After an electrical fire started during the night a few days ago, Cafe Otte of Glebe Point Road is no more.
May your delicious tomato bruschetta, free wireless, and delicious milkshakes forever live on in our hearts (and stomachs)...
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Around the Neighborhood
I've never been one to be trigger happy--that is, when it comes to a camera. For most of my life, I've been pretty confident that not being the one to take pictures is the best way to go. Never having to worry about lost/stolen cameras, or trying to ensure pictures of yourself somehow make it into any given album...that's hard work! Consequently, in the past I've passed on picture-taking, knowing that there will always be tons of other trigger happy fingers with digital cameras wherever I go.
However, much to the dismay of my two parents, I arrived in Australia without my camera (yeah, that's right; I left my camera safely packed up in a box in California). Even when my dad offered to buy me a new camera, I resisted. It's just too much pressure!
But, like me, my parents are very wonderfully stubborn people, and did not let my protestations get in their way of "seeing Carlyn's Australia." Not only did they fly over here for Christmas, but they brought a camera or two with them--one of which somehow managed to get left over here when they departed. Two weeks later, a box filled with candy, books, necessary medicines...and a camera cord and camera software...was sent to me. Tricky people we are, my family.
Either way, I'm turning a new leaf in 2010: I will take some pictures. Clearly there are a few people out there (coughcoughmomanddadcoughcough) who desire a few "Carlyn Down Under" albums, and therefore I'll do my best to grant their request.
Below is my first mini-album, entitled "Around the Neighborhood"....
However, much to the dismay of my two parents, I arrived in Australia without my camera (yeah, that's right; I left my camera safely packed up in a box in California). Even when my dad offered to buy me a new camera, I resisted. It's just too much pressure!
But, like me, my parents are very wonderfully stubborn people, and did not let my protestations get in their way of "seeing Carlyn's Australia." Not only did they fly over here for Christmas, but they brought a camera or two with them--one of which somehow managed to get left over here when they departed. Two weeks later, a box filled with candy, books, necessary medicines...and a camera cord and camera software...was sent to me. Tricky people we are, my family.
Either way, I'm turning a new leaf in 2010: I will take some pictures. Clearly there are a few people out there (coughcoughmomanddadcoughcough) who desire a few "Carlyn Down Under" albums, and therefore I'll do my best to grant their request.
Below is my first mini-album, entitled "Around the Neighborhood"....
This is my house. It's a two-story terrace house, like the majority of houses in Sydney...
Brian in front of the house.
Me in front of the house. I do love to pose.
Most doors in Australia have doorknobs smack in the center. I love it. Why would you ever have a doorknob on the left when you could have one in the center??
The somewhat sexist Turkish church around the corner (the picture is a bit blurry--I haven't mastered my photography skills yet--but you'll notice there are two white signs: one that says "men's entry" and points to the left, and another that says "women's entry" and point's to the right). The Turkish population in Sydney is surprisingly large, and it's particularly noticeable in our neighborhood. In fact, Brian and I are currently on a quest for the best kebab. So far, the "Turkish Delight" on Crown St. is our number-one pick.
The beach is at our front step! I mean, wait, just kidding. I honestly have no idea how this picture got in here (that's my mom and brother in Fiji, just fyi)...
The Blockbuster in Surry Hills has an "Australia" section. I find that slightly amusing. Also, this particular location offers $1 weekly rentals on Wednesday. Since it is Wednesday, I just returned from Blockbuster, armed with the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
The Surry Hills Blockbuster also prefers to showcase old motown hits like "Hold On, I'm Coming" by Sam & Dave. No movie previews or clips for them. It's fantastic. I danced the whole time we were there.
Our supermarket! Again, the sign's a bit blurry, but Coles is my grocery store of choice. Their home brand, Coles Smart Buy, is the best thing to happen to budget backpackers. Fifty-nine cent pasta, five dollar chicken, and two dollar litres of milk. NOT going broke this year!
Brian thought this picture was funny. (Get it? Collect four kids, instead of collect for kids...Yeah, I didn't laugh either).
Check Out My Article on Rollinglobe!
As of about 10pm yesterday, I am officially a published author! Last week, the president of Rollinglobe asked if he could publish my review of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk as a feature article on the new website's front page.
After a bit of editing, and after writing an additional review for the hostel I'm working at (linked to the feature), it's all up there under the title "Surf's Up in Sydney: Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk"! Check, check, check it out: http://www.rollinglobe.com/RGWeb/articles/show.aspx?city=16&art=48
After a bit of editing, and after writing an additional review for the hostel I'm working at (linked to the feature), it's all up there under the title "Surf's Up in Sydney: Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk"! Check, check, check it out: http://www.rollinglobe.com/RGWeb/articles/show.aspx?city=16&art=48
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Australia Day
It's like the American 4th of July. Lots of festivals, lots of singing, boozing, fireworks, more boozing, beaches, bbq's, and yet more boozing. Oh and they do the whole red, white, and blue thing here too--just all of their clothing and flags say "A U S T R A L I A" instead of "USA."
So, you might wonder, what will I do on this wonderful national public holiday? I am going to work...Double pay, baby!
I'm serious; I'll be working for most of the day, most likely scolding drunk hostel-goers stumbling off the beach. Yayyy. However, this morning, as soon as I get myself out of bed, Brian and I will be heading down to The Rocks to watch the ferrython (all the boats and ferries get dressed up all festive-like and race across the Sydney Harbour), as well as eat some hot dogs and listen to the free concerts going on downtown. Pictures to come :).
So, you might wonder, what will I do on this wonderful national public holiday? I am going to work...Double pay, baby!
I'm serious; I'll be working for most of the day, most likely scolding drunk hostel-goers stumbling off the beach. Yayyy. However, this morning, as soon as I get myself out of bed, Brian and I will be heading down to The Rocks to watch the ferrython (all the boats and ferries get dressed up all festive-like and race across the Sydney Harbour), as well as eat some hot dogs and listen to the free concerts going on downtown. Pictures to come :).
Geaux Saints!
I know, I know, I'm not exactly what you would call one of those "football fans." In fact, I kind of really don't like watching the sport. Besides the rare and sporadic good run or spectacular touchdown, the game is a bit slow for my soccer-bred tastes. The only sport I perhaps dislike watching more is cricket.
However, that the New Orleans Saints have made it to the one and only Superbowl, transcends any qualms I may have with football as a sport and commodity. Clearly, this is a big deal for the Big Easy--it's a beautiful moment, if you will. I'll assume you all know why (and save you the heartfelt speech).
So there ya go. Wat Dat??? The SAINTS are coming to town (a.k.a. your television on February 7th).
However, that the New Orleans Saints have made it to the one and only Superbowl, transcends any qualms I may have with football as a sport and commodity. Clearly, this is a big deal for the Big Easy--it's a beautiful moment, if you will. I'll assume you all know why (and save you the heartfelt speech).
So there ya go. Wat Dat??? The SAINTS are coming to town (a.k.a. your television on February 7th).
Sunday, January 24, 2010
"That's _____ As!"
Ah, the ultimate Aussie phrase. "That's sweet as!" or "That's cool as!" or "Crikey, Carlyn, you're just awesome as." Or, as I have often found myself saying, "Those crocodiles are creepy as."
While Americans emphasize things such as sweetness, coolness, and awesomeness by using the accented word "so," Australians favor a dangling comparison...(Seriously, though; it's "cool as"? Cool as what??)
Aha! But that's the simple magic of the saying: it's entirely up to your own imagination and/or interpretation. It can be "delicious as"--delicious as in the perfect apple brown sugar crumb pie. Or it might be "weird as"--weird as in the Bermuda Triangle, or weird as in the whole boys-wearing-tight-jorts phenomenon that is so oddly pervasive here. So many adjectives with so many potential things to describe. Take your pick. Try it out. In no time, you'll sound Australian as...
While Americans emphasize things such as sweetness, coolness, and awesomeness by using the accented word "so," Australians favor a dangling comparison...(Seriously, though; it's "cool as"? Cool as what??)
Aha! But that's the simple magic of the saying: it's entirely up to your own imagination and/or interpretation. It can be "delicious as"--delicious as in the perfect apple brown sugar crumb pie. Or it might be "weird as"--weird as in the Bermuda Triangle, or weird as in the whole boys-wearing-tight-jorts phenomenon that is so oddly pervasive here. So many adjectives with so many potential things to describe. Take your pick. Try it out. In no time, you'll sound Australian as...
Mozzies Are Brutal
I've always been particularly prone to mosquito bites. While my mother always told me it was because I was the sweetest girl around (thanks, Mom), I always had an inkling the blood-sucking insects were merely just out to get me--that I was on some sort of mosquito black-list and hence every time I popped into their radar on some muggy evening, they all flocked to me.
It doesn't help that I'm allergic either. My bites swell to the greatest of their potential, so much so that I often wonder if they're competing against one another to see who can be the biggest, itchiest, and most painful bug bite of all. For me, the whole phenomenon = no fun.
Moreover, in the past, I've found that most itching remedies fail miserably. They fall very short of their labeled promises. All those anti-itch creams and gels, antihistamines, hydrocortisone--they're all TERRIBLE. Even calamine lotion doesn't really do the trick. Whoever made these products must have bug bites the size of the tiny freckle on my pinkie. I not only resent them, but I take insult to their empty promises as well.
Recently, however, I have stumbled upon a natural remedy. The other night, while dining with the Suttle family, Jane suggested I try green tea bags (heat them up/water them down in hot agua) and lavendar oil. God. Sent.
Works like a charm. Try it. My happiness and physical comfort has quadrupled.
It doesn't help that I'm allergic either. My bites swell to the greatest of their potential, so much so that I often wonder if they're competing against one another to see who can be the biggest, itchiest, and most painful bug bite of all. For me, the whole phenomenon = no fun.
Moreover, in the past, I've found that most itching remedies fail miserably. They fall very short of their labeled promises. All those anti-itch creams and gels, antihistamines, hydrocortisone--they're all TERRIBLE. Even calamine lotion doesn't really do the trick. Whoever made these products must have bug bites the size of the tiny freckle on my pinkie. I not only resent them, but I take insult to their empty promises as well.
Recently, however, I have stumbled upon a natural remedy. The other night, while dining with the Suttle family, Jane suggested I try green tea bags (heat them up/water them down in hot agua) and lavendar oil. God. Sent.
Works like a charm. Try it. My happiness and physical comfort has quadrupled.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Weather UPDATE:
The rain gods have answered my prayers, and it is currently pouring outside. This is the best afternoon EVER.
I'm Praying for Rain (or Snow Storm)
It's HOT today--so ridiculously hot that my co-worker Kirsty informed me that when she walked out of the house at quarter to six this morning, it was 30.3 degrees (that's ~86 F). Imagine what it's been like the rest of the day...I fear tonight's inevitable restless and heat-induced insomnia.
Fortunately, I'm stuck inside at a reception desk with an air-conditioning box aimed to blow down my shirt (AC is my new best friend). Still, somehow I'm still sweating out half of my body weight.
Keeping my fingers crossed for a thunderstorm. Sydney needs some rain. Come on, rain gods; show me some agua.
Fortunately, I'm stuck inside at a reception desk with an air-conditioning box aimed to blow down my shirt (AC is my new best friend). Still, somehow I'm still sweating out half of my body weight.
Keeping my fingers crossed for a thunderstorm. Sydney needs some rain. Come on, rain gods; show me some agua.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I SAW PRINCE WILLIAM
Well, granted, he was in a tinted-screened white car surrounded by a large motorcade. But in some capacity, I did see him.
Yes, that's right; the prematurely semi-bald Prince William has made his first trip to Sydney since his real first trip here with Princess Diana back in the day. The Aussies are going craaaaazy here. They love him.
On our way back to the house after an afternoon in Newtown (some thrift shopping, the world's best hamburger...more to come on that later), Brian and I were walking up Regent St in Redfern, when, low and behold, Prince William drove by on his way to visit the infamous/renowned Aboriginal "Block."
Yes, that's right; the prematurely semi-bald Prince William has made his first trip to Sydney since his real first trip here with Princess Diana back in the day. The Aussies are going craaaaazy here. They love him.
This Year's Coachella Lineup
Available for a look-see here: Coachella Lineup
So good it makes me want to cry. Is it sad that one lineup comprised of about 200+ artists suddenly makes me just a little bit homesick? As I told my friend Mariya, it nearly convinced me to come home early...Oof, that was a close one! Luckily the Australian sun quickly slapped (glared/shone) some sense into me :).
So good it makes me want to cry. Is it sad that one lineup comprised of about 200+ artists suddenly makes me just a little bit homesick? As I told my friend Mariya, it nearly convinced me to come home early...Oof, that was a close one! Luckily the Australian sun quickly slapped (glared/shone) some sense into me :).
Saturday, January 16, 2010
NEWSFLAH: American Sighting!
Her name is Jill, and she is currently staying at/living in my hostel (well, not my hostel...the one I happen to work at). Quick facts: from Illinois, returning home in August, on a working holiday visa too. Yet one more fun fact: She's not only a) one of two Americans I've met here at the hostel, but b) one of the only Americans I've met here in Australia in the first place.
Consequently, my question is this: Where are all the Americans? While Australia has currently had to deny applications to the many German and Irish trying to get working visas here, Americans are granted their visas within just hours, as there are only a handful who actually apply. Crazy. So, again I pose the question: Why aren't Americans coming to Australia?
To be continued...
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
It's About Time...
...that I updated the blog.
To my dear eight followers (and a lil' shout out to those lurkers out there...you know who you are), I apologize for the two--coughcoughthreecoughcough--weeks that have gone by without any word from me. I promised many of you that I wouldn't entirely fall off the face of the earth when I moved to Australia. Over the past few weeks, I've 100% failed at any sort of correspondence or contact. For this, I'm sorry. NOTE: After this apology, I consider myself blame-free. No more "blog fail" comments, ok? They hurt. Like whoa.
Anyway, an update as promised--in numbered form, no less:
1. "Out with the old, and in with the new." After a year filled with big decisions (i.e. going to Aussie land) and life-changing events (graduation), 2009 said goodbye with gusto. Or rather, 2010 said hello with pizazz. Take your pick. Either way, the Sydney fireworks over the Harbour Bridge were--and I can put it no less cheesily--simply magnificent. After returning back from New Zealand that morning and meeting up with Brian at the airport, the two of us made our way to the Observatory Hill Park in The Rocks, where we met up with Dane, Daniel, our friend Eva from Stanford Sierra Camp, her cousin Hannah, and my two friends Mallory and Chelsea from Canada (if their names sound familiar, you are quite perceptive; I worked with them on that vineyard 234920348 years ago). With a few cases of cheap boxed wine and a slightly less cheap bottle of champagne for the midnight moment, we brought in 2010 together. I couldn't have asked for better :)
2. I have officially moved in. Which means that for the next 7 weeks, I'm officially NOT homeless. I live in a beautiful, large terrace house on the border of Surry Hills and Redfern--close enough to Central Station that my commute to work isn't too much of a hassle (although with one 13-min train ride and one 20-min bus ride, plus one 10-min walk, it still kind of sucks). My housemates are "lovely," albeit somewhat quiet, and we're all beginning to bond. There's Jack from Australia, CJ from Sweden, Anna Louis (or Annelise...Brian and I aren't sure which it is because of her thick Scottish accent...is that bad?). I'm finally getting that "L'Auberge Espagnole" multinational share house I've always wanted.
3. It's very possible that I have the best job in the world. Well, the best job in the world for a twenty-two-year old traveling the world, that is. You're looking at (listening to/reading the words of) Bondi Beach's newest hostel receptionist. I know, it's the ideal working situation. From my desk at the hostel, I can see the entirety of Bondi Beach. I get to wear my swimsuit--excuse me, "swimmas"--to work if I so please (can't say that I do, but it's nice to know that I could). I have the best boss in the world. Plus I get to experience the whole backpacker lifestyle without actually having to live it.
4. I'm officially an intern at the travel start-up Rollinglobe. Founded by brothers Michael and Clarke Nobiletti and based in New York City, it's a new company aimed to give prospective/current travelers advice, reviews, and personal experience to use while they prepare to travel themselves. I will be writing a blog for them as I get to know Sydney more and more. Feel free to check out the website at http://www.rollinglobe.com/RGWeb/default.aspx . It's still in it's beginning stages, so bear with me there. Anyway, that's a bit of exciting news. I've been given permission to essentially use what I write here on "The Sydney of Oz." Know that you guys will have read it first!
4. I'm in Sydney through June 29th. Officially taking the LSAT on June 27th here at Macquarie University. Going to Thailand first thing on the 30th. Goodbye, Australia. Hello, Southeast Asia.
5. Yeah, that's right, I've decided to go to law school! Or at least apply and keep my fingers crossed that at least one school will have me :). Consequently, much to the chagrin of my two lawyer parents, I've commenced a somewhat regular LSAT studying schedule. From studying at work when it's slow (for which I get ridiculed...people in Australia don't like lawyers), to periodic study sessions at the Surry Hills library (well, that hasn't actually happened yet, but I promise it will at some future date), I am determined to conquer the logic on this standardized test. NOTE: To those of you who are really interested, I'm thinking about management and production in the entertainment/music sector. Whether or not I will actually practice law remains undecided. Whether or not I actually go to law school remains unclear at this point as well. Baby steps.
6. THAILAND. Brian and I have bought our tickets to Phuket, a beautiful resort-ish island in southern Thailand. The plan is to spend five days relaxation there post-LSAT at a real resort thanks to the fantastic THB to USD exchange rate, then head up to Bangkok for a few days more, then fly over to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a few days before heading back to California (Dearest friends and family, I'll be coming home!).
7. In the meantime, I'll be taking various weekend/4-day trips to parts of Australia that I hope to explore: Outback/Ayers Rock, Cairns/Great Barrier Reef, Gold Coast to visit Eva, Gosford to visit my friend Tansy, and a trip to Jules's farm.
Yayy for adventure. Hope this blog post reaches everyone well. Love and miss you all. Regular blog posts starting....NOW.
To my dear eight followers (and a lil' shout out to those lurkers out there...you know who you are), I apologize for the two--coughcoughthreecoughcough--weeks that have gone by without any word from me. I promised many of you that I wouldn't entirely fall off the face of the earth when I moved to Australia. Over the past few weeks, I've 100% failed at any sort of correspondence or contact. For this, I'm sorry. NOTE: After this apology, I consider myself blame-free. No more "blog fail" comments, ok? They hurt. Like whoa.
Anyway, an update as promised--in numbered form, no less:
1. "Out with the old, and in with the new." After a year filled with big decisions (i.e. going to Aussie land) and life-changing events (graduation), 2009 said goodbye with gusto. Or rather, 2010 said hello with pizazz. Take your pick. Either way, the Sydney fireworks over the Harbour Bridge were--and I can put it no less cheesily--simply magnificent. After returning back from New Zealand that morning and meeting up with Brian at the airport, the two of us made our way to the Observatory Hill Park in The Rocks, where we met up with Dane, Daniel, our friend Eva from Stanford Sierra Camp, her cousin Hannah, and my two friends Mallory and Chelsea from Canada (if their names sound familiar, you are quite perceptive; I worked with them on that vineyard 234920348 years ago). With a few cases of cheap boxed wine and a slightly less cheap bottle of champagne for the midnight moment, we brought in 2010 together. I couldn't have asked for better :)
2. I have officially moved in. Which means that for the next 7 weeks, I'm officially NOT homeless. I live in a beautiful, large terrace house on the border of Surry Hills and Redfern--close enough to Central Station that my commute to work isn't too much of a hassle (although with one 13-min train ride and one 20-min bus ride, plus one 10-min walk, it still kind of sucks). My housemates are "lovely," albeit somewhat quiet, and we're all beginning to bond. There's Jack from Australia, CJ from Sweden, Anna Louis (or Annelise...Brian and I aren't sure which it is because of her thick Scottish accent...is that bad?). I'm finally getting that "L'Auberge Espagnole" multinational share house I've always wanted.
3. It's very possible that I have the best job in the world. Well, the best job in the world for a twenty-two-year old traveling the world, that is. You're looking at (listening to/reading the words of) Bondi Beach's newest hostel receptionist. I know, it's the ideal working situation. From my desk at the hostel, I can see the entirety of Bondi Beach. I get to wear my swimsuit--excuse me, "swimmas"--to work if I so please (can't say that I do, but it's nice to know that I could). I have the best boss in the world. Plus I get to experience the whole backpacker lifestyle without actually having to live it.
4. I'm officially an intern at the travel start-up Rollinglobe. Founded by brothers Michael and Clarke Nobiletti and based in New York City, it's a new company aimed to give prospective/current travelers advice, reviews, and personal experience to use while they prepare to travel themselves. I will be writing a blog for them as I get to know Sydney more and more. Feel free to check out the website at http://www.rollinglobe.com/RGWeb/default.aspx . It's still in it's beginning stages, so bear with me there. Anyway, that's a bit of exciting news. I've been given permission to essentially use what I write here on "The Sydney of Oz." Know that you guys will have read it first!
4. I'm in Sydney through June 29th. Officially taking the LSAT on June 27th here at Macquarie University. Going to Thailand first thing on the 30th. Goodbye, Australia. Hello, Southeast Asia.
5. Yeah, that's right, I've decided to go to law school! Or at least apply and keep my fingers crossed that at least one school will have me :). Consequently, much to the chagrin of my two lawyer parents, I've commenced a somewhat regular LSAT studying schedule. From studying at work when it's slow (for which I get ridiculed...people in Australia don't like lawyers), to periodic study sessions at the Surry Hills library (well, that hasn't actually happened yet, but I promise it will at some future date), I am determined to conquer the logic on this standardized test. NOTE: To those of you who are really interested, I'm thinking about management and production in the entertainment/music sector. Whether or not I will actually practice law remains undecided. Whether or not I actually go to law school remains unclear at this point as well. Baby steps.
6. THAILAND. Brian and I have bought our tickets to Phuket, a beautiful resort-ish island in southern Thailand. The plan is to spend five days relaxation there post-LSAT at a real resort thanks to the fantastic THB to USD exchange rate, then head up to Bangkok for a few days more, then fly over to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a few days before heading back to California (Dearest friends and family, I'll be coming home!).
7. In the meantime, I'll be taking various weekend/4-day trips to parts of Australia that I hope to explore: Outback/Ayers Rock, Cairns/Great Barrier Reef, Gold Coast to visit Eva, Gosford to visit my friend Tansy, and a trip to Jules's farm.
Yayy for adventure. Hope this blog post reaches everyone well. Love and miss you all. Regular blog posts starting....NOW.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Brief Note to Readers
I know, I know; as of late, my blogging skills have been less than extraordinary.
BUT, as I'm officially returned from NZ, all moved into my new place and ready to spend the next few months here in Sydney, I shall return also to "OZ." (And no worries, I will chronicle all these things as well).
Love to all and...
...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
BUT, as I'm officially returned from NZ, all moved into my new place and ready to spend the next few months here in Sydney, I shall return also to "OZ." (And no worries, I will chronicle all these things as well).
Love to all and...
...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
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