Day 6 & 7, July 12 &13, 2009

Day 7 July 13, 2009

With the Ojesinas in route to Guam, Kim and I no longer have the arm of Toks as our guide to depend on for directions and decision making. TOKS WAS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! We turn to the next best thing, the internet…now that is a novel idea. It’s 5:30 am and I am blogging to the comforting snore of Kim. She is flat out tired and by the sound level of her snoring she is way past counting sheep. No takers for the morning walk to St. Mary’s Cathedral, so I strike out alone and am surprised that there are very few people, ladies in particular walking in the CBD (Central Business District). For a few moments I am somewhat anxious by the glaring looks of some of the men and wonder if I am committing a cultural faux paux, a woman walking alone before daylight. I am relieved when I finally see a couple of women briskly walking from the bus stop and continue on to St Mary’s Cathedral. I am determined to attend a Christian worship service, as is my custom whenever I vacation.

I enter the Cathedral and sit in reverent awe of the grandeur of this monument of marble, granite and the finest brass and crystal ornamentation juxtaposed against the soft glow of dozens of candles. The statues and stained glass art of themselves are works of master artists. The message was of the certainty of God being in all things and through all things brings us into close fellowship with him when we allow time to hear and heed his voice amid the hustle of daily life. I follow along with the litany and prayers as best I can followed by the receiving of communion and the blessing of the Holy Father.

This starts my day and foreshadows a meeting Kim & I would have later the same day with Bindi, a spirit filled Hill Song congregant who escorted us to the bus stop where we journeyed on to the Featherdale Wildlife Retreat.

The highlight of the Day – KIM TOUCHES A KANGAROO!

Our Bindi Hookup

to Featherdale Wildlife Park. Bindi waited with us at least 45 minutes, shared her desire to visit the U.S. & extended an invitation for us to pray with her and visit her the next time we are here. Phew! We have been incredibly fortunate to have met the kindest people along the way.

Seeing Kim react to the animals in the wildlife park was more fun than you can imagine.. Not only was she not afraid, but at one point she was chasing the kangaroo so she could get a photo of him!. It was with wild-eyed wonder that we mingled among animals we had heard of, but never seen. For example albino kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils, white peacocks, were all there.(Click here for more unique Australian animals info) The facts we learned were incredible, like “Kangaroos outnumber Aussie’s 2.1:1. Their mating season is determined by the availability of vegetation and resources to care for the young as the female usually has one in the pouch, one in the embryo stage and one under foot all at the same time.

Load map...

Featherdale boasts the world’s premier collection of Australian wildlife, allowing visitors to get up close to 2200 animals from over 330 species. You can cuddle up to a Koala, have a photo taken and hand feed kangaroos all day. Located at Doonside in the Blacktown region, en route to the famous Blue Mountains, Featherdale is Sydney`s ultimate interactive wildlife experience. From the initial greeting by the swaggie and joey at the entrance to the park, visitors are encouraged to get up close to Australia`s native wildlife. As well as numerous Koalas and Kangaroos, features include face-to-face encounters with all kinds of wildlife including Wallabies, Emus, an amazingly diverse range of birds and over 40 species of reptiles in the Reptilian Pavilion.

The train & bus ride to and from Featherdale was our first time out in the suburbs and our first look into a middle class neighborhood. It felt and looked a lot like home as we passed neighborhoods of one-story single family homes with sidewalk gardens, carports and driveways, unlike downtown Sydney's high rent, high-rise dwellings. Along the way were assorted means of self expression from creatively drawn murals to straight out tagging along the walls of the train station. Like at home, there are blighted areas with vandalized vacant buildings and scrap storage places, but overall the city is generally clean. By 8:00 we were back in Chinatown picking up last minute souvenirs for Lisa and fish & chips for me. It was a fine way to end our day.

Day 6 July 12, 2009

After grabbing a quick “brekkie” at a sidewalk café we headed to the very upscale Hyde Park area just across from St Mary’s Cathedral, (behind us) one of the oldest in Australia. It is opulent and grand. The arches and towers cannot help but speak to the majesty of God. The beauty and splendor inside is a testament to the gifts he has placed in each of us to show forth his glory. We missed this mornings mass, but have another opportunity this evening or tomorrow morning. Kim & I sat in silent reverence for about 20 min before heading across the promenade to the Australian Museum.

Australian Museum The Australian Museum is just as grand with its marble and granite posts, corbels and capitals throughout the building. We tailored our tour to 2 things although there were many that we could have experienced, but you only have so much time. We chose the dinosaur exhibit and the Aborigine Exhibition. In particular, I wanted to experience the art, what I didn’t know is that I would experience the “heart” of a people with whom I feel a kinship, not only because of the color of their skin, but more so their indomitable spirit. ). Their plight was so similar to that of the Native Americans who were displaced in the U.S. as well as that of African American's struggle for civil rights in America. Read about the Aborigine “Stolen Generation” where from 1896 to 1972 (dates vary by source) indigenous children were literally stolen from their families and brought into government institutions and into white families for foster care and adoption in order to “re-culture-ize” them according to British/European culture). As a result, many were subjected to abuse and slavery in these placements. This brought tears to my eyes. A public apology to the Aborigines has been issued by the government as well as attempts to reconnect the stolen children with their families and provide other forms of restitution. Many of the by-products of this atrocity still affect the Aborigine citizens, (i.e. high incidents of suicide, drug abuse, shorter life expectancy and disproportionate numbers are incarcerated in the prison system). Many white Australians are haunted by this "dirty secret," others shuck off the responsibility and feel that while they are concerned, their ancestors were the perpetrators and that the burden of past wrongs though tragic should not be charged to them.(See "Rabbit Foot Fence movie trailer.)

Dario. After a heart tugging tour of the Aborigine Exhibit in the Australian Museum, we met Dario in a seafood restaurant as we were looking to find fish & chips for dinner. We became intrigued by his story of how he came to dance in Australia and wound up living here for 30 years. He eventually followed us to Nando’s Portuguese Chicken Restaurant next door to give us even more information on the Black culture here. Dario, a dancer originally from Columbus Ohio came, as many African American performing artists to foreign lands, to exhibit and perfect his talent. (We sensed a great appreciation for African American music in particular as many bistros and sidewalk cafes were playing AF AM pop and jazz music throughout the day.) He is a dance instructor as well as a mentor for young blacks desiring to perform and perfect their talent. He encourages them to develop their talent as well as their skills through education.

Dario was most helpful by giving his perspective on Black culture in Australia. We are the least populous ethnic group in Aussieland. He dispelled myths concerning Aborigines. Many of his thoughts were confirmed as we had toured the Aborigine Exhibition at the Australian Museum today.

We left off with us exchanging e-mail addresses and Dario’s inviting us to a street-side performance later that evening, but as we had experienced a day that was physically and emotionally draining, we retired upon returning to the hotel. (click here to see movie trailer) (See movie details based on true story of adolescent sisters who were stolen and their amazing escape and 1000 mile trek on foot through the desert to reunite with their family.)

Day 3,4,5 July 9,10,11,2009

Day 3 July 9, 2009
WOW! We awoke at 6:45 this morning to… wait a minute…wait a minute, this can’t be, but it is. A BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW stretched across fluffy white clouds crowning Sydney! This has to be the foreshadowing of a blockbuster day ahead. By the time we meet in the hotel lobby, it is raining steadily. We revamp our plans and decide to grab a quick brekkie (breakfast/in Aussie lingo) Playing it safe, we headed to the nearby Mickey “D’s”…after all we know what McDonald’s combo’s taste like. Wrong! The breakfast on a roll is actually ground beef, egg, Swiss cheese and catchup on a chewy coney-type bun. Never mind, there’s a Subway a few feet away, so I wind up there afterward and find solace in a ½ doz. chocolate chip & macadamia nut cookies. My posse and I will reward ourselves throughout what would prove o be a very adventurous day.
Destination Manly Beach
Acting on the advice of an Aussie friend of Kim’s we purchased a commuter pass for the week to avoid standing on queue (in line/Aussie lingo) and having to taxi or purchase passes. This tidbit of info was priceless as our pass allowed us to ride the ferry, train & bus with on & off privileges. This saved us time & money as we were able to get on & off at different harbors to view the major tourist attractions with ease. Our destination today, however, was Manly Beach. I know it’s called Manly and while some may think the name chauvinistic, the beach is really about the girls, shopping (No $$ Stores here), surfing and in places snorkeling & canoeing. Manly Beach appears to be very, very upscale. The beach is lined with lovely bungalows poised in the cliffs and granite boulders. Many of which appear to be vacant (during what is their winter) The flora & fauna is incredible and lushly flourishing succulents and tropicals line the beach front properties. The tropical plants have brilliant colors and showy well hydrated foliage. The envy of parched city lawns back home.

Did I mention eating? You bet there were rows of eateries along the square which looks much like its 1815 photo posted near the promenade or Manly Corso (the outdoor mall that you walk down from the harbor to the beach.) Just as our Aussie friend said, there really are no traditionally Aussie meals because there is a rich cultural mixture of people who make food that is unique to their country of origin. We have found little Mexican food but lots of Asian eats from Korean to Indonesian to Chinese, etc. The pizza from a chain called Kabobs is wonderful; the dough is the best I’ve had, thick like pan pizza, but light & airy. I had a veggie slice (see I haven’t been all bad) spinach, tomatoes, black olives, onions and ricotta cheese. With a side of chips (fries) Yum! Shola and I turned getting ice cream into an adventure since we had the shop all to ourselves. We started with a chocolate dipped waffle cone and proceeded down the toppings buffet line…really. We must have tried every topping, sprinkle, or syrup on our cone. We’d lick them off then add another one. Of course we were licking the spillage off our fingers as we went along. We were surprised when we looked up and saw that we had an audience of patrons watching & snickering at us. It was like we were doing a commercial for the shop because afterward, people were lining up to get the ice cream cones. Compared to other major cities, Sydney is relaxed, vibrant and oh so friendly like a young lady content in her skin.

A merchant told us to walk up the embankment ¾ mile or so to where he said you could see Miami on a clear day. We did it. Whether we were looking at Miami or not I’ll never know but we did see dolphin fins in the amazingly translucent teal colored Indian Ocean. Incredible! I never imagined I’d be peering into the Indian Ocean…ever. God has truly blessed me. The beach was sandy. Of course it was sandy, but the sand was not coarse but very fine. Although the sun was shining, it was about 65 degrees most of the day so swimming was not an option for most, however there were dozens who donned wet suits and went for it. Kim and I were wrapped up like newborn babies, skull caps, head wraps and scarves. A German fellow on the ferry ride back asked me if I were Muslim. I was wrapped I’m telling you. Keep in mind we had just left 105 degree temps in H-town, so the night time chill was to the bone. We retired after viewing our superb photos, taken over the past couple of days and playing a trash talking game of Uno in our room. Shola & I kicked butt! Kim & Tokes….let’s just say they were good sports. LOSERS! Ha!

Day 4 July 10, 2009

Today was crème de la crème and our entourage took the high society promenade to the magnificent Sydney Opera House where we, along with other tourist from places as far away as well …Texas, Washington DC, Ireland, Finland, New Zealand, & Germany took a 1 hour tour through the Sydney Opera House. This audio-visual presentation which tells an enthralling story of dramatic twists and turns is a must do! The story is much more about faith than architecture & engineering. A 38 year old Danish architect’s rough sketched blueprint that had been tossed in the rubbish became one of the marvels of the world. We top off the tour with a children’s music festival performed in the famous Sydney Opera House. The concert was incredible. If you didn’t know they were children, you wouldn’t have been able to tell by their performance. I judge the quality of any orchestral performance by the length of time it takes to lull me to sleep. This one was a 9 1/2 on a 1-10 scale. I was asleep in 15 minutes, awakened only by snickers and teasing by my travel buddies who mimicked my bobbing head and periodic interjection of applause and verbal affirmation. I am sure the prodigies were encouraged. Obviously most enjoyed the performance and others as myself appreciated the nap as looking about the concert hall they were equally slain (pun intended) by the renditions.

Dressed to the “9’s” we took to the streets in route to the Sydney Tower http://www.sydneytowerrestaurant.com.au/. It is called the Southern Hemisphere’s ultimate buffet. It oughta be! (nearly $100 per person, and they don't bring you an after dinner mint for crying out loud!) My opinion, however, is that it is more of a tourist attraction because of it’s breathtaking view as it rotates 360 degrees and 305 meters high above the Sydney cityscape. The cars below look like matchboxes and people are invisible. It is not to be missed and is an amazing virtual reality ride across Australia. Your view is unobstructed for miles. The buffet, while a feast for the eyes was less so for the palate in my opinion. Kim thought the view and the warm bread and butter were the highlights. (The slice of meat that looks like beef on the photo is roasted kangaroo.) The local and international cuisine that I experienced at the local eateries and on the squares and promenades was better, plus the added benefit of chatting with the natives.
Beauty Knows No Pain
The walk described as a short distance from our hotel to the Tower proved to be the walk from hell as my sneaker wearing feet were elevated to a high heeled backless slip-on that had to tread up inclines and maneuver along cobblestone creviced sidewalks, then back downhill while managing to keep the darn shoes from being flung forward with each step. The grace and elegance I had hoped for eluded me as my stride was so unsteady and wild, I looked like a drunk trying to walk the line during a sobriety test. The benefit is that folk got out of my way as my companions thoughtfully asked, “Are you all right Ms. Viki?” “Are you still with us?” or “We’re almost there!” or “Maybe you should just take the shoes off.” To which I replied, “And walk in spit on the sidewalk?!” After a day of Opera House, symphony and fine dining, I was much too sophisticated to walk on spittle, expectorant and expelled chicklet. Beauty, after all, knows no pain.

Day 5 July 11, 2009

I’ve got morning-after breath…eating roasted kangaroo chased with lamb & mint jelly isn’t ordinary culinary delight for us, but we did it and survived last nights buffet. We slept in today, after breakfast at Cascades Café, named so because of the opulent flowing water cascading down a granite outer wall bordering the restaurant. That was until Lisa & Shola banged the door like cops with a search warrant, woke Kim from a sound snoring sleep, and drug her out of bed, literally. We have pictures to prove it. We were whist away to Luna Amusement Park were a kid could be a kid and grownups could be kids too. We were greeted almost immediately by a bevy of clowns (1/2 doz or so) dressed in frolicking, shockingly bright assortments of striped, polka dotted and printed costumes. In fact, when we saw the clowns pouring through the entrance door we began running toward them and pleading to take photos with them. The clowns were overjoyed and one of them said “We wish all grownups had this much fun with us.”
Ojesina/Duncan "Dare Diva Duo"
Shola and I are a dynamic duo and triumphed at the highest level of amusements park dare divas. We rode the Power Surge, a ride which spins each carrier as it makes 12 revolutions then suspends & spins you upside down in the air while you stand holding onto vertical metal bars in front or above you. You are anchored by only a padded bar which is waist high. This is madness...what was I thinking? I screamed my bloody (Aussie lingo) head off. I had to remain seated for about twenty minutes after the ride. My stomach was well in my chest. I'm glad Shola and I had conquered the Tumble Bug first. Shola had no takers for an encore. My troupe asked, "Why do you do that to yourself? Simply put, "Because I'm afraid to bungee-jump."

After the ferry ride back to Darling Harbor, I fell in bed for a ½ hour nap before heading to China Town for dinner. I ate a delicious honey chicken & rice dish, which was delectable. Back at the hotel the Ojesina’s joined Kim & I for a rousing game of Catch Phrase.
Tomorrow the Ojesina’s leave for Guam, then they travel on to Hawaii before returning to Houston. We have had a wonderfully adventurous experience in Sydney with them.

Day 1 & 2 July 6 & 7, 2009
I am here in Aussie Land with a motley crew: my sister Kim, the Ojesina’s (Lisa, Toks and daughter Shola) We have 4-star accommodations at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Darling Harbor, Sydney Australia http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/sydds. God hit this one out of the ball park. Out of our 7th floor window is an incredible harbor side view as well as a breathtaking city view. We are situated in downtown Sydney and within a mile walking distance of major attractions. This is big! I spoke a wish while looking at my passport this past December, “It would be nice if I had an international trip before my passport expiration date (2011)." Within a few weeks I had not one but 2 trips on the itinerary.

Perfect Flightmates
Linda from New Zealand. Kim and I were blessed to be on a triple seat row with the thinnest, (Ha!) most polite and considerate passengers on the plane; both from IAH to LAX, then from LAX to Australia. Linda, our 1st mate, was enroute to New Zealand to visit her parents. She encouraged us to visit New Zealand because of its breathtaking beauty. She called us “sweetie” & offered help as we settled into our seats then she slept soundlessly the duration of the flight.

Buy (BOO-E) from Vietnam was the 15 hr. row-mate on the Aussieland flight. It was like having your own butler seated next to you. He gave Kim his middle seat so Kim & I could sit next to each other, told Kim not to bother to say “excuse me” when we need to get out but to just jump over him even if he was asleep. He insisted on sharing food from every meal he had and would take our food orders, dispose of our trash & wipe down our laptrays like a seasoned waiter. Not a bad deal for a few translations of the words on the immigration card that we had to fill out upon entering Australia. He was slight enough to sit in his seat in the lotus position & still not touch us. He would put his hands in the prayer position as he smiled and bowed his head to say “Thank you.” We want Buy to cut his trip short so that he can be our return seat mate. He’s here for a working vacation. He is a craftman who does specialty flooring.

Breakfast at Cascades
After arriving at 6:30 am we had the entire day ahead of us. Our first day began with a unique morning breakfast at a quaint restaurant with a picturesque wall fountain of cascading water while waiting for check in time at the hotel. Kim had the fluffiest, sweetest pancakes & strawberries ala mode with a frothy, freshly squeezed glass of orange juice. Even though it was pricey, Kim says it was delicious. Her beverage of choice the remainder of the day, however was water…it’s cheaper. I had a spinach quiche roll with a slab of chocolate mud cake (WHAT?!!) and café latte. Every one was satisfied with their extended palate of entrees.

We topped off the evening cruising city streets near the hotel and visited Chinatown. The merchants holding posters, sign boards or menus literally beckon and wave you into their shops to view their products & sample their food. The lady who got my attention announced “$1 souvenirs, $5 dollar t-shirts.” Within minutes we were swept downstairs into an alleyway with even more shopping options. I was able to begin my hunt for unique gifts items. After all a girl has to have something to declare at customs! The Ojesina Girlie-Girl Dance!

Australia Day 2, July 7, 2009

Day 2, July 7, 2009

WOW! We awoke at 6:45 this morning to… wait a minute…wait a minute, this can’t be, but it is. A BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW stretched across fluffy white clouds crowning Sydney! This has to be the foreshadowing of a blockbuster day ahead. By the time we meet in the hotel lobby, it is raining steadily. We revamp our plans and decide to grab a quick brekkie (breakfast/in Aussie lingo) Playing it safe, we head to the nearby Micky “D’s”…after all we know what McDonald’s combo’s taste like. Wrong! The breakfast on a roll is actually ground beef, egg, swiss cheese and catsup on a chewy coney bun. Never mind, there’s a subway a few feet away, so I wind up there afterward and find solace with a ½ doz. chocolate chip & macadamia nut cookies. My posse and I will reward ourselves throughout what would prove o be a very adventurous day.

Acting on the advice of an Aussie friend of Kim’s we purchased a commuter pass for the week to avoid standing on queue (in line) and having to taxi or purchase passes. This tidbit of info was priceless as our pass allowed us to ride the ferry, train & bus with on & off privileges. This saved us time & money as we were able to get on & off at different harbors to view the major tourist attractions with ease. Our destination however was Manly Beach. I know it’s called Manly and while some may think the name narcissistic, the beach is really about the girls, shopping (No $$ Stores here), surfing and in places snorkeling & canoeing. Manly Beach appears to be very, very upscale. The beach is lined with lovely bungalows poised in the cliffs and granite boulders. Many of which appear to be vacant (during what is their winter) The flora & fauna is incredible and lushly flourishing succulents and tropicals line the beach front properties. The tropical plants have brilliant colors and showy well hydrated foliage. The envy of parched city lawns back home.

Did I mention eating? You bet there were rows of eateries along the square which looks much like its1815 photo posted near the promenade or Manly Corso (the outdoor mall that you walk down from the harbor to the beach.) Just as our Aussie friend said, there really are no traditionally Aussie meals because there is a rich cultural mixture of people who make food that is unique to their country of origin. We have found little Mexican food but lots of Asian eats from Korean to Indonesian to Chinese, etc. The pizza from a chain called Kabobs is wonderful; the dough is the best I’ve had, thick like pan pizza, but light & airy. I had a veggie slice (see I haven’t been all bad) spinach, tomatoes, black olives, onions and ricotta cheese. With a side of chips (fries) Yum! Shola and I turned getting ice cream into an adventure since we had the shop all to ourselves. We started with a chocolate dipped waffle cone and proceeded down the toppings buffet line…really. We must have tried every topping, sprinkle, or syrup on our cone. We’d lick them off then add another one. Of course we were licking the spillage off our fingers as we went along. We were surprised when we looked up and saw that we had an audience of patrons watching & snickering at us. It was like we were doing a commercial for the shop because afterward, people were lining up to get the ice cream cones.
A merchant told us to walk up the embankment ¾ mile or so to where he said you could see Miami on a clear day. We did it. Whether we were looking at Miami or not I’ll never know but we did see dolphin fins in the amazingly translucent teal colored Indian Ocean. Incredible! I never imagined I’d be peering into the Indian Ocean…ever. God has truly blessed me. The beach was sandy. Of course it was sandy, but the sand was not coarse but very fine. Although the sun was shining, it was about 65 degrees most of the day so swimming was not an option for most, however there were dozens who donned wet suits and went for it. Kim and I were wrapped up like newborn babies, skull caps, head wraps and scarves. A German fellow on the ferry ride back asked me if I were Muslim. I was wrapped I’m telling you. Keep in mind we had just left 105 degree temps in H-town, so the night time chill was to the bone. We retired after viewing our superb photos, taken over the past couple of days and playing a trash talking game of Uno in our room. Shola & I kicked butt! Kim & Tokes….let’s just say they were good sports. LOSERS! Ha!

2009 Summer Travel Log

Flight CO 4T to London Heathrow has never seen the likes of a trio like Duncan,
Stephens & Haynes. (sounds like a law firm) Our unlikely posse is heading to London to see the sights and experience the unique flavors of our sister country. I rested so well on the plane following the advice of my sister Kim, an experienced international traveler. Between snoozes I met the nicest young man, Hank, a second year college student. (Tulane University in New Orleans)
Hank was enroute to Iceland, of all places. His older brother, a stock broker, was covering the expense for him and his other brother to vacation together. We shared how lucky we both are to be traveling to wonderful places designed by God. How fortunate we are to have love of family and friends. I gave him my flight snacks, and he ordered my cranberry juice every time the beverage cart came around whether I was asleep or not. "
"What a gentleman, you don't see that much anymore," quipped the lady in seat "C."
"I do," I proudly asserted, "My son is like that." So I gloat. I'm not sure what to expect in London but I do have an idea about what I want to do there. I'm excited about the many firsts that I will experience.