the only shop in australia that sells abercrombie jeans.

legend to my language

The countdown is officially on. I leave for the USA for my holiday (translation *vacation*) in 12 days. I've been gone a while now, and i have definitely picked up some new terms, words, and accents. In order to communicate, it is important that you all clearly understand me. Therefore, I've provided some typical exclamations/translations below.


Also take note, that i may add an "-o" or "ie" to the end of any name or word. And may use nicknames, abbreviations, or acronyms which in reality do not save any time at all. (ie. dave-o, Mattie, breakie)

how ya goin?

Translation: how are you?

I'm buggered. I cant' do anything till i have some breakie.

Translation: I'm exhausted. I cant do anything until I have some breakfast.


hell yeah, you got a fridge full of piss! get me a stubbie holder.

translation: hell yeah, you have a fridge full of beer! Get me a coozie.


Bloody hell, this place is full of bogans. I reckon i'd like to suss out that other pub. i hear there are heaps of hot blokes there.

Translation: jesus christ, this place is full of white trash. I think I'd like to check out that other bar. I hear there are tons of hot dudes there.

I'm way too pissed to wait in a queue like this!

Translation: I'm way to drunk to wait in a line like this!



I may also interchangeably use the word hotel with the word bar. for some reason the word "hotel" means pub here. Still not sure why.

Can't wait to be back in the USA. First stop - Taco Bell-o Bell (never thought I'd miss that place) and then Wendy's for a frosty!!!

Sydney Opera House v 2.0

Although as an engineer I have a natural tendency to despise architects, these pictures are in honour (yes, with an extra "u") of Jorn Utzon, Danish architect of the Sydney Opera House who died last week at the age of 90. Utzon resigned before the Opera House was completed due to heavy critisicm by the government (the construction started without plans!!!) and he never saw the finished product. poor guy. Last week in Sydney, I took the Opera House Tour. The inside of the building was as spectacular as the outside.

Whale Watching (these pictures don't do it justice at all)

Texas in Australia

I'm obsessed with google maps and the new "street view". I've looked up all my friends, all of my former houses, and looked all over random places. Google Earth is actually a great civil engineering tool as well - so it's a great way to waste time at work and make it look as though you're actually working. As it looks like i'm diligently slaving away at my desk, i'm actually hoping to get a glimpse of some random life in the streets -ie. a homeless man taking a dump, maybe some road head, someone getting pulled over and arrested, a streaker --- anything. Although I have only witnessed two out of four of these things in the street, i am sure the google street team witnessed many great and embarrassing moments... I have yet to happen upon any streakers or other nude or embarrassing moments... but have happened upon a town called Texas, New South Wales. Unfortunately the google street team hasnt made it this far yet, so i can't get a good look. But there is one photo associated with the town. Seems like Texas.





UPDATE : maybe someday i can add to this list. http://mashable.com/2007/05/31/top-15-google-street-view-sightings/

Melbourne / It's about that time again...

Well folks, it's about that time again. Now that I have a little free time, and the olympics / parolymics are finally over (did you hear about this ???), I figured I was due to post some pictures from my Melbourne trip, which happened ages ago. We had yet another day off for the Queens Birthday in July. (America should have never declared independence - we're missing out on extra commonwealth holidays) So I headed solo to Melbourne. I loved this city. First stop was old goal jail. Where they have hung 135 people. and weird "death masks" were on display.




And one of my favourite parts of melbourne (and also a sign i'm getting old) was the Botanical Gardens. I absolutely LOVED it. And there wasnt even a bar there.






And the most hideously awesome work of architecture - federation square.



With St Pauls cathedral right across the street:

it's not easy being green

It's officially been nine months without a car. At first it was great not owning a vehicle. I dont have to worry about inspection stickers, speed cameras, gas prices, insurance payments, car payments, and constantly having "clean out car" on my to-do list. It was refreshing not having a car. I was enjoying listening to my ipod, and starting my day with a morning walk. But the honeymoon is over. I want a car again. Monday morning, Brisbane saw a lot of rain. The only way for me to get to work is walk. I went outside, late as usual, ready to brave the rain with only an umbrella. My umbrella failed me as I was splashed by a passing car. My pants were pretty soaked. Just as I'm thinking that I could probably dry my pants off with the hand dryer in the bathroom, I am splashed a second time. It was like a cartoon. This time, I was COMPLETELY soaked. I went home, changed, and waited for a cab...and only an hour late for work1

Tuesday morning was definitely off to a better start. It was still overcast, and just barely drizzling. About halfway to work, I take my umbrella down. The sun was starting to shine, and there was only an occasional rain drop. As I'm waiting for a pedestrian light to change, I felt an one of those occasional drops - no big deal. Then I feel another one right on the top of my head. But this one was bigger...and wait - WARMER. I instinctively touch the top of my head, and yup - just as i suspected--- BIRD SHIT!!! But this isn't dainty American white bird droppings. This is yellow, chunky, a la curried lentils, Australian bird poop. absolutely disgusting. I can't wait to return to Texas and drive a car that will shelter me from the elements. Oh, and take up dove hunting in retaliation against birds. all birds.





PS. i've been shit on by birds three times in my life. Is that normal or above average?

PPS. "lemonade" in Australia is carbonated (aka Sprite)

Living overseas and getting paid in the US dollar is quickly starting to suck.

no further explanation necessary.

uh oh, Australia is too Americanized for me

America is everywhere...

1. I saw a truck driver today with rebel flag in the cab. I seriously doubt he drove here from south of the mason dixon line, but I guess he's just an american racisit who moved here because there are less black people.

2. songs i've heard on the radio today - "born in the USA" and "Sweet home alabama"

3. and check out this wine label:







in conclusion... wtf????

Sydney: Repetitive Pictures of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge

scenic pictures from Christmas (Holy crap that was more than 4/12ths of a year ago!)

These pictures were taken at Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands, Queensland. The Whitsunday Islands are 74 Islands in northern Queensland and are bordered by the Great Barrier Reef. It was absolutely beautiful and anyone who comes all the way to visit Australia shouldn't skip the Whitsundays.














Safety comes first in Australia and at Airlie Beach. Below is a coconet. Coconuts kill.

These next pictures are of Whithaven Beach, which is one of the top ten beaches in the world. It was stunning. I saw Stingrays and little sharks swimming in just a few inches of crystal clear water.




And here I am in my beautiful full bodied lycra suit and lady hat, just adding to the beauty of Whitehaven Beach. I can't wait to go back!