I used to think that purple trees were just something to be dreamed up, or perhaps only existed in the world of Dr. Seuss and the Lorax.
With Sydney's spring season I have discovered purple trees or not mythical or imaginary, but actually quite real. I introduce you to the Jacaranda.
What's unique about this tree is that while yes I admit the purple comes from blossoms and not the leaves, the blossoms stay on the trees for weeks, even months. Most of the other trees here have pretty blooms for a week or two that quickly dropped once the leaf buds began to push through. I live in a fairly tree-lined neighborhood, so I have really enjoyed my walks lately.
In order to properly imitate an Australian accent you must start with the basic alphabet. The pronunciation of H and Z are different than in the US.
US: A-ch
AUS: Hay-ch
US: Zee
AUS: Zed
Here are some interesting signs I have spotted around town. Can you guess what they are for?
12:14 AM
Posted by
Brittany
Here are the answers
1. Ree - Maria
2. Fee - Fiona
3. Rob - Robert and Robyn (yes this often makes for some confusion in our group as we have both)
4. Lens - Lindsay
5. Neen - Nina
6. Aims - Amy
Eliane drove me out to Manly Beach for a morning walk along the beach. I'll let the gorgeous pictures do all the talking.
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| If you look close you can see some surfers in the water |
On our way out we stopped for a cup of coffe at Salt Motion. Local artists display their ocean-inspired photography there on glass prints. Check out the website when you get a chance. http://www.saltmotion.com/
Nick
names, or rather shortened versions of people's names, are the norm not the exception
here. A few people here still call me by my full name, and actually make a point to pronounce all 3 syllables. Most just resort to Brit, but I have friends in the US who called me that anyways.
Can you guess the full names are of the following people?
Post your guesses in the comment section. The winner will receive
virtual gold stars. I'll update with the answers once everyone has had a chance
to guess. Note I have spelled them out as they they would be pronounced,
as if you overheard someone talking about the person, not necessarily how it
would be written.
1. Ree
2. Fee
3. Rob
4. Lens
5. Neen
6. Aims
The other day I wondered up to Observatory Hill after dance class to gain a new perspective of the city. I was greeted by several enormous, shady trees.
At the top of the hill is an unmatched view of Darling Harbour, downtown Sydney, and the Harbour Bridge.
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| Darling Harbour |
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| Bright and sunny before the clouds moved in |
5:44 PM
Posted by
Brittany
Australians are well-known for abbreviating words. While there are lots of official abbreviations used, there is usually free reign to shorten just about any word you want to in convo (conversation).
One of the couples in our church spent several years on the northern east coast of the United States. During the fall season they began to see signs that said "Mums for sale." They were quite confused as the word 'mom' is said and often spelled 'mum' in Oz. They couldn't figure out why there would be mothers for sale. They had a good laugh when someone told them is was short for chrysanthemum flowers. Evidently Aussies aren't the only ones who shorten words.
I have enjoyed taking a few dance classes at the Sydney Dance Company which is fantastically located on Pier 4 of the Wharf. There are primarily businesses and restaurants on the first floors and then posh apartments on the upper levels. A lot of the people who live here own their own boats and conveniently dock them right outside their front doors.
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| View into the city |
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| View of the Harbour Bridge |
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