No Tan Lines Around Here...

Without going into all the disgustingly sunny details so as not to upset chilly folks back home, it's been warm here lately. By warm, I mean hot. And by hot I mean, a top of 112 degrees last Sunday. That's about the time when everyone cancels any previous plans and heads directly for the nearest body of water. Wanting to avoid the noisy masses at Bondi, I hopped on a bus headed north, went for a little hike, and arrived at a deliciously uncrowded little cove, as seen below.

It was called, appropriately enough, Lady Bay. Sweating like a pig in a slaughterhouse, I threw my stuff on a rock and went straight into the sea, which was inexplicably glorious. After a few minutes swimming, I noticed that most of my fellow beach-goers were rather pudgy, elderly men. I also noticed people walking the trail above the beach taking indulgent, lingering glances before chuckling and walking off. It was only then that I looked over at the sign post and read the following:

Yes, I was at a "nudie beach", as the kids call it. I was the only young-ish female with swimmers on in a literal sea of middle-aged naked men. And let me tell you, it was actually a very pleasant beach experience. I discoverd everyone tends to space themselves out quite generously when in the nude, which was nice (read: an enormous relief). Not only was it relatively uncrowded, the water was fantastically cold, the surroundings pristine, and apart from the occasional teenage wanker shouting out a petty "Put some bloody clothes on!", it was completely calm and quiet.

I still have no idea why it is called Lady Bay, however.

Other Strange Sightings.

Seen Recently:

Jesus. In a cemetery, no less.


Crazy purple flower trees.


A massive ancient statue in someone's bedroom
(coincidentally somewhere near the art museum).


Not only is this really a Christian, mustard coloured UTE,
it actually says "Michael Jackson 1958-2009" on the back.


Darnit. That's the only place I can ever find a spot!


Geez, look what washed up today..

We can only assume this belonged to the individual above.

Strange Things By the Sea.

Every November, on the cliffs between Bondi and Tamarama Beach, over 100 sculptures are put up for the Sculptures by the Sea walk. Nat and I caught the first day of the show before she took off, and quickly discovered these were not your average old art gallery sculptures.

Made entirely out of children's toys.

The other side of this had nothing on it. I think you call that ironic art?

Each of these "pools" is a mirror, cut out in the exact shape of the puddle.

There was also a giant drinking straw sticking out of the the water just off Bondi, which made me laugh.

Change of Plans.

For those who were not aware, one of the main reasons I returned to to Oz in July was to, among other things, check out grad school at UNSW and University of Sydney. Having been accepted into both schools' International Public Health Masters programs, I was optimistic about returning next year to study. However, after scoping out both schools, speaking with multiple professors, adding up international student fees, and getting input from other students in the program, I've decided not to go to grad school here next year. It's been a difficult decision to make, but one I feel more and more positive about the more I research my other options. At this point, those include schools in the UK, South Africa, and potentially East Coast USA, which may come as a shock to many/most who know me well..

The great part is, I'll be home at Christmastime with no immediate plans, which I've found is always when exciting things [can] happen. The hardest part is acknowledging I have only a month left in my favourite place in the world, with people I've grown close to. Win some, lose some, I suppose. Thanks to everyone who's been a sounding board for me through this process. Here's to gingersnaps and eggnog in just 4 more weeks!

Missions Accomplished.

Nat has left me for the rolling green hills of Kiwi land, and I'm depressed. So let's recap all the fun had.

First off, I would like to thank the Sydney weather gods for trying to convince Natalie that the sun does not exist here. In one day, we got more rain than the average rainfall for the entire month of October. Fantastic. That said, she did (somehow) manage to get one solid sunburn, and the sun has been shining ever since she left last week so.. that's nice.

Before Nat took off, we fulfilled a few goals/dreams.

Exhibit A: Got up at 5am to see a Bondi sunrise.

Exhibit B: Got about as close as we'll probably ever

get to one of our original favourite Aussie fellas.

Exhibit C: Fed bananas to possums in Hyde Park.

Exhibit D: Got into the Opera House for a show without paying a penny.

Exhibit E: Saw our heroes, the Bondi Lifeguards..

doing a photoshoot with a greyound, no less.

Exhibit F: Discovered a hidden paradise just outside Sydney

(Royal National Park) and have pictures that may or may not

make our grandmothers queasy.