Soundtrack of the blog #3

Casey Chambers & Shane Nicholson - Rattlin bones

About time...

Finally, it's heeeeeere!! What?? My post on Brisbane!! You need to scroll down to Sept 19 to read it. Hopefully your patience will be rewarded :)

The Opera in black and white

Touchdown

C'est arrive hier matin et on l'a vu en direct a la TV.. l'A380 aux couleurs de Qantas est arrive a Sydney et avec deux ans de retard. Vaut mieux tard que jamais! Mise en circulation a partir du 20 octobre entre Melbourne et LA. Et pourquoi Melbourne d'abord???? M'en fiche parce que de toute facon j'ai deja goute aux joies de la classe eco 5 etoiles version A380. Merci Singapore Airlines :)

Hey hey, it's Saturday

Where did the week go??? Anyway.. it's Saturday.. can't complain about that and it's going to be a sunny spring day: 3o degrees. Yay! Which means that I cannot possibly stay at home and work on the last touches of my post on Brisbane. I could take my laptop with me but I can't be bothered to carry it around, with the sun out it means brighter photos.

In other news the new Melanie Horsnell CD is out!! Ta-da!!! I even managed to order a signed copy of the new album called Complicated Sweetheart. I've listened to it a couple times.. it sounds pretty awesome.

Now a bit of bragging ... I might not be very IT savvy but I had a proud moment earlier this week when I installed the code to get statistics for my photoblog (C#2 had done it for this blog) .. and it worked!!! Now I know who's watching :) .. Don't forget to check it out!

Brisbanification

The story you’ve been waiting for.. or maybe not :) Before I start I should give you some background info on the trip.. Last April I booked my flights to Brisbane because of… rugby! I knew that Australia and New Zealand would play there the last of the Tri Nations games [for the non rugbyphiles, the Tri Nations is a competition between the Gods of the Southern Hemisphere -> Australia, NZ and South Africa] so I reckoned it’d be a good excuse to visit my beloved Brissie. When I told Caribou#2 about my plans she was keen to come along, though not terribly excited about the rugby but thought pourquoi pas. Good on her.

So… after much anticipation, it was time to go!!!

While having brekky at the airport C#2 realised that she will be stuck with me for a whole weekend and prays anyone above that it’s going to be alright ! A couple of hours later, we land in the Sunshine State, take the train to the city, drop our bags at the hostel and start roaming the streets of Brisbanelphia. We go past the Treasury Building (which is now a hotel and casino) and the funky metal ball and make our way to the other side of the river aka South Bank. See the giant wheel? Well ... it wasn't there the last time I was in town earlier this year. We gave it a miss but a ride on this smaller version of the London Eye will definitely be on my next trip's to do list. Then onto another attraction: the Nepal Peace pagoda which was built in 1988 for the World Exhibition. The carvings are simply amazing.

Then we walked underneath the Grand Arbour (top left) - Twin Peaks might be interested to know that it is bougainvillea that grows on the wires, and wandered around the market, full of goodies (craft, clothes, jewellery, etc.. ) and while C#2 was shopping I stuffed my face with a delish churro coated with cinnamon sugar – my mouth is watering just thinking about it ! Time to cool off (my trademark photo.. ie my feet) at Brisbane’s own fake beach! Why fake?? The city is inland so the real thing is not exactly close by so a fake version will do .. just like in Paris, but in Brisbane it's here all year long.

Then we walked across the Goodwill bridge, along the river, enjoyed the view with the Story Bridge in the background, stopped at the City Botanic Gardens to rest our feet and legs, then back to the city for a yummy vegetarian Indian lunch.

More walking and we come across an interesting piece of art: a hand sculpture. There were actually two hands: this one and a the other that was sort of lying on the ground (C#2 pretended one of the big fingers was crushing her foot while I tried my best impersonation of the Little Mermaid on her rock). Such a great photo opportunity!! We entertained ourselves very much and as Tyra Banks would say .. here’s our best shot (see above).

Later on it's finally time to head to Suncorp Stadium for the game of the year. The Super 14 final was a big event but this was bigger and better as it turned out to be final of the Tri Nations as South Africa was out of contention. It was a very close game but the All Blacks won 28-24, that’s why they look pretty happy with themselves on the photo. Why wouldn’t they??

They won two trophies in one night: the Tri-Nations Trophy and the Bledisloe Cup (a contest between Australia and New Zealand). My heartfelt thanks to C#2 for coming to the game and putting up with my unruly behaviour! If you ever need a hearing aid, I’ll contribute :)

Our Sunday started in Fortitude Valley. Halfway through our stroll around the market we had a delish brekky – pancakes for both of us – how Canadian! :) - plus bacon and eggs for yours truly…yum! With a full stomach we had another look around the market then embarked on the crossing of the Story Bridge.. it didn’t take as long as I thought it would and we got a better view of the city.

On the other side of the bridge the area is called Kangaroo Point.. you wonder why because kangaroos are nowhere to be seen, ha ha ha. Anyway... with all that walking under the sun yours truly was a wee bit thirsty and requested that we stop at one of Brisbane's icons: the Story Bridge Hotel. Some hotels in Australia are actually pubs and some other hotels are still hotels, like the Hilton or the Sofitel.. confusing I know. FYI, I had one drink and it didn’t contain alcohol.

After a short ferry ride, yes you can take the ferry to go from one side of the river to the other, we were back in the city centre for a bit more shopping. Our last stop was the Museum of Brisbane, a tiny little bit of culture doesn't hurt. Unfortunately the Tower Clock was closed so we didn’t get a chance to enjoy the city from above.

Sadly all good things come to end and it was time for us to get back to the airport and fly back to Sydney. Boo. But .. I'm already looking forward to my next trip to Brisbane and/or another adventure with C#2.. not sure she'll sign up for it, maybe.. on the condition that there is no rugby involved :)

Soundtrack of the blog #2

Melanie Horsnell - Mary Mary

Back in Sydney

Hullo everyone...

No .. I didn't stay in Brisbane longer than planned :) I've been caught up with a few things (including work!) and I haven't had a chance to start posting about my weekend. C#2 and I had a pretty good time up there and I can't wait to tell you about it. In the meantime, take a look at this:

Are the workers falling from the sky?? Hahaha.. funny Queenslanders.

Brisbane here we come!

Caribou#2 and yours truly are off to Brisbane for the weekend! Yay!! It’s going to totally wicked.. so watch out Queenslanders when we hit the town!

Oooh I can hardly contain my excitement Why?? Well … it’s always exciting to leave Sydney for a weekend, and I absolutely love Brisbane so I’m happy to spend some QT up there and soak up a bit of sunshine. Usually I travel on my own so it will be good to have some company this time. But I won’t go into details about the main reason why I had decided to go to Brisbane on this particular weekend, though a few of you know what I am talking about *wink*

Though I must say I will be disappointed not to be back in time on Sunday for this event:

Shreya Ghoshal has the most incredible voice in the Bollywood world – Barso Re and Dola Re Dola are two of my favourite songs … It would have been amazing to see her perform at the Opera House. But then I found out about this concert yesterday morning … If that’s any comfort, I’m glad I didn’t have to make the choice myself between that concert and Brisbane.

And now.. a commercial break

The Commonwealth Bank called on American advertising gurus to come up with a clever campaign about financial planning (for your retirement that is). It goes something like this:

Question #15 from yesterday's questionnaire brought back memories of that ad that was on Aussie TV not too long ago. I wouldn't mind retiring to that little island. I don't know who's the real advertising agency for the CB for this campaign but they did a good job.. I think.

NFAQ (Not Frequently Asked Questions)

Caribou #2 recently passed this on to me, instead of replying only to her, I thought I’d share with you this insight into my little world:

1. What time did you get up this morning?
5.00am to go to the gym – the world belongs to those who get up early!

2. Diamonds or pearls?
I prefer pearls to diamonds but my favourite stone is the white opal.

3. Last movie you saw at the cinema?
Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis / Welcome to the Sticks – I was probably the last French person on earth who had not seen it - very entertaining.

4. What is your favourite TV show?
I’m a Home & Away tragic – hey.. nobody’s perfect

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?
Fresh pineapple, cereals with milk, sprinkled with cinnamon, almonds and sultanas, some yoghurt, a banana and a nice cup of green tea with jasmine.

6. What is your middle name?
Yvonne – which was my mom's mom name.

7. What food do you dislike?
Pretty much anything that comes out of the sea, with the exception of tuna and barramundi.

8. What is your favourite CD?
At le moment it’s The Adventures of... by Melanie Horsnell, of all time Parallel lines by Blondie.

9. What kind of car do you drive?
Well.. I can't drive! .. yet.. but it's part of my Big Aussie Plan and one day I will drive around Australia in either a ute or a camper van.

10. Favourite sandwich?
Butter & ham or prosciutto, salad and cheese.

11. What characteristic do you despise?
I despise people who think they know better than anyone else and those who give too much advice.. oh and jealousy.

12. Favourite item of clothing?
My pair of Canterbury jeans, the best $50 I've ever spent! They are the perfect fit … and I love hoodies.

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
If it’s all expenses paid I’d go anywhere.. if not it’d be somewhere in Oz, NZ or one of the Pacific Islands.

14. Favourite brand of clothing?
Canterbury and Adidas

15. Where would you retire to?
Where life will have taken me.

16. Your most memorable birthday?
My 20th, it was a rough time for my mum and I but she had arranged the delivery of 20 white roses and it's a beautiful memory .. and my 30th, not because I was looking forward to turning 30, far from it, but my mum was with me and we had a great time whale watching in Queensland on that day.

17. Favourite sport to watch?
Cricket and rugby union – these two rule my life... not that I mind :)

18. When is your birthday?
I’m getting old and I can’t remember :)

19. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Definitely morning (see Q1)

20. What's your shoe size?
7 or 7 1/2.. what this written by someone who has a shoe fetish???

21. Pets?
A fish called Bollywood. I'd love to have a cat (or two) here but it’s not quite possible for the time being…

22. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with us?
I’ve got a few things planned over the next few weeks/months but I don’t want to reveal anything just yet.

23. What did you want to be when you were little?
I think I wanted to be a teacher.

24. How are you today?
Feeling on top of the world.

25. What is your favourite chocolate?
You know the Guylain shells??.. hmmm yum!

26. What is your favourite flower?
Irises, orchids and pansies.

27. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
Dec 31 for the fireworks in Sydney Harbour, they are just awesome!

28. What is your favourite pastime?
Reading – though I don’t do it as much as I’d like to, and listening to music.

29. What are you doing right now?
Answering these questions … obviously!

30. Do you wish on stars?
I prefer throwing coins in wishing wells.

31. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be?
Periwinkle.. just because I like that word, sounds like a mix of peri-peri, a wink and a sparkle.

32. How is the weather right now?
Blue skies and a few clouds.

33. The first person you spoke to on the phone today?
Haven't touched the phone yet.

34. Favourite Colour
Black.

35. Favourite restaurant?
Wagamama - I'll have some sweet potato kusabi and teriyaki chicken thanks! With a glass of Secret Stone. Yum.

36. Natural hair colour?
Still a brunette but it's no longer natural.

37. What was your favourite toy as a child?
A few fluffy toys (a weasel, a sheep, a hedgehog and a rabbit, respectively called Fifouine, Mouton, Pic-pic and Pinpinette) and Barbie dolls.

38. Summer or winter?
Summer... can't stand the cold now.

39. Hugs or kisses?
It depends who's giving them or who’s receiving .. It could be both or neither! :)

40. Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate in cakes, vanilla in ice-cream.

41. Coffee or tea?
Tea.. I miss the violet flavoured tea I’d get from a tea shop in Les Halles (Paris).

42. When was the last time you cried?
I can’t recall exactly when it was but I do shed a tear of joy from time to time when I remind myself just how lucky I am to be in Australia and just generally happy about my life here.

43. What is under your bed?
My Hello Kitty slippers - a gift from my sis - that I hardly ever wear because I love walking with bare feet... and I tend to forget about them because they are under the bed.

44. What did you do last night?
Erm... I slept.

45. What are you afraid of?
Getting seriously sick and / or dying before I've done everything I wanted to do in life.

46. Salty or sweet?
Sweet - I'll never be sweet enough :)

47. How many keys on your key ring?
4 – 2 for home 2 for work and 6 or 7 keyrings... don't ask

48. Favourite day of the week?
Wednesdays are pretty good but Fridays are the best especially when the weekend is just about to start!

I left out a couple of questions that were not relevant like who do you think will not reply, etc..... feel free to copy/paste and send me your asnwers!

Soundtrack of the blog #1

Joanna Newsom - Peach Plum Pear
It's quirky but I love it!



Check out "Sprout and the bean"

Happy Days

C'est lundi mais c'est pas grave! Pourquoi? Parce que j'ai passe un wikend tranquille memere... samedi c'etait le deluge toute la journee, a se demander si le printemps a rellement fait son apparition, mais je suis quand meme sortie rendre visite a mon coiffeur pour un peu de "me time".

Ce matin debout a 5h30 pour aller a la gym, apres une heure de tapis roulant, soit 8.6km parcourus et 666 calories depensees, je suis en pleine forme!! Je viens aussi de lire sur le site francais de MSN que l'equipe de France de foot a perdu contre l'Autriche et ca, ca me met en joie!

I'm smiling at you

Youpi c'est vendredi

Vous ne detectez aucune once d'enthousiasme dans le titre?? Effectivement ca manque d'une dizaine de points d'exclamation a la fin de la phrase. Je vous rassure tout va quand meme bien ... Ouais, OK c'est vendredi c'est grandiose... mais je prefererais etre deja vendredi prochain parce que je serai a la veille d'un depart en wikend queenslandais.

Et en plus il fait moche a Sydney aujourd'hui :( .. pas glop..

100eme!!

Encore un evenement a celebrer... c'est ma 100eme bafouille!!! Ca va, vous tenez le coup???

Bon... pour l'occase j'ai une nouvelle Carnet Blanc a vous annoncer... vous entendez frequemment parler du Caribou#2.. mais qu'en est-il du Caribou#1?? Les ex-K&A (mon dernier employeur parisien) ont connu ma montrealaise preferee sous son vrai nom - Catherine, qui a recemment dit "Si" a Yoandys sous le soleil de Cayo Largo.

Ils sont pas mimis?? Regardez un peu ce cadre paradisiaque!! Depuis mon arrivee en Australie c'est le troisieme mariage que je loupe, il suffit les gens! Si vous voulez vous marier a la plage, il faut le faire en Australie! Ceux qui prefereraient la mairie, vous etes obliges de faire votre voyage de noces en Australie :) Bon ok.. ca m'apprendra a habiter a l'autre bout du monde...

Puisqu'on parle de mariage.. ah?ah? .. j'ai toute votre attention?? ... :)... pff mais non pas moi! Ca va pas la tete???!!!! Non, je veux juste faire un coucou a LN&Thierry et Anne-Ga&Fred qui ont fete leur noces de coton recemment.

Sur ce je vais souffler mes bougies....

Ma litterature vous manque???

Bah.. c'est que je n'ai pas grand chose a raconter ces derniers temps.. plein de boulot, un calendrier social moins blinde et un weekend ou je n'avais rien envie de faire sauf de rester dans mon nid douillet a regarder du cricket samedi - l'Australie a massacre le Bangladesh - et a larver dimanche.

Il faut quand meme que je vous dise que vendredi soir je suis allee voir Bienvenue chez les Chtis.. mais voui, le film sort en Australie (merci Marion pour les places a 0 piastre!), sous le titre Welcome to the Sticks qui selon ma source - C#2 (qui a egalement assiste a la projection, les yeux rives sur les sous-titres) - veut dire en gros Bienvenue au milieu de nulle part. Aaaah ... c'est beau le Nord. Ceci dit je n'ai jamais mis les pieds dans le Sud de la France donc difficile de comparer. En tout cas ca m'a bien fait marrer et tout le long du film j'ai eu une pensee pour ma soeur, nord-pas-de-calaisienne d'adoption. Je lui souhaite qu'ils ne soient pas tous comme dans le film :) Et je me suis rappele notre expedition dans un supermarche de Cambrai ou j'essayais tant bien que mal de decrypter une conversation entre 2 autochtones, j'etais comme Kad avec Monsieur Vasseur. Rien compris!

Une precision concernant le cinema ou nous sommes allees, ce n'est pas un cinema comme les autres: c'est un bar-cinema. Vous pouvez deguster un bon verre de vino tout en regardant les images sur le grand ecran. Ouaish. Ces australiens ne perdent pas une occasion de s'enivrer. Je vous rassure le concept n'est pas etendu aux UGC locaux et j'imagine que la vente d'alcool est intredite aux trop jeunes.