Manly Beach

Eliane drove me out to Manly Beach for a morning walk along the beach.  I'll let the gorgeous pictures do all the talking.










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


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

Observatory Hill

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.
Darling Harbour

Bright and sunny before the clouds moved in




Aussies Think We're Funny Too

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.

The Wharf & Harbour Views

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.




View into the city


View of the Harbour Bridge

A Day in the City

Last week I ventured into the heart of Sydney's Central Business Distrcit (CBD) with a few friends to explore.  We shamelessly carried our cameras with every step, caring not that we looked like the many other enthusiastic tourists around us.  We figured why not get all of the touristy urges out in fell swoop so that from now on we can be the knowledgable residents that help the poor lost tourists.

Instead of taking the train all the way into the city, we decided to disembark at the Milson Point stop so that we could walk across the pedestrian path on the Harbour Bridge.
   

View from the Harbour Bridge
The Sydney Opera House
Once on the other side of the bridge we browsed through an open-air market.


Flavored Olive Oil

Flavored Balsamic Vinegar

For lunch and a spectacular view of the harbour we went to fourth floor of the Museum of Contemporary Art.  Unfortunately we did not stop to actually look at the artwork.


Unbeatable view of the Opera House while eating lunch
View of the Harbour Bridge while eating lunch
Delicious pork salad for lunch

Proof I'm actually in Sydney and not just posting pictures found online

After lunch we strolled through Circular Quay (pronounced 'key')



Man playing the didgeridoo along to a drumming soundtrack

When I asked if there was a Starbucks nearby I was given a very strange look, almost as if I had just used a very offensive or swear word.  Starbucks has all but gone bankrupt in Australia because the quality of coffee is just not as good as anything you can order at any of the other small cafes.  All you coffee snobs must come visit.  You can drink black coffee here without cream or sugar and it's delicious, not bitter at all.

Delicious cappuccinos
 

Another view of the Opera House
It's true that the roof tiles are actually very ivory colored even though the read almost white in most pictures

Next we joined in on a free walking tour of the city where we saw a lot of the old churches, government buildings, the Rum Hospital, Queen Victoria Building (QVB), and Hyde Park.  As the sun started to set my traveling buddies decided to head home; however, I went to Darling Harbour to take a dance class with the Sydney Dance Company.
Manly Ferry



 

 
 

Luna Park at night
abcs