Trip To Australia

Vincent: You know what the funniest thing about Europe is?
Jules: What?
Vincent: It's the little differences. I mean they got the same [stuff] over there that they got here, but it's just -- it's just there it's a little different.
Pulp Fiction

MICHAEL'S TRIP TO AUSTRALIA

Everything is okay so far, but it is a nerve-wracking wait. Everyone who has heard where I'm going says the same thing; "You'll have fun." I await the call for "Group 3."

I'm on a 757 bound for LA. We take off at 5:45 PM. My adventure has begun. It doesn't seem real, like it's happening to someone else.

The flight from Dulles okay. A small child (aged 6 or so) wouldn't stop kicking the back of my seat. I wanted to inflict severe bodily harm on a small child. Honest. Or, at least, a good smack or two.

I can't upgrade at the gate and am stuck with Economy for the flight. I'm doomed. It will be 14 hours to Sydney and I'll be stuck in Economy Hell. Hopefully the flight won't have a lot of people -- the flight from Dulles was packed! More comments once we take off. I intend to stay awake till about 3:30 AM and then sleep.

I am tired. We will start to board in around 5-10 minutes and leave in about 40 minutes. Breakfast will be served, but when? Also, no upgrading at the gate. *Sigh*

We depart at 12:33 AM. --ugh-- By my best guess, I have been awake 21+ hours. I think this is a record for me. Allow me to repeat: tired. Unsure how long I'll stay awake.

(Michael's note: I did fall asleep for a bit and was awoken for dinner. I then stayed awake, watched a few films [Apollo 13 and October Sky], listened to some music and dozed. I awoke for breakfast, watched Finding Nemo and was pretty much okay when we landed.)

After a 14 hour flight, I arrive. My guess is that it is now 2:33 PM on the... uhm... 26th? of June. Yes, that is around the right time. If I was in California.

I'm sitting in the kitchen of Tony and Jane Howland, drinking tea and discussing the difference between biscuits and cookies (and scones).

The trip from LA was very good. I had a window seat and an empty seat next to me, giving me a place for my stuff. I watched several movies and didn't sleep very well (Michael's note: I think if I hadn't been disturbed by the flight attendant I'd have slept for much longer).

Jane's comment on the Australian Football League: "A runner comes out and gives the injured player a drink of 'magic water'."

Well, I've been around Sydney, and have seen parts of Sydney Harbor/Port Jackson. Loved the views of the Harbor defenses and early 20th Century gun emplacements. Amazing stuff. Also, took some great photos of eroded sandstone at the beach. Weather is raining and cold. Oh, found a perfect cuttlefish bone on the beach (Michael's note: it later broke because I didn't take it out of my shoulder bag).

I was out at around 9:30 PM. I gave Alex and Max gifts. We were amazed at the fact it has been 10 years since we first met on-line. Currently I'm not feeling well, sniffles, stuffy nose, slight chest congestion. I suspect dust allergies are acting up and have taken a dose of medication. Going to read, drink tea, and just sit for a bit. (Michael's note: I must have been in the kitchen when I wrote this.)

Today is the Australia Museum. Maybe a walk into the Botanical Gardens. I'm hoping to see some flying foxes -- if the weather holds (Michael's note: Oh, boy did I!).

Waiting for the Australia Museum to open. I have a wallet full of Australian bank notes and a pocket of coins. I like the feeling. I also like the utes (utility trucks) as well. A Ford Falcon is one model, another is a Chevy (which, now that I think about it, I don't recall ever seeing again). Holden is the the 'true' ute, along with Ford. Saw a PT Cruiser as well. I want to get a good die-cast ute if I can. Hobby store perhaps? After the Australian Museum, the Botanical Gardens (and lunch!).

Eating lunch in the Royal Botanical Gardens cafe. Ham and cheese croissant. Nearby there are trees filled with flying foxes, which are huge fruit-eating bats. I wanted to get a picture of one in flight, but no chance. This despite them being all through the trees. I am seriously not at home. In truth, I call this my first "real" Australia moment. Proof I am somewhere far from home. Now to walk out to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair and Point.

I've returned, after doing a bit of shopping and successfully getting off at the right bus stop (Yay me!). Having a spot of tea and some cookies (err... biscuits).

Nice day. Bright blue sky, little clouds, coldish and breezy, but nice. Today I go to the Taronga Zoo.

--> The crossing signals beep. One sound to indicate "don't walk" another to tell you to "walk."

--> There is no sales tax. What you see is what you pay! I don't miss the penny and do like the $1.00 and $2.00 coins! My pocket is full of change. I keep forgetting to use it. (I later learned that sales tax is included in the price of most items, not added at the register).

Took some great photos. I'm really pleased with the camera (I end up taking 861 photos!).

I'm in the 'Fortune of War', established in 1828 and apparently Sydney's oldest pub. I'm having a Toohey's New, which is good.

I'm now in the 'Hero of Waterloo,' which was built in the 1840s and is Sydney's oldest original pub. This means, that unlike, say, Fortune of War, Hero of Waterloo hasn't been rebuilt in any fashion (simply upgraded for modern conviences). In fact, it is a convict built pub, and has a tunnel to the harbor in the cellar. The tunnel was used by smugglers and to sneak people into the Navy (after getting them drunk).

Oilskin coats makers--
Driza-Bone (www.drizabone.com)
Burke & Wills (http://www.outfitters.com.au/)

Went shopping today. Sydney's 'Tin Soldier' is the game store US B&Ms should be. It is amazing, well-stocked, clean, and organized. Hobbyco was the hobby shop. It has an amazing assortment of items of all types and a wide selection of products.

Sterling Mortlock, man of action!
(He's the captain of the Wallabies, Australia's national rugby team).

Watching rugby. It's the Australia Wallabies versus the New Zealand All Blacks. I'm not sure what is going on, but rugby is far more exciting and fast moving than American football, and has far more scoring than soccer.

I've managed to amaze Max by eating a lemon wedge. I don't think he expected me to do that.

I wanted to get a photo of the haka (the Maori war dance) performed by the All Blacks before the match, but the images were crap.

Quote: "Rugby seems to be a lot of men grappling with each other while lying on the ground." (Me)

Australia beat New Zealand 20-15. This is pretty amazing as NZ's record is something like 100-40 versus Australia.

Walked down to Tunk's Park and watched the sunrise. Beautiful morning. I note that cockatoos are loud and raucous. Calls are audible from a long way away.

Darling Harbor today. Yesterday (the 1st) was a trip to the Fish Market, followed by a the Power Museum. The Power Museum was interesting, with some nice examples of Australian Art and Design. The space exhibit, however, is woefully out of date (much to Alex's and my amusement). Examples include mentioning the USSR in the present tense and listing the ISS as complete in 2004.

That evening was a seafood dinner, with scallops and shallots, shrimp (a.k.a. prawns), salmon with scallions and lemon, raw oysters, "ockie" (octopus), eel, cheese, and crackers. All was excellent. I tried more beers, including Cascade and Victoria Bitters. The latter tasted far better (and smoother) with a wedge of lime squeezed into it.

I need to e-mail Jane for some of her seafood recipes. Pity most of my friends won't eat any of it.

PS: I tried "whitebait," which is whole tiny fish breaded, fried, and dusted with spices and chopped scallions. Tasty!

The little differences between the US and AUS --
Light switches are far smaller and flatter.
Crossing signals that beep.
Toilets that have push buttons and settings for 1/2 Flush and Full Flush.
One and Two Dollar coins (which I like).
No tax added to things that I buy.
Prawns = shrimp.
Standup "trough" urinals.
Chook = chicken.

Today is the Maritime Museum and the Sydney Aquarium. I'll take the ferry from Circular Quay ("key") using an all-day bus/ferry ticket.

1) Sweet Bavarian Mustard
2) Old Bay seasoning
3) Genuine Vermont Maple syrup
4) DVD of photos

Had an Aussie Coke. It is made with sugar, not high fructose corn syrup, and has a far smoother taste. Not better per se, just different.

I'm sitting in "Pancakes on the Rocks" getting a spot of 'brekkie' (breakfast). An order of small pancakes and a side of eggs. A suit of Ned Kelly-ish armor is on a wall. It even has a few bullet dings. I've also never had breakfast accompanied by music videos before (they are playing on monitors on the wall). Oh, and shops don't list their 'hours of operation,' they list 'trading hours.'

I'm sitting in the Pontoon Bar having a Castlemain Perkins XXXX Gold (a good beer) before I go to the Aquarium. The Maritime Museum was interesting. I grabbed Steve a Soccaroo's training jersey (Yay!). I expect to get back late, so I figure dinner in the harbor.

Australia Hotel (established 1889)
Victoria Bitters with a wedge of lime (green can)
Emu BBQ pizza

Saw the Sydney Aquarium today. I loved the Barrier Reef tank -- an amazing display.

Walked into Chinatown and saw the shops. This is Chinatown. Loved the Peace Garden and took about a zillion photos. It is a beautiful place and peaceful, provided the ill-behaved children are elsewhere.

The Australian Hotel has loaded me down with swag, so Rob will be happy. Emu is a trifle chewy, but good.

An observation on an aspect of Australian culture -- I don't know how to describe it, but Australia has a distinct aura of personal responsibility. I've seen displays and like that aren't totally 100% foolproof safe (to my eyes). This is not to say these displays are dangerous, but there seems to be an assumed level of common sense with regards to what the public will and will not do. I'm not sure how else to express it. I mean, there are signs saying "do not enter" or "this stairwell is closed for public use," and every construction site, no matter how minor, states "hardhats must be worn" and "all visitors must see the site manager," but by the same token, there isn't this overwhelming need to protect the public from itself.

There are people playing basketball across the street in the KGU. I find this a little surreal for some reason. Perhaps I'm expecting soccer games or rugby.

Another note on cultural differences -- I've seen several "risqué" displays. There's a higher acceptance for nudity and toplessness here than back in the States.

I'm at the Newport Arms, having lunch (The Arms Burger with salad greens topping and beet-root). I've seen Manly Beach (so named due to the 'manly' physique of the natives when first encountered) and collected some shells and stones. Nonstop excellent views of the ocean and the surf. Did a little exploring of tide pools amid the rocks and exposed shelves of stone. Never seen these before as I never really saw the beach in California, and the beaches around Maryland are mostly sand.

A curious note -- I have yet to even see an add for Fosters anywhere. The brand is invisible here in Australia.

Right now I'm watching dogs frolic in the water of an inlet below the Arm's patio. They are dashing in and out of the shallow water off of a long spit of sand.

I heard arguing kookaburras this morning. Today I walk the harbor (specifically Circular Quay and the Rocks). The USN carrier Kitty Hawk (CV 63) is due in, plus an accompanying escort. That's roughly 7,000 USN sailors due to arrive. I'll try and get photos if possible. I also found out how to set my camera for a fast shutter speed, so I'll try and get a flying fox in flight.

It was around 21° C or better yesterday, which is around 70° F. Today will be the same. This is beautiful weather for walking the Harbor (or the beach, as yesterday proved).

I need to try and find Australia beers back in the US. I'd like to sample them again without having to go to something like the Brickskeller.

Lunch at the Glenmore Hotel. Fish and Chips with a Victoria Bitters with lime wedges. Will try a Coopers next (per the bartender).

The clouds moved in from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, but the sky is clean and bright now. I'm sitting in the warm sun with my jacket off. It is around 21 C and windy. Lost my hat once, and feared for its survival several times. I ended up holding it in my hands for a time, otherwise it would have been blown into the Harbor (and been lost).

No sign of the Kitty Hawk. I expect the sky to be full of choppers when it arrives.

Going to walk the Rocks now, after lunch and my Coopers (lunch was good and the beer very good).

I walked the Rocks today and visited many stores, side streets, and a few (free) museums. It reminds me of Ellicott City, but spread out over a larger area (actually, EC is also spread out, but the primary shopping district is rather small). I also walked the Sydney Bridge back home, and held my hat to my head to keep it from blowing away in the strong gusts of wind.

Took more photos of the Opera House. It is a very photogenic structure and always has a new face for the camera, depending on the time of day, weather, direction, and altitude.

The Kitty Hawk arrives on the 5th. Will I go see her? Depends, I guess, on where I am when she arrives. I don't have any ideas for what to do on the 5th, although a morning walk down to the other local point is a good plan.

I was taken to a Japanese place for Independence Day dinner. I ordered a bento box, which was very good. I also had a nice bottle of chilled saké. Afterwards we walked around Newtown and into a used bookstore absolutely crammed with books.

I walked down to the point next to Willoughby Bay. The tide was out and the oyster-covered rocks were exposed. Heard kookaburras (again) and other birds.

I noticed a curious things about Cammeray. It seems common, very common to expand and remodel your house. In the States the trend has always been "buy a bigger house," but here, house expansion is very common. Two to three houses per street seem to be under renovation and/or expansion. Perhaps it is due to the general age -- the house I'm in now is around 100 years old. Perhaps it is due to the cost of buying a new one. It might be easier to simply remodel and expand the one you have, until you've filled up your lot with house. That way you don't have to move anywhere.

I also note that Cammeray is built on hills (well, no surprise there, all of Sydney is built on river-drainage). That said, allow me to repeat myself -- hills. Steep hills. A morning walk is very much an exercise walk. Especially if you're 40.

The Kitty Hawk is due to arrive around midday. Oh, and I've less then a week of "holiday" left.

I saw the Kitty Hawk come on. The ship is huge! I took photos of the ship coming in, as well as it getting moved into position for docking. I might try to get more on the 6th.

Note to self: Mail books back. Specifically the ones I don't need to give as gifts. This will make packing, and customs, easier.

I'm down in Woolloomooloo Bay with Jane and Tony. We have ordered lunch, which is a nice seafood platter (prawns, oysters, fish, and chips). We saw the Kitty Hawk from the Domain and Andrew Charlton Pool. There are five USN ships in, with a total of 7,300 sailors.

We were at The Oaks last night, which has an 80 year-old oak tree in the courtyard. The place has five bars, open grills used to cook your own food, slots, and so on. Private rooms upstairs can rented and have pool tables. The place, like many pubs in Sydney, was a hotel at one point, but like most Sydney hotels, it's now more of a 'bar and grille.' Dinner was seafood -- prawns, ockie, mussels, and scallops.

I will be mailing out two boxes of books and other stuff (t-shirts), Monday in order to make the return flight easier. This Saturday and Sunday is Canberra. Oh, and I have decided, VB with wedges of lime is my drink of choice.

I found a 5 cent piece today. This makes my total of found coins to be around 75 cents (a 50, a 20, and a 5... or was it a 10?).

We're getting out of Sydney for the weekend. This is good, as most everything will be mobbed. Oh, and snow has been predicted for Canberra. Jane has gotten me a coat for the trip.

Farthing = 1/4 Penny
Half Penny = 1/2 Penny
Penny
Two Pence = 2 Pennies
Groat = 4 Pennies
Shilling = 12 Pennies
Florin = 2 Shillings or 24 Pennies
Crown = 5 Shillings or 60 Pennies
1/2 Sovereign = 10 Shillings or 120 Pennies
Pound = 20 Shillings or 240 Pennies
Sovereign = 1 Pound

Canberra is far nicer than DC. It is cleaner and better laid out. Of course, Canberra was laid out in 1910 or so, and had the benefit for planning (I presume) for the automobile. Washington DC was founded in 1790 and was built on a swamp. It also was built in the style common to late 18th Century cities, while Canberra was laid out to follow the terrain and with an eye (it seems) for more natural aesthetics.

I really liked the Museum of Australia, although the "postmodern" architecture was... uhm... different. Still, once inside, I could have wandered for hours. According to Alex and Jane, "postmodern" is a nice way of saying "ugly."

The Australian War Memorial is a moving place, and unlike anything I've ever seen. I can't compare it to anything in the US (although I know we have scattered service museums). The Museum of Australia is very much like the Smithsonian's American History Museum, with the same feel and content. By the War Memorial is different. It is a sober and sometimes sad experience. It doesn't glorify war, but does honor those who served.

Had dinner with Peter (from the HERO Message Boards). We visited a Borders and I find that Australia book prices drive me... crazy. A book that's $7.99 US is easily $19.95 AUS. It's kind of staggering to see something like the Iron Kingdoms Monsternomicon Volume II on the shelf for $74.95.

Alex and Max on Canberra -- "It is very neat and well-laid out, but it ruined a perfectly nice sheep station."

On the way home I saw kangaroos in the wild. Two were still and feeding, while two others were hopping along at a fair clip.

Awoken at 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM by pounding rain. Pounding! It was very heavy rain, with over an inch (30 mils) falling in about 6 hours. This is 1/3 of Sydney's average rainfall for the month of July. It is still gray and dreary with some rain. Might go to see the Blue Mountains (but only if it clears), or I might go into Sydney and see the Sydney Museum.

Walked around downtown Sydney taking in the sights and window shopping. It has been wet and rainy, but otherwise okay. I found it nice to simply wander around. The Sydney Tower was way too expensive, as I wasn't going to spend $45.00 to see rain clouds and gray skies.

I've found the bus to be a good way to travel -- it is fairly clean and efficient. I might be taking the train tonight, which will be new.

Am I ready to go back? I think so. I miss home somewhat, but I think my trip has given me a new outlook and appreciation for life. "No worries."

Well, all good things must come to an end. Last night I was treated to a fantastic Chinese seafood place and marveled at the size of the crabs in the tanks out front. Oh, and Tiger Beer is not so good.

Met Blair (from the HERO Message Boards) and we took the ferry out to Watson's Bay and The Gap. Saw amazing views of the Pacific and Australia's east coast. I could barely see the Kitty Hawk out on the horizon (and took a photo). I was told the Kitty Hawk is the sister ship to my Dad's old ship, the Constellation. I never knew that.

The ferry ride was fun, but a bit wet. The wind and spray spattered us as we had decided to sit out on the deck, but the view and air was worth it.

I find myself looking forward to the Qantas flight, as I was treated very well on the trip in, and expect/hope for the same going out. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep a bit and get some rest on the LA to DC flight.

Thursday (the 12th) I need to go up to Frederick for my registration, so I suspect I'll not be able to get into work, and won't be in until Friday. Well, it will give me an extra day to adjust and unpack. I'll see how it goes. "She'll be all right."

This is fantastic! The flight home is 1/3 full and I have a whole row (of 3 seats) to myself! This will be a great trip home. I'll be able to really relax. I just hope I can sleep on the LA to DC hop.

When I went to Australia, I took 861 photos. I've culled out the ones that are out of focus or otherwise unusable, and present the best of the rest here. If you like a particular photo, let me know, and I can send you the full-size original (they are 2500x1900 and 2.2 MB each). The ones here have been reduced to a more managable size.

Surbrook's Stuff is maintained by webmaster Michael Surbrook. If you like what you see, please send him your comments about the page.

PORT JACKSON/SYDNEY HARBOR	SYDNEY	SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
SYDNEY BRIDGE	CAMMERAY/NORTH SYDNEY	CANBERRA
BEACHES/SHORELINE	SANDSTONE SHAPES	ANIMALS
PLANTS	PEOPLE	VEHICLES
CHINESE GARDEN OF FRIENDSHIP	LUNA PARK	USS KITTY HAWK
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY	ON THE ROAD	MUSEUMS
THE TIN SOLDIER	CURIOSTIES	SEEN FROM THE PLANE