Part of truly experiencing Australia is to get to know it's culture and as all American's will agree a large part of that is about the music.
So when I learned that Cold Chisel (think U2, Bruce Springsteen and Elvis) were reuniting for the first time in years as part of the Telstra V8 Supercar Streetcar Racing Event, I thought - what a great opportunity to see some fast, cool cars (ok, those of you that know me, know I don't know much about cars - I was going to check out the guys that go to see the fast, cool cars) and immerse myself in some of the most popular, Australian pop songs.
Tens of thousands of fans came to hear Cold Chisel and most wanted to listen with a beer in their hand. There's a call out to Gareth to mark the fact that Peter actually stood in line for nearly an hour for a beer.
Now the reason Cold Chisel is like U2 and Bruce Springsteen is because many of their songs have a message (e.g., one of their most popular songs is about Australian war vets returning from Vietnam), some are very soulful ("Looking from the outside, looking in") and the lead singer Jimmy Barnes had this habit of being a wildman, who had a bad drinking habit (he supposedly drank during his performances from a large flask that was known to have vodka) to the point where he became an alcoholic and had to stop singing. Also, one of Barnes' songs had a crime/prison theme and was titled "Four Walls" which is akin to Elvis and his "jailhouse rock" days.
I'd purchased a Best of Cold Chisel CD weeks before the concert and listened to it in the car for weeks so I'd be familiar with songs at the concert. I learned that my friends and the general fan favorite is "Khe san" which is about Australan vets returning from Vietnam. My personal favorite is "Saturday Night" because the lyrics talk about having how Sunday's a new day and how even just a little light helps you see things on the forward path better, plus it had a nice saxophone piece, the concert was on a Saturday nice and it was the end of a memorable and fun day!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
More visitors to Sydney!
My Cisco PR colleague Ed and his partner Eamon arrived in Sydney on Dec. 4 and stayed in my guest bed room as they explored Sydney - largely by foot. They must have walked 10-15 miles every day from as far east as Bondi Beach, to Manly Beach and even out to Glebe!
I also learned that they're big fans of Muriel's Wedding which I had never seen before until they got me the DVD to watch. Did I mention that after watching the movie there was renewed interest in finding out where the video shop and dry cleaners that Muriel and her friend worked were along Oxford Street? Well if you're friends with Ed on Facebook you'll see that they did eventually locate the place and while the dry cleaners still remains, the video shop is an empty store.
And I don't know why the video shop went out of business but it's certainly not because online DVD rentals is a booming business here in Sydney. In fact I think something like Netflicks or Blockbuster Online would do very well here. Instead, I goto Red Room DVD store where you swipe your card at this kiosk, choose a DVD (the selection is not great at all), then go to another machine and swipe your card again and out pops the DVD. For a new release rental for one night it costs $4.95 and if you don't return it the next day, it'll cost you another $4.50. I got quite a shock when I returned two new release DVDs on the second day and got charged $18. Yikes! Let's just say that I'm limiting myself to the older DVDs where you can keep them for one week for $3.65.
The first night Ed and Eamon arrived we checked out the Text 100 party (they are our agency at corporate and for APAC regional) at the Opera Bar right next to the Sydney Opera House and amazingly there were fireworks that evening! It gave me a glimpse into what New Year's must be like. Then we met up with two of their friends and hit the clubbing scene.
I also learned that they're big fans of Muriel's Wedding which I had never seen before until they got me the DVD to watch. Did I mention that after watching the movie there was renewed interest in finding out where the video shop and dry cleaners that Muriel and her friend worked were along Oxford Street? Well if you're friends with Ed on Facebook you'll see that they did eventually locate the place and while the dry cleaners still remains, the video shop is an empty store.
And I don't know why the video shop went out of business but it's certainly not because online DVD rentals is a booming business here in Sydney. In fact I think something like Netflicks or Blockbuster Online would do very well here. Instead, I goto Red Room DVD store where you swipe your card at this kiosk, choose a DVD (the selection is not great at all), then go to another machine and swipe your card again and out pops the DVD. For a new release rental for one night it costs $4.95 and if you don't return it the next day, it'll cost you another $4.50. I got quite a shock when I returned two new release DVDs on the second day and got charged $18. Yikes! Let's just say that I'm limiting myself to the older DVDs where you can keep them for one week for $3.65.
The first night Ed and Eamon arrived we checked out the Text 100 party (they are our agency at corporate and for APAC regional) at the Opera Bar right next to the Sydney Opera House and amazingly there were fireworks that evening! It gave me a glimpse into what New Year's must be like. Then we met up with two of their friends and hit the clubbing scene.
Exploring Melbourne
First off, it's pronounced "Mel-bun" not "Mel-burn" but I have to admit it's a hard habit to break.
I took the one-hour flight from Sydney to Melbourne on Saturday, Nov. 28 (yes, hard to believe, but the day after the Cisco Christmas Media Lunch Party which I would not do again) and checked into the Mecure Hotel right in the heart of Melbourne's CBD.
Since my blog's called "Linda's Walkabout" I will share that I largely explored Melbourne on foot (vs. cabbing it everywhere) and feel I must have walked 10-12 miles over those few days I was in Melbourne.
The first evening, I walked around with a radio journalist who once lived in Melbourne so knew the in's and out's of where the locals went for a meal and a drink ... we had dinner at this tiny Italian restaurant which is recognized as one of the first in Melbourne and then we headed to Lygon Street and it's famous James Watson Wine Bar.
On Sunday, Nov. 29 I was so thrilled to catch up with Kristina Moustakas my former boss from Cunningham PR and her family who now reside in a suburb just outside Melbourne. They have a beautiful home and are just so happy because it's such a great place to live with everything so close by and charming little towns and shopping nearby. We had Korean BBQ and then checked out St. Kilda's Market which is well known for requiring each of the artisan vendors to be local and have handmade items that are sold by the artisans who made them.
And of course the reason I was in Melbourne in the first place was for business - and lucky me the Melbourne Health Congress I attended was held in the Victorian Government's Parliament House. And the Cisco Melbourne office is on what Melbourn-ites call "Paris Street" but I would call it Fifth Avenue because it's right in the middle of all these top brand stores (think Gucci, Louis Vuitton). Since healthcare's going to be a priority for us as we head into 2010, I also checked out the Center of Health Innovation which Cisco supports as it helps healthcare organisations to simulate and run scenarios of technology/business solutions before they buy (think Consumer Reports lab for future looking cool products with focus on healthcare IT).
I took the one-hour flight from Sydney to Melbourne on Saturday, Nov. 28 (yes, hard to believe, but the day after the Cisco Christmas Media Lunch Party which I would not do again) and checked into the Mecure Hotel right in the heart of Melbourne's CBD.
Since my blog's called "Linda's Walkabout" I will share that I largely explored Melbourne on foot (vs. cabbing it everywhere) and feel I must have walked 10-12 miles over those few days I was in Melbourne.
The first evening, I walked around with a radio journalist who once lived in Melbourne so knew the in's and out's of where the locals went for a meal and a drink ... we had dinner at this tiny Italian restaurant which is recognized as one of the first in Melbourne and then we headed to Lygon Street and it's famous James Watson Wine Bar.
On Sunday, Nov. 29 I was so thrilled to catch up with Kristina Moustakas my former boss from Cunningham PR and her family who now reside in a suburb just outside Melbourne. They have a beautiful home and are just so happy because it's such a great place to live with everything so close by and charming little towns and shopping nearby. We had Korean BBQ and then checked out St. Kilda's Market which is well known for requiring each of the artisan vendors to be local and have handmade items that are sold by the artisans who made them.
And of course the reason I was in Melbourne in the first place was for business - and lucky me the Melbourne Health Congress I attended was held in the Victorian Government's Parliament House. And the Cisco Melbourne office is on what Melbourn-ites call "Paris Street" but I would call it Fifth Avenue because it's right in the middle of all these top brand stores (think Gucci, Louis Vuitton). Since healthcare's going to be a priority for us as we head into 2010, I also checked out the Center of Health Innovation which Cisco supports as it helps healthcare organisations to simulate and run scenarios of technology/business solutions before they buy (think Consumer Reports lab for future looking cool products with focus on healthcare IT).
Silly Season Begins!
At first I thought "silly season" meant "crazy busy" which is something I'd experienced before, it was typical - as you head into the holidays (usually right after Thanksgiving) things start getting more hectic.
But my "crazy busy" was more along the lines of trying to wrap things up at work before you go on vacation, trying to fit in Christmas shopping and getting excited about the Christmas-New Year's vacation.
"Silly season" is something totally different! Essentially it means there are an insane amount of parties, cocktails, Christmas lunches and dinners, catch ups with friends before the holidays, lots of friends/family coming into town on vacation because it's "Summer" in Australia plus all of the above "crazy busy" things.
I'd say that from the end of November, every day or at least every few days I had a party, Christmas lunch/dinner, catch up with friends! I still can't figure out how anybody "survives" silly season with a liver, no bags under their eyes from lack of sleep and at least 15 lbs. from the excess and not finding nearly enough time to exercise (I was having a hard time getting enough sleep every night).
1. Kinetics Party (Nov. 24)
2. Frost & Sullivan Australia Best Practices Awards Banquet (Nov. 25)
3. CBS Interactive Party - All my colleagues told me this was THE party to get invited to and I was so thrilled to get an invite to the party on Nov. 26. More photos on the ZDNet.com.au site here.
4. Cisco Christmas Party - At the Winery by Gazebo (Nov. 27)
5. Work leadership party at Sake Restaurant in The Rocks (Dec. 2)
6. ABC News Party (Dec. 3)
7. Text 100 Party (Dec. 4)
8. Catch up with friends at Nadia's for flavorful soup, pasta and brownies! (Dec. 6)
9. Lunch with Journos at Delicado (lovely place for Spanish Tapas) and Bel Paese (Italian restaurant with a great view) (Dec. 8/9)
10. Catch up with friend for Guylere Chocolate shake and then another friend for dinner at very popular Malaysian restaurant - Mamak (Dec. 10)
11. Work marketing party at The Prime Steakhouse and then to Longrain for drinks/dinner/more drinks for Ed and Eamonn's last night in Sydney (Dec. 11)
12. The Quest: Chez Redfern (Dec. 12) - My friend George's husband, Paul made an INCREDIBLE brunch for us. Paul's on a quest to be on Australia's Master Chef and after the divine brunch he prepared for us I believe he'd be a strong competitor!
13. After shopping at The Rocks for some Australian Christmas gifts for friends and family I had drinks with my friend Dori at The Australian Hotel's Bar - one of the oldest bars in Sydney in The Rocks. Has this great roasted duck pizza I love!
14. Breakfast with Lylly at Epi D'Or - my new favorite French Cafe for brekkie in Kirribilli! (Dec. 14)
15. Catch up with Friends at Fine Fish in Neutral Bay - Highly recommend this place, wonderful seafood and Chef Paul is so nice, came to say "hello" to our table after dinner (Dec. 16)
16. Lunch at Wild Fire with Journos and Christmas shopping at Chatswood Chase (the BEST department store in the Sydney area with lots of Australian designer stores) and fFinally get to see New Moon! (Dec. 17(
17. Right around the corner Toko's opened up a hip new bar called Tokonoma - Last drinks with George before I have to come home and pack. I can't wait to see my family and friends, but I abhor packing! (Dec. 18)
Wow, now that I see this all listed out, I'm pretty shocked myself. It was truly a whirlwind "silly season"!
But my "crazy busy" was more along the lines of trying to wrap things up at work before you go on vacation, trying to fit in Christmas shopping and getting excited about the Christmas-New Year's vacation.
"Silly season" is something totally different! Essentially it means there are an insane amount of parties, cocktails, Christmas lunches and dinners, catch ups with friends before the holidays, lots of friends/family coming into town on vacation because it's "Summer" in Australia plus all of the above "crazy busy" things.
I'd say that from the end of November, every day or at least every few days I had a party, Christmas lunch/dinner, catch up with friends! I still can't figure out how anybody "survives" silly season with a liver, no bags under their eyes from lack of sleep and at least 15 lbs. from the excess and not finding nearly enough time to exercise (I was having a hard time getting enough sleep every night).
1. Kinetics Party (Nov. 24)
2. Frost & Sullivan Australia Best Practices Awards Banquet (Nov. 25)
3. CBS Interactive Party - All my colleagues told me this was THE party to get invited to and I was so thrilled to get an invite to the party on Nov. 26. More photos on the ZDNet.com.au site here.
4. Cisco Christmas Party - At the Winery by Gazebo (Nov. 27)
5. Work leadership party at Sake Restaurant in The Rocks (Dec. 2)
6. ABC News Party (Dec. 3)
7. Text 100 Party (Dec. 4)
8. Catch up with friends at Nadia's for flavorful soup, pasta and brownies! (Dec. 6)
9. Lunch with Journos at Delicado (lovely place for Spanish Tapas) and Bel Paese (Italian restaurant with a great view) (Dec. 8/9)
10. Catch up with friend for Guylere Chocolate shake and then another friend for dinner at very popular Malaysian restaurant - Mamak (Dec. 10)
11. Work marketing party at The Prime Steakhouse and then to Longrain for drinks/dinner/more drinks for Ed and Eamonn's last night in Sydney (Dec. 11)
12. The Quest: Chez Redfern (Dec. 12) - My friend George's husband, Paul made an INCREDIBLE brunch for us. Paul's on a quest to be on Australia's Master Chef and after the divine brunch he prepared for us I believe he'd be a strong competitor!
13. After shopping at The Rocks for some Australian Christmas gifts for friends and family I had drinks with my friend Dori at The Australian Hotel's Bar - one of the oldest bars in Sydney in The Rocks. Has this great roasted duck pizza I love!
14. Breakfast with Lylly at Epi D'Or - my new favorite French Cafe for brekkie in Kirribilli! (Dec. 14)
15. Catch up with Friends at Fine Fish in Neutral Bay - Highly recommend this place, wonderful seafood and Chef Paul is so nice, came to say "hello" to our table after dinner (Dec. 16)
16. Lunch at Wild Fire with Journos and Christmas shopping at Chatswood Chase (the BEST department store in the Sydney area with lots of Australian designer stores) and fFinally get to see New Moon! (Dec. 17(
17. Right around the corner Toko's opened up a hip new bar called Tokonoma - Last drinks with George before I have to come home and pack. I can't wait to see my family and friends, but I abhor packing! (Dec. 18)
Wow, now that I see this all listed out, I'm pretty shocked myself. It was truly a whirlwind "silly season"!
Checking out the Winery at Gazebo
I absolutely love living in Surry Hills! This great new restaurant/wine bar just opened up down the street from me and it's the most hip and trend hangout!
After hearing rave reviews from Emma, George and I decided to check it out. It was packed and we had to squeeze ourselves to the end of the bar for some cheese tasting with the wine sommelier/cheese specialist "Adam" (at least i think that's his name).
After hearing rave reviews from Emma, George and I decided to check it out. It was packed and we had to squeeze ourselves to the end of the bar for some cheese tasting with the wine sommelier/cheese specialist "Adam" (at least i think that's his name).
Friday, December 18, 2009
Sydney Fashion Weekend
When I say it's dizzying to go shopping in Sydney, it's not because shopping makes me sick, rather there are so many new names of stores and clothing labels it's hard to know which are the quality brands, which are Australian labels and what's popular.
So when I read that Nov. 14 was the last day of Sydney Fashion Weekend, I asked my friend Sandy if she was interested in checking it out.
It was the best day! Sandy was able to navigate us to the stores that had the best deals (i.e., high fashion, great prices), we shopped with a lovely glass of muscato champagne in our hands (ok, we didn't stop at one, we had two glasses) and we timed everything perfectly so we could see all three fashion shows featuring the summer season and still make it back to the stores to get the price mark downs as the vendors were eager to sell everything vs. taking it back to the store.
I got a long summer tube dress from two women designers from Queensland - Sandy kept referring to it as a "maxi dress" but that reminds me too much of a particular feminine product so I'll just say it's a gorgeous black tube top dress with a long leopard print skirt. Frankly, if Sandy hadn't encouraged me to try it on, I wouldn't have realized how great it looked on (vs. on the hanger).
My take aways of Sydney fashion: very, very short dresses, girly/feminine is in and it's all contrasted with big, big purses (to the point where I'd start calling them bags).
So when I read that Nov. 14 was the last day of Sydney Fashion Weekend, I asked my friend Sandy if she was interested in checking it out.
It was the best day! Sandy was able to navigate us to the stores that had the best deals (i.e., high fashion, great prices), we shopped with a lovely glass of muscato champagne in our hands (ok, we didn't stop at one, we had two glasses) and we timed everything perfectly so we could see all three fashion shows featuring the summer season and still make it back to the stores to get the price mark downs as the vendors were eager to sell everything vs. taking it back to the store.
I got a long summer tube dress from two women designers from Queensland - Sandy kept referring to it as a "maxi dress" but that reminds me too much of a particular feminine product so I'll just say it's a gorgeous black tube top dress with a long leopard print skirt. Frankly, if Sandy hadn't encouraged me to try it on, I wouldn't have realized how great it looked on (vs. on the hanger).
My take aways of Sydney fashion: very, very short dresses, girly/feminine is in and it's all contrasted with big, big purses (to the point where I'd start calling them bags).
50m Butterfly - Whew!
The North Sydney Masters swim team I swim with hosted a carnival on Nov. 14 and many of the swim clubs in the Sydney area came out to swim. As we could only start once the pool was closed to the public, it was an evening swim. In addition to helping out with the timing, I also swam in four events.
* 50m Freestyle - Time 40.75
* 50m Breaststroke - Time55.62
* 50m Butterfly - Time 53.32
* Mixed Relay 4x50m Freestyle - Time 40.8 (Overall team came in 4th)
It was the first time I'd swum butterfly in a competition and was pleased with the fact that I was able to do it the full length of the pool, but boy was I tiring out at the end! Admitedly I haven't been going to swim practice very regularly (New Year's resolution for 2010) so I'm confident that next year my times should improve.
For all the scores/ranks, you can check it out here.
* 50m Freestyle - Time 40.75
* 50m Breaststroke - Time55.62
* 50m Butterfly - Time 53.32
* Mixed Relay 4x50m Freestyle - Time 40.8 (Overall team came in 4th)
It was the first time I'd swum butterfly in a competition and was pleased with the fact that I was able to do it the full length of the pool, but boy was I tiring out at the end! Admitedly I haven't been going to swim practice very regularly (New Year's resolution for 2010) so I'm confident that next year my times should improve.
For all the scores/ranks, you can check it out here.
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