountain in Hyde Park" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2028/2220500472_218c71a877_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Our first Australia Day in Sydney, in Hyde Park for the festivities.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2368259264/" nbsp="" title="Talking to Grandma"><img alt="Talking to Grandma" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3060/2368259264_a70c33bbab_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Our older one, on the phone with Grandma (a.k.a "G-Unit") in Florida. This picture literally makes me cry every time. :(<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2670259924/" nbsp="" title="World Youth Day 2008 Sydney"><img alt="World Youth Day 2008 Sydney" height="640" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/4/3003/2670259924_46220bed9d_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
World Youth Day, Sydney Australia July 2008, it was total Jesus-mania.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2219808699/" nbsp="" title="Making Bread"><img alt="Making Bread" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/3/2097/2219808699_0abb3878ee_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Making "damper" bread at preschool, it took about 15 minutes for me to understand they were saying "damper bread"-- not "dampa braid". Some things just have to be written down to be understood when there are accent issues.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2476625869/" nbsp="" title="The Cherub in our Garden"><img alt="The Cherub in our Garden" height="640" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/4/3230/2476625869_6039eea98b_z.jpg" width="429" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The thing in our backyard that I loved.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2472222913/" nbsp="" title="Chicken Chips"><img alt="Chicken Chips" height="448" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/3/2222/2472222913_b6f0ba6c9f.jpg" width="336" /></a><br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>I'd say about 80% of chips in Australia fall into the category of "meat flavour", that's Aussie for "flavor".<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3435760309/" nbsp="" title="DSC_0144"><img alt="DSC_0144" height="428" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/4/3603/3435760309_d243ba0653_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Enjoying an Easy-Way tea at Bondi Beach, and when we were there yesterday it appears the Easy Way had shut down... how unfortunate, though timely (for us).<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2482957694/" nbsp="" title="At Taronga Zoo"><img alt="At Taronga Zoo" height="494" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/3/2337/2482957694_cebab2d004_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The view from the zoo. (Taronga Zoo)<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2562829165/" nbsp="" title="Brightmore Reserve Bike Park"><img alt="Brightmore Reserve Bike Park" height="297" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/4/3193/2562829165_c5240c48f7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Primrose Park in Mosman, the cutest bike park in the world.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2598969091/" nbsp="" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3194/2598969091_9ff327f77c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The little gourmet dining on risotto at Peron's in Double Bay.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2875233310/" nbsp="" title="Running Over the Sydney Harbor Bridge"><img alt="Running Over the Sydney Harbor Bridge" height="640" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/4/3253/2875233310_9d0eab4614_z.jpg" width="636" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The Family Fun Run over the Sydney Harbour Bridge (a.k.a The Coat Hanger). Notice the leashes on our children, how sad... or for some-- funny.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2920813953/" nbsp="" title="The Final Result"><img alt="The Final Result" height="640" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3048/2920813953_4b1b20e4a9_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Box construction fun free event at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt... so fun.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3677490109/" nbsp="" title="DSC_0329"><img alt="DSC_0329" height="640" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/4/3586/3677490109_5806bd91ed_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Visits from family were bittersweet, as we knew how much we'd miss them when they left. (G-Unit at the Opera House).<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3803413944/" nbsp="" title="IMG_0651"><img alt="IMG_0651" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2466/3803413944_fdc2b08d94_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The boys climbed their first trees here, in costume of course for this child.<br />
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Those are the townhouses we lived in off to the left, and the brown building is "18 Footers Club" restaurant at the Double Bay Ferry Wharf... where we spent many a weekly date night.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3880459743/" nbsp="" title="Kookaburra on Our Fence"><img alt="Kookaburra on Our Fence" height="419" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/3/2587/3880459743_6d87cd1896_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
A real, live Kookaburra on our fence at the next house we lived in here. Aussies think the way I pronounce Kookaburra is hilarious... I agree.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3892758154/" nbsp="" title="Fathers Day 2009 boys"><img alt="Fathers Day 2009 boys" height="640" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/4/3460/3892758154_47833b71c0_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Ball skills in the backyard, they are growing up so fast.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/4029149744/" nbsp="" title="painting in backyard"><img alt="painting in backyard" height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2700/4029149744_0bb10a762b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Painting in Sydney sun.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/4067207363/" nbsp="" title="Springtime"><img alt="Springtime" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/3/2756/4067207363_f22de22142_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Honeysuckle or jasmine- who cares? Smells amazing and it's everywhere, this was on the oval of our old school.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3677505821/" nbsp="" title="DSC_0387"><img alt="DSC_0387" height="428" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/4/3561/3677505821_a1680255df_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The Rose Bay Sydney Seaplane with the gorgeous views we've enjoyed for the last 4.5 years.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2922400209/" nbsp="" title="Royal Botanic Gardens Train"><img alt="Royal Botanic Gardens Train" height="428" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3133/2922400209_9034e28854_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The mini-train which does tours of Royal Botanic Gardens outside Opera House.<br />
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The Opera House in all it's Aussie glory. I love this place.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3678360044/" nbsp="" title="DSC_0516"><img alt="DSC_0516" height="428" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/3/2659/3678360044_a3c358fbc4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3899379633/" nbsp="" title="Bondi Beach to Coogee Cliff Walk"><img alt="Bondi Beach to Coogee Cliff Walk" height="428" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/3/2541/3899379633_e8fa77046d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Our little boy under a gorgeous sculpture at Sculpture by the Sea Bondi Beach a couple years ago.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3899379633/" nbsp="" title="Bondi Beach to Coogee Cliff Walk"><img alt="Bondi Beach to Coogee Cliff Walk" height="428" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/3/2541/3899379633_e8fa77046d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Views from the Bondi cliffwalk.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3915057900/" nbsp="" title="Festival of the Winds"><img alt="Festival of the Winds" height="640" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/4/3465/3915057900_cbc3c98fe6_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Festival of the Winds at Bondi Beach, an awesome kite-flying festival.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3814039639/" nbsp="" title="City to Surf 2009"><img alt="City to Surf 2009" height="640" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/4/3445/3814039639_45ca9e7c08_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Our favorite waitress from our regular spot, the iconic Dee Bee's in Double Bay; which after being there FOREVER mysteriously shut down a couple months ago-- again, clearly a sign our time here is coming to an end :(<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/4871141508/" nbsp="" title="City to Surf"><img alt="City to Surf" height="640" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/5/4138/4871141508_fbc17f4a62_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Does it get more Aussie than the ANZ Bank?<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/4871130240/" nbsp="" title="City to Surf"><img alt="City to Surf" height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4117/4871130240_0752bb67b4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Or Woolies. Nice sky-writing?<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3227328165/" nbsp="" title="Australia Day Cupcakes"><img alt="Australia Day Cupcakes" height="428" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/4/3519/3227328165_f7c4431950_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The cupcakes our friends brought over for Australia Day one year.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3202841243/" nbsp="" title="The Inside of an Australian Police Office"><img alt="The Inside of an Australian Police Office" height="640" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3474/3202841243_5e17d80e9f_z.jpg" width="542" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The rarely-seen inside, of the Rose Bay Police Station.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3507373698/" nbsp="" title="Burned American Flag Found in the Park"><img alt="Burned American Flag Found in the Park" height="480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/4/3387/3507373698_2c10669277_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
An American flag our friends rescued, it was found in the park with burn marks on it.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/4021046493/" nbsp="" title="DSC_0400"><img alt="DSC_0400" height="428" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/3/2636/4021046493_5ee0b0b66c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The adorable house called "Clanalpine" that we rented in the Blue Mountains... what a great place!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/4391283803/" nbsp="" title="New Puppy Ruby"><img alt="New Puppy Ruby" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/5/4064/4391283803_9e32920f60_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
We got a puppy.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/4409477913/" nbsp="" title="Ruby the New Puppy!"><img alt="Ruby the New Puppy!" height="428" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/3/2705/4409477913_2ee4afa74e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Ruby the Australian Labradoodle. Do you think she'll keep her Aussie accent?<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/4410229690/" nbsp="" title="Bros"><img alt="Bros" height="428" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/5/4069/4410229690_e5776d116a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
We lost teeth.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3202835559/" nbsp="" title="Kings Cross Big Coca Cola Sign"><img alt="Kings Cross Big Coca Cola Sign" height="428" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/4/3262/3202835559_007cb3e4ed_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The famous Coca-Cola sign in Kings Cross.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3203688188/" nbsp="" title="Tribute Art- Rushcutters Bay NSW New South Head Rd"><img alt="Tribute Art- Rushcutters Bay NSW New South Head Rd" height="428" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/4/3469/3203688188_24de2fbf98_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The painting which is ever-evolving we drive by all the time in Edgecliff.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3202844335/" title="Untitled by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="428" src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3202844335_8551af194d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The Dog Beach, also known as Ruby's Happy Place, below the Rose Bay Police Station.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3436591352/" nbsp="" title="DSC_0172"><img alt="DSC_0172" height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3341/3436591352_f9d6cfb451_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The people beach, Bondi Beach.<br />
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The boys and Big Daddy at Bondi.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3291934022/" nbsp="" title="Open Air Cinema"><img alt="Open Air Cinema" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/4/3372/3291934022_bf63844cda_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The St. George Open-Air Cinema, something we made sure not to miss every year!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3455087017/" nbsp="" title="IMG_0005"><img alt="IMG_0005" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3099/3455087017_392d089bac_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
This is a rental car-- and entertainment.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3455935212/" nbsp="" title="IMG_0064"><img alt="IMG_0064" height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/4/3560/3455935212_f179cd74ec_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Our trip to Port Stephens, ah-mazing.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3803461698/" nbsp="" title="Christison Park to Watson Bay Cliff Walk"><img alt="Christison Park to Watson Bay Cliff Walk" height="428" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/3/2623/3803461698_5d6d401a34_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
This is the cliffwalk about five minutes from our house-- it's just gorgeous.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/6148838551/" title="IMG_0339 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0339" height="640" src="https://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6148838551_b0c7fa790b_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
Ruby's Diner, they're not very friendly there-- but they have a cool sign painted on the wall.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/6148744685/" title="DSC00787 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC00787" height="480" src="https://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6148744685_26c2e1978f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
These are always cruising around town, I went on one once-- then hopped off five minutes later and never got back on.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/6148745251/" title="DSC00789 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC00789" height="480" src="https://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6148745251_c28aabe4e8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
And every Sunday after Yum Cha we got a little taste of home-- in the form of an Venti Iced Mocha :).<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3350472636/" nbsp="" title="View from Above"><img alt="View from Above" height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/4/3448/3350472636_3faff6bb89_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
An eagles-eye view of Double Bay which I took from an apartment in Darling Point. I lived here.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5640552280/" title="DSC_0066 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0066" height="428" src="https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5640552280_7469b81007_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
Sam the Puppy. A year younger than Ruby.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/6025070098/" title="DSC_0269 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0269" height="640" src="https://farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6025070098_c271af630e_z.jpg" width="509" /></a><br />
Sam a few months later.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5993417449/" title="DSC01620 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01620" height="640" src="https://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5993417449_448cf242f6_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
Our weekly Sunday outing to the CBD.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5639958933/" title="DSC00578 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC00578" height="480" src="https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5639958933_174e859b6a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
My big boys at the Bellevue Hill Fair, eating fairy floss-- which they will eventually find out is called "cotton candy"... probably right around the time they realize there is no fairy bread at birthday parties in America. <br />
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Sydney, we will miss your gorgeous accents, beautiful beaches, and well-balanced lifestyle. Our children are more Aussie than American, so you will always be in our hearts, and have changed our family forever.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-60810002285622302842011-09-18T02:31:00.005+10:002011-09-18T22:38:20.021+10:00Davis Cup Tennis Tournament Does Sydney: Australia vs. SwitzerlandAll week my attempts to acquire tickets to the Davis Cup Tennis Match turned up dead ends; I stalked Ticketek via phone and website, I called people who might know people, I even showed up at the match on Day 1, stood in line for forty-five minutes with some cranky, snotty old guys dressed up like they were going to high tea--- only to be shut out. <br />
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And my sister said, you'll get tickets. Don't even say that you won't. And I was thinking that same thing, but was slowly starting to accept that it might not happen.<br />
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So I marched on, and with today being Day 2 of the three day tournament, I conceded that sometimes it doesn't all happen-- and that's okay, as Tony Robbins would say, "There are no failures, there are only results."<br />
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Then we went to the seven year old's tennis lesson this morning, during my break from ball-boy duty, I received an eBay message that Davis Cup tickets had just been listed. Upon reaching the seller (a.k.a. "The Ticket Pimp") he says he's at a restaurant a couple minutes away from us, and he has front row seats with our name on them-- for the match that starts in 90 minutes.<br />
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Woooo freaking hoooo! FRONT ROW, BABY!<br />
<br />
So I'm all, "We'll be there in five minutes to get the tickets." And he's all, "First come, first serve-- I'm sittin' here." And I'm thinking, is this for real? I had been willing-it to happen JUST. LIKE. THIS. all week long... and it's really going to? Really? YES! That is, unless we pay, the tickets end up being fake, and we walk away sad losers... hmmm, that sure would be unfortunate. But I am a truster, and I am willing pay the <a href="http://tinybuddha.com/quotes/tiny-wisdom-on-the-power-of-trusting/">trust tax</a> if necessary to believe this is the real deal, because I KNEW it was going to happen all along... I just <i>knew</i> it.<br />
<br />
I jump into action and shout onto the tennis court to my seven year old, whose coach just told him they were going to play a "real match" for the last 15 minutes of their lesson, "Honey, we need to leave-- I got Davis Cup tickets!! I got the Davis Cup tickets!! We need to go get them before he sells them to someone else... let's go!" And then he whines (or whinges if you're Aussie), "I can't go right now, we are about to play a real match. Can't we go <b><i>afterwards</i></b>???"<br />
<br />
At risk of becoming Crazy-Ameri-Mum in public, I think I threatened him with a week of no-ipod if he didn't, "Get in the car NOW!".<br />
<br />
Thankfully, he shut his piehole and we rushed down the street. As we approached the rendezvous point I saw The Ticket Pimp walking anxiously up and down the footpath (that's Aussie for "sidewalk"), he had that I'm-looking-for-someone, but-I-don't-know-what-they-look-like face on... so I was pretty sure it was him. And.... just like that... BAM!... we had front row seats to the hottest game in town, Davis Cup Australia vs. Switzerland.<br />
<br />
After dashing home and wolfing down some <a href="http://www.oporto.com.au/menu/#rappas-and-rolls">Oporto Chicken Rappas</a>, we were on our way.<br />
<br />
I pulled into to my favorite carpark (that's Aussie for "parking lot")-- full. Damn. Headed back onto the main road and BAM! Perfect massive spot to parallel park in, directly across the street from the entrance. Seriously, it seems obvious that our day has come. We have arrived.<br />
<br />
We were late enough that there was no line to enter the Royal Sydney Golf Club, and before we knew it, we were in. Roger Federer, Lleyton Hewitt, Stanislas Wawrinka, and Chris Guccione-- alive and in person-- merely feet from us, or metres if you're all metric and whatnot.<br />
<br />
And if all of this goodness wasn't enough, we were lucky enough to be seated on the west side which was almost completely shaded from the searing Aussie sun which was as strong as it comes today. The little sub-climate at our seats was a cool, breezy 20ish degrees Celsius- that's probably about 65 Fahrenheit?<br />
<br />
It was absolutely gorgeous and ah-MAZ-ing day, and here's a taste of it...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/6155671370/" title="Davis Cup by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="Davis Cup" height="349" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6155671370_6b5bc70048_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The temporary seating we'd seen them put up earlier in the week-- I heard it was three or four thousand seats. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/6155683464/" title="Davis Cup Aussies by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="Davis Cup Aussies" height="425" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6155683464_253916b253_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oy, Oy, Oy! (FYI- our colors are green and yellow).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/6155690540/" title="DSC_0770 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0770" height="428" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6155690540_7b450bc2e3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The tennis-fanatic seven year old and Roger Federer, who would clearly be unaware he is taking part in such an important photo.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/6155126347/" title="DSC_0711 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0711" height="428" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6155126347_1e02ce1266_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Federer in deeply focused, as he should be :).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/6155678620/" title="DSC_0733 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0733" height="428" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6155678620_b8e0068dd4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The award winners for "Most Enthusiastic Fans". They kept the match rockin', literally... those temporary stands are pretty darn flimsy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/6155681024/" title="DSC_0741 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0741" height="428" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6155681024_c2d2bdbfe7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
This was the first professional tennis match I've been to, and was quite intrigued by the umbrella-holding girls during the quick breaks. Note: I am totally in support of as much shade as possible.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/6155704796/" title="DSC_0811 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0811" height="428" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6077/6155704796_c45c45157f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
It was such an exciting match, and the Aussie took it home! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/6155174369/" title="DSC_0852 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0852" height="314" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6155174369_901fa47fe8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
After the match, there were mini-tennis courts set up, which was incredible considering he was harassing me that he wanted to play tennis "RIGHT. NOW." After four hours at a tennis match, he seriously wanted me to take him to play. Could this have been any luckier a find???<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/6155176997/" title="DSC_0859 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0859" height="428" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6155176997_c7098cbb3f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
He was so hot and schweddy after playing tennis with the other kids that we decided the best way to top it all off would be by pouring the remnants of his water bottle on his head for an instant cool-down.<br />
<br />
It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-38099107986869784872011-08-10T14:52:00.008+10:002013-06-06T14:41:30.656+10:00My Little Boys are Ameri-Aussies and I'm Giving Them Tall Poppy SyndromeLast night while he sat in the bathtub, my raspy-voiced seven year-old asked in his Ameri-Aussie accent, "Mum, have you ev-ah her-d the soong 'The Star-<i>Strangled </i>Banner'?" Omigod, I nearly peed in my pants-- the Star <i><b>Strangled</b> </i>Banner???<br />
<br />
I'm now <i>officially</i> quite sure, Angelina and Brad's kids would definitely put mine to shame in the "knowing-about-the-country-you-came-from" category. Wow.<br />
<br />
I said, "Of course I know that song honey-- it's called the 'Star <b><i>Spangled</i></b> Banner'; though, I did think <i>your</i> name for it was very awesome too." And then, I did what any other really wacky parent would do... I busted out in an unusually loud and dramatic rendition of our national anthem. And it wasn't pretty--- though it was quite fun. So fun in fact, that in my tiny bathroom with tiled walls, I must have sang it eight or nine times. Did I mention it was loud? <br />
<br />
Anyway, we ended up googling the lyrics (which there were a few I was unsure of) and singing along to them until bedtime. Needless to say, I'm sure my husband wanted to kill me-- and I'm guessing our neighbors would have helped.<br />
<br />
On a completely different topic, living here in Australia has given me a new perspective on so-called bragging-rights. I never was shy about telling people how awesome my kids were-- until I finally realized that that's not the way most people do things here.<br />
<br />
Instead of the mentality I grew up with, which was along the lines of-- everyone is good at something and if you've got it flaunt it.<br />
<br />
So you can take Florida Girl out of America, but you can't take America out of Florida Girl, so that being said... I feel like showing off my little guys once in a while, and I'm going to right now...<br />
<br />
My seven year old is an amazing tennis player if I do say so myself. Here's proof:<br />
<br />
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<br />
And my little guy is a creative sponge and plans on "being famous" when he grows up. I figured I'd give him a head start here... can't hurt, right?<br />
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<br />
It's as if the talent in our house is seemingly endless...<br />
<br />
So don't be hatin' or cuttin' down these poppies, mate.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-30637994192825811662011-08-02T15:36:00.001+10:002014-02-06T12:10:12.388+11:00Mary Poppins at the Capitol Theatre Sydney<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5993434325/" title="DSC01701 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01701" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5993434325_71c89e515b_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
News Flash: Mary Poppins has landed in Sydney with the help of her highly fashionable, yet mysterious, umbrella... and sporting a harness with strings barely visible to naked-eye of middle-aged mums (moms); one mum specifically (wink, wink), who clearly needs reading glasses (a sad fact made even more evident after attempting to read the $20 Mary Poppins Program book. Hmm, is it just me, or does the print just keep getting smaller???). <br />
<br />
But apparently, trying to get tickets to see the nanny who puts grown men in their place, isn't easy. To get "the good seats" at Sydney's incredibly beautiful Capitol Theatre, we had to book months ago, but lemme tell ya-- it was well worth it! <br />
<br />
Our six and seven year old boys loved it, and so did their parents :).<br />
<br />
And I love going to the Capital Theatre, it's an experience in itself. We saw <a href="http://www.wickedthemusical.com.au/">Wicked </a>there, and also <a href="http://www.tapdogs.com/">Tap Dogs</a>, which was really cool since at the time the boys were taking tap dance lessons at the Tap Dogs Dance School.<br />
<br />
When you enter the Capitol Theatre it feels as if you've stepped into the glamourous days of yesteryear, where people dressed to the nines to see a show, and said things like, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." <br />
<br />
Anyway, luckily for us, the the proximity of Mary Poppins was within walking distance of our regular Sunday morning church, sorry, I mean Yum Cha restaurant (it's <a href="http://www.floridagirlinsydney.com/2011/05/yum-cha-restaurants-in-sydney.html">our religious ritual</a> so I sometimes get confused). So we got ourselves some dumplings, salt and pepper calamari, and Chinese broccoli, then walked in the beautiful, crisp Sydney weather about a kilometre (that's Aussie for 1/2 a mile) over to the Capitol Theatre.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5993993454/" title="DSC01706 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01706" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/5993993454_e15cd611bc_z.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a> <br />
The kids were hoping they'd have popcorn, they didn't. But they did have mini-cans of Pringles and blue Mary-Poppins-flavoured (that's Aussie for "flavored" if I lost anyone there) lemonade slurpee style beverages which came in these handy-dandy souvenir cups... <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5993435811/" title="DSC01708 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01708" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/5993435811_edefaf50be_z.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
We stopped by the cloak room to claim a couple booster cushions for the boys, though they only "boosted" them a couple of inches higher, which wasn't all that helpful when seated behind seemingly ginormous stranger heads.<br />
<br />
Upon entering the theatre, we were shown our seats by a friendly usher who was oh so kind, and gently reminded us to switch off our mobile phones, and that photography was strictly prohibited. We sat down, briefly checked-out our theatre-mates, and got some time to admire our surrondings. Enamored once again by the Capitol Theatre's beauty, I reached for my camera-- and then I stopped, and I thought to myself-- surely he meant no photography <i>during</i> the show, right? Why wouldn't you be allowed to take photos of the inside of the theatre? Duh.<br />
<br />
And so-- snap, snap, sna...<br />
<br />
And with a look of disappointment and disdain, the friendly usher turned on me. "There's absolutely no photography allowed in the theatre, jackass." Okay, well he didn't actually <i>say</i> "jackass", but he didn't need to-- it was implied.<br />
<br />
Boy, my kids sure don't have a good rule-following, role-model in me...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5993436231/" title="DSC01709 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01709" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/5993436231_8cf5de378f_z.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
There you have it, an illegal photo of the inside of the Capitol Theatre. I am a very bad girl.<br />
<br />
Anyway, each actor in this production was outstanding. The actress who played Mary Poppins was amazing. The guy who played "Bert" was really good, and is apparently a judge on one of the innumerable reality talent shows here-- not that that matters. The kids who were on that day were great, and adorable, and all that good stuff. And the supporting actors were all extremely engaging and stole many of the scenes they were in.<br />
<br />
I also thought the adaptation of the show from screen to theatre was done in a very interesting way, if I'm not mistaken, I believe some of the songs were in a different order than in the movie, and there were new songs also.<br />
<br />
In my professional opinion, I would highly recommend going to see Mary Poppins while she's here. It was an absolutely Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious show, and it looks like we're not the only ones who think so, as they took home <a href="http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/marys-a-perfect-poppins-musical-scoops-annual-helpmann-awards/story-e6frfn09-1226106361106">a whole heap of Helpmann Awards last night at the Sydney Opera House</a>, which is not at all surprising news-- because we loved it! <br />
<br />
The end.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-20437501924031019522011-07-22T00:24:00.014+10:002011-09-12T16:01:31.603+10:00Costco Sydney Review, Wooo Hooo MateThe rain here has been torrential, and I had planned on having a quiet day at home, catching up on the many things neglected during the kids three week winter break.<br />
<br />
As I pulled into the house from school drop off (8:45 this morning), my mobile (it's not a "cell phone" here, mate) rang, it was one of my Aussie-MumMates-Down-Under, and this is how it went:<br />
<br />
<b><u>The Convo:</u> </b><br />
<blockquote>Her: You'll never guess where I am?<br />
<br />
Me: Wheeeerrre???<br />
<br />
Her: Costco!!!!!<br />
<br />
Me: Omigod! Is it packed?? Omigod!<br />
<br />
Her: It's empty. <br />
<br />
Me: Shut up! I want to come! </blockquote><br />
So we get off the phone, I call my other girlfriend... and within minutes, me and girlfriend were off to the races! We bolted, in her mini-van (with ample storage), over to Parramatta Road in Lidcombe, to check out Costco Sydney, yeee- haw.<br />
<br />
It was Grand Opening chaos as we pulled up to the massive warehouse; police cars blocked the entrance, as the carpark (that's Aussie for "parking lot") was full. We were directed to the shopping mall across the street, parked quickly without issue, and then followed the parade of "new Gold-Star Members" through the crosswalk, up the ramps and into the Costco entrance. <br />
<br />
By the way, you can stop by for lunch without entering Costco and have a "all pork" Costco hotdog (not the all-beef they are known for in America) or a refreshing beverage, as the snack area is not actually inside the store itself. It's funny because later in the day an employee was telling us, and she was really giddy with excitement about it, that you can get free refills on your drink from the snack area-- it reminded me, we definitely aren't in Kansas anymore and Australia is still a very different place. <br />
<br />
Anywho, let's just say this-- Costco definitely wasn't empty when <i>we</i> got there! haha<br />
<br />
So we probably only covered about 30% of the store during our probably 2+ hours there, as it was absolutely beyond jam-packed; there were staff literally, boxed into a tiny spot on the floor unable to move. Massive gridlock-- though there were a few aisles we were able to cruise through without issue. <br />
<br />
And here's what they had...<br />
<br />
American stuff you don't see often in Australia like:<br />
<ul><li>Bounce Dryer Sheets</li>
<li>Febreeze</li>
<li>Poppycock Popcorn Snack</li>
<li>Lots of Kitchenaid items, though they seemed to be at normal Aussie prices</li>
<li>Many Kirkland brand (that's Costco's private label) items-- like coffee, baby wipes, lots of other widely-used American Kirkland items</li>
<li>And... </li>
</ul><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5960799604/" title="IMG_0855 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0855" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/5960799604_bef0822cd8.jpg" width="374" /></a> <br />
Downy Fabric Softener, so nice to see you old Ameri-friend, too bad you've been replaced with Epsom Salt.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5960240773/" title="Dr pepper by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="Dr pepper" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/5960240773_eb0b733b3d.jpg" width="428" /></a><br />
Australians have no idea what Dr. Pepper is, as proven by the convo (that's Aussie for "conversation") heard next to the Dr. Pepper cases.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5960239337/" title="IMG_0861 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0861" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/5960239337_732c5edcc1.jpg" width="374" /></a><br />
Kosher Dill Vlasic Pickles down under, wow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5960192651/" title="DSC01583 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01583" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6029/5960192651_0401919fe5.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
I never thought I'd be so happy to see Lay's. I would probably never buy them in the US with all the other choices, but here, just seeing the logo gave me a little smile.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5960191959/" title="DSC01580 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01580" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/5960191959_c35ba2c97b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
OMG... I thought I hit the jackpot when I saw this-- then I noticed the Kirkland brand Organic Peanut Butter-- it's like the US Smuckers brand style-- all natural, no sugar, needs to be stirred. That was a real win for my six year old and he doesn't even know it yet.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5960192879/" title="DSC01584 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01584" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5960192879_1eda7a451c.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
This makes me feel like I'm at Costco.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5960193433/" title="DSC01586 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01586" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/5960193433_c51d27e08a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Definitely something you don't see in Australia.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5960194083/" title="DSC01589 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01589" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5960194083_e2dd34a97e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Best baby wipes in the world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5960752712/" title="DSC01587 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01587" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5960752712_2103cb509e.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Should've, could've, would've. Damn, why didn't I get the Swiss Miss???<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5960797366/" title="IMG_0859 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0859" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/5960797366_db2d8fabb1.jpg" width="374" /></a><br />
Duh, it would be Costco Australia without insanely large tubs of Vegemite.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5960191411/" title="DSC01578 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01578" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6010/5960191411_7a06027fd6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Lamb cutlets, you've made my life a lot easier, thank you for converting my vegetarian six year old back to meat. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5960191171/" title="DSC01577 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01577" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/5960191171_a8404cbb7f.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Passionfruit, something we've learned to love, especially with vodka.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5960752168/" title="DSC01585 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01585" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/5960752168_f56c8a80f6.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
Massive boxes of Weet-bix, it's like the Wheeties of Australia; perhaps you could say it's the national breakfast cereal?<br />
<br />
Random list of other things they had: <br />
<ul><li>Twinning tea massive pack of 3 varieties.</li>
<li>Beef fillet for $31.99/kilo (which is pronounced in Australia like it rhymes with "skillet" instead of with "ballet")-- that's about half the price than our local butcher.</li>
<li>Treadmills, TVs, Vacuum Cleaners, Small Appliances of all kinds.</li>
<li>Walk in refrigerator full of fresh produce like kilo sized bags of asapargus (that's 2.2llbs), ginormous bags of baby spinach and rocket (Aussie for "arugula"), leeks (the new onion in my house), and container of beautiful baby-capsicums (capsicums = bell peppers) that my Fiery Redhead taught me to roast to perfection. </li>
<li>Swingsets, they call them "cubbyhouses" here.</li>
<li>Books.</li>
<li>Clothes</li>
<li>Fresh Pizzas-- the boxes say "Take and Bake" $15.99 for a seafood pizza that looked amazing.</li>
<li>Larger than normal packs of: milk, eggs, yogurts, all kinds of frozen items, </li>
</ul>Disappointed that they didn't have American breakfast cereals.<br />
<br />
Disappointed to see the Kitchenaid appliances were the same price as other Aussie stores.<br />
<br />
Disappointed the Costco hotdogs were not the all-beef ones from the US, all-pork Aussie-style ones are just not at all the same. <br />
<ul></ul><br />
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View from the cashier line chaos.<br />
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And after waiting about thirty minutes in line to check out, maybe less-- we put our Costco Rainy Day Escape Plan into action. My friend was going to get the her car at the mall across the street, while I waited with the two Costco carts at the Tyre Centre (that's Aussie for "Tire Center":)<br />
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And if it wasn't already our lucky day-- well guess what, it was about to be.<br />
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As it was raining cats and dogs, my friend organizes permission from the police brigade to enter the "full" Costco carpark and pick me up with the goods. She arrives, backs the mini-van, which makes me miss my American Honda Odyssey (the Aussie one is a stationwagon type vehicle), right under a nice convenient awning at the Tyre station so we can load, when one of the Tyre Centre guys comes out and says something about a flat tire-- and we're thinking he's probably shooing us away from stopping in that area. Then we realize, he's actually saying we've got a flat tire.<br />
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Can you imagine, a flat tire discovered while your car is parked illegally in front of a Tyre Centre? Haha, it doesn't get much luckier than that :). <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5960195379/" title="DSC01596 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01596" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5960195379_cc9f737e93.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
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Needless to say, three new tires and three new //Costco-employee-best-friends later... we were on our way home to do school pick up and tell our children how lucky the are to have mums (aka "moms") who buy them Costco-size cases of single-serving Pringles. <br />
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Costco Sydney/Auburn/ Lidcombe/ or whatever confusing suburb you're in.....<br />
You rock!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-84477730941437128912011-06-22T21:46:00.005+10:002014-09-11T22:24:13.727+10:00Australian School Uniforms and Swearing in Australia, Bloody Hell Dammit<div id="allsizes-photo">
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Pop into the shops in most Aussie suburbs between the hours of 3 and 4pm, and you will most likely be quite entertained as you see kids of all ages gussied up in their adorable Australian school uniforms.<br />
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After four years here, I am sold on the whole uniform thing. In fact, I'll go as far as to say, the more formal the better. Dare I declare... it sets a tone; it creates an atmosphere. It makes boys acting naughty, still be, boys acting naughty; <i>but</i> they look <i>extra</i> adorable while doing it, haha. In my opinion.</div>
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So you can imagine the cuteness factor a couple of years ago, when my oldest child was in Kindy (that's Aussie for Kindergarten) and I would walk into their classrooms and see all their cute little Aussie friends, with all their cute little Aussie accents, in their cute little uniforms. And one day, whilst the kids were putting their "morning tea" (that's Aussie for "snack") in their designated spot, a little boy I was quite fond of drops his bag on the floor, exploding with an enthusiastic, "Dammit!".<br />
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My jaw probably dropped to the floor, and in my best Homer Simpson voice, I was like, "Doh???". Did that little mister five-year old cutie-pants just shout out "dammit" and no one even blinked an eye? Huh? I'm no Pollyanna, and I can swear like a truck driver when necessary... or, for no reason at all. </div>
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Anyway, so over the last couple of years there have been many a playdate and/ or a birthday party and/ or a school drop off, where "dammit" and "what the hell" are flying out of babes mouths like it's nothin'. So finally, I asked a friend of mine... (about 10 seconds after her son said both these words in front of all of us), "Um, hey girlfriend-- are dammit and hell bad words in Australia, or are they not? Because in the U.S. you really wouldn't hear little kids talking like that." (At least as far as I know, but then again, my kids were two and three years old when we moved here).<br />
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And then I stopped, and then I thought-- hmm, I wonder if the word "bloody" is actually worse than "hell" or "dammit". So I asked the question-- who knows, could that be true? Guess what, assuming my friend wasn't just messing with me... "bloody" is actually worse.<br />
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You'd think after all my time here, I would have picked this knowledge up along the way. Apparently, I'm a little slow on the uptake, but now I am well-informed of what the <i>really</i> bad word is.<br />
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So last week, newly enlightened on the swearing front, I stood by as the boys and their classmates were slowly unpacking their morning tea bags, so I chimed in with, "Speed it up kiddos, and get the fuck out to the field." The Aussie mums (moms) quickly turned around and glared at me (more than usual).<br />
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And I'm not really sure where this all went awry -- it's not like I said <i>bloody</i> field. </div>
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I guess I'll never really fit in here.<br />
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**Update: I didn't really swear at a bunch of seven year olds, and if my kids said "dammit" or "hell" there <i>totally</i> would be no ipods for <i>who knows</i> how long :). </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-33026579994248062572011-05-19T14:46:00.004+10:002013-01-21T17:23:04.310+11:00Australian Prices vs. American PricesPeople living in Australia- natives, expats, whomever... are well aware (or if they're not, they should be) that Aussie prices are OUT. OF. CONTROL.<br />
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As painful as this is, I will now prove the point with cold hard comparisons. Keep in mind, this is not entirely a fair fight as Australia has only about 22,000,000 people available to buy stuff (a.k.a consumers) and America has over 307,000,000. <br />
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1. <b>New Balance "Rock and Tone" sneakers</b>, or "joggers" as they say in Australian. <br />
<b>Model #WW1870</b><br />
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<b>Australia: </b><br />
<a href="http://www.shopnewbalance.com.au/newbalance/product/WW1870SB">New Balance Australia's price</a>: $170 AUD (equal to $181 US dollar as of today), with free shipping and 10% off through May 25.<br />
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<b>America:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.zappos.com/new-balance-ww1870-silver">Zappos in America price:</a> Originally $84, currently on sale for $68. Free shipping within the U.S., as in to my mom who can forward them on to me.<br />
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Ouch, that was painful. I wanted to buy these today, and I probably will... only downside is that there's no instant gratification, and I'll have to pay about $30USD shipping for my mom to send them to Sydney. Bottom line is, including postage to Australia, I'll still only end up paying only $98USD (which is currently $91AUD). Yay, for me.<br />
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2. <b>Aqua Sphere Kids Seal Goggles</b>, we love these goggles and would literally have them mailed across the world to have them.<br />
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<img alt="Aqua Sphere Seal Kid Swim Goggle" border="0" class="prod_image_selector" height="300" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41VEEX3PR7L._AA300_.jpg" width="300" /> </div>
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<b>Australia: </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.rebelsport.com.au/ecom/rebel/product_detail.aspx?id=30464&cat=703">Rebel Sport's price:</a> (comparable to a Sports Authority store in America) $39.99 + shipping (as of today that is equal to $42USD + shipping).</div>
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<b>America:</b> </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Sphere-Seal-Clear-Translucent/dp/B00005LJDQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1305174290&sr=8-3">Amazon.com's price:</a> (who is normally not necessarily the least expensive but does offer free shipping) $18USD with free shipping, at least for me as I pay for a yearly "Prime" membership, which as you can say is clearly worth it!</div>
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If I assume shipping from the US to Australia would be about $10 for this item (it would actually probably be about $5USD when packed with a boatload of other stuff), that would make the total cost including shipping down under about $28AUD. Probably only worth saving the money if I didn't need them in a hurry and was having a bunch of other things shipped.</div>
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Well that wasn't quite as painful as the shoes, but still gives you an idea of the astronomical prices here.</div>
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So here's one of my favorite (that's "favourite" for my Aussie friends) comparisons, it actually still shocks me when I see it... Ralph Lauren clothing.</div>
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Well I would have loved to compare Ralph Lauren clothing, because the prices in Australia are absolutely out of control. But since they don't even sell it online down under, I'm not able to provide any solid comparisons here. I can however compare Ralph Lauren cologne prices... though anyone who actually knows me knows, don't wear it around me or you're likely to have me start on a tangent of complaining about the smell (of any mens cologne that is:).<br />
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<b>3. Ralph Lauren Big Pony Cologne #1 </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ralph-Lauren-Big-Pony-Collection/dp/images/B003Z7X3OK/ref=dp_image_2_0?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&img=0&color_name=2" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="Ralph Lauren Big Pony Collection #1" border="0" height="300" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KyJGRbR-L._AA300_.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div>
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<b>Australia:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_832270700">Myer.com.au </a><a href="http://gifts.myer.com.au/au_ralph-lauren-polo-big-pony-1-edt-125ml_d_9323.aspx">price</a> $125AUD + $8 shipping. Ouch. As of today that is equal to $132USD. </div>
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<b>America: </b> </div>
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<a href="http://gifts.myer.com.au/au_ralph-lauren-polo-big-pony-1-edt-125ml_d_9323.aspx">Amazon.com price</a> $61USD. Never mind the fact that we could probably find this at Marshalls or TJMaxx for $10.99 or less. Clearly there are signs I am needing a U.S. shopping trip, and maybe a lap around an American outlet-mall circuit.<br />
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4. <b>KitchenAid Mixer</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0000DEKCA/ref=dp_image?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&img=MAIN&color_name=1" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixers" border="0" height="300" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41VVnwVlRFL._AA300_.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Australia:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.kitchenwaresuperstore.com.au/kitchenaid-ksm-150-stand-mixer-white-p-4854.html">Kitchenwaresuperstore.com.au price</a> is $679AUD, that's currently $720US. OMG. Seriously? Though I will admit, I do love me some Kitchenaid small appliances.<br />
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<b>America: </b><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KSM150PSER-Artisan-5-Quart-Empire/dp/B00005UP2P/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1305778800&sr=8-2">Amazon.com price</a> is $243. Sorry, but that is an absolutely redonkulous with a capital D. Unfortunately when it comes to items that must be plugged into a wall, you probably won't be able to use your American 110volt ones in Australia, because even with a transformer, they are likely to eventually stop working... I know this from personal experience. Dear <a href="http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KHM5APWH-5-Speed-Ultra-Power/dp/B000BVZ5X0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1305809891&sr=8-2">Kitchenaid hand mixer</a>, I miss you. Love, Me.<br />
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So there you have it... if you are considering a move to Australia and are thinking-- of course it's more expensive-- but <i>how much more could it really be.</i>... well the answer is, a <b>lot</b> more!<br />
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Though before I wrap this up, I should mention that there is one area in which Australia's prices kick America's prices ass, and that's in anything related to healthcare-- for example, we had an x-ray here last week (2 images) and it cost $75, with no insurance. Not sure how much that would cost in the U.S., but I'm guessing somewhere over at least $200. <br />
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Anyway, my advice to anyone moving here would be, if you are already shipping a container with furniture, etc. then load up any and every thing you need and like and may ever imagine you want. And definitely do NOT leave things in the U.S. and think you'll just buy new ones here-- because new ones here (of whatever) will be potentially double to quadruple the price. <br />
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Anyone for an $18 hamburger?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-19123353515842159422011-05-06T17:25:00.007+10:002016-06-18T13:44:43.730+10:00Yum Cha Restaurants in SydneyBack in Dallas, Texas, when our oldest child was six months old, we forwent the traditional first food of rice cereal, opting for a more exotic "introductory to solids" of steamed dumplings instead. (exaggeration) So it's not surprising that while many spend their Sunday mornings at church, our Sunday morning religious experience is referred to as "Yum Cha"-- or "Dim Sum" as they say in America.<br />
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Back in 2003 and 2004 We used to go with our friend Auntie Abby to a Dim Sum restaurant in Dallas's Chinatown area, it was one of those massive banquet-style restaurants with over the top crystal chandeliers and seating for probably upwards of 1000 people.<br />
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Luckily for us, Sydney has no shortage of great Liberace-motif-esque Yum Cha restaurants. And at this point, I'd say we've officially done the Yum Cha circuit in Sydney, and I'm prepared to share our findings... <br />
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So here are some Sydney Yum Cha restaurant reviews which I hope will be helpful to others in their quest for the perfect <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaomai">shu-mai</a>.<br />
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I'll start with our favourite...<br />
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1. At <b><a href="http://www.palacechinese.com.au/">The Palace</a></b> in the Sydney CBD's Picadilly Tower, they call our six year old "The Dumpling King." No seriously, when we walk in-- they say, "Why helloooo Dumpling King". And then, the child who declared himself a vegetarian about six months ago, and adamantly refused to consume any type meat, proceeds to sit down and eat at least eight-ten dumplings (some of which contain pork)-- <b> every single weekend</b>-- he stocks up, like a chipmunk-- <i>fur</i> real, haha.<br />
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We highly recommend their prawn and snow pea dumplings, shumai, and seafood shumai. Any of the BBQ pork buns varieties are excellent; steamed, donut style, and pastry triangles. Yum. The kids beg us to get them chocolate mousse from the dessert cart, and if they've behaved really well, we oblige.<br />
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I'll safely assume we can call this the "fried food cart". The fried scallops are excellent, the hubby and kids love the fried prawn dumplings.<br />
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And here is a photo of "The Dumpling King" with our most-favourite (favorite) waiter.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5514792716" nbsp="" title="DSC00442"><img alt="DSC00442" height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5137/5514792716_eb3f253d36_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5571110598/" title="Yum Cha by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"></a> <br />
Did I mention we bring our own training chopsticks for the kids? The waiters must think we are total wackos. (Note the chandelier in background).<br />
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2. Another Yum Cha we go to, especially when we're looking for somewhere interesting to take out-of-town visitors, is the <b><a href="http://www.fishermanswharf.com.au/sydney-yum-cha">Fisherman's Wharf Seafood Restaurant</a> </b>at <b>The Sydney Fish Market</b> in Pyrmont. It's basically a massive, brand new, sparkley clean restaurant, upstairs at the back of the fish market, with gorgeous water views over what I believe is Black Wattle Bay.<br />
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One of the maitre-d's here is extremely friendly and helpful. And he and/ or a few others will often go out of their way to find the specific dumpling or item you are looking for if it hasn't come around yet. The dumplings here are good, the dessert buns are possibly better, and the views and atmosphere (as Yum Cha restaurants go) is second to none.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/4483350269/" nbsp="" title="CIMG1438"><img alt="CIMG1438" height="480" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/3/2768/4483350269_ec82d3cd97_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
The boys and BooBoo the Bunny waiting for the dumpling cart to come, at the gorgeous sun-filled Fisherman's Wharf Seafood Restaurant Yum Cha at Sydney Fish Market.<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.phoenixrestaurants.com.au/sky-phoenix/yum-cha">Sky Phoenix</a>, located in Sydney CBD's Pitt St. Mall, is definitely a delicious Yum Cha choice. And if we were going solely based on food quality, this could possibly be our number one choice. But for us, it seems less convenient to get to, and not as child-friendly as the other places. Sky Phoenix's food and service has been excellent, but we have found this to be a smaller feeling, and more formal atmosphere. My husband and I have also dined at Sky Phoenix for dinner-- and that was absolutely yum-tastic. Sky Phoenix also has a massive restaurant in the Rhodes Shopping Centre (or known in our house as "the IKEA mall"), would say it's still good eats, but not the same as the CBD location.<br />
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4. <a href="http://www.marigold.com.au/html/marigold.htm">Marigold Restaurant</a> on George Street in Sydney's Chinatown is another Yum Cha we'd recommend. In our experience, the food is good, but the service is quite lacking. It was somewhat difficult to get the items we wanted, and with two impatient little boys, and a language barrier that seemingly could not be broken, for us, there were issues here.<br />
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Regal Restaurant on Sussex was also supposed to be on this list, but after finding that they have "<a href="http://www.marigold.com.au/RegalMerging.php">merged with Marigold"</a>, it looks like they've basically shut the Regal Restaurant down.<br />
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5. <a href="http://www.bodhi.id.au/">Bodhi Yum Cha </a>in Sydney directly outside the entrance to the Cook & Phillip Pool complex is a cute<b> </b>little<b> vegan</b> Yum Cha spot. Most of the seating is outside, with a friendly staff and good selection of obviously solely vegetarian pickings-- I'm guessing it's likely the only vegetarian/ vegan Yum Cha in town. So if you're not a vegetarian, but hungry nonetheless and it the neighborhood, it's worth giving a try. However, if you're craving a traditional porky and prawny Yum Cha, this is probably not going to scratch that itch.<br />
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6. And in this case we will <b><i>not</i></b> say "last but not least", because <a href="http://www.kamfook.com.au/index.htm">Kam Fook</a>, the Yum Cha at Bondi Junction mall would definitely come in a far last in my little black Yum Cha book. Kam Fook belongs in a mall-- at the food court. Sorry. This has been a restaurant often used for school-mum (that's "mom" for all y'all yanks) meetups. And the food, combined with the dodgy service, and sweat-box area in the back under the un-tinted windows makes for a big loser in my one-woman Sydney Yum Cha competition. But if you're in the beautiful Bondi Junction Mall and need Yum Cha-- give it a try, it's okay. Though in the food court on level 5 there is a tiny dumpling place directly next door to Yumba (the fallafel shop)that recently opened, where they make the dumplings in front of you that is probably more delicious.<br />
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So there you have it-- we love dumplings, shumai, steamed pork buns, Chinese broccoli, soya noodles, spring rolls, fried prawn dumplings, custard buns, Chinese donuts and chopsticks.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-45957896928071856112011-04-23T00:02:00.006+10:002016-06-18T13:47:23.773+10:00Puppy LoveShe was older, wiser-- she'd been around the block... many, many times I might add.<br />
He was young. Innocent. In an unfamiliar, new place. <br />
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For several days, the tension in the air could have been cut with a knife. They gingerly danced around each other, neither wanting to make the first move.<br />
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He tried to get close to her; she turned away, pretending not to notice him.<br />
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When he wasn't looking, she'd watch him longingly from across the room.<br />
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And in a moment of weakness, as she lightly dozed off on the lounge (that's Aussie for couch), her gorgeous blonde curls shining in the light...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5640558258/" title="DSC00743 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC00743" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5640558258_7bb61eb4d8_z.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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he could resist her no more. And <i>she</i> could feel his eyes piercing her, like the intense Australian sun on summer day.<br />
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And <i>he</i> couldn't stop staring, and he knew what he needed to do.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5640557840/" title="DSC_0156 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0156" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5640557840_e045eb7058_z.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a><br />
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So he played hard to get, because he didn't want to seem too eager...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5640523576/" title="DSC00689 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC00689" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5640523576_c6e5d4cb33_z.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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And he spent some time with the guys, trying to play it cool, ya know-- like it's all about bromance and stuff.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5639955619/" nbsp="" title="Baby Sam"><img alt="Baby Sam" height="502" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5306/5639955619_2bd20d7833_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5640552280/" title="DSC_0066 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0066" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5640552280_7469b81007_z.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5639983289/" title="DSC_0106 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0106" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5301/5639983289_3fc20fc438_z.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a><br />
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But in the end, a surprise visit (from the gardener, to re-sod the hole <i>someone</i> dug) brought them together-- at the window to gawk.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5642956718/" title="DSC_0141 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0141" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5642956718_2328c0e49f_z.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
And that night the deal was sealed... <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5643443728/" title="Sam and Ruby sleeping by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="Sam and Ruby sleeping" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/5643443728_26ed1a010b_z.jpg" height="640" width="583" /></a><br />
<br />
And so began a love that will last them their lifetimes.<br />
<br />
Welcome to the family Baby Sam, we are so happy to have you here you little hunk of chocolate Labradoodle love.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-38346630654112871762011-04-15T23:58:00.008+10:002014-02-06T12:15:29.446+11:00Eczema and Alkaline Water and Epsom Salt and Cerave Cream, Oh MyWe've got issues.<br />
<br />
We've got a nut allergy. And a rash which started as little red patches on my son's arms, but has turned into a horrific, two-year long nightmare. <br />
<br />
It's eczema, and it's severe. And it makes me cry every day. <br />
<br />
And you could go crazy trying to eradicate any and every thing that could possibly be causing it. Should we rip out the carpet? Are the bed sheets <i>organic</i> cotton? Is it the detergent? Could it be the dye they used on the sheets? Maybe it's the pillows, or the grass? It seems worse after some meals-- is it the milk? or the fruit? or broccoli? Could it be artificial food colors, or possibly natural food colors (or "colours" for my Aussie friends)? Seriously, I don't want to bore you, but this kind of useless banter could go on and on for days-- or longer.<br />
<br />
And dermatologists are crap. Of course, if you are a dermatologist reading this and are offended, please feel free to tell me what <i>you</i> suggest to treat eczema. And should your advice relieve my child's eczema I will retract this statement, and publicly, profusely apologize to all dermatologists whose feelings I may have hurt.<br />
<br />
Back to dermatologists being crap, dermatologists seem to think it's okay to slather a young child in steroid ointments and call it a day... even if it means the condition comes back two weeks later with a vengeance. And if you even mention fish oil or, god forbid, anything <i>natural</i> to them, they'll look at you and vehemently insist there is no <i>proof</i> that any of these things help. I am generalizing, but I have seen several and they appear to be clones of one another. And considering that my wonderful sister is a pediatric acupuncturist and Dr. of Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, I have an amazing advocate in my corner.<br />
<br />
Anyway, in my search for a cure for eczema, I've recently learned about acidity and alkalinity in the body, and the not so easy balancing act required to "get alkaline". We've even purchased this contraption which, if I'm understanding this correctly, electrocutes your water with magnets and sparkles, then divides molecules and something else, and ultimately dispenses <i>magic</i> water that is high in alkaline, or conversely, water high in acidity. And if you read up on this magic Kangen water, you will quickly find out that the different levels of alkaline or acidity can be used to do things you never imagined you can do with water... like sterilize things (not people) and wash fruit. Well you can wash fruit with regular water too, but not half as well :).<br />
<br />
And so now in our house we are drinking the Kangen water kool-aid. A water so perfect, and delicious, and molecularly amazing, that we just cannot get enough.<br />
<br />
This water is like crack.<br />
<br />
And my children have even mastered using the countertop (that's "benchtop" for my Aussies) Levelux Kangen water machine, and can choose their own level of Kangen water, so they can make their own kiddie-water-crack.<br />
<br />
The other thing we've done recently (in addition to the numerous supplements, and coconut oil slatherings, and <a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Kinesiology">kinesiology</a> appointments), is that we're taking baths in Epsom Salt.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/care2-health-benefits-magnesium.html">Epsom salt</a>, like witch hazel (which I've used for about 20 years as my face cleanser), is old, tried, and true blue. So what does Epsom salt do? The answer is more like-- what does Epsom salt <i>NOT</i> do???<br />
<br />
Epsom salt is actually Magnesium Sulfate, which according to my close friend, Google, numerous studies show that magnesium deficiency is the root of all evil, and is potentially a factor in many, many childhood epidemics-- including autism, ADHD, asthma, and last but not least, eczema. In fact, the benefits of Epsom salt don't stop there... magnesium helps the neurological system function mo bettah. It alleviates arthritis, can help Alzheimer's patients, and improves circulation. Seriously, the list goes on and on and on.<br />
<br />
Apparently, magnesium is difficult for our bodies to absorb when taken in supplement form, but interestingly enough, it is easily and best absorbed through our skin. So needless to say, we are bathing in it, a cup of Epsom salt and a spoon of coconut oil and a lot of lukewarm water-- it's like a party in a tub. <br />
<br />
So this is where we're at, drinking Kangen alkaline water to neutralize acidity inside, and bathing in Epsom salt to extract toxins and do other things to "fix" us.<br />
<br />
Bottom line is, we are going to close this eczema chapter. No seriously, we are. I fully support the notion that eczema needs to be treated "from the inside out", and that, my friends, is exactly what we're going to do. <br />
<br />
As I massage lotions and ointments into the red splotches, I tell my baby again, and it's something we talk about often-- everyone's got something. And we are lucky that our "something" is what it is. Our conversation then often turns to whether or not we'd want to trade our problems, for someone else's, and some of the issues other children and/ or adults may face. And even at this young age he understands, and I reassure him-- this may be hard, but it's only for now. We are totally going to kick eczema's ass... very, very soon. For real. <br />
<br />
** Update January 2012 ** Our eczema is 100% gone. In saying that I should note we don't even allow the word to be uttered in our house. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/CeraVe-Moisturizing-Cream-16-Ounce/dp/B001V9SXXU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" target="_blank">Cerave Cream </a>is an absolute godsend. Please try this cream on your children or yourselves or anyone who is suffering. Yes it will sting for about 1 minute if your skin is irritated, but after a few days there will be no stinging because your skin will be in repair mode!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-20987954272533710212011-03-08T14:51:00.008+11:002016-06-18T13:49:08.232+10:00Mexican Restaurants in SydneySo this one time in Florida, I was having a Cinco de Mayo party and I printed up these cute invitations that said, "Come Join Us for a Mexican Siesta!". <br />
<br />
Spanish lesson of the day:<br />
<br />
Fiesta = party.<br />
Siesta = nap.<br />
<br />
And if you're in Australia inviting people to a Cinco de Mayo party, then don't worry, virtually no one down under speaks Español, so even if you've screwed up all your Spanish verbage on the invitations, they'll have no idea what you're saying, and they'll never have heard of Cinco de Mayo to begin with. No worries mate. <br />
<br />
Have I mentioned that in eighth grade my friend Pedro taught me how to say lots of swear words in Spanish? Very useful throughout the years.<br />
<br />
Moving on...<br />
<br />
If you're from Mexico, or California, or Texas then you probably will never be happy with the likes of Mexican restaurants in Australia-- or in other U.S. states for that matter. But if you're in Australia, and jonesing desperately for burritos or tacos or guacamole-- I'm here to help you get your Mexi-fix. But I must warn you... the choices are limited and there's no chile rellenos, at least not that I've found.<br />
<br />
So I've done the hard work (eating Mexican food all over Sydney), and I'm ready to share my brief reviews of the best Mexican restaurants in Sydney.<br />
<br />
Listed in my personal favorite order:<br />
<ul>
<li>Poco Cantina in Randwick. Unfortunately for all of us, they have no website... but they do make up for it with their pulled beef chimichangas which are <i>almost</i> Texas quality (that's my baseline for comparison purposes; though I know that just doesn't cut it with Californians). Their fajitas are very good. The margaritas are the best I've had in Sydney. And the waitstaff is very friendly, we usually have this young American waiter who is great. It's kid friendly and casual. And I like to drink many of their margaritas. And their margaritas are good. Is it margarita time yet?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bajacantina.com.au/">Baja Cantina</a> in Glebe. We don't go to Baja Cantina as much as I'd like, simply because it's not as convenient as other restaurants for us. But their food is really good, the American owner is very nice, and the restaurant is family-friendly, with a bonus of being located next to a <a href="http://www.sanchurro.com/index.php">most excellent chocolate shop</a>. </li>
</ul>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2670065272/" nbsp="" title="Baja Cantina Glebe"><img alt="Baja Cantina Glebe" height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3131/2670065272_e6f162b0c0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/2674264252/" nbsp="" title="Baja Cantina Glebe"><img alt="Baja Cantina Glebe" height="428" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/4/3024/2674264252_1bf3748378_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.beachburritocompany.com/">Beach Burrito Company</a> at Bondi Beach. A <a href="http://www.chipotle.com/en-US/Default.aspx?type=default">Chipolte</a>-esque, hole in the wall style chain of quickie-Mex at the north side of Campbell Parade directly across from the beach. Think super-beachy casual, bikinis and dreadlocks crowd letting it all hang out, sitting at tall, sometimes communal tables with barstools. Burrito Beach Company has some most excellent frozen margaritas. Just between you and I, the last time we did a takeaway order (that's Aussie for "takeout"), my husband smuggled a margarita out the door and got it home to me still frozen! Woo-hoo! He's a wild man. And I'd recommend many of the items here-- but most specifically any of the items filled with "Green Chile Pig" or their chili. The fish tempura burritos are pretty good too. And the mango salsa is yum. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.cafepacifico.com.au/">Cafe Pacifico</a> in Darlinghurst. Cafe Pacifico was the first Mexican restaurant we found in Sydney, and was the only Mexican place we went to for about a year. The food is very good, we usually ordered the fajitas and burritos. The downside is that the service is not great, and the restaurant is extremely loud, as in let my 6 & 7 year old boys scream at the top of their lungs in the middle of the restaurant and no one will notice (literally). It's pretty much a party place-- and you know how us old, oldtimers hate stuff that's too loud-- have I mentioned I'll turn 40 this year? Additionally, the tortilla chips often seem too thick and/ or slightly stale. But don't get me wrong, I'd still go there when I'm in the mood for some pretty good Mexican food.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.madmex.com.au/">Mad Mex</a> in Darlinghurst. This is another Chipolte-style, quasi-fastfoody type place. I like it. Read Chipolte's menu and you'll be right at home at Mad Mex. I would highly recommend it for a Mexi-quickie. </li>
</ul>
So there you have it... I heart Mexican food and I will go to all kinds of lengths to find it in countries where no one has ever heard of a quesadilla... okay, that's an exaggeration, but not by much.<br />
<ul></ul>
<ul></ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-49307820471438102992011-02-25T14:01:00.006+11:002016-06-18T14:03:15.116+10:00Australian Food and Lingo, and other Amusing Australian Expat ThingsMy refrigerator and pantry is absolutely, inexplicably Aussified... so there you have it, MATE. <br />
<ul>
<li>I know that "Tasty" cheese is actually Cheddar-- even if no one will admit it.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5467965818/" nbsp="" title="DSC00316"><img alt="DSC00316" height="640" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5295/5467965818_8d10511967_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></ul>
<ul><br />
<li>Bi-Carb Soda = baking soda. I still have not adjusted my personal vocabulary on this one.</li>
</ul>
<ul><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5467371579/" nbsp="" title="DSC00324"><img alt="DSC00324" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5180/5467371579_351535f9fa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></ul>
<ul><br />
<li>American Rice Krispies, Raisin Bran, and Cheerios =</li>
</ul>
<ul><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5467967336/" nbsp="" title="DSC00320"><img alt="DSC00320" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5292/5467967336_dc4d8816a0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></ul>
<ul><br />
<li>Sultanas = raisins. Though I do occasionally see "raisins" here, so that may be considered a variety, I'm still not sure about the whole thing. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Grain Waves = Sun Chips, only thicker and not quite as good-- but close enough when you're without all your favorite snack items.</li>
</ul>
<ul></ul>
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5467967784/" nbsp="" title="DSC00321"><img alt="DSC00321" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5254/5467967784_a39af6e9f7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
And though I'm not a huge fan of yellow mustard, I am always amused when I see this at the grocery store-- which of course is Woolworths (as in the 1960's five and dime store).<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5467966906/" nbsp="" title="DSC00319"><img alt="DSC00319" height="640" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5095/5467966906_94e276bfa3_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
And besides American-style food items disguised in Australian packaging, there are some items I've been introduced to in Australia which now I will always appreciate and eat, and will definitely miss, if and when we leave Australia: <br />
<ul>
<li>In the last year I've made lamb shanks, cutlets, and lamb backstraps; and tonight I made some mystery lamb cut-- fried those bad boys up in a pan alongside some "chips". And to give credit where credit is due, the fries were made in my shiny, brand new Actifry by Tefal. And OMG! I cannot believe how damn good they came out. About ten years ago or more, I attempted to make homemade french fries by simply cutting up potatoes and baking them on a tray-- and I've got two words for the outcome on that, <i>NOT DELICIOUS.</i> But recently my friend told me about this contraption that, with only one spoon of oil, and an air-blowing, slow-twirling, swirling whirling, hunk of metal-love-- it makes "chips" that will blow your mind. Thanks Blondie. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>No wait, just one one thing on tonight's Actifry-chips-- did I mention they were crispy, and delicious, and I'll go as far as to say they tasted like they were from McDonalds (a.k.a "Maccas" in Australia)? How could I have not known about this sooner? Is this miracle machine selling in America? To think of all the meals we've wasted without low fat french fries, what a shame. :) ha.</li>
</ul>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5472966831/" title="IMG_0161 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5472966831/" title="IMG_0161 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0161" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5472966831_b18b151734_z.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a><br />
My chips in my brand-new, shiny Actifry space ship.<br />
<ul>
<li>Another thing I've picked up here is a love for ricotta cheese and jam on toast-- and/or ricotta and avocado on toast with tomahto. Sorry, I just let some of my new found Aussie accent slip out.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>My six year old eats a butter, <a href="http://www.floridagirlinsydney.com/2009/01/obama-nudists-and-streakers-come.html">Vegemite</a>, and Tasty Cheese sandwich for lunch every day... it's the only thing he wants. It's shocking. </li>
</ul>
<ul></ul>
<ul>
<li>Finally, I've tasted the almost official national dessert, pavlova. Yum! Who knew meringue topped with whipped cream and fruit would be so light and delicious-- and pretty?</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/73908270@N00/4654866633/" title="Pavlova by vickaaaay, on Flickr"><img alt="Pavlova" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4654866633_62dfd40a93.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br />
(This photo belongs to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/73908270@N00/">vickaaaay</a> on flickr, as the photo of the pavlova we made was not a good representation of pavlova).<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>And what better to top pavlova with, than passionfruit. Passionfruits are eaten by slicing the little oval-shaped fruit in half, then scooping out the pulp and tasty little black crunchy seeds. It's tart and sweet and fun to eat. We put it over sliced bananas or ice cream or pavlova. It's like we're practically Australian right? And when necessary, you don't even have to mess with the real fruit, which is especially nice when you're making passionfruit cocktails, because in Australia we've got this...</li>
</ul>
<ul><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5467371961/" nbsp="" title="DSC00328"><img alt="DSC00328" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5019/5467371961_09f0f10611_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></ul>
<ul><br />
<li>Lastly--- sausages. Sausages, sausages, sausages everywhere. Dude-- I said SAUSAGES. Nuff said.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Moving onto Aussie beverages, there's a lovely variety of juice in Australia called Apple Blackcurrant, I'd compare it's popularity here to CranApple in the U.S. I can't say I'll actually miss this one if we left Sydney, as I'd prefer me some CranApple or CranGrape or CranWhatever anyday... but for now Apple Blackcurrent is fine.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5467966558/" nbsp="" title="DSC00318"><img alt="DSC00318" height="640" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5095/5467966558_483351ea4b_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
<br />
<ul></ul>
<ul>
<li>Another popular drink in Australia is Yakult. It's a fermented milk drink. Wow, that makes it sound really appetizing. Not. But it is a tiny little bottle filled with pro-biotic goodness. It's helped with the eczema in our family and my kids love it. Very popular in the school lunchbox crowd. Thank you for introducing us to Yakult, <a href="http://fourbakers.blogspot.com/">Skye!</a> or should I say, <a href="http://www.floridagirlinsydney.com/2009/04/dinner-party.html">wild dinner party hostess</a>?</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5475442226/in/photostream/" nbsp="" title="IMG_0139"><img alt="IMG_0139" height="640" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5174/5475442226_4118f8bc5c_z.jpg" width="478" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
Some potentially entertaining Aussie Lingo: <br />
<ul>
<li>Rubber = eraser. You should have seen my mom's face when one of the kids said he "needed a rubber". She may still be in shock over it. Priceless memories :). </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Chucking a sickie = playing hookey. And if you don't know what either of those mean, then you don't need to know. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I know what "ta" means, but I have yet to say it. It's Aussie for "thanks", but it just feels too awkward for me to actually use. Maybe next year?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I just told a mum (mom) from school that her child left his "runners" at our house. Runners = sneakers. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I tell friends to bring their "swimmers" when they come over. They reply that they'll grab their "cozzies" and come over. Swimmer & cozzies = bathing suits. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Arvo = afternoon.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>My children colour (color) with textas. Textas = markers (as in <span style="font-style: italic;">magic </span>markers). </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I've recently found out that they do have tater tots here-- they're just called "potato gems". I think that's really cute. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Sunnies = sunglasses. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Prezzies = presents.</li>
</ul>
<br />
And I just have a few other things to say today about being an expat life in Sydney: <br />
<ul>
<li>The "no hat, no play" playground rule is really, really good; children are not allowed outside at school without a sunhat. Personally, I think it should be international law-- and as long as we're changing international law, let's institute the Aussie school calender year internationally as well. It begins the end of January, and ends the beginning of December. There are four terms of approximately nine weeks each and four long breaks. It's smartly structured so that, just as you are getting really damn sick of the whole school routine-- you get a couple of weeks off to just hang out. It's mo' balanced. What's not to like?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> And the last thing I've got to say is... I'm not sure how it's possible that after nearly four years in Australia I've <i>almost</i> forgotten how convenient it is to "pay at the pump" for gas (that's American for "petrol") . I thought the day would never come that I would pull into the petrol station and <i>not</i> yearn to swipe my card before I pump. But somehow... someway... paying at the pump has become a long distant memory-- in the scheme of things. But come on Australia-- you've gotta get on that horse! </li>
</ul>
One last photo here-- Sting at the Sydney Opera House with the Sydney Symphony as part of his Symphonicity Tour. AWESOME. Though I have to admit, I think the Sydney Symphony stole the show.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5475546604/" nbsp="" title="IMG_0126"><img alt="IMG_0126" height="478" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5179/5475546604_aa405e708d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
So what, we had a view of the back of his head, you wanna make something of it? We did however, have the perfect view of the symphony.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5475546972/" nbsp="" title="DSC00249"><img alt="DSC00249" height="640" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5100/5475546972_07f98c3bfc_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />
Oh yeah, who's your daddy?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-89254727881306011602011-01-26T03:22:00.007+11:002016-06-18T15:24:35.233+10:00I Love The Sydney Opera HouseA few nights ago, I sat in bed with my husband and watched Oprah climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge-- and it was surreal... it felt like Oprah was here living with me. Seeing her at <i>our</i> places we go all the time was strangely awesome. And watching Oprah taste Vegemite for the first time, and wildly exclaim how much she loves it... well, that was just pure crazytime, (note to Ameri-readers: Vegemite is a fermented yeast extract that all Aussies spread on toast). And being that it's a (correct me if I'm wrong) highly acquired taste, I think she was totally faking that Vegemite love. Easy there Aussies, I'm not saying Vegemite isn't delicious-- my kids love it.<br />
<br />
And all of this Oprah-watching, and all of this Vegemite-talk, reminds the hubs and I (once again, here it comes) that we have done the right thing in moving to Sydney. This cross-cultural experience has changed us in so many ways, and it will always be a part, of who we and our children become. <br />
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And so last week we went to see "Le Grand Cirque: Adrenaline" in the Concert Hall at The Opera House-- and I'll just say this... we may have been due for a loser. Ooo, that wasn't very nice. <i>Or, </i> possibly, I'm just not a "circus person". The reality of the situation is, anything you see at the Opera House is awesome, because you get to go to The Opera House... duh. But just being honest, somethings are significantly better than others.<br />
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These two guys were our favorite (that's "favourite" for the Aussies) from Le Grand Cirque.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5387806106/" title="DSC00022 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC00022" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5215/5387806106_ab41117140_z.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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And even though <i>Le Grand Cirque</i> didn't blow us away, what did wow us, was the newly renovated restaurant area on the "lower concourse" of The Opera House. Usually after a show we take the kids down for lunch or a snack at what used to be an underwhelming, airport-esque, food-court style dining area.<br />
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The newly redone food/ shopping area looked amazing, only adding to the already beautiful harbour and bridge background.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5387817718/" nbsp="" title="DSC00036"><img alt="DSC00036" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5214/5387817718_4d2d3ede2d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Momentary, post-circus meltdown.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5387210525/" title="DSC00032 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC00032" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5387210525_88b1b54aef_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a> <br />
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This is The Opera House lower concourse food area today... they redid the casual restaurant area, added some really nice food options, and upgraded the furniture.<br />
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And just last night I got to take in all of that Sydney Opera House freshness with <a href="http://bitsandpiecesofthewhole.blogspot.com/">my girlfriend Erin</a>. Erin was one of the first Americans I met in Sydney, we met through our blogs and then in person, over a lunch which filled with deep conversation, and me picking coriander (that's Aussie for "cilantro") out of a burrito with my fingers (manners?), and we fell in friendlove... or at least I did. Needless to say, Erin is a very special person to me here in Oprahland, I mean Sydney. </div>
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Soooo, last night Erin and I met at the Opera House Bar for a little pre-show cocktail hour.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5386947776/" nbsp="" title="Opera House pizza and cocktails-- called the Dirty Carpet Disco, awesome."><img alt="Opera House pizza and cocktails-- called the Dirty Carpet Disco, awesome." height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5211/5386947776_f79df8c850_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div>
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Photo: Dirty Disco Carpet cocktail and artichoke prosciutto pizza from the Opera House Bar.<br />
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The crowd was dressed unusually islandy. Hawaiian shirts and hats with parrots on them, perfectly normal wear growing up in South Florida-- but not so much at the Sydney Opera House.<br />
You must be wondering, why were people dressed like this (see photo below)? <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5386949810/" nbsp="" title="Random lady posing for us."><img alt="Random lady posing for us." height="480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5212/5386949810_de26697588_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Photo: Random Woman. (By the way, thank you nice lady for letting me photograph you).<br />
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and like this...<br />
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Photo: Cute People at the Opera House wearing Parrotheads, but I did not ask to take a photo of these unsuspecting new friends.<br />
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And like this...<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5386350247/" nbsp="" title="180561_10150128303560757_654030756_7805798_7517327_n"><img alt="180561_10150128303560757_654030756_7805798_7517327_n" height="481" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5217/5386350247_1f07eec756_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Ooops, we actually were not dressed up, but we do look a little toasted-- not surprising since it felt like it was about 100 degress Celsius (that's about 212 degrees Fahrenheit) outside.<br />
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But THIS is the reason: <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5386345225/" nbsp="" title="DSC00148"><img alt="DSC00148" height="640" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5214/5386345225_61ed6d8098_z.jpg" width="549" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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I seriously cannot think of a place less "Jimmy Buffet Parrothead-ish" than Sydney Opera House-- it's so wrong, but yet so, so right. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5387470428/" nbsp="" title="DSC00174"><img alt="DSC00174" height="374" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5215/5387470428_4101cf1b1b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Jimmy Buffet in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. Awesome.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5386951600/" nbsp="" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5218/5386951600_e7d0911b39_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5386349411/" nbsp="" title="DSC00187"><img alt="DSC00187" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5211/5386349411_a1dd0cb781_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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And here's just a little taste of the show... you may want to enlarge it to watch, I have no clue why it came out so small.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzMRI5lb0YDWhqsZKSfMGn9WwixF6ie7LeCLDGi8uYZ7PX_CvNc4kXv8SBeTML8aC8isAl6tFSCwPRFJm4Taw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I guess you could say he really knows how to bring down the house, ha! no pun intended.<br />
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If you live near the Opera House you're destined to go to shows there, and if you go to shows there, you're going to love the The Sydney Opera House. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/You-Give-Mouse-Cookie-Give/dp/0060245867/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295963238&sr=8-1">If you give a mouse a cookie, he's going to ask for some milk</a>. <br />
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Bottom Line: Sydney Opera House = Awesome. Jimmy Buffet at Opera House = Even More Awesome.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-39169953406744204762011-01-11T18:01:00.022+11:002016-06-18T16:00:18.769+10:00Our Australia and New Zealand Cruise AdventureWe got off the plane and collected our luggage at the Sydney Airport International Terminal. Our discombobulated family of four approached the Australian Customs x-ray area; our two-week long Australia/ New Zealand cruise holiday was really over.<br />
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The customs officer asked the usual questions. "Are you carrying any fruit or nuts? Any plants or meat products?". And we confidently responded, "No, no, and no." Then from behind me, I hear my seven-year old's little raspy voice say, "We're not going to get caught <i>again</i>, are we mom?" <br />
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And I could just imagine his outburst leading to the camera crew of Aussie TV show <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0439351/">Border Security</a> </i>swooping down on us, as it was only a few hours earlier (approximately 4:30am) that we had a small fiasco in the Auckland Airport. Our seven-year old's Thomas the Train rolling carry-on bag was pulled for "additional security screening"-- you know, where they place the suspicious bag in a mysterious machine, that I'm assuming detects explosives and other really bad things. <br />
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And when they found the bottle of <i>Little Noses</i> saline spray stuffed in with Jack the Bunny, the thought occurred to me that I probably should have actually monitored what they put in their carry-on bags - which they were both allowed to pack without parental supervision. This rings especially true after boarding the ship in Sydney, unzipping the luggage and finding that somehow my five year old had crammed his massively fluffy tiger costume in his carry-on, along with a wide array of blankies and stuffed animals.<br />
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Needless to say, our cruise on the Diamond Princess was awesome. <br />
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Sailing out of Sydney Harbour at sunset.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5327197930/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="Sailing past the Sydney Opera House."><img alt="Sailing past the Sydney Opera House." height="428" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5130/5327197930_96bef2f07a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5326590629/" nbsp="" title="Shuffleboard the first day at sea, Ollie is the tiger."><img alt="Shuffleboard the first day at sea, Ollie is the tiger." height="428" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5088/5326590629_8879f058a7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
It wouldn't be a cruise without shuffleboard in a tiger suit, now would it?<br />
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Our first stop was Melbourne, Australia. Within ten minutes of meeting our tour guide, we decided we'd be better off without him; what kind of tour guide asks where we want to go-- I've never been here before, how would I know? <br />
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So we went off on our own...<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5326591349/" nbsp="" title="Melbourne, Australia."><img alt="Melbourne, Australia." height="428" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5282/5326591349_9a0bed035c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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And wondered around aimlessly until we finally met our friends for a lunch date.<br />
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For lunch we met up with our fabulous American friends who used to live in Sydney. And by fabulous, we're talking the kind of mom who cuts her kids' hair all cool and funky, and at the same time with her other hand she makes stuff like <a href="http://hotgarlic.blogspot.com/2010/04/alaskan-king-crab-cakes-with-dijion.html">this</a>. For weeks now I've been trying to teach my kids the proper use of "air quotes"-- here my girl Nat is helping the cause.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5342874592/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="Natalie demonstrating "air quotes"."><img alt="Natalie demonstrating "air quotes"." height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5006/5342874592_cf21177785_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Hobart, Tasmania was our second stop. I could totally live there-- loved it!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5345303222/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="DSC_0362"><img alt="DSC_0362" height="428" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5041/5345303222_61dcd701f0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Though I would probably try and avoid these cute but not so cuddly guys...<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5326595675/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="Tasmanian Devil with a bad attitude."><img alt="Tasmanian Devil with a bad attitude." height="428" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5129/5326595675_a361d9a4a9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Tasmanian Devil with a bad attitude at the Bonorong Wildlife Reserve.<br />
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I think this little wallaby friend quickly responded to the mating call sounds my five year-old animal whisperer was making... apparently she or he was looking for some action.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5327204984/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="Ollie and our tour guide de jour Michael in Tasmania."><img alt="Ollie and our tour guide de jour Michael in Tasmania." height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5288/5327204984_e691a99503_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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By the way, we took a tour with <a href="http://www.greatexpeditions.com.au/">Great Expeditions-- Michael</a> (above) was our guide for the day, and if ever in Hobart, Tasmania I'd highly recommend you hook up with him, he made Hobart one of the highlights of our trip. <br />
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Next we hit Milford Sound Fjordland. These were taken from our cruise ship balcony.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5327208064/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="Milford Sound"><img alt="Milford Sound" height="428" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5204/5327208064_80f44740ea_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5326604473/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="Me and a fjord."><img alt="Me and a fjord." height="428" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5002/5326604473_f479f610d7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Me and a fjord in reflection.<br />
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Dunedin, New Zealand was gorgeous! Rolling hills sprinkled with sheep and bicyclists and playgrounds. We had big, big plans for this day, first stop- The Cadbury Chocolate Factory.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5326606231/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="DSC_0601"><img alt="DSC_0601" height="640" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5124/5326606231_3e9abb3b53_z.jpg" width="461" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Unfortunately, after we got the kids all jacked-up on sugar, it seemed the windy, mountainous roads were a little too much, and an eruption (literally) of carsickness sent us heading back to the ship. We did however hit another playground before "the incident" and New Zealand playgrounds are so nice they're worth showing off.<br />
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Pre-vomit playground: (I'm sparing you the clothing-covered-with-vomit second playground photos... you're welcome:). <br />
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<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5002/5327215184_1a3a004d45_z.jpg" /><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5326607895/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="Playgrounds around the world-- we should write a book on that..."><img alt="Playgrounds around the world-- we should write a book on that..." height="241" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5049/5326607895_320e2e15ae_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Christchurch, New Zealand was reminiscent of Victoria, Canada-- gorgeous flower lined streets, friendly people, and all-around nice nice nice.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5326618625/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="They just learned about making funny faces to make someone smile for a photo."><img alt="They just learned about making funny faces to make someone smile for a photo." height="640" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5124/5326618625_3f54d23f34_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
My kids in front of the Harley building (incidentally our seven year-old's middle name) learning the fine art of making someone laugh to get a photo smile.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5326620669/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="Oliver the Dog Whisperer finds the first dog to pose with on our trip-- more are coming."><img alt="Oliver the Dog Whisperer finds the first dog to pose with on our trip-- more are coming." height="640" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5007/5326620669_691fef242d_z.jpg" width="428" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
More "Dogs Around the World." Yes my child wears Crocs with socks-- international tourist extraordinaire.<br />
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Taraunga/ Rotorua, New Zealand was like the Daytona Beach of New Zealand, party city. One lesson I learned during this trip was that the islands of New Zealand were formed by an erupted volcano, and this was evident throughout our trip as we visited beached covered in lava rocks and black speckled sand that was hot as hell.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5327236682/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="Lava rocks at the beach New Years Day."><img alt="Lava rocks at the beach New Years Day." height="428" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5282/5327236682_1b9a519f23_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5345459320/" title="DSC_0976 by flgirlinsydney, on Flickr"></a><br />
This is the beach that faces the Pacific Ocean, there was a rad party happening on our day there.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5326630361/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="The harbour beach in Tauranga, NZ."><img alt="The harbour beach in Tauranga, NZ." height="428" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5083/5326630361_f0f54b4477_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
This is the inner harbour beach in Tauranga, with our ship, the Diamond Princess, in the background. <br />
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During the cruise we had six days at sea. Back in the day (when my husband and I were in the cruise business) we sailed as on the QE2 from New York to London, and six days at sea meant a whole lot of "afternoon tea", bingo, and cocktails. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3324811721/in/album-72157614743885690/" nbsp="" title="QE2 Transatlantic Crusie 1996"><img alt="QE2 Transatlantic Crusie 1996" height="453" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3597/3324811721_a7d2b11713_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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On Cunard's QE2 in about 1995, we had probably been dating about a year.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/3325594230/in/album-72157614743885690/" nbsp="" title="QE2 Transatlantic on Deck 1996"><img alt="QE2 Transatlantic on Deck 1996" height="439" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/4/3578/3325594230_4421fd4923_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Sitting on the deck of the QE2 in the good ole days with my dear friend Rochelle. Rochelle passed away last month from breast cancer, she was one of those people who everyone adored, and she will be missed by her many, many friends.<br />
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Now this may sound ridiculous, but my husband and I have each been on over 100 cruises. And we have had lots of "days at sea"... but cruising with 5 & 7 year old boys puts a whole new dimension to the whole thing.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5327206530/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="Take away food from the Trident Grill. REAL American hamburgers and hot dogs-- yay!"><img alt="Take away food from the Trident Grill. REAL American hamburgers and hot dogs-- yay!" height="480" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5167/5327206530_b6498a2516_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Pseudo- room service. That means, Daddy goes to the buffet, loads up plates of food, and comes back to the room hoping we're happy with his chosen assortment... by the way, we always were.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5327231110/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="DSC_0896"><img alt="DSC_0896" height="428" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5126/5327231110_014227de8a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
Brotherly love at sea.<br />
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And did I mention there was a talent show? Warning: The Cruiseship Talent Show video below, may be absolutely hilarious-- <i>or</i> could potentially lead to a spontaneous narcolepsy attack; I cannot objectively determine which, you may or may not want to actually watch it. Oh guess what, after TWO HOURS of trying to upload the video-- blogger says there's an error. Y'all lucked out on that one.<br />
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We had New Years Eve on the open sea, an evening which for most passengers involved seeing balloons dropped from the top of the ship's atrium lobby, and lots of cocktails and champagne.<br />
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And you know you're on a cruise ship for New Years when: <br />
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For us, New Years Eve was incredibly exciting-- days earlier, we had told our seven year-old that if his tooth (which had been loose for a over a year) was out by midnight 12/31/2010 (or if you're in Australia that's 31/12/2010), then the tooth fairy would quadruple the going rate AND he'd get a sip of real champagne at midnight.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/klotz/5327221144/in/album-72157625753613844/" nbsp="" title="Right after we pulled the tooth out at approximately 11:56pm Dec. 31."><img alt="Right after we pulled the tooth out at approximately 11:56pm Dec. 31." height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5125/5327221144_72a2249e37_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Oh yes he did! Too funny. We spent <a href="http://www.floridagirlinsydney.com/2010/01/florida-girl-in-florida.html">last year's holiday season</a> similarly over-toothy and then, toothless.<br />
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So that was our big trip, which had been preceded by months of nonstop visitors from the U.S., including my in-laws, my wonderful friend Shelby who owns <a href="http://www.shannonbrittshoes.com/">this company</a>, and my mom. And now here I sit, no more houseguests and vacation complete. There are three more weeks left of school vacation here, I've begun my next project-- convincing my husband we should get another puppy this year. <br />
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Ruby the Labradoodle, stayed at her friend Jaffa the Smokin' Hot Labradoodle's house while we were away. She's been moping around the house for a week now that she's back to her boring life... I'd say she really needs a friend. But hey, it's not all bad... we did celebrate her 1st birthday last week, and she does live quite the posh doggy life-- though I am quite sure she'd be ecstatic if she had a new doggy roommate.<br />
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So that's pretty much the last few months in a nutshell-- though I do have a secret...<br />
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There's a really funny video from our cruise that's been omitted from this post, it's of my husband and I in an elevator after a couple of drinks, cracking up, and swearing at each other... but I have to leave something to your imaginations... though I am considering adding it to this post... hmmm, should I-- or should I not?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-10018849534916659742010-11-01T14:26:00.004+11:002016-06-18T16:05:59.451+10:00Sydney Night Noodle Market 2010 With My In-Laws!After an almost thirty-hour long trip from Florida, my in-laws arrived in Sydney looking unaffected and ready to rock like teenagers on Red Bull. <br />
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The first surprise we had lined up for them, was that instead of going to our house we were bringing them to a hotel for a few nights so we could properly disinfect and eradicate the Swine Flu from every surface in that germ factory we call a house. Luckily Grandma and Grandpa had had the flu vaccine, and by the time they had arrived in Sydney we had recovered the week prior-- but better safe than sorry. So I guess you could say they got the bonus package, a few days at a nice hotel with Opera House and Bridge views, and a little extra time to mentally prepare for a week of living with two energetic 5 and 6 year old boys. <br />
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The view from the hotel room... I'm still surprised they agreed to check out.<br />
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Unfortunately, the weather in Sydney has been very temperamental the last few weeks, the second day they were here record wind gusts were raging through the city. And for some reason we thought this would be a good time to take the in-laws to the famous Icebergs at Bondi Beach for lunch; the good news is, the surfers were out in full-force and it was a real taste of the Aussie spirit and love for surf. <br />
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This video doesn't exactly do the treacherous winds justice, but trust me they were insane. What also didn't come through on the video was the cute, old-married-couple-argument my in-laws were having-- hence the cheeky commentary from yours truly.<br />
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So, wintery weather and sporadic blistering sun didn't stop us from showing Grandma and Grandpa the best of Sydney. And the Sydney Night Noodle Market was calling our name.<br />
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Note: No people at the Night Noodle Markets were harmed by the tiger shown in the photos below; though it is a very realistic looking tiger, he is not real... he is in fact, my five year old child who wears a tiger costume when and wherever possible. <br />
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The 2010 Night Noodle Market, tucked away in the middle of Hyde Park.<br />
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I wish I had these paper lanterns in my house.<br />
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OMG. Grandpa and mini-Grandpa.<br />
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A little entertainment amongst the food stalls.<br />
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I sometimes get comments from readers who think they have seen us out around town but aren't sure... so, if you see a little tiger with big blue eyes--- it probably is us!<br />
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Maybe next year they'll hire my tiger as the Chinese dragon's sidekick?<br />
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Sydney Night Noodle Markets-- I highly recommend going... and eating many dumplings, and noodles, and some Serendipity Ice Cream!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-69233728751169148042010-10-18T17:46:00.009+11:002016-06-18T16:07:48.565+10:00Telstra Sucks, And if they had a Complaint Department I Wouldn't Have Had to Write this on my BlogWarning: This is a long, angry rant. If you would prefer to see something more entertaining and less hateful click <a href="http://www.floridagirlinsydney.com/2008/04/my-kids-singing-australian-national.html">here.</a> Everyone else, proceed below.<br />
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In Florida we paid about $30/month for home phone service, and it included unlimited calls across the U.S., not to mention the other necessities such as caller ID, call waiting, etc. So you can imagine my surprise when I called Telstra prior to our Sydney move to organize (that's "organise" in American) phone service and they informed me, in cute Aussie accent and all, that their rates would also start at about $30/month...<i> <b>plus</b> </i>17.5 cents per local phone call, <b><i>plus</i></b> 34 cents <b>per minute</b> for calls to mobile phones-- needless to say, I was shocked. But the good news was that I would get Call Waiting and Call Number Display ("Caller ID" in the U.S.) included. Um, yay? And too bad that in three years here, I still can't figure out how the hell to answer Aussie Call Waiting, wtf?<br />
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And looking at <a href="http://www.telstra.com.au/homephone/plans/compare_and_order_a_plan.html">Telstra's current comparisons of home phone plans</a>, apparently not too much has changed in the last three years, though now you can buy a plan with unlimited local calls (though not to mobile phones). And mobile calls now cost $2/each for 20 minutes- <b>that's TWO DOLLARS FOR 20 MINUTES. </b> And by the way, they don't say "cell phone" in Australia-- fyi.<br />
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So to avoid Telstra's ridiculous charges over the years, I resorted to using my mobile for almost all phone calls, the purpose of having a home line became mainly to have high-speed internet, etc. And fortunately things with Telstra were pretty uneventful. That is until recently...<br />
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A few months ago I called Telstra to update the expiration date on my credit card. The girl I spoke with was even nice enough to suggest bundling my phone, internet, and Foxtel cable to save some money (about $50/month). Obviously with a deal like that, how could I say no? And with the technology these days, I assumed that a few minutes later I'd have a new phone/internet/tv combo plan, yay!<br />
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<b>An hour and a half later</b>, this crap still wasn't done. And eventually I found out the girl I was speaking to merely <i>requested</i> the changes because another department actually had to <i>make</i> the changes---huh? Seriously?<br />
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Then, three weeks later, I received a bill for over $500! Foxtel was no where to be found on the bill, and neither was my internet service. So I call Telstra again, and India (and by "India", I mean the country) answers. And India transfers me. And after another <b>hour and a half, </b>and approximately eight "customer no-service" people later, I had gotten no where. Apparently "that's not my department/job/problem" is the motto of Telstra... wow Telstra, that's impressive stuff.<br />
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Over a period of two weeks I spent about <b>twenty hours</b> trying to fix my Telstra account. On three separate occasions, three separate customer service people said they were fixing it and would call me back to confirm it was done. Did I receive one return phone call??? Um, no.<br />
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And when I got all high and mighty and called for the fifthteenth fucking hundreth time, demanding in a really ugly, obnoxious-American way<i> </i>that they solve this <b>while I remained on the phone </b>by calling the department who makes the godforsaken changes-- I was told-- okay, brace yourself-- that that department doesn't have phones! At the phone company??? A department that doesn't have phones, at the phone company! Are these people on crack?<br />
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Needless to say, I had them forgo all the changes they were supposed to have made. I tried to make a complaint, apparently everyone and their mother at Telstra is a "supervisor"-- but there's no escalation department. Try reaching the CEO, and you'll end up in an endless rotation of transfers in which ultimately, the operator will tell you- not only will they not connect you with him, nor his admin-- they won't find anyone else to help you either.<br />
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Royally pissed off and in unique form, I called another phone company (the competition)-- and guess what, if I'm prepared for them to rewire the house and drill five bazillion holes throughout it, I can be lucky enough to be their customer. Well why would the hell would I purposely walk into that mess when I can stick with the mess I already know and hate? Do I want more needless convos (that's Aussie slang for "conversations") with India? Fine Telstra... I give, I give.... I'll stick with you, the biggest, most unorganized company on the planet. A phone company with a department that all changes must go through, but has no phones. My head is going to explode just reliving this redonkulousness.<br />
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Then, weeks later, in the midst of an afternoon which included being swabbed for swine flu and cleaning up dog vomit, guess who called my mobile phone.... why of course, it was Telstra-- well hip hip fucking hooray. And this lovely girl inquired about who my mobile service was with, and did I know I could switch my mobile to Telstra and get a fantastic<b> <i>bundle</i> </b>package deal?<br />
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And as I hacked violent coughs in her ear and explained I was sick, she continued on, delighting me with her fantastic sales skills and impressive offer. And I went on to briefly tell her how horrible my experience has been with Telstra and how I cannot believe a company could operate with such disregard for customer satisfaction.<br />
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But she had good news! There's a new CEO, and everything at Telstra is better. They have revamped their customer service and she was calling only to help me get a better deal! <br />
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And as I wheezed into the phone, I managed to ask her what changes they had made? Well here's the short answer-- NONE, no freaking changes! And there's still no escalation department, if you have a complaint get your pen out, because you'll have to mail it to them. And there's even still a department which all changes go through, and they still don't have phones... jeez, I'd like to work in that department, no way to call in sick, no calls from the boss... woo hoo.<br />
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So guess what Telstra-- just saying you've got "new" customer service doesn't mean you've made any improvements, you actually have to <i>do</i> something to fix things. Let me give you some suggestions--<br />
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<li>Build the technology to support all the things you sell; so when people want to order these things, or change these things, the first person your customer speaks to can actually make the changes.</li>
<li>Empower your employees. Empower your employees to make changes without insane processes that make simple things become complex. And empower your employees to rectify bad situations with compensation such as credits on their bills, etc. If you need help with this ask American Express, every employee at American Express knows how to help customers so they go away happy.</li>
<li>Get rid of half of what you offer. Why do you have three bazillion plans? </li>
</ul>
And when you implement these I'll be happy to take this post down, wad it up in a ball, and toss it to the moon. In the meantime however, Telstra -- you can suck it... and by "it" I mean big monkey balls.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-2992917574258916432010-10-02T09:51:00.004+10:002016-06-18T20:45:16.907+10:00Paddy's Market and The New Moscow Circus in SydneyI'm not sure how it's possible that we've been here over three years and yesterday was my first real visit to Paddy's Market, that seems very strange. And incredibly, my friend, who moved here right around same time we did, hadn't been either-- so yesterday we went, and conquered I might add.<br />
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Another tick (that's Aussie for "check") off the old mini-bucket list I keep in my cloudy head.<br />
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So here's the big news on Paddy's Market: it's what we call a "flea market" in the U.S. <br />
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For all you fashionistas, apparently this is where your UGG boots originated from, a booth at Paddy's Market with all things that represent Australia.<br />
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I'm still trying to figure out why there were so many wig booths. Club kids?<br />
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There were a few food booths.<br />
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As I approached this booth a lady asked if they sold chili powder here. Um... duh (and that was basically the response of the guy working there too).<br />
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And the prices were amazing, considering you could pay $5-10 for a tiny punnet of blueberries near my house, and here they were two for $6. I bought a lot of fruit and paid about a quarter of what I normally would.<br />
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And this was just hilarious... I've seen it before, and it's still really funny. <br />
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But the best thing I bought yesterday at Paddy's Market were two teeny, tiny jade Buddha's (about the size of ping pong balls). We often read a book called <i>Buddha at Bedtime</i>, and I've been on the lookout for a little Buddha for each of them. I told them if they rub his belly they get good luck, though now I'm thinking someone may have told me if you rub his belly you'll get pregnant-- oh man, that could be an error of epic proportions. But with the severe eczema we've been dealing with the our house for the last month and recurring head lice-- yep I said head lice ewwwww, we need some good luck here.<br />
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Innocent head scratching? You be the judge.<br />
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But itchy heads, and itchy eczema legs, and all-- we still were able to take in The Great Moscow Circus a couple days ago, which conveniently pitched a tent in our area recently, so how could we not?<br />
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I'm still quite baffled over the bizarre, dark opening scene in which some Russians (I'm assuming) walked around looking sad, dressed in winter clothes. If you ask me, which you didn't, not really the way to start off a circus. But the performers were awesome, acrobatics, contortionists, a juggler-- very Cirque d' Soleil and really great, the only exception (which I wasn't expecting or probably wouldn't have bought tickets) was the miniature ponies they brought out and make do "tricks" in the ring. The guy giving them direction looked scary and was holding some long whip looking thing-- at that point I almost left, but I didn't move fast enough and the ponies were done.<br />
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The Great Moscow Circus grand entrance.<br />
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After the show, we played a couple of those creepy looking games they must have stolen from Luna Park.<br />
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We told them they could get snow cones or fairy floss (which is Australian for "cotton candy"). I recommended they choose fairy floss since they'd never had it before (and I wanted some), but they incorrectly chose snow cones. Of course they realized pretty quickly they had made a mistake, so we caved in and they ended up with both (yay for me:). <br />
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The bonus cotton candy/ fairy floss, I'm off to the side eating some and thinking of days gone by.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-59557401098411852492010-09-17T23:45:00.006+10:002016-06-18T20:47:23.300+10:00Oprah Oprahfies Australia Woooo-Hoooo!Have you heard? Oprah is coming to Sydney, Australia! Sydney is about to be Oprahfied, and I am so excited. And I am so, so <i>on it. </i> I <b>must</b> get tickets to Oprah at The Sydney Opera House, do you know anyone who can help??? Because if this does not happen, I will be devastated. I was already <i>not</i> chosen by lottery for <a href="http://www.breakfastonthebridge.com/">Breakfast on the Bridge</a> 2009; and that was a major blow to our mission here at Florida Girl in Sydney. <br />
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And now, only 24 hours after hearing the big Oprah-does-Sydney news, the Sydney-Mania begins!<br />
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Tonight, TLC's "1000 Places to See Before You Die" is featuring-- <i>guess where</i>??... Sydney, Australia! And the surreal, reality of the situation, once again, is that I cannot believe we really live here. This TLC made-for-TV-infomercial-documentary is our reality. Not to mention that it's very entertaining watching two Americans star on a show about Sydney.<br />
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Within driving distance from Sydney you can see cliffs, beaches, mountains, sand dunes, and wine country... it's incredible. And I can take photos of my kids under the Sydney Harbour Bridge any time I want, does it get much better than that? Oh yeah it does, Oprah's coming!!!<br />
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Quote of the week:<br />
(Said by my friend's son, then relayed to me in a text message with commentary)<br />
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<i>"They had the American accent again."-- as if it's the flu. </i><br />
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That's seriously hilarious, I love it. <i><br />
</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-59210516453655380152010-07-21T15:08:00.010+10:002016-06-18T21:01:37.429+10:00Winter Festival at Bondi Beach & Good Food and Wine ShowAs we pulled up to our house I spotted an industrial, classroom-style whiteboard across the street on the curb; it was a double-sided monstrosity on wheels, complete with a bag full of markers and accessories hanging from its side. We rang the neighbors' doorbell, and they happily told us to take it-- which we did. Wooo-hooo-- SCORE! It was perfect timing, my boys then spent most of their three and a half week school break playing school with the whiteboard. BEST. GIFT. EVER! I would have gladly paid the whiteboard $20/hour (going babysitting rate in Sydney) for all the entertainment it's provided, it was THAT good! <br />
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And we did actually leave the house a few times during winter school break because there were some great things on in July around Sydney and we needed <i>some</i> action.<br />
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This past weekend the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1188341941">Winter Festival</a><a href="http://www.winterfestival.com.au/bondi/"> at Bondi Beach, called Bondi Bergstation</a> began. They've built an ice skating rink on at the beach along with an entire mini-village including a Max Brenners (famous for their hot chocolates), snacks, skate rentals, and snow, it was actually suds, but I won't tell those poor kids who've never seen snow before and now think it's foamy and smells like soap:. <br />
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People who've never skated (I'm just assuming this by watching them) and people who clearly aspire for skating greatness, joined each other on the ice for 45 minutes sessions in which it was wall-to-wall skaters -- and lots of wiping out on the ice.<br />
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Here are some moments captured from this past weekend at the Bondi Beach Winter Festival:<br />
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The sea o' skaters.<br />
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The "snow". <br />
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The snacks. $6 for a stick with some spiraled potato cut into thin chips-- I think we went through six of these, probably the single most expensive one potato ever sold.<br />
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The rink at the beginning of a new skate session, before it got completely packed. Note the aspiring skater in the pink tutu.<br />
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Hmmm, the Bondi Beach paramedic mobile? How do they carry the stretcher on that?<br />
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Back view of the village perched up on the grassy area at Bondi Beach.<br />
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We also went to <a href="http://www.goodfoodshow.com.au/">The Good Food & Wine Show</a> at the Sydney Convention Center. Normally we would have gotten a babysitter and left the kids at home for something like this, but the four of us are obsessed with a little television show called <i>Masterchef Australia</i>, it's similar to <i>Top Chef</i> in the U.S. (but better), and two of the Masterchef judges (Gary and George) were doing a gig at the Good Food & Wine Show. <br />
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Unfortunately we had seats on the floor and couldn't see much. There was a ginormous television screen above the stage so at least we had that view, but whatever, I could have stayed home for that-- especially considering that what they made was virtually identical to what they made on the TV show the same evening. Though we couldn't see the cooking demonstration, we did however have an amazing view of a guy two rows in front of us who was plastered drunk. He kept turning around like he was going to start acting even more belligerent, but luckily his drunk girlfriend kept him entertained by making out with him. Family fun at its best.<br />
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So all in all, being that we were with our 5 & 6 year old boys and weren't planning on drinking an excessive amount of wine samples, the Good Food and Wine Show was a disappointment. There were really no places to actually eat any actual Good Food, except for one small restaurant type area featuring five chefs (two of them were the Masterchef judges). In all there were five dishes you could buy, and five starters-- it was pretty pathetic for a freaking food show.<br />
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Well I've just caught myself in a lie, there was one more place to eat, and it was packed (as there were no other options)-- the Sydney Convention Center cafe, hahaha! It was basically hospital food-- and it was where everyone was eating! Sorry, but that's sad- really, really sad. <br />
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So the Good Food & Wine show was a disappointment for us, and I don't think I've ever said that about any festival or event we've ever gone to in Sydney. Maybe next time we get the babysitter and go there only for the wine tastings, I am absolutely certain that getting sloshed would have improved my experience.<br />
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Here are some of the things we saw at the Good Food and Wine Show 2010:<br />
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Welcome.<br />
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Photo from our floor seats taken with the camera hoisted in the air, our actual view wasn't this good.<br />
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Clearly I needed some of this.<br />
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Looks like my six year old thought the show would be better after a stiff drink. We love limoncello!<br />
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The best part for us was the rides we went on in Darling Harbour <i>after</i> the show :).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-81368744029546181782010-06-14T16:30:00.010+10:002011-04-06T22:40:59.939+10:00Three Year Expativersary <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2374/2181635485_eef287c09a.jpg" /><br />
This was the cake from our going away party in 2007.<br />
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Three years ago today we left our cushy life in Florida and embarked upon the biggest adventure of our lives, moving across the world to Australia. Prior to the actual move, I had never been to Australia. But I thought it would be good, thought that it would be productive, and definitely, <i>hoped</i> we weren't making the biggest mistake of our lives. One thing was certain, the experience of living abroad was going to change us individually, and as a family, forever.<br />
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So we arrived in Sydney happy to have left George Bush, sad to have left our family and friends, and extremely scared and excited to see what this next chapter of our lives would bring.<br />
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We spent much of our first year trying to understand what people were saying without asking them to repeat themselves for the umpthteenth time. We met Australians who thought America was evil, we met others who thought it was a land of opportunity, and shopping, and friendly faces. <br />
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And here we are three years later. And now the thoughts in my head are often spoken with that same Australian accent I struggled to decipher. And now we understand that you don't say the word "fanny", but you do say "ta". And we know which coin is which, and actually <i>prefer</i> to have our one-dollar bill in the form of a gold coin. Not to mention the bonus of there being a <i>two</i>-dollar coin.<br />
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We now appreciate the lack of drive-thru restaurants, well at least until our five year old is having a meltdown in the backseat-- then not so much. And there are many American things we wish had never made their way to Australia... like Fox News and Spam (not the email kind). <br />
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Living in Australia we've been eating:<br />
<ul><li>Lamb, in all its various preparations.</li>
<li> Vegemite (my children eat it, I on the other hand have still not tasted it).</li>
<li>Ricotta cheese on toast with jam, my favorite... I mean favourite.</li>
<li>Tasty cheese, we believe it's cheddar-- but we're not quite sure? </li>
<li>Australian hamburgers (which are not that common to begin with) have beetroot and a fried egg on them, and I think that's pretty cool.</li>
</ul>Living in Australia I have learned that:<br />
<ul><li>Woolworths is a massive grocery store chain, and not a five-n-dime shop. </li>
<li><a href="https://secure.wheelandbarrow.com.au/onlinestore/">Wheel & Barrow</a> is a wannabee <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/">Crate and Barrel</a>, but don't get me wrong, I still love shopping there. </li>
<li>The rolling hills topography of Sydney is fantastic, except when you have a six year old who gets carsick... I learned that the hard way. </li>
</ul> Living in Australia we now expect:<br />
<ul><li>To pay for parking.</li>
<li>To pay double for our groceries, clothing, and cars.</li>
<li>To go to five stores to find what we need, when SuperTarget or Costco would have had it all. </li>
</ul>Living in Australia we know these words = these words:<br />
<ul><li> ta = thank you</li>
<li>boot = car trunk</li>
<li>lift = elevator</li>
<li>rubbish bins = garbage cans</li>
<li>jumper = sweater or jacket</li>
<li>Year 1 = 1st grade</li>
<li>fanny = vajay-jay </li>
</ul>Random items related to living in Australia:<br />
<ul><li>I can drive on both sides of the road like a champion.</li>
<li>My six year old has a full-on Aussie accent, but only when he's speaking to Australians.</li>
<li>Single-sex schools have become normal, and the thought of co-ed seems foreign.</li>
<li>I now know UGGS are more of a house slipper than a fashion statement.</li>
<li>Finding a chemist (that's Aussie for "pharmacy") that's open until 10pm is a big deal!</li>
<li>Aussie slang usually entails taking the end off a word and replacing it with "ie". Such as: breakfast = brekkie, sunglasses = sunnies, presents = prezzies, etc.</li>
<li>No hat, no play. If your child doesn't have their sunhat, they can't play on the playground at school. They are serious about this-- and I love it.</li>
</ul>And some things will never change:<br />
<ul><li>Some modern Australian cuisine is way too modern for us. </li>
<li>I still prefer stop signs over roundabouts. </li>
<li>I still write my dates with the month first... some habits die hard.</li>
<li>Saying "your mum" is just as funny as saying "yer mom". Some people will never think that's funny, but I think they're just missing out. </li>
</ul><br />
And now for a quick look back at our time in Australia in photos:<br />
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<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2094/2146244390_c99eb93004.jpg" /><br />
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<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3910831255_fb03a5bcb7.jpg" /><br />
Hanging out at the Sydney Opera House.<br />
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<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2650/3867076520_c70e5a7f36.jpg" /><br />
View from behind our old house.<br />
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<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/3813999357_4f7a1c67e7.jpg" /><br />
City to Surf 2009 as seen from outside the iconic Golden Sheaf, the band "Phallica" is playing up on the balcony.<br />
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<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/3873565533_d786482de8.jpg" /><br />
Lorakeets hang out in our backyard.<br />
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<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/4022080342_d3fa047af5.jpg" /><br />
In the Blue Mountains.<br />
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<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/3914260689_204a17c0c0.jpg" /><br />
Festival of the Winds kite flying festival Bondi Beach 2009.<br />
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<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/3887066510_fe5a1107dd.jpg" /><br />
A real live Kookaburra on our back fence; Australians totally crack up at my pronunciation of Kookaburra.<br />
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<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/3869433641_9b7729b688.jpg" /><br />
Luna Park in all its colorfully, creepy fun-ness.<br />
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<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3803477746_be9005c716.jpg" /><br />
We live near this!<br />
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<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2777465410_7ff195cf1f.jpg" /><br />
Lamingtons, and yes I made these! I think they're like the official treat of Australia, well after Tim Tams that is.<br />
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<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/3847631473_da6d5acc46.jpg" /><br />
Riding kangaroos is just part of everyday life here, but you all knew that already.<br />
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I'm going end this third expativersary celebration with some wise words to move into the future with from a very wise man, my husband. This is not related to Australia, nor America... it is however related to strange human behaviors which have provoked me to wonder, "What the hell are they thinking?".<br />
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So it is with great excitement that I unveil words which miraculously explain the unexplainable. And without further ado, my new mantra is... "You can't make sense out of nonsense." For me, those words are the only rationalization for things like <a href="http://www.floridagirlinsydney.com/2010/02/drama-with-my-bitch.html">this</a> and <a href="http://www.floridagirlinsydney.com/2010/02/drama-with-my-bitch.html">this</a>; and I look forward to my next few years being absolutely incredible, especially being armed with this new found motto by my side.<br />
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Woo-hoo, we will rock on here in Sydney! <br />
<ul></ul><ul></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041909395799559244.post-24667721508633289822010-05-19T15:59:00.007+10:002010-07-07T23:29:48.934+10:00National Geographic in my BackyardGetting a puppy is like having a baby, everyone's got an opinion and much of that advice giving tends to be regarding what you feed them-- the big debate being kibble vs. raw food. And apparently if you don't agree (with whichever side), really really bad things will happen-- and it will all be your fault! The only problem is, I'm trying to control myself from turning into one of the extremists.<br />
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We've gone the raw/natural route, and now at 19 weeks old Ruby eats some of the most disgusting things I never imagined feeding a dog. Here's the gruesome list (all of these meat items are fed raw)... chicken frames, chicken necks, chicken wings, lamb necks (the butcher cuts these in half and they are still as big as a shoe box, it's insane), ground beef (that's Amerispeak for Australian "mince"), and organ meat-- omigod, I think I just threw up a little in my mouth. She eats these items in their entirety bones and all, it's shocking. <br />
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She also enjoys her veggies, I've been giving her carrots and green beans to munch on, and she loved rocket (which is Aussie for "arugula")-- I love rocket too. And for a tasty mid-day treat, she loves yogurt, cheese, and dried banana chips.<br />
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Because I'm all about capturing the moment, here is a sample of the daily National Geographic documentary in my backyard. I must admit, similarly to watching the laundry go round and round in a front loader, this is addictive-- I can't stop staring in disbelief while she's going at it:<br />
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<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4620348927_b903803558.jpg" /><br />
Ruby eating a "chicken back"-- I think that's the same as a chicken frame, nasty nonetheless.<br />
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<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3415/4620348477_ce6f178603.jpg" /><br />
This is the freakishly large raven (the photo doesn't do justice, it actually makes airplane noises as it flies over the house) who waits in the tree for Ruby to step away from her meat so she can swoop down and steal it. She doesn't wait quietly either, she makes all kinds of loud intimidating bird noises.<br />
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<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4620954272_c16d5683c9.jpg" /><br />
This has nothing to do with my dog eating like a caveman, this was Ruby's first time in the baby pool, she went completely bonkers and tried to dig a hole to China in there.<br />
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And during these last couple months, one of my boys in particular-- the younger one (he's five years old) has really taken charge with the dog. To go all <a href="http://www.cesarsway.com/">Cesar Millan</a> on you, he's her pack leader. Watch him in action, it's too freaking cute... of course I'm not objective at all. <br />
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