Today is my last day in Australia. Emirates is taking me back to NZ tomorrow morning (early :-( ...).
In one week, I've met almost all of my hosts family - Have I mentioned that they are friends of my grandmother whom I have known for almost 20 years? -, I've visited quite a bit of Melbourne, been down the Great Ocean Road and back over Ballarat, I've found some wonderful children's books like "Dairy of a Wombat" ("Morning: slept, scratched some itchy spots, slept some more" see http://www.jackiefrench.com/wombat.html), I've been sailing...
What's left on my check list?
Max is taking me on a walk through campus - Stephanie and him are both retired professors. And this afternoon, I'm going to wander around by foot and tram (very good!) through the center and some residential areas to look at building styles. Maybe, if I have time, I'll pop into the library and upload the pictures of my Great Ocean Road trip. (remember that all my pics are on Picasa, under donacn)
I'll be back here sometime this weekend, calling from Auckland.
Have a good one!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Sailing in Melbourne
 | Wednesday evening, Stephanie and Max' son Bruno had invited me on his ship for a small regatta off the Brighton shore (the one in Melbourne). They leave work early, get home to change and go to their ships to make it to the starting line on time. Life could be worse :o) |
We had a starting time somewhere in the middle and finished in the top quarter. Not bad! Of course, my precious contribution consisted of taking pictures, making conversation, having a beer (?!? it was a Stella!) and staying out of the way.
Check out the picture in the slide show on the left.
 | Here's the setting sun reflecting on the Eureka building - one of my host's building projects. |
Thank you Bruno and crew for a very pleasant evening.
Pictures!
There seemed to have been a little issue of absence of large bandwidth. Fortunately Melbourne has University libraries where you can use a machine for free for an hour and upload all you want.
By the way, my pictures are stored on Picasa (http://picasaweb.google.com/donacn) and if you have a gmail address, you can check them all out.
** note from the future: Picasso’s never made it !! It’s Google Photo now!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/JdRCjYOPphDg8zKq1
By the way, my pictures are stored on Picasa (http://picasaweb.google.com/donacn) and if you have a gmail address, you can check them all out.
** note from the future: Picasso’s never made it !! It’s Google Photo now!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/JdRCjYOPphDg8zKq1
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Melbourne - The end - 5 o'clock tea
A cuppa at the Andiamo in one of those nice alleys that run through the big blocks making up the center of Melbourne.
This is where you'll find the boutiques, the cafe's and lunch bars and restaurants and the specialized shops. Away from the cars and trams and from the franchises.
I ran into a Margiela boutique around the corner for example. Mmm, franchise?
People of all nationalities walk and work out here.
Australia (and Auckland, NZ) are like Europe far away from Europe. Except that the ethnical mix is much greater than what we know back home. On top of the European mix come people from every corner of Asia and Oceania. I feel very humble as a European, a former colonist.
(SEE ALL PICS ON https://photos.app.goo.gl/JdRCjYOPphDg8zKq1)
This is where you'll find the boutiques, the cafe's and lunch bars and restaurants and the specialized shops. Away from the cars and trams and from the franchises.
I ran into a Margiela boutique around the corner for example. Mmm, franchise?
People of all nationalities walk and work out here.
Australia (and Auckland, NZ) are like Europe far away from Europe. Except that the ethnical mix is much greater than what we know back home. On top of the European mix come people from every corner of Asia and Oceania. I feel very humble as a European, a former colonist.
(SEE ALL PICS ON https://photos.app.goo.gl/JdRCjYOPphDg8zKq1)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Best breakfast maybe ever!
Warrnambool, Victoria, Figgselers Cafe.
This morning, Figgy's served me two poached eggs with green asparagus, spinach & mushrooms on toast adn can say without a doubt it was the best breakast I can remember ever having had!
My dish looked and smelled great. The ingredients were fresh and tasty. The preparation was simple and skilled and the dish was nutriciously balanced.
What else could a woman want?
Figgy's Field Brekky!
This morning, Figgy's served me two poached eggs with green asparagus, spinach & mushrooms on toast adn can say without a doubt it was the best breakast I can remember ever having had!
My dish looked and smelled great. The ingredients were fresh and tasty. The preparation was simple and skilled and the dish was nutriciously balanced.
What else could a woman want?
Figgy's Field Brekky!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Great Ocean Road - Ocean view
 |
| From Great Ocean Road and back over Ballarat 28-29/10/2008: |
I'm sitting in an alcove in the rocks. In front of me is the ocean. Behind the horizon there are icebergs and penguins and other furry creatures.
I'm protected from the wind and warmed by the sun. [Panoramic picture to be posted]
Bread and capsicum and smoked salmon. Mmmmmm
Great Ocean Road - First leg
I stopped for some groceries and a cup of tea. Aireys Inlet Shopping Center. A general store, a fish monger, a diner, a surf shop, a pharmacy and a bakery. Oh, and a gas station.
This also is the Great Ocean Road.
Yesterday I picked up a rental car. It's been since Ireland that I haven't sat an the right hand side - a little fly is annoying me, flying around my face - As I drove off from the rental company I tried to focus on one thing at the time. Left lanyu, oh, hand brake, look left, speed limit, NO! not the wind screen whipers! the blinkers! etc.
Then I missed and exit on a roundabout and had to mavigate back to the right bearing.
Now, day @, I still hit the whipers when I want the blinkers.
Around 1 pm, I'll find myself a nice picnic spot by the sea and est my groceries.
This also is the Great Ocean Road.
Yesterday I picked up a rental car. It's been since Ireland that I haven't sat an the right hand side - a little fly is annoying me, flying around my face - As I drove off from the rental company I tried to focus on one thing at the time. Left lanyu, oh, hand brake, look left, speed limit, NO! not the wind screen whipers! the blinkers! etc.
Then I missed and exit on a roundabout and had to mavigate back to the right bearing.
Now, day @, I still hit the whipers when I want the blinkers.
Around 1 pm, I'll find myself a nice picnic spot by the sea and est my groceries.
Monday, October 27, 2008
(retro-post)
I had been hearing a lot about the Botanical Gardens of Melbourne and decided to take a walk there from Federation Square.
Note to self: distances are always greater in reality than they seem on a map.
At Federation Square, I crossed the river and turned left into the park. This is a nice walk because it give you a good view on the skyline of the city center. As I suggested a few lines ago, it took me a bit longer to get to the Botanical gardens than I thought. THere are a few parks between the gardens and the city.
People on their lunch break taking a stroll, joggers, runners running up and down a slope with backpacks on, magpies diving for my sunglasses...
You can really lay back in the botanical gardens, choose one of the areas that fits the mood you're in and walk around or sit on a bench or on the lawns. The way I walked in took me through an area that reminded me of botanical gardens in Bogor I think, were we would go for picnics when I was a kid.
I also did my Tai Chi in a Chinese style corner. Very appropriate.
Unexpectedly, I found the book shop by the pond to have an excellent collection of childrens books. Ever read "Diary of a Wombat"?
Pictures of the gardens: https://photos.app.goo.gl/HJApEfubKVinbMlx2
I had been hearing a lot about the Botanical Gardens of Melbourne and decided to take a walk there from Federation Square.
Note to self: distances are always greater in reality than they seem on a map.
At Federation Square, I crossed the river and turned left into the park. This is a nice walk because it give you a good view on the skyline of the city center. As I suggested a few lines ago, it took me a bit longer to get to the Botanical gardens than I thought. THere are a few parks between the gardens and the city.
People on their lunch break taking a stroll, joggers, runners running up and down a slope with backpacks on, magpies diving for my sunglasses...
You can really lay back in the botanical gardens, choose one of the areas that fits the mood you're in and walk around or sit on a bench or on the lawns. The way I walked in took me through an area that reminded me of botanical gardens in Bogor I think, were we would go for picnics when I was a kid.
I also did my Tai Chi in a Chinese style corner. Very appropriate.
Unexpectedly, I found the book shop by the pond to have an excellent collection of childrens books. Ever read "Diary of a Wombat"?
Pictures of the gardens: https://photos.app.goo.gl/HJApEfubKVinbMlx2
The NGV - Australian Art (2)
- Arthur Streeton, "balloon on fire", (WWI), painting
Landscapes of war stricken Europe, not lugubrious and bloody, blue skies and all, yet still war. Quiet green hills under a summer sky and 4 fumes fall down from very high. 4 balloons on fire.
A surprising view on World War I.
- Sid Long, "farm landscape", 1905, painting
Eucalyptus trees rising to the sky like smoke. The top of the trees ending in a blank sky in lines very "Art Nouveau" or Eagon Schiele.
- Rayner Hoff, "Faun and Nymph" 1924, bronze
A daring scene for those times. Yet it strikes me especially as a brilliant composition showing a perfect balance of the two bodies, both hanging back, holding each other by the arms. Like the famous Pieta, you can look at it from almost any side and admire it's perfection.
Pictures on https://photos.app.goo.gl/yAzyBlw2pKomcFjp1
Landscapes of war stricken Europe, not lugubrious and bloody, blue skies and all, yet still war. Quiet green hills under a summer sky and 4 fumes fall down from very high. 4 balloons on fire.
A surprising view on World War I.
- Sid Long, "farm landscape", 1905, painting
Eucalyptus trees rising to the sky like smoke. The top of the trees ending in a blank sky in lines very "Art Nouveau" or Eagon Schiele.
- Rayner Hoff, "Faun and Nymph" 1924, bronze
A daring scene for those times. Yet it strikes me especially as a brilliant composition showing a perfect balance of the two bodies, both hanging back, holding each other by the arms. Like the famous Pieta, you can look at it from almost any side and admire it's perfection.
 | Federation Square |
 | Belgian Callebaut chocolate in the entrance hall of the NGV |
 | Isn't this bird 'animation' lovely? from a previous exhibition |
 | Detail of the entrance hall |
 | A sculpture inside the gallery |
Pictures on https://photos.app.goo.gl/yAzyBlw2pKomcFjp1
 |
| NGV front entrance seen from graffiti alley. |
NGV - Australian Art (1)
 |  |
 |  |
| From Federation Square and the NGV on Indigenous art |
The National Gallery of Victoria has 2 museums in Melbourne. Yesterday I visited the smaller one, on Australian Art, situated on the famous Federal Square.
Through a foundation, they have been encouraging and recording indigenous art for a few decades and show an interesting collection of paintings and sculptures. What I found most interesting though was a series of video interviews with some artists.
About artistic and mystical sensibilities (very approximate transcription): "I have been taught by my father who had magical powers. I also have magical powers. (...) I thought about it for a month and the subject became part of me. Then I made a painting. (...) Some subject may not be painted. They are dangerous."
I think he was talking about how some thoughts can drive you crazy as they confront you with impossibilities or with themes that are so huge that your mind cannot grasp them. Frightening.
Max, a retired professor in Philosophy, has written a book on Indigenous (Aboriginal) religions and is trying to explain some of it to me.
Maybe that is the strangeness of this art, that it entwines the religious thought so tightly.
We are not used to that kind of intensity.
(the NGV has a permanent collection of Indigenous art on show and is now also hosting a temporary exhibition)
No pictures today
Technology is great!
when it works...
Since my arrival in Melbourne 3 days ago, I couldn't seem to access my emails or my blog. Now I've got that sorted out but I still cannot put my pictures online. I'm working on a Mac and can't seem to find a USB port to fit my device in. I'll have to ask Max or Stephanie, my hosts, when they return.
when it works...
Since my arrival in Melbourne 3 days ago, I couldn't seem to access my emails or my blog. Now I've got that sorted out but I still cannot put my pictures online. I'm working on a Mac and can't seem to find a USB port to fit my device in. I'll have to ask Max or Stephanie, my hosts, when they return.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Jetlag
I don't sleep well in planes. This time I slept twice for maybe one hour over 34 hours
My brain and body are showing the exhaustion. I don't memorize instructions I get. I feel like I'm in a constant earthquake. It is hard to focus with my eyes.
This morning, an airport shuttle took me to the hostel I had chosen from the guide. Oddly, I couldn't manage to understand how to use the payphones to call them from the airport. So i took the risk and just went there.
I'm sleeping in a mixed dorm of 8.
When you land at 6am, by the time you get to your hotel, most tenants are still asleep. The building is an old wooden house. Our dorm room had a very nice chimney of white marble and windows looking out on a wild, wild garden.[note: it's funny because I've been to the same hostel again since and it doesn't look wild at all?!? Jetlags...]
Walking back to town I could take a closer took at this town. There were some trafficjams but nothing compared to Brussels of Paris!!
The city is populated by huge sub-tropical trees that radiate peace and bliss. They make me feel good. I absolutely need to get to those forest I've read so much about.
A long visit to the Tourism Information desk to organise a car, a diving course, bus stops out here. Around the corner, St Matthew's church building looks inviting, calling me in to sing while these people discuss soms sort of even. Carlos's appartment turns out to be accross the street from the church. Now one home.
Here at the Internet Cafe, my head is spinning and I can hardly type. Young guys at the computers around me shout out enthusiastically at the game they are playing.
Tomorrow I fly off at 18:45. That's it for me guys. Let me get myself some groceries and then go and get some sleep.
[note: pictures at https://photos.app.goo.gl/JnhUrCplyXXB9WlE2)
My brain and body are showing the exhaustion. I don't memorize instructions I get. I feel like I'm in a constant earthquake. It is hard to focus with my eyes.
This morning, an airport shuttle took me to the hostel I had chosen from the guide. Oddly, I couldn't manage to understand how to use the payphones to call them from the airport. So i took the risk and just went there.
I'm sleeping in a mixed dorm of 8.
When you land at 6am, by the time you get to your hotel, most tenants are still asleep. The building is an old wooden house. Our dorm room had a very nice chimney of white marble and windows looking out on a wild, wild garden.[note: it's funny because I've been to the same hostel again since and it doesn't look wild at all?!? Jetlags...]
Walking back to town I could take a closer took at this town. There were some trafficjams but nothing compared to Brussels of Paris!!
The city is populated by huge sub-tropical trees that radiate peace and bliss. They make me feel good. I absolutely need to get to those forest I've read so much about.
A long visit to the Tourism Information desk to organise a car, a diving course, bus stops out here. Around the corner, St Matthew's church building looks inviting, calling me in to sing while these people discuss soms sort of even. Carlos's appartment turns out to be accross the street from the church. Now one home.
Here at the Internet Cafe, my head is spinning and I can hardly type. Young guys at the computers around me shout out enthusiastically at the game they are playing.
Tomorrow I fly off at 18:45. That's it for me guys. Let me get myself some groceries and then go and get some sleep.
[note: pictures at https://photos.app.goo.gl/JnhUrCplyXXB9WlE2)
What happened to the 22nd?
Today is the 23 rd of October. It has been since about 4 or 5 this morning. That's when our flight crossed the dayline.
I will never know what the 22nd of October, 2008 was like ...
Was it a good day? a bad day? a sunny day? a groundhog day?
It could have been the 20th that went missing. My birthday would not have taken place. I would not have gotten older.
My 21st of October lasted for 36 hours.
How was yours?
I will never know what the 22nd of October, 2008 was like ...
Was it a good day? a bad day? a sunny day? a groundhog day?
It could have been the 20th that went missing. My birthday would not have taken place. I would not have gotten older.
My 21st of October lasted for 36 hours.
How was yours?
LAX, October 21
I'm halfway to New Zealand. Landing procedure. Pack up cabin bag. Get off the plane. hand over the green form. wait. Start eating a complementary apple. It looks like Snowwhite's apple but is absolutely tasteless. Toss it in the bin. Wait. Freshen up in transit lavatories. Wait. Board again.
I'm halfway to New Zealand !!!!
I'm halfway to New Zealand !!!!
Sleep (October 21)
Heathrow, a bit later - I feel tired. For some time now, I haven't been able to go to sleep in time. There are some sleeping pills in my bag and maybe I shold use them on board.
I like sleeping. I enjoy rebooting in the morning wondering how time passed me by during the night. Before I can get there however, therealways is the night's "eve". Questions. "Have I done the things I was going to do?" "Have I done them the best I can, the best way I can?" Yep, I also procrastinate on sleep...
I like sleeping. I enjoy rebooting in the morning wondering how time passed me by during the night. Before I can get there however, therealways is the night's "eve". Questions. "Have I done the things I was going to do?" "Have I done them the best I can, the best way I can?" Yep, I also procrastinate on sleep...
Day 1, Thursday October 21
Over the Channel, the sky is clear. I an't see the Chunnel terminal even though I have a clear sight on both sides of the narrow passage. Maybe it is hidden below us, out of my sight.
After the dreary skies in brussels, I think this is a good omen> Yeah, I shouldn't be looking for those but I'm still nervous about leaving for so long when I've only just started my new business.
14:17 - I'm drinking tea in Heathrow while waiting for my flight. 2 more hours before take-off.
After the dreary skies in brussels, I think this is a good omen> Yeah, I shouldn't be looking for those but I'm still nervous about leaving for so long when I've only just started my new business.
14:17 - I'm drinking tea in Heathrow while waiting for my flight. 2 more hours before take-off.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Less than 48 hours
I've been throwing stuff in my open suitcase for about a week now. Tomorrow, my last day before departure, I should check it for any missing stuff. And then it'll be to late anyway LOL.
The best holidays are those with minimal planning. All you need to organize is how to get there (and back) and maybe your first night. (note to self: add "book a room for night 1" to my checklist).
This is SO exciting, yet I must admit very overwhelming... leaving for 6 weeks requires another level of preparation than for 2 weeks.
I need to go get some sleep. Tomorrow I work early.
The best holidays are those with minimal planning. All you need to organize is how to get there (and back) and maybe your first night. (note to self: add "book a room for night 1" to my checklist).
This is SO exciting, yet I must admit very overwhelming... leaving for 6 weeks requires another level of preparation than for 2 weeks.
I need to go get some sleep. Tomorrow I work early.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
15 days to go!
Tonight, I'm back on my blog to relate my trip to the other side of our planet; aka down under. My plan is to visit New Zealand pretty extensively but to start with a little sidestep to Melbourne to visit friends and to do a summary introduction to Oz.
I'll either post my pictures here or put links to Picasa as it goes.
BTW, I have this theory about the Wizard of Oz. I think it was written as an expression of anti-Australian feelings that were ongoing in the States in those days. Oz as a mysterious yet hostile country where nice and cute little American girl where in danger but where they could save some lost souls. Like true heroes.
I've booked my tickets and bought Lonely Planet guides for NZ and for Tramping NZ. That's about it. More to come soon.
I'll either post my pictures here or put links to Picasa as it goes.
BTW, I have this theory about the Wizard of Oz. I think it was written as an expression of anti-Australian feelings that were ongoing in the States in those days. Oz as a mysterious yet hostile country where nice and cute little American girl where in danger but where they could save some lost souls. Like true heroes.
I've booked my tickets and bought Lonely Planet guides for NZ and for Tramping NZ. That's about it. More to come soon.
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