Darwin - Part 2

Well, it’s been over three weeks since I arrived in Darwin, so I thought it was time to write another post. So much has happened (all good things, so don’t worry) since my arrival that I don’t know where to start. I guess the most important things that have happened are the following:

The apartment.

Since the first moment I walked into the apartment I immediately loved it.  It is slick, modern and I guess brand new. The kitchen is high tech, and there’s a spacious dining/living room attached to it that has a massive plasma TV. Our room has a nice big bed, with a beautiful view and another big plasma screen TV. We also have our own (massive) bathroom with a tub. Always comes in handy if you’re me. Keiran and Louisa are in the Master bedroom, which is slightly bigger than ours, whith a walk-in closet and an attached bathroom. But my favorite part is the terrasse. Its massive, with an incredible view over Darwin, surrounded by ocean view.

Dinner at Ollie and JT’s.

This was, after meeting Keiran and Louise, my first encounter with two of George’s friends: JT and Ollie. Both military, living in a modern apartement about a 10 minute walk from our place. They were so kind to cook for us that evening. The menu: pears with jamon Serrano for starters, and pasta for our main course. Absolutely splendid. I like them instantly. There both warm and welcoming and make me feel as part of the group right away. Ollie, however, is very dear to my heart. He reminds me off Mathis, both in appearance as in spirit. He enjoys life with the joy of a child, so pure and true. It’s absolutely intoxicating. So after a great dinner and listening to 20’s music and a whole lot of laughs, we can definitely say it was an awesome night.

Trivia night at Shennanigan’s.

Aha, trivia night… Apparently is on every Thursday in one of Mitchel St.’s Pubs called Shennanigan’s. Is a typical Irish pub where everyone gathers in teams to play trivia. This is my second encounter with George’s friends. I meet Kara and Dove for the first time. They’re great, and one of our best friends here in Darwin. I also meet George number 2, who also works with my George back at Robertson Barracks and who’s recently been promoted to captain. JT also decided to join. We have dinner and drinks, play some trivia, loose (LOL) and overall have a great night.

BBQ on the terrasse – Meeting George’s friends.

First dinner party hosted by me and Georges… Hmmm, this could get interesting… I ask George who is coming and the numbers just keep on coming. In total it's going to be maybe about 20 people and my heart stops. Wow... At 7pm people start heading in. I meet Eboney, George number 2's fiancee, Tam, Mel, H etc etc... Mel is so kind to bring us dessert: Pavlova. An all Australian pie with fruit that is absolutely delicious. Beer, meet and laughs... Great night in! Afterwards to boys decide to take the party outside and decide to go clubbing. I decide to stay in though, the bed all to myself... NICE! hihii

Finding a Job – Quitting the job.

So far, the job hunting was not as successful as I had hoped. The job market in Darwin for Backpackers is apparently not as big as in other parts of the country, so I only manage to find a job at a Party Tour Company called 'Plan B'. They hire me on the spot and explain to me that the jobs consists in basically selling tickets for their pub crawl. Unfortunately, the pay is based on commission only. At first, the job was fun, I got to meet a girl called Kara who does the rounds with me. First day we work for an hour and sell 4 tickets each, at 10 dollars each, an easy earned 40 bucks, and we get to choose where and when we decide to work. Not bad at all. That night, on request of my boss, George and I go on the company's party tour. Not as much fun as expected, but we make it work. A couple of awkward games, a few drinks and two karaoke songs later we decide to head back home.

Unfortunately, things become worse. Our second day of work isn't even half as lucrative as the day before and we only get to sell one tickets each. Which means 10 bucks for about 4 hours of work. SO NOT WORTH IT! However, I decide not to give up and accept the idea that not every day can be a good sales day. However, a new team administrator has come to town. Thats where it goes down hill, fast... She decides we need a rooster and then informs us we are going to have to work 2 shifts a day, 5 days a week, a total of minimum 8 hours a day, based on commission only! But thats not all... She is also goingt o tell us where we have to stand in order to sell our tickets. This means that sometimes you'll get a bad spot and wont sell, so basically 8 hours of work with nothing to show for it! NO WAY!!! But still I try to keep my calm and give it a shot.  Coincidence has it, the next day I have my shift in front of the hostel with this new manager. SHe is rude, steels all my potential customers and is more then condescending. I HAVE HAD IT! So I quit.

Work Function at Deck Bar.

My first night out on the town with George's friends from work. Deck bar is one of the many pubs Darwin has to offer, an one of the nicest in fact. Food was served, drinks were pored and after meeting H's lovely friend Emily, we decided to head out for Monsoons, one of Mitchell St's clubs. Lots of dancing, lots of drinks and lots of fun.

Litchfield + Thailicious + The Dark Night Rises

My first encounter with NT nature... Finally we are going to see was Australia's nature has to offer. We head out to Jason and Sara's place in order to get ready for the BBQ. After a quick stop at JT's house, we head of for Litchfield. During the 2 hour drive a get a taste of NT nature: mango trees, open forest and much more. It really is beautiful and really different from what we are used to in Europe. Then we arrive to our destination: the most beautiful waterfall I've ever seen! So we go for a swim, take some pictures and then decide to start the BBQ. At around this time Dove and Kara join us. Unfortunately, Jason, JT and Sara take off early as they need to collect someone from the airport. Kara, Dove, George and I stay behind to enjoy the scenery a bit more before heading off to the waterpools. 

We decide to not call it a day, and go and see 'The Dark Night Rises' at the local cinema. Kara suggests having dinner at Thailicious first. Its a great local Thai restaurant on Mitchell street, and the food is amazing. Then the movie, although it is waaaay to cold, it is a great movie, that meets all my expectations. 

The NT Officers Ball

The night we have all been waiting for... I must say I'm nervous, excited, even though I got the dress, the neckless, the earrings and the shoes. I want to look perfecto for George in order to be his eye-candy! I get ready and don't let George into the bathroom when I get ready. Before we leave for the party, Kara and Dove have invited us to have a first drink at her mother's bungalow near the sea. The girls are getting ready inside, the boys having beers on the terras. Then the taxis arrive. Yes, this is it! We drive about 5 mins to Larrakeyah Barracks and go through security. OMG. Where to begin... Everyone is dressed up in beautiful gowns, tuxedos or there formal uniform. I feel like a princess...The venue is soooo elegant. At least 50 elegantly decorated tables with candles, flower centre pieces and white linnen. Beautiful lighting above it and a colonial building in the background (the Officer's Mess), a black and white dance floor that reminds me of a giant chess board and a life band in front of it. There must be at least 400 people here... At our table sits JT and friend, Jason and Sara, George and Eboney and George and I. The food is amazing. The selection includes oysters, shrimps and sooo much more that I can't even remember! Free drinks the entire night too! And the desserts. OMG the desserts... Includes everything from chocolate cake, to fruit, to cheesecake to other delicious things I have never seen before but can't stop eating!

I meet great people, have great food, have a LOT of drinks, dance with my baby, and have, in a nutshell, a night Ill never forget. By the end of the night Eboney and I 'steel' our boyfriends uniform coats, take off our shoes and decide the taxies take too long, so we convince both our Georges to start walking home. Luckily, about 5 mins later a taxi drives by and we head home. Oh yes, this is of course after taking with us a couple of left over bottles of wine... Which we enjoy for the next couple of days...

Darwin - Part 1

Yep, it's real...George is lying next to me... I wake up and I still have trouble believing I'm actually here, in Darwin, in my boyfriends bed....We wake up at about 10 am and decide to have some brekky. Keiran has left us some pancakes. YUMMY! Thank you Keiran! We decide to go all the way: Sirope AND ice cream. Is there any better way of waking up? We decide to have our breakfast on the terras while enjoying the amazing (ocean view included). Beautiful. George decides it is keen for me to start watching a certain series called "True Blood' cos' he believes it will be right up my alley. Of course, he's right. Afterwards we head off to do some grocery shopping. After a week with Jess, I decide to give vegetarian food another go. We take the bags upstairs, and leave for Mindle Beach.

OMG! This is why I've always wanted to come to Australia... The market reminds me a little of Ibiza. It has nice music, hippy stands, all kinds of food and right behind it, hidden behind the palmtrees is the beach, known for it's sunset. George takes me by the hand and we walk towards the water. Hmmmm, no crocs? It's beautiful and incredibly romantic standing there with our feet in the ocean. After a bit of a stroll through the different market stalls (and finding the PERFECT necklace for the Ball on the 10th of August) we decide on Thai food. We each get a large portion and take it to the beach where we lye down in the dunes amongst the other people and we enjoy the beautiful sunset. So beautiful, in fact, everybody aplaudes after the sun finally disappears into the ocean...

(photos will be posted later ;))

Last day in Sydney: Manly Beach + Botanic Gardens

It's Friday, and tomorrow I leave... Bittersweet I must say. The weather is lovely today and thank God cos' me and Jess decided to meet up in Central Quay with Tristan and take the Ferry to Manly. As the Ferry leaves Sydney Harbour we get the most spectacular view of Sydney. We pass the Opera House and that beautiful bridge I love, also getting a nice view of Central Sydney. After about 25 minutes we arrive at Manly. It's a sweet little place with a bunch of very cute shops. We head off towards Manly beach where many people are enjoying the beach and even a bunch of surfers are enjoying the waves in their wetsuits. After we walk around for a bit and enjoy the view we head towards the supermarket to buy some lunch. We head back in the ferry towards Sydney and go straight to the botanic gardens. This is a first for me as we were waiting for a nice day to properly enjoy the place. With the Sydney Opera house on the one side, and the sea on the other we have our hummus and bread with some lettuce and dried....something, something... delicious. Jess has to leave early for work, so Tristan and I take a stroll in the botanic gardens by ourself. It really is pretty amazing... Afterwards we go to the Opera House to get a view of the inside, but unfortunately, it is only reserved for tours. Too bad. We head back to the tube station and I say goodbye to Tristan, whom I'm probably not seeing again before I leave.

 Gary, Jess's dad, is so kind to pick me up at Pennant Hills. He's great and very chatty, like me! so no awkward silences on the way home. As we arrive home he suddenly stops the car: What if we stop by the shop first and get some beers, what d;ya think? Sounds good to me! So I have my first taste of Australian beers. Taahoo? Tahaa? Oh no, Toohey's That's the one! LOL. We sit on the terras and have a bid of a laugh until Julie, Jess's mum, get's whom, who I help getting dinner ready. We have some cheese and biscuits, traditional at the Kirckness House, and feel a bit guilty of filling up on them as Jess is throwing a dinner tonight. I go to my room for a little lye down, and when I wake up, everyone is already there: Jess, Kit, Saartje and Andy. Saartje I havent met yet. She's from Belgium, Leuven in particular, and is now studying in Sydney and planning to stay there.

After another one of Jess's delicious meals and another fun night in with the gang, Andy offers me to take me to the airport tomorrow. My hero! And I can't thank him enough, as both my bags are broken (so it would be horrible to carry them around up and down the train) and I'm not too familiar with the tube going to the airport, and if I loose my flight to Darwin I might go insane. Half an hour later the gang goes homes and we say our sad goodbye's...

The next day I wake up and get ready for the big day: Im going to Darwin! GOd...I'm getting nervous already! Chill down woman! As is traditional, we go to Granny's and Grandpa's place for breakfast. They are as sweet and generous as always. I've really started loving this couple! We watch a little of the Olympics and have a bit of a chat before we leave. We say goodbye with a big hug and hopes of seeing each other again soon. This counts for Jess's Mum and Das as well. And of course Turbo, the Dog! Thank you all for your kindness and generosity, you have really made me feel at home...Saartje, Jess and I drive to Andy's house where he's waiting to take me to the airport. It's about an hour drive and I'm nervous all the way, paranoid about arriving there to late while, frankly, there is no need to. Ones we arrive we say our goodbyes and Jess accompanies me too the Jetstar checking point in order to helo me with my bags. Of course, it's a bitter sweet goodbye, but as she is going to try to come to the northern territory in a couple of weeks, the blow isn't that hard. Love you Jess! And thank you for everything!

Today's the day...My first day of Surf!

I wake up, 6 am. Kit is getting ready for work. After about an hour Jess and I decide to wake up and get ready too. We head downstairs and prepare ourself a nice toast and tea breakfast. We head down to the nearby station and take a train to Wynyard. One stop later we're there. I give Jess a big hug and get off the train, that's where it hits me: Today's the day...My first day of Surf! As I have mentioned before, the weather is quite cold, and once again the sky is overcast. Of course, I'm a little worried about the temperature of the water, but as we're going to be wearing wetsuits I know we're going to be fine. I reach the YHA Youth Hostel where we're they are going to pick me up. About 15 mins later they arrive in a 4x4 and ones they pull over they don't look very sure about whether I'm the girl they're supposed to pick up. I'm still wearing yesterday's leather pants, boots and top.... Not the usual surf outfit I'm afraid. So I nod, they recognise the gesture and let me in the car. Immediately me and the other girl hit it of. She is fun, wild and just as crazy as I am. Her name is Cath. The other student that has decided to join us is  japanese guy named Yo, unfortunately his english isn't too advanced but the three of us manage to get along. Then there is Deano, our instructor for the day. Although he's probably in his forties, he's all you would expect of a surf instructor: funny, easy-going, and crazy as hell. After stopping for food at the local supermarket, we drive for about half an hour to our location. It's a private owned beach surrounded by dunes. And thus, our surfer adventure begins...

Step number one, swimming gear. Dean hands me an XS wetsuit. But, OH NO! It has a hole in the back, so to keep out the ater we need to put another top on top of it. After that it's time for our very first surf technique lesson. Basically he explains the following:

1. How to slide on a board
2. How to get on your board

As simple as that. Basically, you have to try and get on your board in three simple steps. Number one, put your hand under your chest and push upwards so your back is stretched and your looking up, legs on the board. Number two, you do a kind of downward facing dog yoga-like move. So basically, your as is in the air and your face is looking down. Number three, you put your back foot in front of you , then your front foot in a vertical like position, slide your hands to your sides, bend your knees, and look in front of you.

And we're off! Many off you may not believe this, but after my second try I got up on my board and manage to hold my balance. Holy s***! I'm actually doing this right!!! I must say I'm pretty proud off myself, especially after Dean tells me to go further into the sea and catch some bigger waves. 'You're ready for an intermediate class' lekker ding! Oh yes, from now on this shall be my name: Lekker ding. The only dutch expression Dean knows and that literally means 'Hot thing', and yes, thats what he calls me. LOL. After what I can only guess are about 2 hours of surfing bliss, we get out of the water and start preparing the barbecue. Although the temperature hasn't been too bad in the water, out of it it is torture. However, standing next to the barbecue we manage to warm up, even if just a little bit. Also, the jackets Dean brought us are much appreciated, as we're not taking off our wetsuits. After about 2 burgers, 5 sausages, half a baguette, some fruit and coffee, I feel ready to get into the water again. This time, I must say, I am rather sceptical about the water's temperature, as we are currently freazin' our tushy's of!!! However, all is well in the water and I am happily surprised to find it's actually a lot warmer inside the water than out. However, this time, my arms are tired and so are my legs, so my balance isn't as great as the first half of the session, which is rather unfortunate, as Dean has decided to do a photo shoot. And of course, Baywatch is the appropriate theme. LOL!

After about another 2 and a half hours we decide to head back for the City, and of course, this is when the sun decides to show up. Oh well... At least we get to warm up a little now. I take e the train back home and after a nice cosy dinner with Jess and her family I stumble into bed.

ROAD TRIP: The Blue Mountains

Never seen this much fog in my life... I get up and open the curtains, damn there's a lot of fog, and the sky is completely overcast. Normally I wouldn't mind but today it's Jess's day off and we planned on going to the Blue Mountains with her friends Tristan and Michael, whom i've both grown very fond of I must say. Luckily, by the time Michael gets to the house (After I stand in one of Turbo's, the dog, turds, good morning Sydney!) and pick Tristan up at his house, the fog has started fading and so have the clouds. And thus starts the Road Trip!!!

We listen to the Spice girls, Disney songs and other 90' hits while screaming at the top of our longs (Jess: OMG it's 'a whole new world'! Let's do a duet!). We arrive at a place called Katoomba after about an hour and a half drive. We decide to take a ticket that includes a cable ride, several sightseeing walks and a sort of roller coaster ride. It is beautiful... We get to see an incredible view of the blue mountain's valley and of the 'Three Sisters' (a group of small mountains. Legend has it that three sisters from a local tribe fell in love with three rival tribe members. So their magic man froze them in stone in order to protect them. However, before being able to release them from their curse, he lost his powers, and therefore, the three sisters remain frozen in stone). Then we stop for a quick bite to eat in a small cafe neer Katoomba. I must say, the most delicious gnocci I've ever tasted.

After Katoomba, we head off to this little village, also in the blue Mountains, called Leura. It is deliciously Vintage, with an old lollipop shop where Jess makes me try my first 'Red back', or something like that, anyway, a christmas shop that opens the entire year, a toy store and a vintage dress shop.

Last but not least, we end up at a place called Wentworth Falls were we go for a nature walk. OMG! Again, we get an incredible view of one of the Blue Mountains valley. Then we head off to the waterfalls all the way down the path. After me and Tristan have our little 'Blue Lagoon' moment. They too, are amazing. The biggest one of them has a sort of pond at the end of it where people sometimes go to swim. I must say, the way back up the track is a little more intimidating. But in the end, to my surprise, I make it back in one piece like the rest of the group.

After a quick stop at Mc Donalds for ome french fries we arrive home. After a very short siesta me and Jess start getting ready for 'The Shins' after party. Apparently, there some kind of famous band Jess really likes so we definitely didn't want to miss it.  Al, Jess' s friends, is so kind to pick us up at the tube station, and parks at King's Cross parking. Apparently, this is the dodgy part of Sydney, but also the place where everyone goes clubbing. We get to the club, called 'The Back Room, and Al has managed to put us on the list. After a couple of Indie bands, the lead singer of the group enters the room. After a couple of more minutes we leave and although Al offers us him home to stay in we decide to stay at Kit's house, one of Jess's best friends. Because of the cold, yes, it's winter in Sydney and thus, FREAKIN' FREAZING!, we end up, the three of us sleeping in the same bed. Well, at least it's warm... and cosy, lol.

Shopping + Gelato :D

Today it's kinda gloomy again, but no worries I have the perfect plan: SHOPPING! Yes, I know, not a conventional sightseeing activity but its cold and wet and I need a dress for the Army officers Ball. George's arm candy... hmmm, definitely need to look my best. We go to a nearby shopping centre where we start our hunt for the perfect dress. In other words, cheap yet elegant. George, this is all your fault! So after a couple of hours budget scouting, still nothing. However, Jess takes me to this lovely Chocolaterie called Max Brennar something, where we had some delicious chocolate milk (Jess dark, mine white) Jummy. After another half an hour we get to this shop, kinda an australian version of a small Selfridges, and we find the Pilgrim collection. And they have sales, YES! So after a longs day search we finally find the perfect dress (the details shall be revealed to you by the 10th of August, lol). So, after a quiet day of shopping we head back home where I have a much needed rest. Damn you jet lag! After Jess gets back from work, her lovely friend Andy suggests for us to go with him to a lovely italian place here in Sydney at a place the locals call 'Little Italy' in order to get some pasta and gelato. We drive to it in Andy's car while listening to Australian Indy bands all the way. It's a cosy little place with 'Godfather' pictures on the wall. We have our food, great laughs and then some awsome gelato. Berry yogurt, mmmmmmm... All together a fun dinner out with friends, simply a great time!

Kangaroo's - Central Sydney... I'm in Love!

Day 2: Australian Wildlife

I wake up... Almost instantly I'm greeted by the sounds of the garden. Birds chirping, I suppose, but they are sounds I have never heard before in my life. Fascinating, finally something different... I go to the kitchen and realise that unfortunatly once again the sky is overcast. Oooh well. After a lovely breakfast with Jess and her mum, Jess proposes to go and see the Featherdale Wildlife Park, where one can marvel at Australia's local wildlife. Translation: kangaroo's. YES! So we did. After about an half an hour drive we arrive to this wonderful park. First thing that shocks me are the massive birds. I'm even more shocked when Jess informs me that, unlike any other regular zoo where most animals are rare and mostly from other countries, all these animals live in Australia and that they all run around happily in the wild. Holy s***! You mean to tell me that those horrible birds with the intimidating black beaks simply fly around the Outback??? You me an the withe Ibis? Those fly around my Uni all the time! OMG... Some animals are beautiful, such as kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, the baby dingos etc. Others, such as some of the reptiles (including the worlds most deadly snake), some of the birds and the crocs, I find far more intimidating...

Day three: The City

YES! FInally some nice weather. Today we head out for Sydney City's Centre. We decide to park the car at Pennant Hills Library and take the train from there. After about an half an hour train ride and another 5 minute tube ride via Wynyard station we arrive at the City Centre. OMG... It exceeds ALL my expectations! The beautiful white Opera House, the blue water surrounding it, the trees and grass that pop up here and there and the Sydney bridge.... What can I say about the bridge... Simply magnificent. After the sightseeing Jess takes me to this famous Pancake place called: Pancake's on the Rocks where we become, what we can only describe as absolute PIGS! Not only do we order to massive pancakes (one banana, one chocolate-strawberrie), but we also order a plate of vegetarian nachos....My.pants. are. about. to. burst....Must. undo.button... After that it's of to work for Jess so I decide to take a stroll through Australia's Contemporary Art Museum. See dad? I also do cultural stuff.

To be perfectly honest, I'm not a a modern art kinda gal' really. So, although there are some pieces I can appreciate, other simply creep me out. Lol. Although there is one thing that took my breath away entirely: the Sydney Harbour view from the Museum's terrace.

Ten I decide to have a look at the Discovery Museum just  around the block from the Museum of COntemporary Art. It explains how this particular part of the City called 'The Rocks' was created. Very informative. Then, a Tourist information centre caught my eye. Inside, it is filled with helpful brochures about Sydney and other parts of the country. I have a look at the City Tours and others related to the northern Territory, but one was especially interests me: LEARN TO SURF.... But that's a story for later on.....

Being that Jess's mum offered to pick me up after work, I decided it was time to head towards the tube station. Although I am officially a Sydney tue expert now. NOT! lol. Jet Lag still plays its dirty tricks on me, and it makes me fall asleep on the train. Luckily, I wake up before arriving at Pennant Hills, so in the end all is well. After a lovely lamb dinner and a Sex in the City episode in Jess's room, I'm absolutely exhausted and I decide to call it a day.