K. Dana Morris

To The Top!

Friday May 31, 2013

Oh boy!  Here we go!! To the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.  I chose the Twilight Climb that started at 4pm and I made a good choice!  I got the best of both views – the sunset as we climbed to the top, and then a view of the Vivid Lights and other city lights as we climbed back down. Our guide was really cool, too. We arrived at the top of the bridge on schedule at 5:45pm. He had everyone just chill out which is really hard to do when you are 440 feet up in the air tethered to a wire wearing a flimsy jump suit. But he had a plan. The Vivid Lights show was going to start promptly at 6pm and he wanted us to see it. Sure enough at 5:59 and 45 seconds the Opera House was lit up and the rest of the city and harbour soon followed.

They don’t let you bring your camera or phone with you on the climb for fear you will drop it and it will land on a passing car. Can you imagine that happening if you were the driver? They even made me take off my headband, all jewelry, my pants (not sure why I couldn’t wear my jeans under the jumpsuit), and sunnies (sunglasses). Turns out I didn’t need those things anyway and it is quite the workout climbing 1,332 steps so not having all that stuff weighing me down was a blessing. After we were suited up we had training. They taught us how to tether ourselves (very important) and how to climb the ladder type steps both up and down.

There were two parts to the climb – the catwalks from land to the inclines and then the inclines. The catwalks were VERY narrow. I remember looking down over the Hyatt in Darling Harbour when we were only 50 feet up and we were on two 2″ by 8″ planks.  One foot fit on each plank. And that is fine except for the parts when I had to lean WAY over the railing so that I didn’t hit my head on the supports that angled right in front of me. There were many of those. My heart started to flutter when I looked down. It was exhilarating!

Then came the inclines. There were ladder type steps that had different sections. There were about 25 steps per section. The fun came when I had to transfer from one section to another. It reminded me of going from a roof back down to a ladder. There was a point when I had one foot on one section and the other foot trying to reach the other section all the while remembering to have both hands holding on to something fixed to the bridge. Lordy! The other type of inclines were pretty easy as they were 3 foot wide metal steps at a very low slope.

We were actually climbing and/or looking at the sights for a solid 2.5 hours. I was pooped when I finished, but it was one of the great highlights of the entire trip!!

These photos came on the CD I purchased that included 2 shots of me on top of the bridge. They really do tell the story, but the ones of me with the city lights behind are just spectacular. We were so high up!!!

Starting the big climb to the top – looking back towards Sydney.

View of the Sydney Opera House as we climb the bridge.

1,332 Steps in all!!

The sun sets on another climbing group.

I reached the very top!! This was minutes before Vivid Lights started.

And now I’m headed back down. Had to be sure and pay attention to my footing rather than look at the lights. But they stopped a lot along the way for us to get a good look.

After the climb Mike met me out for some well deserved beers. Our first stop was the Australian Hotel where rugby was on TV and I tried to explain it to Mike. He ended up really liking it despite my scattered interpretation of the rules. Then we headed over to Hero of Waterloo to continue the night with some friends I know from Orlando that have relocated to Sydney. So fun!

Closing time at 10:30pm!

One interesting thing about most traditional pubs in Sydney is that they close anywhere from 10pm to 11:30pm. And I mean they will sweep you out into the streets at closing time. Apparently this is common in England, too.

Errands and Empire

Thursday May 30, 2013

Mike took the day off today but just as most times that you plan to take off the world decides to close in on you. He was swamped with calls until about 10am but then pulled away and we headed out.

First we had to do errands. Doesn’t sound like much fun but I actually enjoyed seeing real Sydney living in action. Janie pulled a lamp off of the credenza and Mike was going to try to fix it. Of course, the lamp was old or the part was old or something, so the next thing you know it is Super Glue and packing tape to the rescue. Lamp done!

We both needed to stop by the pharmacy (same as a CVS or Walgreens but they call the entire store the pharmacy) for a few toiletry items. Earlier in the morning we planned to meet Jenny, Margy and Janie at a sushi restaurant that doesn’t have high chairs. So I put my wallet in Janie’s high chair at the house thinking that when we leave, as I grab my wallet, it will remind me/us to take Janie’s chair. Well, that didn’t happen. I walked right out of the house with no wallet. Thank goodness Mike was shopping with me so he paid for the stuff and back we went to the apartment to get my wallet and Janie’s chair.

Janie in her Chair – Some restaurants do not have booster seats or high chairs so this portable guy has really come in handy.

Next stop: Sushi Trains! I don’t know the name of this restaurant but it really doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you sit down and sushi comes rolling by you on a conveyor belt. You just grab the plate you want, eat it, then when you are finished they count the plates you ate and charge you accordingly. The blue plates are the best bargain!

I got to taste Ginger Beer! This was the pop top.

Off to find a camera repair place. Turns out the lens on Mike’s camera stopped working and we can’t have that. This was more of a research mission because he didn’t know if it was just jammed up or broken for good.  Broken for good it turns out. Oh well, let’s shake off this bad news with a trip to the Sydney Eye!

The Eye from below.

Highest Post Box

Maritime Museum from the Eye.

Margy took a break from looking over the city to play with blocks.

Back to the streets after some beautiful views from up high. We just strolled along the CBD (Central Business District).

As M&J were walking and talking about plans to replace the broken camera lens we thought an afternoon beverage was in order. Mike found these two delightful places in alley ways! Literally they have outdoor seating in these quaint alleys. You get a bit of the hustle and bustle of the main street as well as an off-to-the-side place to relax.

At this alley cafe they piped in native bird sounds to really enhance the mood.

All sorts of different bird cages.

Ash Street Cellar

Love the globes.

Perfectly made Flat White!

Neat high back chair in the adjacent business.

After our afternoon of strolling and shopping it was time to get back home and get ready for Empire of the Sun. They are an Australian band that is rumored to put on quite the show AND they were playing at the Sydney Opera House! As we were getting ready for Adults Evening Out we had no idea that in a few hours we’d see a guy rise from behind the stage shooting fire extinguishers at his dance troop. The lead singer has quite the ego!  He wears a silver mask and a big spikey silver head piece and is clearly the star of the show. Not even his music can trump his presence on the stage. The drummer, with his mohawk head piece, is the hardest working guy on stage (besides the dancers) and he didn’t even get a nod. And the guitarist just stood over to the side in his MC Hammer pants and played his heart out.

But we loved the show and were on our feet for the encore song “Alive”. Yep, we sang along with a smile on our face like everyone else.

One of the most fun things about where Mike lives is that it is so close to all of the cool things to do, especially the Opera House. We strolled through Circular Quay and looked at more Vivid Lights. Even though we’d seen the lights you can always find something new or that you’d missed before.

Everyone has seen the iconic photos of the outside of the Sydney Opera House but nothing compares to actually being inside. First of all the place is huge! Secondly, for as many angles and curves and lines as there are on the outside there are that many on the inside.

Looking up as we walked to the upper floors.

Cool texture of the inside walls.

Inside the upper lobby.

View from our seats.

Mike and I on the stairs.

Jenny and I on the stairs.

Outside looking up.

Outside looking up but a different view.

And third, the views of the harbour from the upper floors of the Opera House are amazing! Especially during Vivid!!

Sydney Harbour Bridge – those steps are actually outside of the glass.

My bro and his ladies!

Sister-in-laws!

M&J

Siblings in Sydney!

View from the Opera House backs towards Circular Quay.

Here are some pics of the Vivid Lights being displayed on the Opera House.

Vivid Lights on the Opera House

Vivid Lights on the Opera House

Vivid Lights on the Opera House

Vivid Lights on the Opera House

Plaque found outside the Opera House.

On the walk home Vivid Lights was in full swing. They had this neat interactive deal set up outside the Customs House. Anyone could get up on a portable stage and dance doing whatever moves they choose and their moves would dictate the speed of the light display showing on the Customs House. One woman got up and did very slow, fluid moves almost like a hula dance so her light show was slower and less hectic. Then a boy about 10 years old got up and shook all around fist pumping and jumping and shaking his head so his display was fast and wild. The crowd really got into it!

Lights on the Customs House.

Lights on the Customs House.

Lights on the Customs House.

Lights on the Customs House.

Catchup – Not the Kind You Eat

Wednesday May 29th

Today is dedicated as lazy Wednesday. I pretty much stayed around the house the entire morning working on my journal (playing catch-up) and doing a bit of laundry.  And watching Margy and Janie play.

However doing laundry here is quite the challenge. The machine agitator is either broken or likes to eat clothes. After about half way through the wash cycle the machine just stops, and when you look inside your clothes are balled up around the agitator and it is actually pretty difficult to get sorted out. The clothes are soaking wet at this point so the goal is to get them unballed, spread out, and then turn the dial to Spin and try to get rid of some of the water. Some times you have to do a Spin cycle 2 or 3 times else when they go into the dryer it will take 2 hours to get them dry. As Jenny said, “the results of the clothes washer are suspect.”

With laundry spun out and dried I relaxed with some Aussie TV. It cracks me up! I saw an episode of Dallas: The Reunion, tons of cooking shows, local news, and found out that Australia has their very own 60 Minutes. It is the very same format as US 60 Minutes only with stories about their local states/country. Australia also has The Mole, The Biggest Loser and a few soap operas. All in all pretty much the same as US TV.

No more time for relaxing as I ventured out to Redfern via train to meet up with some friends that moved from Orlando to Sydney. We met at this cool place called Arcadia where they pride themselves on having a better selection of craft beers. I had a Young Henry Pale Ale and had fun times talking with locals about what to expect when visiting Wellington and Auckland in New Zealand. Boy, I’ve got a lot on my list for next week!!

After a few rounds at Arcadia some of the group split off and went to Darlinghurst. We got out of the taxi, walked across one street where we saw a coupla guys just standing outside of a black door. The door was closed, no signs (paper or lit up), and no way anyone just stumbling by could know this was a bar. All of a sudden my friend Steve is greeted by the “guys” and the door opens to the coolest bar ever called Shady Pines! The lights were low, the music was a mix of Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and local “country”, and they had peanuts in the shell for your taking.

Gazing upon the menu I noticed their very impressive selection of Kentucky Bourbon! I took a picture of the 2 pages worth of selections and then just had to chime in when a patron asked the bartender what the best one was. I said, “If you have a lot of money then go with the Pappy Van Winkle. If you don’t go with the Eagle Rare.” I’m not sure which one he chose but I knew he couldn’t go wrong with my suggestions.

I ended up with a Mornington Sorachi Kolsch.

The walls in this joint are covered, I mean COVERED, with deer heads, a moose head, stuffed animals that I couldn’t even identify, and loads of fish. It is a trophy hunter’s dream! In fact, one of the girls we were with said the owners of this bar also own 3 other bars and they actually did hire their own taxidermist to do all the work to make the other bars look just like this one. Ted Nugent really needs to visit this place.

p.s. This review is way more colorful than mine and paints the picture nicely: http://www.au.timeout.com/sydney/bars/venues/3325/shady-pines-saloon#picture0

After The Fog

Tuesday May 28th

Woke up to a fog so thick we couldn’t see past our windows. We claimed it to be “the fog that took away the harbour”. Fog outside calls for lounging inside, and that we did. Since it is still Monday night on the East Coast Mike technically had work conference calls, but Monday May 27th was Memorial Day in the States so no call for Mike.

Sydney Harbour Bridge from the Apartment

I heard tall tales about Sausage Rolls and had my heart set on one for lunch. I found La Renaissance Cafe Patisserie in The Rocks. It was a short walk from the apartment north on Kent Street to the most delicious croissant I have ever had, and inside that croissant was tender pork and veal with spices. I didn’t think there could be anything better. Then we spied the Ham and Cheese Croissant. It was so stuffed with ham and cheese and some type of amazing sauce that it was spilling out. After that was quickly inhaled we made our way back to the desserts where there were just too many to choose from. I was going to split off from the group and decided my dessert would be a pint at the next place I stumble upon.

I found the Orient Hotel, a Sydney Landmark since 1844. You gotta love anyplace that has a “public bar”. I ordered up a Pure Blonde Premium and picked a seat by the window so I could view both the activity on the water and in the streets. With such a great location I can see how this place is “The Pub that Rocks The Rocks!” One thing I love about the tables in the bar is that they have little shelves underneath to put your belongings. Genius! Of course as I look around no one is putting there things there, including me. Maybe I could start a trend.

I just love when I’m strolling down George Street and I find the Fortune of War, Since 1828, Licensed to Retail Fermented & Spirituous Liquors, Hotelier License No. 102380, Robert John Keyes. I guess it was or is a hotel and bar. I’m in the bar now and I’m sure you can imagine on Tuesday at 1:49pm I’m the only female in the joint. I certainly don’t care, but they might, and that makes me care even less. It is a cute little place and it is really old. Just the type of place I love. This will be a repeat activity. New Beers Discovered: James Squire Orchard Crush Apple Cider and James Squire 150 Lashes Pale Ale.

We had dinner in Chinatown at Mamak and it was excellent. We got three different rotis, fried chicken that should make the Colonel nervous, and beef satay. We had so many plates of food we had no room on the table to actually put our eating plates. But don’t worry, we blew threw it all dish by dish and soon there was an empty table again.

We then took our full bellies for a walk to Darling Harbour to see the Vivid Lights.

I branched off to do trivia at Margaritaville. Yes, there is a Margaritaville in Sydney…along with a Hard Rock Cafe. It was quite tricky because the questions were so much more international than I’m used to. I did pretty well at music, sports and tv. I’m sure no one is surprised those are the categories in which I excelled. Mike met up with me and we strolled over to a “pop-up bar” they had temporarily for the Vivid show. Beers in hand we enjoyed the 10 minute light, music and water show. For some reason I am always surprised when I hear US music in OZ – everything from AC/DC to Whitesnake to fun. to Beyonce. We had a night cap at Tokio and caught the last coupla songs from a hip local band. I wish they could have played longer and I wish I wasn’t so tired.

We called it a night and started the brisk walk home.

Mike is taking the day off on Thursday so I’m sure big fun is around the corner!

Whatever You Do, Don’t

Monday May 27, 2013

I’d like to start this journal entry the way I ended my night last night. With a Tim Tam. Tim Tams will be coming back to the States with me, somehow some way. They are a biscuit cookie with chocolate coating and chocolate creme inside. Although that sounds pretty much like most delicious cookies these are some how much, much better. Mike told me that I would have to work up to eating more than one at a time and I didn’t understand until the last bite. They are really potent, in a good way! I’ve only had one flavor so far so I can’t wait until tonight when I get another taste.

Today’s first activity was the Sydney Aquarium.  Margy really enjoys this and showed me all of her favorite parts.

Janie and Deeda

Janie and Margy Measure Themselves

Smile!

Next stop:  Madame Tussaud’s. I didn’t even really want to go but as soon as I got to the wax museum it was on!! Margy and I wore every hat, used every prop, and belly laughed the entire time. What a hoot! We had an entire photo session with President Obama at his desk and I, of course, bought too many obscenely overpriced souvenir photos. But who cares…I’m on holiday!!

One scary/funny thing happened when we stopped at Cargo Bar on the pier at Darling Harbour for a snack. There was a table of two seated kind of close to us and they were finishing up their meal. As soon as they scooted in their chairs five gulls of some type swooped in (pretty much like a military plane fly by) and landed on the plates and bowls and devoured the leftovers and crumbs. I mean they devoured it in seconds! We just sat there stunned and watched and then quickly covered up our plates. No way was one of those birds going to dive in and fly away with one of my snacks!

Let’s talk about beer prices. Holy crap! I went across the street from our apartment to Kent Street Cellars and a six pack of anything (Heineken, 4Pines, Angry Man, Stella) were all over $20!! Yes, more than $20 for a six pack. Probably more like $24 – $28 per six pack. I had been warned about this but was still floored when I saw it for myself. Bar prices aren’t much better. Happy Hour is when Victoria Bitter (VB to the locals, probably the Natty Light of OZ) is $5 for a 12 ounce glass. Jugs (we call them pitchers) are $15. BUT this is only at one place and happy hour is from 3pm – 6pm. Most pints or schooners are over $7 each. You gotta be loaded to get loaded!

For dinner Jenny made baked ziti and it was so yummy. We followed that up with Tim Tams and Cornettos, which are ice cream cones like Drumsticks. Fat and happy I went to bed early again and slept soundly.

Pea Foam

May 26, 2013

I made it to Sydney!

The customs line in the airport was impressive (= long as hell) but clearing went smoothly. Mike and Margy met me at the exit and I was so excited to see them both. We boarded the train and headed from the airport to Wynyards, which is the closest station to their apartment. Note: The customs agent asked me if the address where I was staying was a hotel. I said, “No, it is a condo”. She furrowed her brow and said, “We call them apartments. If you say condo people might get confused.” I told her “Thanks for the tip” and smiled. She just said, “Have a nice stay.” I guess I have a lot of learning to do.

Here in Australia they walk, drive and ride escalators all on the left side. Not the wrong side, but the left side. There was a really cool, old wooden escalator at the Wynyard Station. Made by Otis, but it must have been 50 years old. Although I have no idea when the first escalator was installed but this is the first time I’ve ever seen a wooden one so I’ll go with 50 years old. Of course I floated to the right, but Mike reminded me to stay left so others could pass.

Otis Elevator Wynyard Station Sydney

The trains are really nice. You board and then have the choice to go upstairs or downstairs, so it’s a double decker. Very clean and quite. And not smelly like some of the Metro or Marta trains in the States. I can call it the States now that I’m here in OZ. And I can call it OZ now that I’m here in OZ.

Upon my arrival to the apartment Jenny greeted me with mimosas and a wonderful hot breakfast. We had scrambled eggs with yummy white cheddar cheese, fruit, and Tip Tops. What are Tip Tops you ask? They are English Muffins, but they are the BEST English Muffins ever. Put a little butter and raspberry jam on them and oh boy. Just like home only better!! I couldn’t get enough of the view out the floor to ceiling windows on two walls of their apartment. What a way to start the day!

Welcome Breakfast

I unpacked a little and then we loaded up the kids and walked to Circular Quay. We took the Sydney Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. Our ferry’s name was the Narrabeen. I was using it in sentences like: “I Narrabeen on this ferry before”. Mike and I cracked up. It reminded us both of “Stumbalova”. Vania Stambolova was a hurdles runner in the 2012 Summer Olympics and the poor thing took a huge dive over one of her hurdles. It was just awful. Apparently others thought of the same nickname for her.

I had “Narrabeen” to Manly before!

Manly is just wonderful! It is a laid back beach town with tons of shops, restaurants and bars. Our first stop was at Murray’s where we sat upstairs and overlooked the ocean. The waves were big that day so there were tons of surfers out. Mike introduced me to Angry Man Pale Ale. It was just what the doctor ordered after 24 hours of traveling.

Murray’s Bar

Cheers & Beers!

Angry Man Pale Ale

We ordered some snacks – sliders, crab wontons and fish ‘n chips. I noticed that lots of dishes came with “pea foam”, including the fish and chips. Sure enough, pea foam is just what you would think pea foam would be. I guess they just take peas and whip them into a frenzy. It is actually quite good on a chip. Of course, I don’t have to say that chips are the same as fries but these chips were especially good and homemade. More of the potato wedge type if you will. We housed that food and then took off to the beach.

Manly Beach

We forgot Margy’s swim suit and Jane doesn’t have one so Margy swam in her dress and Jane in her diaper. There is nothing cuter in the world than a baby on the beach in only a diaper. Janie is a daredevil! She has no fear and loved the water and waves. Margy is also not shy around the surf. She cavorted about making friends, playing with the wet sand, and jumping over knee high waves.

Janie on the Beach

Margy on the Beach

Mike, Jenny and I tried to escape with only sandy feet but we all ended up with wet pants. And no one cared. We were having so much fun. The temperature was about 70 degrees with no clouds in the blue sky. How can you worry about wet pants when you look up in the sky and see clear blue heaven?!

Margy and Deeda’s Sandy Feet

We also forgot to pack any towels. We really didn’t think it would be such a full on beach/ocean experience so towels were the last things on our mind. It is really interesting to try and wipe of a totally sandy baby with just a few baby wipes. We just took off the wet stuff and replaced it with dry stuff and off we went to try some more beers.

Sandy Janie

This time it was a 4 Pines Kolsh at ___________________ bar. So far this one is my fav!

Margy and Deeda Share

After a quick stop at the grocery for burgers and sour cream & sweet chili flavored kettle chips we got back on The Narrabeen. We got the best view of the Sydney Vivid Lights from the water on the cruise back. And then even more lights on the walk from the wharf to the apartment. Mike really lives in the heart of it all!

Skyline from Narrabeen

Vivid from Narrabeen

Although I was feeling great as soon as I got home and took a shower I hit the wall. In my defense it was 8pm and from my calculations I had been up for 36 hours with only about 3.5 hours of catnaps on the flight. I think I did pretty well for my first day in Sydney. I hit the sack hard and started to look forward to the rest of my holiday down under!

Deeda is tired!