Christelle in Australia

December 26, 2004

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Start

Today it was the day after Christmas and it was a nice, bright and sunny day! That's what the day before should have been like. The morning I took it easy, surfing the net, watching some tele, breakfast, shower, get dressed. But I also did 3 loads of wash for my clothes (one black, one colour and one white). I hung it outside to dry. At about 12h we left to go to the Sydney to Hobart yacht race start. They leave the Sydney harbour at 13h and embark on a 3 day journey all the way down to Tasmania (island South of the mainland) and compete to get there first. It was also a race for us to get to a good spot before the boats arrived. Andy, him mom, brother and I did make it on time at Rose Bay North in the Eastern Avenue Reserve. We walked to a good spot a bit higher and then jumped the fence to sit on the rocks near the cliff (not dangerous). The perfect spot! There were many boats, some big ones but most were smaller boats. Also there was an old tall ship with all its sails up which looked pretty nice, just like the Solway Lass! It was neat to see the boats race. There were also many helicopters out there that were filming the event for televsion. We stayed about 1h and then were on our way back. We drove past Bondi beach which was REALLY crowded and then to Sydney University (Andy's old uni) but that was closed so I only saw a few buildings. Then we made a quick stop at McDonalds and Andy's bro got a meal, Andy and his mom a soft serve ice cream and I got a sundae, but really it was just ice cream and chocolate sauce (no nuts and cherry!). It was really nice but way too sweet. I remembered why I seldom eat ice cream... Back at home I rested and watched some television but also talked with people back home. That evening I went for a walk with Andy around here in Balmain, near the water then on some streets that I had not yet been to. It was nice, the city and bridge looks very nice at night! Then I was off to bed.

December 27, 2004

After Christmas Sales in the City

I went to the city to see the sales that started on that day. It is quite an event here in Australia so I was happy to compare it with back home. The city was packed with people! EVERYWHERE! At Myer the sales were pretty good on clothing and stuff but it was so crowded it put me off buying anything. I also went to some shops around Pitt Street and to the David Jones store. I then went to Victoria's Basement to buy my boyfriend's Christmas gift (too bad it was not extra sale on it!). I then went to get the bus. The ticket shop was closed to I could not buy a new TravelTen bus ticket! I then asked the bus driver to get a ticket to Balmain but it was 2.70$ and I only had 2,50$ or a 20$ bill. The driver said he did not have enough change and to come see him at the end of my trip. In Balmain he still did not have change so I got to ride the bus for free!! At home I folded all of my laundry from the previous day, watched some television and slept very well.

December 28, 2004

Survivor!

This day was truly a day of not doing much but it was nonetheless very enjoyable. I surfed the net, watched some television and then later set out to find the tape that had the final Survivor episodes on it. I did find it (one of the 3 that were on top of the VCR) and was very happy! I set out to watch the 6 hours of the show. I watched most of it, except the reunion show. It was nice! I was thankful that they had recorded it for me while I was away! That evening I watched some more television up in my room and then went to bed at around 22h30. I think I beat my record of television hours in one day!

December 30, 2004

The Giant New Years Fireworks Ball (Walk Around Balmain)

I saw the big ball that will hang on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Andy took me to see new parts of Balmain and there it was on a barge floating near a dock. It looked huge and was really nice with the wind blowing on little twisty things and making the big ball sparkle. I also saw a park where people can play games on a grass fiels but it was surrounded with nice graffiti tags and drawings. Very beautiful, colourful and urban.

December 31, 2004

Not Much During the Day & Evening New Years Eve Celebration

The day was spent at home taking it easy. That evening would be the nice fireworks on the bridge! At about 18h30 Andy, his friend Pete and I left the house to go get some tinnies (beer) and head down to the spot Andy and Pete's friends had been saving since that morning 9h! It was the best spot in the park with a great view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There was about 10 people there and they had a BBQ, food, eskie for the drinks, chairs, etc. They were really well equipped and I guess you have to be if you are going to spend the whole day there! I was thankful they did because it was really a good place. Then Andy left to go pick up someone he knew from work who was also coming to our spot. I stayed there though. I had food from their nice BBQ: the Aussie hot dog! With two slices of plain white bread, you put a huge sausage in the middle with some grilled oinion and either Ketchup or BBQ sauce and you have a hot dog. Not as easy to eat as our North American ones but very tasty. Then I just sat, talked a bit, watched the boats in the harbour. Andy came back at around 20h30 and just on time for the 21h fireworks. These are smaller, only on either side of the bridge. Still very nice. Then most of the kids left the park and the adults were getting a bit happier it seemed (more drunk?). Then it was waiting for the 0h fireworks and New Years! It was alright, it went by pretty quickly. Minutes before the fireworks started, Andy's mother arrived.