RIP Michael H.

I meet Mike at first via email, with questions about my upcoming NYE party. He was looking for a reasonable party alternative and I was throwing one. By the time he got the the party, it we busy and I was crazy.

Once the party developed a good flow, we were able to connect and chat. After that we clicked and connected afterwards for dinners and to go to other events. Mike always lived life to the fullest and had some amazing occasion or event up his sleeve to go to. He would get behind a good cause or there when a friend needed him.

Mike was the most generous, giving and warmhearted person I knew. So willing to pitch in, help and do what needed to be done for a friend or party. He just would open up his heart and house, letting people in and creating bonds between strangers. 

By the time I found out he was sick, he was already having his 'I've gotten well "Kidney" party'. I was so happy to know he gotten well because I was just getting to know this fun loving, laid back, guy. Luckily, there we a bit more time for us to hang, go out and enjoy life; this is what Mike was best at... enjoying life. I have to thank him for the impromptu random events we would attend, that were 'guest listed' with comp food and bar... specifically the Ferrari one.

When I was struggling to find an event space to have my birthday, Mike generously offered and helped me host a fabulous party. One of the best nights I have had in SF and all thanks to being with a good friend.

Time passed and we hung out once more, but then before I knew it I heard the bad news that had passed away. Shock is all I felt and still do feel. I just cannot believe the world took away someone so young and who was well onto his second chance. The world has lost an amazing soul, a hard worker, with a heart of gold. RIP Michael H.

Australia: Sydney

Luckily after such a long flight to get across the world, flying from Christchurch to Sydney, did not seem bad at all. Unfortunately I was delayed a good bit, which was not good because I had plans to meet a friend that night! Not hard to guess, I was stressing a bit. Thus I ran the whole way, checked in, dropped my stuff and then turn and ran out the door with hardly a clue where I was staying or going. Made it to my destination and lucky for me, my friend Mr. S was there with friends waiting. We went out to get food, ended up in a restaurant with a menu as long as a mile and had a great meal. Then spent some time wandering around the harbor, looking at Sydney at night decked out for the holidays and chatting. As I crashed, since it was a very long day, I couldn't help but think it was a great first night.

The next day I set out and started to just walk around to get my bearings. The church and park above was not only a landmark, it also was a great place to break (OK siesta), lounge in the sun, or read a book. Sydney is easy to navigate but includes a bit of walking, and when you are carrying a heavy bag; it helps to have a rest spot. 

I reached out to a friend of the family Ms. K (in the middle above) and she included me in her girls night out! We had so much fun bouncing from bar to bar, hitting the dance floor and chatting up locals. Her whole crew was just as open and friendly as she was and made me feel very welcomed.

 

The next day, it was crazy hot... just like I like it. Naturally, I decided to hit the beach. Bondi Beach that is. I had a lovely time just lounging around and popping into the ocean. I met some cool people to hang out with for the day and then headed back. Wandered around but really spend the majority of the day baking at the beach. Let me tell you, it was a perfect day!

Woke up early to go on the free tour, and they took us around a lot of the sites. Again I was with a heavy backpack and after an hour of half of walking my dogs started to get tired. I had already seen most of the sights they were showing me except for the full Rocks and tunnel below.

I started to hang at the back of the group and make a friend. We both were enjoying the tour but it was long, over three hours. While the history was interesting, it was not enthralling and as much as we liked and were engaged with our tour guide; our feet were complaining to much and we decided ditch. 

On route to find the other less famous and only 10 ft shorter revolving tower and restaurant  we knew were were on the right track via the sculpture above. Yes, sometimes I actually have a great idea and want the photo to be shot.

Shortly after, we took a long elevator ride up and sat down before the happy hour rush and had a nice drink as the restaurant slowly turned to show of the city skyline. I really enjoyed the company of my new found friend Ms. M. Below are some of my favorite shots.

After while a few of Ms.M's friends joined us and we started to walk around in search of food. We also stumbled into a funky light art installation in an alley way below.

We went all the way to one side of the city to find our destination closed, then went back to the other side and found a great brewery restaurant. By that time we were starving and everyone ate well. Decided not to go out with Ms.M's crew to rest for NYE. I got to relax at the hostel for a bit and then got dragged along to a pub crawl with my hostel.

We bounced around a bit and then ended up in Scruffy's, which had a sports pub up top and two dance floors below. It ended up being a killer night filled with dancing and new friends (below).

The next night I managed to sleep in, OK so I was up and out of the hostel by 10:30, but considering I was out before 9. This was luxury. I decided to keep on that track and walk to the Quay, get food and then catch the ferry.

Sydney from water is something everyone should see, and from the number of boats out; many people do. It was great to be able to take better shots of the skyline (above) and of course, the famous Opera House (below). 

Then a short walk, through a nice shopping strip to Manly Beach! Yes, Manly and from the number of surfers you could tell testosterone ran a bit higher on this beach. Yet unlike Bondi Beach, there were a bit less people. 

I guess the ferry deterred them? Who knows, for myself I parked it in the early afternoon. Had fruits, water and a good book to keep me occupied. For those who know me, I am a busy bee type of person; but put me in a warm beach and I can lounge. Which is exactly what I did!

Was not until the sun was almost setting did I realize how quick the time passed. Luckily I was on the boat already and would be be able to get ready for NYE soon enough. Dressed in a snap, grabbed a few Mates from the hostel and off we ran.

First we got our wrist bands and a quick drink. Borrowed a friends headband for some flash and snapped a shot. See the tan I am was working on!

The streets are madness and overcrowded. Making our way to find a viewing spot was intense. Happily everyone was well mannered and no fights broke out, some parts of the crowd looked hairy for a moment.

Then we went to stake our spot to view the fireworks and lucked out as someone gave us extra passes into the spot they were headed to. Meaning we got a perfect view of Darling Harbour! All the boats in the bay were lite up like they were on the Playa of Burning Man. The shot above does not show it but they choose a kiss or set of lips as the NYE emblem. Fireworks went off in all directions, from the bridge, hotels on the side and behind us, the boats, Opera House... EVERYWHERE. It lasted about 20 minuets. If you want to watch see the full thing below:

After it was back to Jackson on the George, and a night full of dancing, laughing and sharing good times with random strangers. We got back to the hotel around 5:30 am and sadly I could not crash well. I had to check out the next day by 10. Bleh!

Being half pack but not really, and with a fresh load of clothes done the night before (somehow managed before NYE), I had to completely reorganized. Wanting to be nice to my dorm room, I made trips and did it in the lounge so I did not wake anyone. Oddly, I had two travelers watching me pack with the jaws dropping ever moment with how much stuff I could take in how little bags. My secret? Spacebags! Kneeling on them works just as well.

Afterwards, one of the astounded travelers decided to join me on a quick museum run since I had half a day to kill before my flight. We went to the Contemporary Art Museum and saw some incredible pieces of art, see for yourself below.

The sculpture roof top garden with a view of an huge cruise boat behind it is above and a multidimensional piece is below.

I thought the flashing arrow below was too cute of a picture to pass up, even if the cement was ridiculously hot.

We grabbed lunch to go and walked through the Botanical Gardens (below) to eat, nap/read and relax.

After I had a flight to catch and was picked up by the shuttle. Once at the airport, there was confusion. Flight times had change, I was not notified, and a good bit of  of running around thanks to Jetstar sending from domestic to international and back twice not knowing their flight schedules. Warning: Unlike most airports, their shuttle is not free it is like $5.50 each way! Can we say rip off? 

Obviously Jetstar got me to my destination and did not loose my bags like Air New Zealand tended to. Yet it was a hiccup that ended a nice day and caused me to take an expensive taxi to my next hostel as there were no shuttles running. 

Oh well, we got to roll with life's bumps right?

NYE 2012/13 in Sydney

 

I have been planning my trip to New Zealand and Australia, decided that NYE should be in Sydney. That was the easy part! Afterwards I have tried to figure out what to do and looks like it I am flying solo. Which put another twist, how do I want to spend NYE alone? I will be hanging with my good friend Ms.V the days before and most likely not making great friends in the Hostel. Leaving to wonder, what to do?

Not wanting to be alone at least with out good tunes I started to look for a party and feel like I am doing it in the blind. I keep researching and checking out places to go, parties to see... Sydney has so much going on! Their are like 6 firework shows the most prominent being over Darling Harbor and a ton of boats all light up; reminding me of Burning Man's Playa! I did not want to be stuck on a boat, in case I did not like or find anyone to be friends with. Knowing I would be on my own, I have been researching and cannot seem to make up my mind. Thus blogging to help work through the processes.

1. Jackson on the George: Aimed to be an imitation Full Moon Party from Thailand, the VIP ticket includes pass-out to the Circular Quay Fireworks - which seems like one of the best viewing spots. The VIP also included open bar with beer, wine or soda... but I am good with the wine and some light snacks from 6-8pm! The music is pretty mix and the venue is well known holds 1000 people with 4 floors.

2. Harbour Party: On The harbor and will have great views of the main firework show, plus unlimited carnival rides. There is a bar but the VIP only gets you a comp drink or two not open bar and VIP tickets are pretty pricey $250 + but come with exclusive waterfront viewing. I am hesitant about this, not sure if carnival rides and drinking is a great idea or if I want that.

3. Shore Thing: On Bondi Beach, a huge party.. probably one of the most famous for Sydney. They have great major name artists every year and this year is no different. With The Chemical Brothers, Knife Party and Fredde Le Grande as the main draw. It seems massive. They have of course their own firework show and it is a party on a beach, which really is a Full Moon Party. This would be higher on the list if it were not so expensive and seeming so crowded.

4.  Retro Party: A "Fire and Ice" themed, boast of a good firework viewing of Darling Harbour and the city - note it is similar to #5. The VIP has access to the roof top, snacks, open bar with beer, vodka and soda till midnight. This could be a free party but when is free there is no roof top access or firework view. Note the free aspect could make it kind of crappy and extremely crowded.

5. Hedkandi Party: Has a few levels of tickets, boast of over 14 artist on two levels and harbourside to see the fireworks. It is "White Party" theme which could be fun. Tries to be an oasis and has an outside area. The VIP packages vary with a side area, snacks and access to the bar.

I am starting to lean towards #1 but it is very hard for me to choose... so many good options! Any opinions? I would love to hear them and yes I do now have to worry about a budget (GRR!).