September 13, 2004

Maritime Museum

Yesterday was a relax day. The only thing I did was to go see Jamie Hutchings again, this time in a pub in Enmore called Vic On The Park. The crowd was there more to listen to the music than the previous time at the Uni loft, so it was nicer this time! I went there with Andy (recording a DVD video of the gig) and one of his friend (recording the concert with a lot of expensive equipment). At home, we had nice lasagnette and I watched the Grand Prix in the evening. It was a good race right until those two red cars appeared as 1st and 2nd!

Today, I went to the IEP office to arrange my resume according to Australian standards. The lady at the office helped me correct a few (3) spelling mistakes. She seemed pretty sure I would quickly get a job. I sure hope so! After, I went to have a pancake (with strawberries and ice cream). It was time for the Maritime Museum! I first visited the inside with exhibitions on everything to do with the sea from past to present which was pretty interresting. After, the best part! Visiting the HMAS Vampire and the HMAS Onslow was the highlight. First onboard the Vampire ship I joined a guided tour. The guide was very informative and explained a lot about what the different instruments were and how the ship was actually used. After, I boarded the submarine Onslow!! It was GREAT! I enjoyed every second of it, looking at all the different valves, gages, narrow storing spaces, trying to see everything they had. I am amazed at how small but effective the space is. Everything has been designed to fit in tiny space. I would love to work on a submarine! I took many pictures and videos.

September 14, 2004

Blue Mountains

This morning I called my boyfriend back home which was very nice! After, Andy was kind enough to take me on a daytrip to the Blue Mountains. So at about 9, after dropping his mother at the bus stop, we went on to the mountains! We first went to see the Wentworth Falls. After, we stopped in Leura to the lookout of Sublime Point Road. It was neat because it gave you a good view on the mountains and the Jamison Valley without any trees blocking the way. Then we stopped at a candy store in Leura to get some nice "lollies". I got raspberry flavored liquorice, popping candy (used to love that as a kid) as well as chocolate (hazelnut). So "lekker"! Then it was off to Katoomba to go down the Furber steps. We descended into the valley using all kinds of steps (metal, natural rock or with wood) in a path that got muddy at times. It was very nice though, walking through the rainforest and stopping at different look out spots to see little waterfalls (not enough rain during the last winter) or the mountains. I also saw different kind of birds (Cockatoo, Magpie, Rosella and another big black one with a big tail that ran very quickly and could fly very well also). At the bottom, we walked along a boardwalk which had relics of the old mining company in the forest (from 1880 and later) as well as signs explaining what kind of trees we were seeing. We took the Sceniscender (cable car hanging 545 metres from the ground) back up for 7$. It was nice, but the ride was way too short! Like 1 or 2 minutes! The it was off to see the Three Sisters (3 standing rock formations formed by erosion) upclose. At Echo Point first, then walked down to the Three Sisters and I went to stand on one. The way back up though was less nice. It was on the side of a very high cliff and the stairs were a bit scary for someone who is scared of heights like me! It is strange because I had no problem going down... After we stopped in Blackheath to get food. I got Fish&Chips with a Sprite. The fish was nice, but they gave me too much fries (chips). I brought them back home to maybe eat later. After, we went to see Bridal Falls from a track that leads you to the top of the falls, the one leading to the bottom was closed. On the way there I saw many trees that had been burnt by a bush fire. Then it was off for the drive back home! Very nice day in the mountains, it was beautiful.

September 15, 2004

Athlete's Parade + Pylon Lookout

Today, I went downtown with Andy to see the Athens Olympic Athletes Parade on George Street. We arrived with enough time to spare and found a good spot to watch near the end of the parade. We got little Australian flags that the organizers were giving away. I loved watching the logistics of the parade with the cops because it reminded me of back home (barriers and blocking off streets, police officers all along the street, intervention cops at intersections, the sargent commanding everything, etc.) I took many pictures of that! Later, the athletes arrived! Many had medals around their neck and the crowd was really cheering them on. There was a nice atmosphere. After the parade, we walked towards the townhall where there was a presentation with speaches. After, we went to eat Subway and it was off to the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout. For 8,50$, it is well worth the view and it is cheaper than the bridge climb which cost like 150! I enjoyed looking at the city from high up. Could even see Balmain, where I live! Also learned a lot about how the bridge was made.

September 17, 2004

Job Hunting + 2 concerts

In the morning, I spent some time job hunting on the Internet and sent a few resumes. I got two phonecalls back, one for photographer job taking pictures of kids with Santa (he might call me back for an interview) and one for child care assistant (for which I have an interview on Monday at 9h30). Later that afternoon, I watched an Hallmark movie on television to pass time and then at around 15h45 I left with Andy to see Jamie Hutchings play at the UNSW (University of New South Wales) at 16h30. The gig was outdoors so we could hear the sound better (less people talking). The gig was in two sets. During the first set, there were not many people there clapping after songs... It was funny when Jamie thanked us 4 people who were clapping. Later, at the second set, there were more fans. After the gig, we came back home for dinner. At around 20h40, we left to go to the Annandale Hotel to see The Devoted Few album lauch gig. 10$ cover charge for 3 bands isn't a bad price! At one point when the support band was playing I did not feel too good. It was just so warm and so much cigarette smoke that I could not stay there anymore. I went outside for a minute and then came back in. It was still not comfortable so I decided to go more to the front and sit on the floor. It was way much cooler there and I could enjoy the second support band. For the Devoted Few, Andy and his friend Luke were busy recording and videotaping, but I just enjoyed the show. I liked their music though it was the first time hearing it. I also enjoyed seeing how the band members interact with each other. For example, the drummer would often smile to the lady keyboard player. The lead singer did a good job keeping us entertained. All in all, it was a nice evening out.