Anyhow, I had planned this holiday and gave up front notice 2 months in advance. Yet somehow, I am still roped into help with a new, fast paced project on the eve of my holiday. Work in my organisation is sapping my strength and spirits at time. Did not even get into a holiday mindset when I left. Although you have all the well-meaning "don't think too much about work" talk from the colleagues, you know in your heart it will not be possible.
Well, instead of dwelling on spilt milk... Oz was a good trip. Sydney is a truly beautiful city full of activity. Darling Harbour, Sydney Tower, the many parks, the Sydney Fish Market are all great places to visit. Canberra is akin to Malaysia's Putrajaya, which means its really dead in the evening. But the new and old buildings are well maintained, signage is obvious and informative, parks are well managed. This is the season of spring, and the weather is sunny with cool breezes.
The food portions, are well, not all it is cracked up to be. Maybe holidaying increases your appetite, but I managed to finish all the regular Aussie portions of food with no sweat. Think that inflation plays a role. The Aussie dollar in Oz is stronger than US Dollar when I was there. But the greens are so fresh and tasty, and the meats are juicy. The cooking only lightly flavours the food, which is very healthy and I love this style of cooking. Malaysian food tastes great, but to be honest, it is not healthy at all. Coconut cream, ghee, lard.... you guys know what I mean *wink wink*. Also love the many gelato stalls all around. My favourite flavours are still Rum Raisin and Macadamia Caramel.
Locals are a little unfriendly at times, except when you are doing business with them. Case in point... I asked a waitress of a cafe for directions, and she looked at me like she was reading a quantum physics textbook. My question seemed to cause her a headache, because her eyes narrowed, the brow furrowed and other signs of discomfort showed. The truly warm people are the ones in the tourist attractions or in hospitality service.
I really love the smaller towns too... I passed by Dickson and also Wollongoong and Katoomba. The lifestyle is slower than the bigger towns, but the places are so beautiful. They are all by the blue blue sea, and being there just makes you feel so refreshed. Passing by all the quaint and curious shops, watching kids play in the park, oggling and surfer chicks heheheh. What I wouldn't give to have a place in one of these towns.
Isn't Wollongong beautiful?
As I sigh a wantful sigh, here I am back in the thick of work. Till the next holiday!
