Really? October already!

What's your story on fall? If you're like me, there's a good chance you haven't had enough beach and sunshine. Yet whether or not we like it, fall happens. Every year. Herbst. Autumn. And It's got its own thing going on.

Like the colors. In the perfect world (that I don't live in) I'd do dreamy things like take lots of walks, cook up big pots of soup and spend time every afternoon reading. Outside in crisp sunshine.

In my real world, I'm happy to find a moment to sit down with a cup of tea and flip through my summer vacation pics. Australia still has me in it's grips...

Really, do it. Getting run over on holiday sucks!

On vacation I like to take photos of signs. Don't really know why, just know that it's something I do.

... ever hear of the irukandji?

Perhaps because the signs help to tell a story ...

 and later help me relive the excitement ...

and the joy... (everything I need, right cheer).

... and remind me how much I love Ozzieland!

What's your favorite fall ritual?

Aussie Animal Friends

Some say, a zoo is a zoo is a zoo - nothing really unique to a particular country. I, however, beg to differ. We visited 3 zoos in Australia and our experiences at each were wonderful.

10 reasons why:

1. Unique back-drops. Lucky Ibex at Sydney's Taronga Zoo.

2. Different dress codes.  Here ankle bracelets were the trend.

3. Visiting with really cute, very adorable residents.

4. You gain a better understanding of local customs (ahem).

5.Folk-songs begin to make sense to you,  ... or not.  Kookaburra sat where?

6. You learn new facts, like: Cockatoos talk too!

7. You get to commute the way the locals do.

8. You discover new animals you want to take home.

9. You have interesting convos with locals
(why are you here, do you have any food for me?).

10. You're reminded that there are some things we all share.

Cup of Coffee #2

Random. Cup of Coffee. Made me happy.
Wolf Ridge Creek. Watching Fly Fisherman.

You say Cairns, I say Cannes

I learned pretty quickly that the 'r' in Cairns is not pronounced. Instead, think of the southern coast of France and say Cannes. But, do not think of the Mediterranean! Because, Cairns, its northern beaches and rain-forests are more serene and natural. Each with their own unique flavor.
Enjoy the view (the lifeguards are super friendly too!)!

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!).