My First Australia Day

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!!!

Many people asked me if "Australia Day" is like the USA's "Independence Day/Fourth of July" They are both the National Days of their respective countries and both are celebrated with BBQs, fireworks, outdoor concerts, and sports games. But here's a little history lesson to show their differences...

Australia Day, celebrated annually on January 26 is the date that commemorates the arrival of Great Britain's First Fleet (of eleven convict ships) at Sydney Cove in 1788 and is often called 'First Fleet Day' or 'Foundation Day'. Independence Day, the "Birthday of the United States of America," commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. One celebrates a new colony under the British Empire, while the other ultimately leaves it, never looking back!

This year, 2012, two-hundred and twenty-four years later, I was actually in Australia and able to celebrate with my Australian family for the first time. We celebrated with a BBQ in the park, a friendly game of cricket and some tight-rope walking courtesy of Mat's Brazilian friends! The weather, forecast to be rainy, actually cooperated with sun for most of the day. We had one 15 minute rain shower, but we saw the rain coming with enough time for Mat and I to attach the tarp to the tent and make-shift a shelter for the 15 of us to huddle under and wait it out. Then we returned to eating, playing cricket, watching a few of the crazy boys jump in the harbour and celebrating what an amazing country Australia is and how happy we are to live here!!

An Aussie Christmas

What a whirlwind of a Holiday season! I had to work on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, so I was only able to spend 36-hours up in Forster-Tuncurry. Leigh and I drove up late on Christmas Eve, arriving around 11pm. That evening was spent drinking wine and catching up with cousins. Christmas morning Pam, Leigh and I went for a swim in the ocean. It was a beautiful, sunny day, however the water was freezing. Pam tried convincing me that it was "lovely!" but I did not share the same feelings. Almost the whole Australian gang was there, including Nana Joy, Joan, Me, Pam, Leigh, Mat, Mark, Mark's friend Dime, and Michael.

The rest of the day consisted of opening presents and cooking a delicious Christmas feast, consisting of all sorts of salad, turkey, ham, and potatoes. However, the main attraction was a Cantonese roast duck Mat had been preparing since the night before! After I set and decorated the table, I went to pick-up Nanna Joy and Joan. They made trifle and Christmas pudding for dessert (always ones for tradition!) Mat and Mark passed out on the couch just when it was time to clean up!

Mat and his Cantonese Roast Duck. What a Beauty!

That night we went over to Pam's sister Kay's house and had such a great time with everyone. Another feast was upon us and Shucking oysters was a highlight! I had to leave the next morning on a bus at 7am to make it back to Sydney for work by 1pm. And with that, Christmas was over, but what a great, albeit short, time it was!

Arabian Nights

"Arabian nights, Like Arabian days, More often than not,

Are hotter than hot, In a lot of good ways"

The annual Sydney Opera House Christmas party was upon us and this year's theme was, "Arabian Nights". Instant panic flooded mine and every woman's mind because all the typical Arabian nights costumes anyone could think of resembled Barbara Eden's in I Dream of Jeannie which meant...BARE MIDRIFF! And I said 'No way, Jose!' So off to Paddy's Markets I went and you wouldn't believe the outfits they have there! I settled on these amazing see-through blue genie pants with gold coins all over them, wristlets to match, a gold-coined necklace, and put my hair in a bun a-top my head. (and a gorgeous make-up job done by the amazing and beautiful Amanda!) But the BEST part of my outfit were the authentic genie/arabian shoes I got at the Salvation Army thrift store by my apartment for $8!!! Even thought it was pouring rain outside, Dancing and drinks and Arabian fun was had in plenty!!

Mark, Amanda and I ready to go! But no taxis in sight!

Traditional Arabian dance moves!?

Lawrence of Arabia?! No, that's Andre enjoying the food!!

Shelly, Jane, Tanya and I with the Genie's Lamp. But where's the Genie?

Leave it to Mark to find him...them?! That's right! There were 3 Genies there that night!

Camel Limbo!!

Rub the Lamp!

The following photos are of a traditional Arabian 'activity' involving a Shisha or hookah. It's a waterpipe, and the products we were 'smoking' were based on herbs, tea leaves, and sugar cane and they had a variety of flavours, Apple, Mint, and Grape. Enjoy! (We did!)

Puff the Magic Dragon! :-)

OH WHAT A NIGHT!!!