Friday, November 17, 2006

Movember

All across Sydney, facial hair is abound. From handlebar to pork chops to scruffy Frenchman's mo, this fundraiser is to help increase awareness about men's depression. I've been wrangled in by a group from the office to participate in such temporal charity work. The rules state that one must be clean-shaven on November 1st to 'level the playing field', and that a proper moustache must be grown (as opposed to beard or goatee).

Of the half-dozen or so in the office, I'm holding my own in facial coverage, for sure. I tend not to trim my beard (which will soon be tailored into a mo), giving me some good volume (pictured). The fun part about this contest is, when you're at a pub for a few pints and look across the bar to see some one who hasn't shaved in a few weeks, "Movember?" usually recieves a positive response. It is a much bigger deal than Halloween here, complete with corporate sponsors.

On the night of the 29th, there is a 'Mo-vention' to be held at Luna Park, a funky little amusement park under the harbour bridge. There will be categorical judging of Mos as well as many Mo-to opportunities. Still not sure why we celebrate grooming on our face that which grows wild on our ass. Again, all in the name of charity.

posted by ncawthon at 8:52 AM

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

And They're Off

And They're Off


Last Tuesday was Melbourne Cup, the race that stops the nation here in Australia. It is a chance for all adults, young and old, to head down to the bookmaker and plunk down some money on an exacta box parlay. As the photo illustrates, these little betting shops become absolute madhouses. You'd think that Australia was being handed over to the Chinese and passports were being issued for one day only.

Many corporations also see it as an excuse to have a Christmas party before the holiday season even begins. Another excuse as well for Aussies to get gussied up and borderline belligerent mid-week. Our office closed up at lunch and we rented out a floor of a pub to watch the event. It is a massive race as far as horse races go, 23 horses running 2800m. Gives one plenty of time to win and lose the race all in the course of the home stretch.

I took the 'shotgun blast' mantra of betting by putting down money on roughly a third of the field with hopes of getting some result. Even if I lost, all the bet tickets worked well as a makeshift fan for which I could dry my crying eyes. Alas, t'was not my day and Delta Blues gave me the blues, coming in at roughly 11 to 1 and leaving me in the cold.

posted by ncawthon at 8:06 AM

The Rise of Starbuck

The Rise of Starbuck


A disturbing trend has occurred in the past six months. Quaint, quirky family-owned shops, having been there for years, are now being replaced by the familiar green and white of Starbucks. Up until this point, Sydney was notably free of this frothed scourge of franchism, yet something tipped the scale and now they're everywhere.

It wouldn't be so bad if I still drank coffee, they brew a good cup and are consistent with their quality. Now, I see them as a harbringer of temptation lying around every corner. I am sure it is old hat by now, but Aussies have their own unique code for their coffee drinks, determining by code words such as flat white, long/short black and other cryptic metaphors. Maybe Starbucks will help bring the cuppa Joe back.

posted by ncawthon at 8:04 AM

Monday, November 13, 2006

Steady as She Goes

Hello Oz-bloggrethen, we are back after some time away. Needed to collect my thoughts, much like the classic literary author retreating into the words for a short time, only to return with their masterpiece clutched in a unkempt hand.

We've seen and done much in Sydney over the past few weeks. Last night, Peggy and I notched visitors number 16 and 17 to stay at our humble abode. Anna Kolhede and her cousin Peter came over for some of Peggy's famous fajitas and a night by the beach. They are here in Sydney for the next few days before heading back to Oakland and their normal lives. They're also coming off of a month in South-East Asia, where Peggy and I have targeted as our next trip, so we're plugging away at the questions.

The week prior, I welcomed my roomate Juel (pictured) to come and stay for six days on his way to India. He gave me the opportunity to do all of the touristy things around Sydney that I hadn't yet checked out. Opera house tour, harbour bridge climb and walking around the zoo were all checked off the list. We lived the nightlife to the fullest and even got to head up the coast a bit to Byron Bay for some sunshine.

Somewhere in-between, Peggy went away and returned again to Sydney, getting back from her stint stateside through work. The stories of Mexican food she told were enough to make any man go crazy.

This (should) be the last of the comings and goings for international visitors whilst here in the land of plenty. Ourselves, excluded, of course. One month until Peggy and I go eastwards for an extended Christmas holiday, returning for what will essentially be one last month here before heading back out on the road for some time abroad around the Mekong delta. Great work if you can get it.

posted by ncawthon at 8:25 AM