Sydney before the month's over - check !

Ok ! I'm back in Brissie and back in the books as a book-worm-should ! Just a heads up though ...I had a blast visiting Sydney and Canberra over the weekend (Sept 9-13).

Here is why...

A note to Mom and Dad: I flew at 9 pm on the 9th so luck was on my side, which is something I have been noticing more and more on my journeys. This is very much an ease on the mind.


I arrived in Sydney about 10:30pm (by the time I took the train into Central station it was much later) however my adrenalin rush was gradually increasing as I got closer to the city.....no, not from running to catch the train (as a member of the running-photography club), it was sheer excitement to see THE ultimate piece of monument (which was in my hear since way back when) and which could also (possibly) mark the end of my journey in Australia. The Sydney Opera House. At night. On the water. Another breath-taking view to add to my list of 'I-would-love-to-see...'.


For some there are postage stamps, but for me it's collecting memories/experiences from my travels has become highly addictive. Based on my action-packed school semester of endless hours spent writing assessments, I was worried about having to miss out on the adventures Sydney has to offer. However, with some last minute planning and having a welcoming friend living near my destination, allowed me to cross off both Sydney and Canberra on my "I-would-love-to-see" list.


Sydney Opera House was a highlight of this journey. To me, it seems so exotic, charged with national pride. Amongst the architectural wonders, it is one of the 'celebrities' which I was eager to see in person. It would have been amazing to attend one of the performances however, that will happen at a time when my bank account can support such activity. This time around it was strictly window-shopping: 'You can try it on, but better not. Only for the eyes'.




















While roaming the streets of Sydney (at 2 am, high on adrenalin, all thanks to the vibe of this amazing city), we tried to adjust to the rules of the road. I don't know what would have happened to us if it wasn't for these very handy and discretely written signs, you see. I just don't know how we could have survived each time we carelessly decided to step off the side walk and head across to the other side of the road. But just like any savvy backpacker would, we followed the instructions and looked both ways, even if the sign suggested to look only the one direction ...






















In the city, we stayed in a backpackers near Central station. It was an apartment style so we lucked out with an amazing view from our room. Sleeping near a wall of windows, I got to watch the traffic pass by at night. Seeing the busy streets, I forgot what it was like to live in a metropolitan city. In Brisbane there are moments where traffic resembles an urban jungle, however at night the city is asleep. No buses, no city cat, no trains, and only a few cars seen on the roads. Weekday or weekend, walking home at 3am, I was surprised to learn that little actually goes on at night in the land of BrisVegas ! However, Sydney is a whole different ball-game you see. (Not sure why I turn to sport-analogies now and then, just bare with me if you aren't familiar with the lingo)


Inside the hostel, on the elevator door was this picture, just BRILLIANT, and made us laugh ever time we hopped in. I pretty much pictured kangaroos beating up on tourist from the very first time I got to Oz. Since then, I had the chance to sit and mingle (even taste a few) of these humble creatures. I don't know what the big deal is. These animals look harmless but then again, each time I am near one, this picture describes exactly what goes through my head...



























From the kangaroos, to the kiwis ...wait what NO, try All Blacks ! Are you kidding me, am I in a dream all of a sudden. Ok fine, one of my life-goals states: to SEE an AB game on home turf, but meeting them in person COULD technically qualify as 'seeing them' ...why not ?!

So there you have it, in a city considered 'posh' in the southern hemisphere becomes THE place where I get to mix and mingle with the boys from the All Blacks. Richie and the gang signed my now eBay-worthy hat without me being able to tell them how awesome I thought they were. (I got a little too excited to actually talk to them ...) However, I'm sure the silence from me did not damper their day. Over 200 people, squeezed into an Adidas store (like sardines) and everyone just as excited as I was, waiting to tell the boys how big of a fan they were. A few clicks for picture, that's all the time we had. The team was playing Saturday night (that same weekend) in Sydney, which they happily but very closely won 23-22 I believe.














































Ok ... so moving on (or at least trying to)! It was hard for me to get back into sight-seeing mode once visiting with the boys ! It was a surreal and unexpected event, made me feel like I was on cloud 9 the rest of the day. However, we decided to check out a few areas and monuments around the city followed by a small adventure up to Manley and Bondi Beach (if I only have a few days in a place that's near a beach... guess where you can find me ...?!) Well, let me tell you, both are very nice places to go and visit. But first, before I tell you about the rest of our trip I need to confess on thing just now: I have a thing for parliament buildings and libraries. Not sure when this fetish developed but I have noticed that when I visit a country, city, or pretty much any place, I need to have access to one or both of these architectures. I was trying to blame this one my childhood and where I grew up. Hungary's parliament building has been one of the many architectural attractions where my heart skips a beat every time I see it: on TV, online, in person, all the time.

Sydney parliament house and libraries are much more attractive inside as it carries antique pictures and furniture but overall, I enjoyed the visit.


Now the BEACHES !!!!


Manly Beach

















The ferry ride was just breath taking .... sunny and warm. However, our way into the harbor these were the clouds waiting for us. I must admit it was a little scary as the winds were picking up and we could see pouring rain in the distance. But as usual, this shower ended once we touched land (a quickie).

























Day 2 - Bondi Beach

I don't even need to say much here, the pictures can do the talking. But if I had to say one thing: utterly-amazing !!!



































Nat and I pooped as usual after our amazing trek through Sydney and its beaches !!! Now we are waiting on some greasy fries and burgers to get us through to our next destination: to the nation's capital we go .... Canberra, ACT.






























Canberra, ACT

Floread





















Canadian embassy !!!!!!!!! Home and native land :-)






















China just for the kicks !!!





Fabulous weekend with fabulous friends and fabulous fun along the way !!!

The end

xo

My Catalonian little sister ...

Last week (Sept 3-7) I had the privilege to meet up with someone(s) very special. This person has become part of the Mares family officially (not exactly sure when) even thought we live across the Atlantic ocean and now the Pacific ocean too (we follow each other around the globe, so right now she is visiting me with her special person, her bf of five years).


I have meet up with this little lady every year since she was first introduced to my parents. Technically, she is my little sister because we both adore the same people: my parents. She has created a very special bond with my parents the very first time she came for an exchange-trip to Canada. Three years later and we still love to meet up with each other when our paths takes us near our homes and talk about ...my parents.

Life and school commitments seem to come in the way of our entertainment BUT we have always made the effort and hang out with the other person. First 2x it was she who came to live with my parents and do the visiting. Then, it was my turn to go for a quick hello and meet her family and friends in Spain. 48h was clearly not enough time to engage in a meet-and-greet activity, but it was what we had to manage.

Last week, my little Catalan sister and her bf rented the most retro campervan and came for a visit in Brisbane. Again limited by time, we still managed to spend a few days eating, sleeping and traveling together. We were true gypsies living on the road. Well, let me tell you something about these two, if all gypsies have as much fun and laugh as much as these two people, I'm dropping out of my masters and joining the gypsy life !!!

I have never (or have been a long time) since I have laughed this much. Both my sister and her bf were sooooo crazy funny, and I have lost my voice in just about 4-5 days of hanging out with them just from laughing so hard.






River-fire 2010



















Besides the wonderful times we shared, I was also thinking back to how this lady and I become such amazing friends. My thoughts brought me back to my kind and lovely parents. Thanks to them, I have this amazing person in my life who is extremely funny, kind and even though younger, ends up taking care of me each time we are on the road !!!!

Dear Clara, "I am the older", therefore let me take care of you from now on, Sincerely, Renata :-)












xoxoxo
R ;-)

Life Goal #60

Life Goal #60 deserves a post of its own.

This is because I would like to give a special mention to a certain someone that I know and respect dearly. Jim, my land lord is a vary creative man with ideas and thoughts to share. He represents one of my life goals which is so dear to a life goal I hope to accomplish one day.

You see, Jim has written a book called Bittle Creek and it is probably one of the funniest books I have read. This book is written in an Australian tone, told by someone from a rural community. The book might be based on everyday life, but to me it also represent my landlord and I can relate to the book very much as I have had the chance to live with Jim for quite some time now (even if it's only through email contact).

So, he is my hero in a way because not only because he has written his own creation (soon there will be another book finished up which I am also excited to read), but it's very funny, sincere, and it challenges me to think about what I would like to write once the time comes.

In addition to Jim's ability to writing creative literature and making me eager to get started on my project, I have also wanted to have a book signed by the author themselves. Jim has fulfilled this dream and has been kind enough to sign my gifted copy of Bittle Creek.

I have met (and lived) with the author of a very funny book and own a signed copy of his work. Goal accomplished.

Thanks Jim !




This is Jim and Julie, at one of our famous cook-outs





R :-)