“Isn’t it amazing the things we decide to do to occupy a few hours of our afternoon?” said Irish guy wearing a Darth Vader trimming a topiary shirt just before Lauren pointed out the shark swimming in the water directly below the cliff the guy was about to jump off for hang gliding.
More names for Cindy—Camelia and Barbie (when asked why Barbie was told “you know like the doll”
We saw humpback whales, kangaroos, and a koala, and yes, koalas are definitely as cute as we thought they’d be.
We head to Cristchurch NZ tuesday (tomorrow) and we are a bit sad to leave the land of OZ.
28 October 2007
Aussie Quiz
Travel Quiz: Email us your answers! The person with the most correct wins a prize!
1. Tucker is
a. Australian common goat
b. Type of tree with hardwood in the gum family
c. Food
d. Chewing tobacco
2. Pokies is short for
a. Poker machine
b. Porcupine grass
c. Aged crossing
d. Pulling a joke on a mate
3. Busk means
a. To collect driftwood
b. To get pulled over by police
c. To solicit
d. the act of toasting (Aussie version of Cheers!)
4. The most common name for creeks in Australia is:
a. 4 mile creek
b. 6 mile creek
c. 9 mile creek
d. 12 mile creek
5. What is the capital of Australia?
6. What is the capital of New Zealand?
1. Tucker is
a. Australian common goat
b. Type of tree with hardwood in the gum family
c. Food
d. Chewing tobacco
2. Pokies is short for
a. Poker machine
b. Porcupine grass
c. Aged crossing
d. Pulling a joke on a mate
3. Busk means
a. To collect driftwood
b. To get pulled over by police
c. To solicit
d. the act of toasting (Aussie version of Cheers!)
4. The most common name for creeks in Australia is:
a. 4 mile creek
b. 6 mile creek
c. 9 mile creek
d. 12 mile creek
5. What is the capital of Australia?
6. What is the capital of New Zealand?
21 October 2007
Pictures!
Here are pictures from Bangkok.
http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=986211193010745078/l=310563898/g=12913770/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
Here are pictures from the Outback.
http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=1002211193010642772/l=310563897/g=12913770/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
More to come later. Sorry they aren't in order.
http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=986211193010745078/l=310563898/g=12913770/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
Here are pictures from the Outback.
http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=1002211193010642772/l=310563897/g=12913770/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
More to come later. Sorry they aren't in order.
Turtles
Braving the rain, we ventured out in search of the world's most importand turtle egg laying beach, known as a rookery. We were mislead by our $4 guidebook for the egg depositing season, thus the info center was shut. Although it wasn't turtle season it did happen to be naked wandering in the forest season, or at least the one man we saw thought it was. I think he re-thought this once we pointed at him because he quickly ran off to put on some shorts (that was the only item of clothing he had, except for the bar of soap in his hand). This still baffles us as to his purpose.
16 October 2007
Cindy's Hand
A funny observation was noticed while we were in Chandigarh so I apologize for the lateness of this blog.
We discovered the best Pringles in India (Chili Cheese) and it was noticed that Cindy had difficulties removing the chips from the can when placing her hand within the chip can. I teased her and wondered what the deal was.
During the wedding festivities women wore many bangles on their wrists. A very nice member of Amit's family gave both of us some to wear. Mine went on just fine. Cindy's, being the same size, were shoved on with no luck. In fact butter was applied to her hand also without luck. This actually scraped her hand by trying.
The problem turns out that Cindy has zero flexibility in her knuckles to make her hand more narrow. We since learned that there are other containers she has problems with, such as getting peanut butter out of the jar when half empty.
I encourage you to purchase a can of pringles and offer them to Cindy so you too can see this joint fusion as work. Cindy is a bit worried that this could affect other joints too. Dru any thoughts??
We discovered the best Pringles in India (Chili Cheese) and it was noticed that Cindy had difficulties removing the chips from the can when placing her hand within the chip can. I teased her and wondered what the deal was.
During the wedding festivities women wore many bangles on their wrists. A very nice member of Amit's family gave both of us some to wear. Mine went on just fine. Cindy's, being the same size, were shoved on with no luck. In fact butter was applied to her hand also without luck. This actually scraped her hand by trying.
The problem turns out that Cindy has zero flexibility in her knuckles to make her hand more narrow. We since learned that there are other containers she has problems with, such as getting peanut butter out of the jar when half empty.
I encourage you to purchase a can of pringles and offer them to Cindy so you too can see this joint fusion as work. Cindy is a bit worried that this could affect other joints too. Dru any thoughts??
More fun Aussie sayings
Spelled: **Pronounced/Definition in Australian:
Breakfast **Brekkie
Thanks **Good on you girl/mate
Thanks **Tah
The Waifs **The Wives (aussie band)
tea **cuppa
sandwich **sanny
snack **nibbly
box of wine **cask
t shirt **singlet
bathing suit **bathers
pound your drink **scull it
Athletic Shoes **joggers
Okay it's not really all about how they pronounce it, but some of these terms are just plain hilarious.
I'm just thinking of making a sentence in Australian...
Eh, scull your cask and eat your nibblies because I need to get out of these joggers and singlet and put on my bathers for a swim. Okay that wasn't the best sentence but still good stuff.
Other discoveries:
The best cookies ever made. Called Tim Tams. If you're super lucky to hang out with us soon after we return you will be able to sample this delightful treat in one of its assorted flavors.
Update: We bought our ticket to NZ and will be heading there on Oct 30th.
Breakfast **Brekkie
Thanks **Good on you girl/mate
Thanks **Tah
The Waifs **The Wives (aussie band)
tea **cuppa
sandwich **sanny
snack **nibbly
box of wine **cask
t shirt **singlet
bathing suit **bathers
pound your drink **scull it
Athletic Shoes **joggers
Okay it's not really all about how they pronounce it, but some of these terms are just plain hilarious.
I'm just thinking of making a sentence in Australian...
Eh, scull your cask and eat your nibblies because I need to get out of these joggers and singlet and put on my bathers for a swim. Okay that wasn't the best sentence but still good stuff.
Other discoveries:
The best cookies ever made. Called Tim Tams. If you're super lucky to hang out with us soon after we return you will be able to sample this delightful treat in one of its assorted flavors.
Update: We bought our ticket to NZ and will be heading there on Oct 30th.
14 October 2007
Comments
We landed in Cairns, (pronunciation "Cans") near the Great Barrier Reef, a couple of days ago. Lots of exciting stuff planned for the week, so we'll report back soon! (skydiving, rafting, scuba diving, sailing....)
By the way, we finally turned on the comment option if anyone wants to leave a message.
By the way, we finally turned on the comment option if anyone wants to leave a message.
06 October 2007
Pronunciation
Oh those Aussie’s!
Spelled: *Pronounced in Australian:
Toohey’s Extra Dry * Ted’s
Leake St. *Lake St.
Angel’s Café *Andrew’s Café
Aqua *Ackwa
Cindy *Sydney (or my favorite) Jacinda
Who would have thought Cindy was such a difficult name?
Other great terms learned:
“He’s gone runner” -meaning a person who fled the bar after dropping a full beer on the floor, breaking the glass. Several occurrences of “runners” within an hour at the pub.
*Footie- Rugby
*Hen- Bachlorette
*Buck- Bachelor
*Capiscum- Red or Green Pepper
Other things of note:
There is the most amazing selection of flavored tuna in a can here. For instance, red capiscum with chili, lime and black pepper, tomato and onion, herb and garlic, and these are just a few. All very tasty, why do we not have this in the US?
Spelled: *Pronounced in Australian:
Toohey’s Extra Dry * Ted’s
Leake St. *Lake St.
Angel’s Café *Andrew’s Café
Aqua *Ackwa
Cindy *Sydney (or my favorite) Jacinda
Who would have thought Cindy was such a difficult name?
Other great terms learned:
“He’s gone runner” -meaning a person who fled the bar after dropping a full beer on the floor, breaking the glass. Several occurrences of “runners” within an hour at the pub.
*Footie- Rugby
*Hen- Bachlorette
*Buck- Bachelor
*Capiscum- Red or Green Pepper
Other things of note:
There is the most amazing selection of flavored tuna in a can here. For instance, red capiscum with chili, lime and black pepper, tomato and onion, herb and garlic, and these are just a few. All very tasty, why do we not have this in the US?
Australian Space Program
One of the first orders of business was for Cindy to locate a post office to mail a box home. This proved to be one of the most delightful postal experiences of our lives. As it so happens the Australian Post was celebrating 50 years in space. Celebration included commemorative free pens as a give away. When handed these pens, Cindy and I looked at each other then Cindy, patting the postal woman’s hand says, “I don’t mean to be rude, but does Australia have a space program?” The woman says “Oh god no.” So then I respond a bit confused, “so you’re just celebrating 50 years in space in general, not 50 years of Australia in space?” She responds with a laugh, “Oh yes! We don’t have a space program here!” My pen broke within 4 hrs of being in my bag. Cindy’s is still functioning well. Here’s to 50 years!
Amit's wedding Photos!
There's here finally!
http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=84461191735307129/l=310168497/g=12913770/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=84461191735307129/l=310168497/g=12913770/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB
02 October 2007
Perth
Greetings from Australia!
We made it safely here after a flight permeated with the smell of yellow oil (think metholatum). Only difficulty was finding a hostel to stay in. Fortunately there is a backpackers neighborhood here in perth so there are several within a few blocks. We got beds in by the 3rd place.
More later!
We made it safely here after a flight permeated with the smell of yellow oil (think metholatum). Only difficulty was finding a hostel to stay in. Fortunately there is a backpackers neighborhood here in perth so there are several within a few blocks. We got beds in by the 3rd place.
More later!
Thailand
What a beautiful country! It is very easy to travel around here. Pluses: Grand Palace, meeting up with Lauren's Mom, inexpensive everything and beautiful beaches of Ko Chang. Minuses: Weather was a bit rainy, Cindy and Lauren figuring out that the flight to Australia was a day earlier than anticipated and having 5 hours to pack, sleep and get to the airport upon this realization and Cindy getting bit by a cat.
The most interesting item found for sale on the streets of Bangkok: false teeth
The most interesting name for an accomodation: Porn Bungalows
Of note: Cindy is 3/4 way to completing open water diver certification! Lauren rode an elephant and washed it in a stream.
Good times.
The most interesting item found for sale on the streets of Bangkok: false teeth
The most interesting name for an accomodation: Porn Bungalows
Of note: Cindy is 3/4 way to completing open water diver certification! Lauren rode an elephant and washed it in a stream.
Good times.
India Friends
American attendees of Amit and Preedhi’s wedding:
Sasha: Amit’s GSB classmate and Cindy and Lauren’s travel buddy
Kriztina: another GSB classmate and a hell of a dancer
Cassie; Kriztina’s sister and photography extraordinarre
Other travel buddies:
Saul: Italian magician and only person to achieve Indian relationship on vacation (lasting 3 days, 12 hours) Irreconcilable differences due to Saul lack of looking at girlfriend in “romantic way.”
Achi: Long lost undergrad friend of Sasha who we found unexpectedly staying at our guesthouse in the remote town of Leh in the Himalayas. Talk about small world. Achi tells the most amazing stories and has really poor taste in jokes.
Sasha: Amit’s GSB classmate and Cindy and Lauren’s travel buddy
Kriztina: another GSB classmate and a hell of a dancer
Cassie; Kriztina’s sister and photography extraordinarre
Other travel buddies:
Saul: Italian magician and only person to achieve Indian relationship on vacation (lasting 3 days, 12 hours) Irreconcilable differences due to Saul lack of looking at girlfriend in “romantic way.”
Achi: Long lost undergrad friend of Sasha who we found unexpectedly staying at our guesthouse in the remote town of Leh in the Himalayas. Talk about small world. Achi tells the most amazing stories and has really poor taste in jokes.
More stories from Chandigarh, India
Beauty Salon (pronounced saloon):
Cost 600 Rs. Services rendered: 1 lady’s haircut and style, 1 man’s haircut and style, 1 scalp massage, 2 facials with backrub, 2 eyebrow threadings, 2 cups of tea, 1 travel video review of NYC and Toronto from worker’s deceased husband’s trip, and 1 group photo with staff
Facials: While eyes closed Cindy and Lauren realized that the bright flash was photos being taken of us without our permission. After Cindy was prodded 4 or 5 times, she started feeling like a science experiment. Lauren too felt like a science experiment when 7 people asked her how “long” she was. Her “length” got in the way of several observers seating during the treatment, so seating was achieved on Lauren’s lap and leg. (all while eyes closed) Strange machine vibration equipment was applied to face and back leading to inability to focus eyes for 2 hours following the procedure. Result: skin felt great.
Shopping for wedding clothes:
Armed with a note explaining the style of clothes and cost and store locations (Thanks, Amit!), we set out first to Fabindia, a fixed price linen/cotton clothing store for casual clothing items. Here Cindy and Lauren exceeded the 3 item limit for the trial room causing stress among staff members. Lost count of electricity going out. Result: Sasha happy with 2 shirts and pair of pants. Cindy content with skirt and 2 shirts. Lauren reluctantly purchasing one skirt.
Sham Fashion Mall (Level 4): Premade formalwear for wedding. Everything here was made for Cindy, and Lauren was told she was “too large” for any of the clothes in the store. Fortunately, they dug out a large lady size which was able to be altered to fit. Staff was exuberant! So much so that she offered to take us shoe shopping on her day off the next day. Result: Sasha happy, Cindy happy, Lauren happy. Refreshments: 3 Fantas, 6 Cokes, and 1 sugary black tea
Cost 600 Rs. Services rendered: 1 lady’s haircut and style, 1 man’s haircut and style, 1 scalp massage, 2 facials with backrub, 2 eyebrow threadings, 2 cups of tea, 1 travel video review of NYC and Toronto from worker’s deceased husband’s trip, and 1 group photo with staff
Facials: While eyes closed Cindy and Lauren realized that the bright flash was photos being taken of us without our permission. After Cindy was prodded 4 or 5 times, she started feeling like a science experiment. Lauren too felt like a science experiment when 7 people asked her how “long” she was. Her “length” got in the way of several observers seating during the treatment, so seating was achieved on Lauren’s lap and leg. (all while eyes closed) Strange machine vibration equipment was applied to face and back leading to inability to focus eyes for 2 hours following the procedure. Result: skin felt great.
Shopping for wedding clothes:
Armed with a note explaining the style of clothes and cost and store locations (Thanks, Amit!), we set out first to Fabindia, a fixed price linen/cotton clothing store for casual clothing items. Here Cindy and Lauren exceeded the 3 item limit for the trial room causing stress among staff members. Lost count of electricity going out. Result: Sasha happy with 2 shirts and pair of pants. Cindy content with skirt and 2 shirts. Lauren reluctantly purchasing one skirt.
Sham Fashion Mall (Level 4): Premade formalwear for wedding. Everything here was made for Cindy, and Lauren was told she was “too large” for any of the clothes in the store. Fortunately, they dug out a large lady size which was able to be altered to fit. Staff was exuberant! So much so that she offered to take us shoe shopping on her day off the next day. Result: Sasha happy, Cindy happy, Lauren happy. Refreshments: 3 Fantas, 6 Cokes, and 1 sugary black tea
“Cars require good horn and good brakes. Drivers require good eyes and good luck.”
Camel cart ride to Taj entrance: 200 Rs (roundtrip including wait)
Seeing the Taj Mahal: 750 Rs
Hiring a car from Agra to Delhi: 2500 Rs (including air conditioning)
Making it to New Delhi railway station on time and alive: Priceless
Transportation devices sighted on toll freeway from Agra to Delhi:
*truck, car, bus, tuk tuk (motorized rickshaw), bicycle rickshaw, bicycle, bicycle hauling cargo, truckbed filled with 70 people, scooter (with as many as 3 passengers and a baby), motorcycle (see scooter for passenger count), tractor, combine, horses and horses with cargo, camel with cargo (some with multiple cargo carts attached), cows, dogs, donkeys and donkeys with carts, pedestrians, 5 year old boy crossing freeway with bicycle rick shaw with cargo and several younger siblings, people standing room only external seats on a variety of vehicles, 8 year old boys riding bicycles while holding onto trucks for speed, a host of elementary school children coming home from school on foot, and only one car accident involving tuk tuk and motorcycle (minor ankle swelling incurred).
Seeing the Taj Mahal: 750 Rs
Hiring a car from Agra to Delhi: 2500 Rs (including air conditioning)
Making it to New Delhi railway station on time and alive: Priceless
Transportation devices sighted on toll freeway from Agra to Delhi:
*truck, car, bus, tuk tuk (motorized rickshaw), bicycle rickshaw, bicycle, bicycle hauling cargo, truckbed filled with 70 people, scooter (with as many as 3 passengers and a baby), motorcycle (see scooter for passenger count), tractor, combine, horses and horses with cargo, camel with cargo (some with multiple cargo carts attached), cows, dogs, donkeys and donkeys with carts, pedestrians, 5 year old boy crossing freeway with bicycle rick shaw with cargo and several younger siblings, people standing room only external seats on a variety of vehicles, 8 year old boys riding bicycles while holding onto trucks for speed, a host of elementary school children coming home from school on foot, and only one car accident involving tuk tuk and motorcycle (minor ankle swelling incurred).
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