Archive for the 'Culture' Category

Melbourne

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

While I may be lynched for saying this [there is intercity rivalry], Melbourne is truly a most wonderful city: its CBD has a feel, a ‘vibe’ even, that I feel Sydney lacks. Yes — Sydney has a rather pleasant harbour, but step away and I feel the CBD is rather dull — and does [...]

Cedar Boys

Monday, August 3rd, 2009

I’ve seen two movies of late: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Cedar Boys.
Harry Potter was an enjoyable movie: I as going to say ‘fun’ but that does not quite seem right given the darkness of it. But, it was wonderful to see Harry, Ron and Hermione growing up, and entering those difficult [...]

Georgia: Homestay Cities and Towns

Sunday, July 19th, 2009

Apart from the capital, Tbilisi, we stayed in 2 towns and one other city [loose definitions from me given size]: Sighnaghi, Telavi and Stepantsminda [Kazbegi]. The joy of discovering and staying in these places was enhanced by the fact we stayed at homestays in each of these places. It was truly a great [...]

Georgia

Monday, July 6th, 2009

A brief update on my second-last day in Tbilisi. A lot more to come when I get back to Oz.
It has been wonderful: far better than I could’ve hoped. Three wonderful tour leaders, eight inspiring fellow travellers, and a great driver. I feel blessed to have been here; thanks especially to John [...]

Up, Up and Away…

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

Well, in 34 hours at least [not that I am counting].
Final day at work today for 3 weeks: it has been a busy week, a frustrating week [see below]: but I think I am at a place where I can leave with some confidence I have done all that is required and have [...]

Eritrean Food and Culture

Monday, March 30th, 2009

I am definitely not claiming to be an expert after four hours at a one year old’s birthday, but it was fascinating to see, taste and feel some of the culture of Eritrea yesterday.
Food?: in one word, spicy. Rather spicy. And for poor me, who cannot handle any chilli, I was glad to [...]

Bach’s St John Passion

Saturday, March 28th, 2009

My sincerest and most heartfelt thanks again to all for their most wonderful and comforting comments: and the birthday wishes. With lunch on Thursday, chocolate brownies and cake on Friday, being treated to breakfast by Singing Semele this morning, and the actual birthday tomorrow, it is a four-day celebration. I feel very special!
The reason [...]

US — Culture Shock

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

Though I have been here [San Jose / California] a few times, five if I count correctly [I cannot believe it: thanks be to God I am finally seeing some other parts of this country this trip: but, to be honest, I like nothing better than staying with friends], there are some things that still [...]

Casula Powerhouse

Friday, April 11th, 2008

Is now open.
As the name suggests, it was once a 1950s power station. It has now been refurbished and transformed in a centre for contemporary arts. I am not one who is greatly into the contemporary visual arts, but I am very excited at the opening of their theatre. While I do [...]

Grape Picking and Crushing in Georgia

Sunday, October 7th, 2007

A fascinating description from Ryan Erickson.
And photos from his Flickr account.