Sculptures By the Sea

Every year since 1997 people have been traipsing the Tamarama to Bondi walk for Sculptures By The Sea. Sculptures is one of the better outdoor exhibitions in Sydney, it relates really well to the surrounding landscape. Sadly, it is only on for three weeks usually in November but this year it was pulled forward into October.

Taking in a Tamarama Surf Lifesaving Club sausage sandwich before battling the masses on the walk.

I would recommend going in the first week or on a weekday to beat the crowds. I went with a friend on the first Sunday and arrived at Tamarama at about 8am and just beat the crowds.

-A

New Zealand!

My first overseas trip was in August, feels like ages ago now. 

I really don't think my photos accurately show how beautiful and clean the country is. I came home with about 650 photos and I still didn't think that was enough. Only went for 10 days. 

We landed in Christchurch late on Thursday night and had the whole of Friday to explore the city. Christchurch had two major earthquakes in February and June of this year.  

Diamond Jubilee Clock tower, just outside the red zone, built in about 1860 and has been moved around the city a few times. 

We spent the full day Friday in Christchurch and took an early morning flight to Queenstown. This was cheaper I was told rather than taking a direct flight from Sydney to Queenstown. Through the trip there was talk of a 'Leaving Tax', a gift to NZ when exiting but apparently this is only paid when leaving Queenstown... odd.  

The view from our house was quite nice. Over looking Queenstown.

Fergburger! I went halves with a mate. We got the Chief Wiggim (Pork belly) and Sweet Bambi (Deer). 

My first day skiing, and at the 'real' snow and there were 70km winds at The Remarkables. 

Went rambling with some of group in Queenstown. 

Final few days and in Mt Cook. I wore my Diesel shoes with holes in them, not good for walking in the snow.

Went to the stone monument on our walk which is a memorial for those who have died whilst climbing in the area.

Lake Tekapo on our way back to Christchurch.

As it was P's birthday we stopped in Geraldine to grab some lunch and seize the opportunity to try and find some cake to have candles somewhere. P and I decided to go the salad sandwich route for lunch. I got mine with 'The Lot', minus onion, which includes pineapple and pear. 

-A

Ampersand Cafe and Bookstore

I've walked/driven past Ampersand Cafe Bookstore on my way to somewhere else and never had the time to stop off. Today was a rather lazy, and rainy, Saturday and after two photography exhibitions I needed a sit and a coffee.   

This place is a whole lot bigger than I had thought and is definitely a place I'd love to come back too. Three levels of books with the middle section mainly taken up by cafe stuff is what makes up this place. Comfy seating is on all levels with the top and lower levels having dining table areas to eat the meals they manage to churn out in that small kitchen, be warned that the kitchen closes at 3pm on weekend but snacks are still available. 

Snacked on my gigantic brownie and good coffee that wasn't burnt like most soy is, while reading a Helen Razor book I ended up getting.

The book shop is in a three story terrace house. Seating of comfy chairs and dining tables, for those having a meal, are on the top floor or in the basement.

'Berries' on my way home. I remember eating ones like these as kid. I don't think you are really supposed too and these ones looked pretty funky.

- A

It Seems Like Years Since it's Been Clear

Centennial Park on the only bit of sunniness (is that even a word) last weekend.

Made some 'scones' with P before going but they turned out more like flat discs of unbaked flour. OK to eat smothered in topping, CWA may need to review their recipes.

The idea was to go to the park and draw but I'm incompetent when it comes to do that stuff so I took photos of a bunch of flowers that I don't know the name of.

Top left is my drawing attempt....

Enticing the ducks with our breaded discs, weren't overly keen on it.

The swans were on it though. Took a bit of soaking to get them down. In trying to spread the goodness out I got one of the swans in the face and had a bit of a About A Boy moment, all swans left our presence in top health though.

P with one of the monuments. Should have some sort of plaque or something telling you who the individual deserving of such a lofty position is.

Kangaroos Paws, one of the few plants I could name.

- A