Random in Oz

Vanuatu - we set off

I have been through many airports in my life, some good, some bad (Atlanta being the worst) and on the whole the check in experience has now been much more streamlined so there is less hanging about. Unfortunately, we have got spoiled with online check in and baggage drop so finding that Air Vanuatu did not have this facility meant that we were back to the tedious queuing.   Three desks open and yet we hardly moved as for half an hour all three were taken up with queries on the passports of those checking in and we had to stand and fume.  By the time we checked in, the tedium somewhat alleviated by discovering a package in the queue totally unattended, the consequential telling off of the bloke who had left it there to keep his place (right next to a sign saying nothing must be left unattended at any time), we had been standing for over an hour. Then through to customs where we had to fill in a form stating that we were not taking A$10,000 out of the country (I wish) and no food. Then through to security where another queue snaked around the hall. By the time we got through this lot we had one hour left before our plane was due to leave, and half an hour before boarding in which to get some breakfast.  

Kathryn thought sod it and bought a Big Mac but I decided on a coffee and a toasted ham sandwich and headed off to the relevant seller. I found myself behind a woman who was buying up the entire selection of macaroons, having them packed and then paying for them with a bagful of change which she painstakingly counted out. By the time I came to give my order another ten minutes had gone by and k's Big Mac had been eaten.   I watched the girl making the orders at the end of the counter and dosy was not the word to describe her, though actually it is.   The effort of reading my order, finding a tea bag and pouring hot water on it, obviously taxed her mental abilities to the limit and by the time I got my cup of tea my toasted sandwich was stone cold.   OK Oz rant out of way. 

Plane took off, flight as tedious as all flights can be, lunch naff but worth it all when we arrived at Vanuatu International Airport which was minute and we were enveloped in warmth and sun. Greeted by a band and a smling face at passport control (now there is something new) and we were through into arrivals where we were met by another beaming young man who grabbed our suitcases, hauled them into a mini bus and drove us to our ferry ride across to Ekator Island.  

Impossible to describe just how lush and gorgeous it all was. Sitting there with the engine put putting across the gloriously blue and green sea was just wonderful and all irritations and strains fell away.   We were greeted with a non alcholic cocktail decorated with  a hibiscus flower and then off to our thatched bungalow. 

Everything laid out beautifully and decorated with flowers.   We stayed there long enough to put on our cossies, down to the tiny little beach and into the smooth, warm, silky water. Bliss.

Vanuatu

I am on a tiny, and I mean tiny, island in the South Pacific at the moment. It is glorious beyond belief straight out of the same named musical and if a gang of sailors came dancing along singing There is Nothing Like a Dame, I would not be surprised.

However, internet access is very patchy and slow so will probably not post again until I get back to Sydney the weekend. I will have loads of photos to upload and also need to tell you all about Carmen, opera at the harbour last Saturday which was terrific.

So I have not vanished but will be back later.

I have been receiving pics from everyone of back gardens etc covered in snow and feel lucky to be here

Manly, Bronte beach and Coastal Walk

Time flies by quickly and still lots of places to see and things to do on my list. Not sure I will get them ticked off on this visit. No matter.   On Tuesday I caught the ferry to Manly to meet up with Heather.   We have got to know each other through Random Jottings and met up on my last visit and here we are again. Blogging and Facebook have brought me so many lovely friends.   We sat and yakked for hours and Heather gave me a lovely present - a cake she had baked using a recipe from the Great Colchester Bake Off (in abeyance until my return) and asked if it needed improving.   On my return I had a cup of tea and a slice and I can tell Heather now, it doesn't!    We shall be meeting up before my return home and as she is visiting the UK in September another meet is on the cards.  

Incidentally, if I have not mentioned it before, do take the Manly ferry - you get fantastic views of the Opera House and the harbour. In fact take ferries as often as you can, far cheaper than the official commercial cruises hawked around and just as good. 

Then next day I went to Bronte beach. Kathryn had told me I should try it and I would love it and she was right. Far and away the nicest beach I have been to so far, out in the suburbs, about twenty minutes on the bus, and enclosed in a cove surrounded by grass and trees and houses up on the hill.   Got there at around 10 am and more or less had the place to myself for two hours.  

Delighted to see there was a natural rock pool at one end of the beach which made a perfect swimming pool so made sure I had a dip or two and it was lovely and warm and refreshing to the skin.   Had lunch at one of a row of nice little cafes there and asked about the Coastal walk which runs from beach to beach.   Kathryn had urged me to try that as well so after assuring the kind young lady at the cafe who checked I had sun screen and a full bottle of water, I set off. It took me about an hour to get from Bronte to Bondi.  A quicker walker could do it in half that time but I was in no hurry and quite happy to be overlapped by What I Call Serious Walkers with maps and boots and sticks.    Benches and seats at regular intervals so you could rest and just look and a lot of looking was on the cards as the scenary was simply stunning as you can see from the photos I am incorporating into this post. 

Arrived safely at Bondi, rather tired and thirsty and was contemplating a sit down and a drink when I spotted my bus coming up the hill. Legged it and caught it and within half an hour was back home, feet aching and very tired. Kettle on and feet up, a bit of a zzzzzzz and felt fine.    Just a lovely lovely day.

Lovely Weekend Sydneyside

Saturday morning blue skies and sunny so off we went to the beach. This time we went to Coogee which I must admit is nicer than Bondi. I am very fond of Bondi as I spent many happy times of my twenties there, but have to admit it is a bit on the tacky side (with apologies to any Sydneysiders who are reading this).   Coogee is pretty busy but it has a very pleasant feel to it and houses and flats surrounding it look well kept and comfortable.   If Bondi is Clacton then Coogee is Frinton. OK only Essex people will understand that but never mind. There has bee a bit of a hurricane up in Queensland and the East coast was receiving the end of it and the waves crashing in on the beach were huge.  

Life boats were zapping up and down demented wasps watching the swimmers and in the end the announcement was made that the beach was closed, ie - nobody was to swim further out than the shallows.   Well, make an announcement like this and there will always be those who ignore it and think they can cope. Pleased to say it was not the visitors or tourists who disobeyed, but the Aussies who really should know better.  One  guy got pretty rude about it despite the fact that the lifeguards were hauling people out of the water who were in danger of being swept out to see.   We heard later on that somebody had drowned in the next beach so these precautions were called for.  

On Sunday stil breezy but we felt that sitting on a beach with the winds would be more of a penance than a pleasure and we took ourselves off down to the harbour and had lunch and then hopped on a ferry which was calling at several stops - this is a cheaper way than seeing the sights, the commercial cruises that tour around are very expensive.   Now I know that I took many pics of the opera house last time I was here and told myself that I really mustn't take any more, but I simply could not resist. 

The sky was a clear cerulean blue and the shells of the Opera House reflecting the sun and etched against the sky were simply stunning and I got snapping again.   I simply love this building and never tire of looking at it. Sometimes I go down to the harbour just to have a coffee and sit.    On our return we talk a quick walk over to the museum of Modern Art where this is an exhibition of the works of Anish Kapoor.   He had one of his famous reflecting sculytures outside, simply beautiful and reminded me of the time I was in Chicago and saw one of his sculptures there - named by the locals as The Bean.   Pity he did not do something so lovely for the Olympic Park in London last year. All we have is what looks like an unfinished tower of red etal.   Ah well.   Exhibition is on to the end of the week and I think I will pop down and take a look.   

Then bus home, ordered in a Pizza and we slobbed out for the evening.   Perfect weekend.

I visit the Sydney Opera House

My first visit to Sydney was the year the Opera House opened. I saw it when it was officially three weeks old and I wil never forget my first sight of this stunning building with its glorious sail like curves etched against a blue sky.   This October it celebrates its 40th year which gives me pause for thought. Just where have all those years gone?   I have been to concerts and operas at the House, viewed it from outside, taken countless pictures of it from all angles and in all weathers, but have never taken one of the tours, until today.   Had two days baking on the beach and was quite  relieved to find that it was a grey cooler day with  hint of rain in the air.   Walked down to the station where I knew I coud pick up the free Shuttle bus into town and down to Circular Quay and half an hour later was at the Opera House and signed up for one of the tours.  

Delighted to find that they give concessions even to overseas visitors and on production of my passport received a $8 take off from the cost.   The guide to our party, about twenty of us, was Alan and it was clear from the start that he simply loves his job and loves the Opera House (though really it is an Arts Centre - nobody calls it that) and even if he had done his spiel a hundred times he made it sound fresh and interesting.  

I had read quite a lot about its construction, its over run on both time and budget, but did not realise just had badly the Powers that Be had treated the architect, Utzon.  Panicking when costs rose astronomically and eager to find somebody to blame, the Government of the day decided to bring in a firm of Australian architects to finish the project and to keep an eye on Utzon.   Imagine the Pope bringing in a cleric or two to keep an eye on Michealangelo and you get the drift. Utzon resigned and went back to Sweden.   He never set foot in Australia again.  When the project finished and the Opera House opened in 1973 and Her Maj came across to do it, he was not even invited.   This discourtesy and display of arrogance really takes the biscuit and one can only imagine how hurt and upset Utzon must have been. Bloody politicians and their panicking and then their grabbing of the glory and their moment in the sun when the Queen arrived....but I had better not turn this into one of my rants.  

A totally fascinating tour and, as Alan told us, it had a happier ending.    There have been recent updates to the House, a concrete side has been opened to the harbour with a new entrance and windows etc and this, apparently, was something that Utzon had envisaged many years ago.   He has been consulted on this and other aspects of making sure the Opera House remains up to date and a working building for the current age.    Utzon was invited to attend the opening of this new project  but he was too old and frail to make the journey. Instead he sent his son, also an architect, and the room was dedicated the Utzon Room. At last amends had been made and apologies for disgraceful behaviour tendered.   All was forgiven and Utzon said it was an honour and a privilege having his name, at last, permanently attached to the Opera House.   

Australia has reason to be grateful to him, after seeing a montage of the other designs submitted his was the one with a soaring imagination, who could see that this building, poised like a ship in full sail, placed on Bennalong Point and reaching out into the harbour, would fit perfectly into its surroundings and landscape.   It is an iconic building, recognised all over the world and forty years later still draws in millions of visitors who marvel at its daring and imaginative design.   In a hundred years it will still be doing the same. Stunning and awesome this was a tour I should have taken years ago but though I came late to the party, I arrived and it was good.

Last day in Tasmania and I visit a bookshop

I am back in Sydney now but cannot leave Tasmania without writing about a bookshop.  Impossible to visit a town and not go to a bookshop and Pam knows them all well.

On our last morning Pam joined Kathryn and I for coffee as she was very kindly taking us to the airport, and suggested we go to Fullers in Hobart town centre.   A simply lovely shop - open and airy, lots of space, an excellent selection of books and gifts and, of course, an excellent coffee shop. I do think the combination of books, coffee and Danish is a marriage made in heaven. It goes without saying that I came away with a few goodies, mainly indulgences, a book on crochet and a set of postcards and pencils so that you can design your own.   I am not exactly Picasso but looking forward to having a go at these.   

Then I spotted the latest Camilla Lackberg, The Lost Boy, which is not yet available in the UK (I think) and when I drew this to Kathryn's attention she bought it.  Books in Australia are very expensive indeed but as we were both going to read it felt it was a good investment (yes, I know....).   After a good look round, coffee, a chat with Jocelyn who was behind the counter upon whom I bestowed my card (do hope you read this Jocelyn so that you know what a great bookshop Fullers is), it was time to head for the airport and say goodbye to Pam who was simply WONDERFUL and I am determined to return for another visit as I must say I really took to Tassie.  

And just to mention that I hardly had a word out of Kathryn all day while she read the Lackberg, she then passed it on to me and ditto......     

Next posts will be bringing you up to date on my doings in Sydney.

Close Encounter with an Echidna

While in Tasmania I had a Close Encounter with an Echidna.  I have seen pictures of these creatures and they seem to me to be a cuddly kind of hedgehog, though perhaps with less charm. I certainly wasn't expecting to see one close to but while driving along the road with my lovely hostess and guide, Pam of Travellin' Penguin, she suddenly slammed on the breaks and screeched to a halt. She had spotted an echidna on the side of the road and if you spot an animal in such a dangerous location you are asked to stop and move it to safety.   Having seen the number of bodies of dead animals as we drove around I could understand this general plea.   Anyway, Pam was well prepared and donning a pair of gloves she keeps in the car for this purpse, she prepared to rescue this animal.  He had other ideas, however, and started burrowing into the ground making it very difficult to move him.  Pam is made of sterner stuff though and persisted and managed to get hold of him and hoik him up. She showed him to me and, as you can see from the photo I took, he is in a right sulk.

Anyway he was moved across the road and put on the edge of a field where he would be safe.   He immediately burrowed down and was not in the slightest bit grateful for being saved from a flattening from the next car belting down the road.   Quite an experience for me and, to commemorate this, Pam bought me my own echidna from the gift shop at Port Arthur.  He will come home with me and his name is, naturally, Arthur.....

I love Tasmania

Grey day again today (seem to have brought bad weather with me) but warm and pleasant for sightseeing and driving. If the sun had been shining and the temperature high might not have been so relaxed and easy.   Exploring the south peninsula of the island today and I am just posting pictures I took so you can see the contrasts and the sights I have seen.

Oldest bridge in Australia - at Richmond and built by convicts who left their thumbprints or their mark on the bricks they made.

Old fashioned sweet shop in Richmond. I came away with a jar of butterscotch and a slab of Fry's peppermint cream which I have not seen in years.

Through the area devastated by the recent fires. See on TV, say how ghastly but the impact on seeing the actual location and damage really brings home how frightening and dangerous it was.

Tide out at Derwent Bay

Port Arthur - the prison and home for all those poor Brits shipped out here and imprisoned probably for no more than stealing a loaf of bread.  Looks beautiful, all landscaped and immaculate but bet it wasn't so good when it was baking hot or freezing cold.

I took loads more photos today and had loads more fun to tell you about including a close encounter with an Echidna, more of which tomorrow as I am feeling a bit tired to blog more tonight. My thanks to my wonderful tour guide and fellow blogger, Pam of Travellin' Penguin, who drove me all over the place today and to whom I offer my appreciation and thanks.   Last night I met her husband Tom who cooked us a mean steak and had a great evening.  

And before dropping me off at my hotel, here is how Pam and I finished the day.....

I am in Tasmania

I am currently in Hobart in Tasmania and will be blogging all about it in the next day or so but in case you wonder where I have been just to let you know I have been laid low with a tummy bug. Spent about 24 hours vomiting all over the place and feeling like death and no energy at all. Now gone but as I felt as if I had been pulverised by a steam roller I had to take it easy and not do much. Not quite what I planned in Oz but there you go...

So am here in Tassie and it is great and I have a great companio  showing me around. More later......

Bondi

Jet lag has gone and the sun has arrived. Perfect timing.   Quite glad it was raining when I arrived as I really could not have coped with any heat until I had my sleep and bearings back to normal and now they are, so this morning caught the bus and off to Bondi Beach, where I used to live yonks ago.

Oh I do love it.  Glorious blue skies, sun out and surfers, waves crashing in and I just sat there and watched the comings and goings and rejoiced in the warmth. I could feel all the dampness and cold from the UK vanishing from my body.   Made sure I was slathered in Factor 50 and came off the beach at noon when it was pretty hot. The temptation to stay longer is strong but I have a good few weeks ahead of me to get a tan so no point in overdoing it.

 

Quick shower in the Bondi Pavilion then tracked down a bookshop I know of in Bondi - Gertrude and Alice.  There I had an omelette and salad and tea with lemon and read for an hour. It is a lovely cosy place and very laid back and no pressure to leave. I could probably have stayed all afternoon but could feel the lure of a siesta calling me so home I came and am writing this after my feet up for an hour.

I will be doing the same tomorrow and wednesday and then I am off to Tasmania and that is something to look forward to.