China

After many many many months of no blog posts, just want to let anyway who may still be checking that yes we are still living it up in Sydney.  We recently took a 2 week holiday to China!  Below is a photo of a bell tower in the centre of the ancient capital city Xi'an. 

 

Sneak Peak Phillipines

This weekend.  I promise! Below photo is from the beautiful island of Busuanga, Philippines where we had a private boat take us around the islands for a day : )

Joanne's New Obsession

LAKSA!  I can't get enough of this spicy, coconut milk soap with tofu, noodles, and vegetables. On any given day a bowl of laksa is great - doesn't matter if its raining, or 100 degrees outside.   I have now tried numerous laksa places in the city including, Laksa King (41/43 Erskine Street), Jimmy's Recipe (500 George Street), The Old Fitzroy Hotel (129 Dowling Street), Lee's Malaysian (1 Hunter Street), and some place in North Sydney... but the best laksa in Sydney by far is Malay Chinese Takeaway (58 Hunter Street). The bowl is huge and it has just the right amount of spice. Below is a picture of the laksa from Malay Chinese Takeaway - the entire bowl was eventually licked clean.



Summer in the City

Sydney is by far one of the best cities to be in during the summer time.  The number of outdoor activities is endless.  Sunsets are beautiful, the city skyline is breath taking, and the beach is a quick ferry, bus, or rail away. Recently we saw Moneyball at the St. George cinema in the botanical gardens. The beers, cocktails, food, and views are absolutely fantastic.  How are we ever going to leave?

  

Our First Guests!

The newlyweds Laura and Tim Goffred : )  Dan and I loved having them around, Dan had drinking buddies and I got to play tour guide, when I wasn't stuck at work.  It was great to reminisce, chat about the states, and laugh over good food and drinks.  I know Laura made a laundry list of new recipes she plans on making in the states, including Dan's mom's pizza recipe. I will definately be knocking on her door for some homemade hummuss as soon as I get back!  

We miss them dearly and hope they are left with many memories of good times.

Pictures from left to right.  (1) Our guests unpacking and making themselves feel at home.  Clearly excited to be in Sydney or maybe delusional from the 24hr flight.  (2) On the way to Jenolan Caves Laura somehow spotted a Kangaroo in the bush.  It was the first time we all had seen a kangaroo in the wild and were lucky enough to watch it hop around and even box the air.  Think this came after Tim had repeatedly said how it was afraid of snakes so of course I yelled snake, never seen Tim jump that high.  Cruel joke I know, but it was a good laugh.  (3)  In the Blue Mountains at the Three Sisters.  Soo freaking cold.  (4) Opera house on the way to see the Music of John Williams.  The Sydney Symphony Orchestra played a collection of his best hits.  We all had the theme song to superman stuck in our heads for days.  (5)  At the Jenolan Caves.  The pictures do not even capture how awesome these caves were.  (6)  Too tall Tim having to duck while we were on our 2hr tour of the caves. 

Running Wild

It all started with the 7k Dee Why to Manly sun run.  Then came the much anticipated race of the year, city to surf (http://www.city2surf.com.au/) back in August.  A 14k run starting in Sydney CBD going through the eastern suburbs and ending in Bondi Beach.  A challenging run with spectacular rewards.  The final few ks are down hill which views over looking the eastern beaches + the KPMG tent with beer at 9am.  Now we signed up for the Sydney Running Festival (happening tomorrow morning).  Dan had wanted to run the half marathon but all spots were full.  So he was left with either the full marathon or doing the 9k run with me.  He chose the 9k.  When we had gone to pick up our race packs, Dan asked if any spots had opened up.  The woman checked, and came back with a red bib.  Dan had the biggest grin on his face!!  Run is over the Sydney harbour bridge, through the city, botanical gardens and ending at the steps of the Opera House.  Wish us luck! 

Vivid Sydney

Back in June Circular Quay, The Rocks, and the Opera House were lit up at night with spectacular light shows.  The cold weather was perfect for enjoying warm drinks, sitting by the harbour and watching the visuals displays on the Opera House.

We are alive!

Hi friends/family - We promise new and exciting posts will be coming shortly - so stay tuned!

Joanne's New Obsession

Yoga.  For the past 2 months I have been regularly going to a hot yoga studio here in Sydney (http://homyoga.com.au/).  I have fallen in love with the practice to the point of being a crazed fanatic.    Lying down on my back in savasana my mind runs wild with fantasies of becoming a yoga instructor, opening my own studio,  and having mommy and me classes (this one is a bit in the future).   Of course this would all require a month long retreat in Thailand or India to become a certified instructor and get deep into my practice.   If only ..........

Must Read

A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz.  It's an Australian based novel about a quirky family that has some of the most ridiculous characters.  I couldn't stop turning the pages!!

Credit for recommending this book to me in the first place - Sandra Tong, Sydney born native and lover of books.