Sydney's Broad Awnings

What makes Sydney unique? In many ways it's a city not entirely different from Seattle or Vancouver, B.C.. Yet, it had its own flavor.  One of the first things that caught my eye were the broad awnings above the sidewalks. They surely shielded busy city folk from the hot sun of Sydney summers, or as in our case, from the rain! They seemed lower and wider than our awnings and they carried a large assortment of signs. Take a look:

 

(p.s. the food at Burgerlicious was actually good!)

 What have you found unique in another city or country?

Home again, home again, diggity dog.

Back in B'burg. My jet-lag may be over, but Australia's not a distant memory yet! I had such a good time. Enjoyed my fellow travelers, meeting new friends and seeing new places. I could wax on & on, but think instead I'll just post some fotos of the fun stuff over the next couple of weeks, starting with food!

First things first: where would the day begin without breakfast? Here is a smidgen of what our hotel provided us with:

Vegemite Front & Center!

Breakfast with our host family was the kind I love: a smorgasbord of simple, fresh and healthy choices:

Then comes lunch: mmm. Pumpkin soup at the Kaleidoscope Cafe in Nelson Bay, Port Stephens:

Mid-afternoon pick-me-up: banana bread and a latte (Italian coffee - yes!)

What's for dinner? How about gargantuan fresh prawns, salad and scrumptious bread.

And last comes dessert: something to make you salivate, a Pavlova:

Are you full yet?

Back in Sydney

We've been back in Sydney for 2 days now. Two Fun Filled Days!
The sun has come out to grace us, however, I can't deny that it is WINTER here. I didn't want to believe that I was leaving our summer weather to vacation down under in winter. But, it's true. I'd have done better to pack a warm coat and boots. I've been COLD a lot!
Sydney is fashionable. Not snobby fashionable, but definately a bit more edge. We UWD moms clomp along in our sensible shoes and red United We Dance windbreakers with backpacks and cameras ... easy to spot, that's for sure!
But does it matter? NO! We are having a fabulous time!
Here is the rundown of the last two days: The Rocks Friday market, yummy spinach & chicken crepes, architecture continues to surprise and amaze me, Sydney Dance Theater on a wharf, an empty dance studio = a ton of pictures (mom! were dancing at the Sydney School of Dance!), Strand Arcade displays victorian beauty and Aussie designer wear, home to the Hyde Park Inn. Slept soundly. UP and Atem. Saturday Paddington Market. Lots of artisans, music and above average crafts/clothing and food. Bus to the Circle Quay (SAY: CIRCLE KEY!). Ferry to Manly Beach. Very manly. Golden sand, surfers, kids in lifeguard training. Families, tourists. Souvineers. Fish and Chips. Home to freshen up. Then off to the Sydney Opera House to see an Aboriginee Dance Troupe. Cool 'eh?
More fun tomorrow! (wish I had pictures. will download when I'm home. beautiful place this Australia!).

Ozzieland - Port Stephens

August 5th. The girls danced their last performance today. They had 7 performances total at Aussie schools ... dancing for some of the cutest kids on planet earth. I loved their hats! To play outside in the Australian sun, school kids must wear hats (prevention of skin cancer is a big priority here).  Today's audience was especially appreciative, singing along with "When the Lion Sleeps Tonight" and then bombarding the girls for autographs (!) afterwards. And those little Australian men: 'what's your facebook address?" Elementary school boys today, lady killers tomorrow!

Next 5 Favorite things in Australia:
6. Ridgey Didge Pies (seriously, this local meat pie shop was the authentic I was looking for).
7. School kids in uniforms with hats.
8. Aussie TV show: The Farmer takes a Wife (reality TV bringing city gals to the outback).

9. Port Stephens: a peninsula with multiple white sand beaches and turquoise water bays. Lovy.
10. Pav's (Pavlova's) A meringue dessert. Meringue, whipped cream and fruit. Simple. Sweet. Yummy!!!

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