October 14, 2007

Another day at the beach - this time the beaches around Nelson's Bay. I already went to these beaches way back in September, but this time the sun was shining. I went with a bunch of colleagues from work, squished like sardines into an older Honda Odyssey. The sun was shining, the air was warm, but the water was too cold for swimming.


Remember to stay between the flags when going in the water


One Mile Beach


Fingal Bay - You can walk across the sand spit out to the island during low tide. I didn't try it.


Fingal Bay


Birubi Beach

Birubi beach or the Sahara?

Birubi Beach

Birubi Beach

October 13, 2007

It's been awhile since I've made a post to my blog. I have been working hard as the Desal project has a very compressed schedule and work can be quite hectic. I have still managed to escape on the weekends and the photos below summarize my sightseeing trip from October 13th. I mostly visited places that I had been to before such as the CBD and the harbor, but was able to see things from a slightly different perspective.

These flowers are outside my apartment

These are wine bottle holders for sale at the street fair in the Rocks

Opera house as seen from the west side of Circular Quay

The harbor bridge was constructed before the invention of welding. Therefore all of the steel shapes had to be riveted. Lots of rivets on this section of the bridge.

This is the Glenmore Hotel - a good spot to have a drink and a meal with spectacular views of the harbor. You can sit inside or enjoy the view from the rooftop.

I took a walk across the harbor brige. You can pay $200 to climb the arch, or you can walk for free on the pedestrian walkway along the main deck. I chose the free walk.


Views from the bridge

Views from the bridge

Views from the bridge. There are dozens of bridges all over the world and United States that are similar to the one here in Sydney, however, this bridge is iconic and is easily recognized by people from all over the world. I suppose this is why I have so many pictures of it.

Sydney harbor as seen from Lavender Bay

Enjoying a flat white at the cafe

This is called a Smart Car. You can get these for free.

Two Sydney icons as seen from Blues Point

Cafe in Lavender Bay

Opera house at sunset

Opera house at sunset

Harbor bridge at sunset

Detail of the Opera house roof

You have to pay $30 to get into this bar. It is minus 5 degrees C, and you can only stay for a little while before they make you leave. They give you a coat to wear. This bar is at Circular Quay.

You can rub the pig's nose for good luck.

The Thai, Malaysian, and Indian food in Sydney is excellent. This happens to be Thai food.

October 12, 2007

Today seemed to be a good day to place some random photos on my blog. The following pictures illustrate some of the differences in daily life here in Sydney compared to America.


Typical men's room



My car (for now) Nissan Tiida


The kitchen at work


The coffee maker at work. It makes small, medium and large shots of espresso. There is no brewed coffee here like we have back in the States


These are the various coffee drinks that you can make with the machine. These are also the types of coffees you will find at the restaurants and cafes.


Beer prices


Note the price for MGD


Note the price for a 6 of Stella, and the price for a single bottle


Note the prices for a 6 of MGD and Budweiser


Here is the price for a case of Stella


Here is the price for a case of Bud


Michael Malenfant and I went halfsies on a case of Cascade. This is my half. He thought it was gross and gave me his half. I like it.


This is a room in my apartment, though I don't know what it is called. I have a separate dining room (not shown) and this room is attached to the kitchen. If anyone knows please tell me.


These are my new toys - soccer ball, regular size rugby ball, and a junior rugby ball.


My first crack at making mac 'n cheese. Turned out pretty good.