Last post of the pre-job time

Friday... As Sandra would say, the most beautiful word in the English language... I have spent the last few days writing away and recreating Luz's world as I was not satisfied with how things were going. But I now am =)

She finally coming into her own spiritual self, just like the author.

And I am finally healthy and functional, just in time to start new job on Monday.

How things work out... only good news today...FINALLY!

"If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves." - Thomas Edison

Last post of the trip ....

Well well, as I await the second to last flight from San Francisco to Toronto in a hotel, I reflect on what this journey has brought me. I have for sure realized that I could live abroad, but most likely by myself, not working for someone as a personal assistant. Second, I have found out so much about myself, this trip has bee a revelation as well as a blessing. A lot of soul searching, a lot of thinking as I was away from everything I knew and with no one to talk to, and coming to terms with the decision I made to leave.

On the first flight out of Melbourne, I already felt better and lighter, and the feeling was only enhanced from Sydney to San Francisco, over the 12+ hours of flight time. Now, as I am about to finish this journey and head back home, I can honestly say I LOVE MONTREAL and that I missed it so much: missed my family, missed my friends, missed the everyday life, missed ...everything. Can't wait to get back, and the city's welcome committee decided to give me a 25 degree day for my return.... THANK YOU =)


“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” - Bill Bryson

3 dodos and counting

OMG. It's almost here, the Montreal return. Sat April 25th... after a total of 26+ flight hours in less than 1.5 days...
Can't wait. Trying to keep quiet as much as possible to save energy reserves and keep health on good track for travel as it's been iffy from day to day. The main reason I am coming back.

On another hand, finished CHAPTER 4 last night... yey! Only a few more to go and then Luzisphère in a bookstore near you...=) Will get cracking on chapter 5 today, and hopefully I get through it. So goal before heading home: finish 2 additional chapters!!!!

"Enthusiasm spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment." - Norman Vincent Peale

It's official: Montreal bound

Can't wait to see all of you... Booked flights last night after dinner at yummy Vietnamese place... Departure date: April 24th, itinerary: Melbourne-Sydney, Sydney-San Francisco, San Francisco- Toronto, Toronto-Mtl.

Phewww. Just reading about it makes me think I'll be in airports or plane for a full day. Better get ready! But cannot wait to be hoooooome. In the cold. =)

Every ceiling, when reached, becomes a floor, upon which one walks as a matter of course and prescriptive right.- Aldous Huxley

Pondering, wondering...

Yours truly is truly thinking it's time for her to come home. Can't explain why, just a feeling. SO am writing away and seeing-weighing different options allowing me to come back home earlier...

Keep you posted
Muah.

In everything the ends well defined are the secret of durable success.- Victor Cousins

Easter weekend and sun...

Had a great weekend filled with sooo many activities. Saturday, wrote, wrote, wrote, and decided to test fate and send an email to the hotel in Merida, Mexico, where Luz is staying, asking them for a free one-week stay as they are mentioned in the book, etc etc...

Then, went to a fabulous Vietnamese dinner at Chilly Peppers, a BYOW...but not to worry, the food didn't compare to the Mtl Vietnamese =). After that, had a Sex and the City night in due form, as it had been a while. Educating boss at the same time with the ladies.

Sunday, Easter, went to Fitzroy gardens in the afternoon for a picnic (which I cut short as I wasn't feeling too good, but it was so pretty!). And get this. At a point, I look up in the sky and what do I see? These words spelled out by a plane: CALL MUM. So funny. It's part of an advert campaign from a major telecommunications cie, but they are even using the sky on EASTER to do advertising. Think Mtl should catch up on this one...

Then attempted to go to my favorite church because of the reverend who's so cool for Easter mass, but that was closed. Tried a second one, which had a service at 6pm, but the priest was old, boring and dry. But still got my "rebirth" of Easter... and I had forgotten all about the link with baptism. I'm such a great Catholic =)

And had an Easter epiphany. Decided to cook a salmon pie from scratch, with dough and everything. Took me 2 hours, but I DID IT! Becoming a real chef! And my bechamel sauce was to die for...hihihi... Completed it all with a few chocolates (possibly the only time in a year when I eat them).

On Monday, we rented a Smart Car and went off to shop. Bought 2 amazing Aussie designer dresses (one of which is for Mai Mai's wedding...so gorgeous!), purse...but still missing the sparkly shoes I have been eying at Nine West (think Dorothee of Oz...but not red, silver and black...SO cute!). Looking for them everywhere. I KNOW I'll find them in my size...7.... anyone? hihihi

Drove up to Mt. Dandenong (a Melbourne equivalent of Mt. Royal mountain) and enjoyed the little antique shops, etc etc. Then had tea at Mrs. Marple's Tea Room (famous character from Agatha Christie's books), the proper English way with scones, jam and cream. Headed to the skyline lookout- which Phil, as a good Melburnian, had no idea existed) and marveled at the beautiful city views.

And at night, they played the Mtl Just For Laughs festival galas, with all Aussie comics. Was SO great. I LOVE Mtl.... Can't wait to be back.

Today, Tuesday am, is one of the last "summer" days. 26 degrees, so headed to South Melbourne Beach, where I spent the most part of the day. Can only compare it to....CUBA baby! So sunny and hot, it was exactly what I needed.

Now home, catching up on blog...sorry I've been lazy.
But I feel I will have exciting news soon... keep reading!

Caro X

"The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want."- Ben Stein

And do I EVER Know what I want...hihihi

Luz is ALIVE... and other things, too =)

Ok, alright, here goes. I started writing again, for real. 5 pages a day, minimum, AND the best is that I can now do it daytime (as opposed to midnight writing) AND without wine. It's unbelievable. So, at this rhythm, chapter 4 should be finished by the end of the week, and I'll be well on schedule to finish the book by the time I return home. Promising!!!

On another note, celebrated Good Friday as it should be, with fish: oysters, prawns and mornay crayfish. Yummy. Then watched a ridiculous, but entertaining funny 70's movie, The Rise and Rise of Micheal Rimmer.

Forgot to mention that tomorrow, I get to revamp the whole wardrobe of boss...SO exciting. Played What not to Wear as he showed me his collection of 80's ties, and shirts, and we will take care of business tomorrow, Easter. So it won't be an Egg hunt, but a Clothing hunt. Couldn't ask for more.

Happy Easter to all of you Canadians... muah!

"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them."- Mark Twain

Back to health & Melbourne

Hello from a very happy, healthy Carolyne. As I mentioned to most of you over the phone, I AM BACK. No more headaches, no more antibiotics, no more pain: YEY! It's crazy how you appreciate health tenfold once you lost it temporarily. So back to daily yoga as well, and no more vino for a while... but we shall reconnect soon =)

Wednesday was Phil's bday and we went to an art gallery exhibit that was opening by Richard Baxter. Beautiful painter, who transmits through painting that "life is joyous and explosive, here and now in the present, amidst the ordinary, amongst the flowers and the garbage. This joy is found right wherever you are, at any time, you don't have to search, you don't have to attend monasteries for years on end, you don't need large amounts of money, or knowledge".

I simply loved his work, here is a sample of my favorite painting. Let me know what you get out of it. If I would have a spare AUD16K lying around, I would have bought it...! hihihi














After, went on to a nice Italian dinner at The Grand, an old pub revamped into one of the best meals in town. And we were lucky to get in, as the place was PACKED on a Wednesday night. Great homemade pork sausage and roasted duck, and a lot of water... The first meal I ate in weeks fully, without leaving the restaurant because I felt sick, and I actually enjoyed myself. So that in itself was a small victory =)

Today, Thursday morning, am getting back into writing, for real. And for those of you who don't yet know, decided to stay on the journey until the end, so returning to Montreal May 21st, when the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining, just like it is here right now.

Kisses!

A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.- Francis Bacon

Brisbane, Lone Pine Koala sanctuary...wow

Departed from Gold Coast Tuesday am for Brisbane, about 1h30 train ride away, leaving the beautiful sunny 30 degree weather behind, but all for a good cause: KOALAS! Checked in to the hotel which was right in the train station, and then jetted to the Lone Pine Koala sanctuary, the largest of its kind in the world (actual Guiness Record holder...more than 140 koalas!!!)

Sprinted for the cuddle-koala time, and waited for my turn impatiently, like a 4 year old. Actually, most of the people were not 4, but it is definitely paradise for any kid at heart. They initially tried to give me a koala girl, little one year old, named Donatella (Versace!), and said she was temperamental and a princess. I thought " perrrrfect! We'll get along just fine!" but after two minutes of unsuccessful trying, they switched me over to a 4 year old male named O'Ryan who immediately took a liking to me =) and lached on. As the picture proves, and I someone commented, I am not sure who was holding who...hihihi... He weighed close to 40 pounds, so on top of getting my dream realized, also worked out, holding him for roughly 2 minutes. Then pet him a bit more, and stayed in a koala daze for the rest of the day. And when I got the picture, I was amazed. Just couldn't ask for more.

But THEN, I saw there was an enclosure (very large, almost a football field) where kangaroos roamed free and where you could feed them!!!! 2 in 1!! So spent another hour there, talking to them and petting the various species, from joeys (youngters) to Red kangaroos, and I know I am forgetting some. But the pictures are priceless, and anyone should have the chance to experience this kind of encounter once in their lifetime!




And is it just me or Skippy didn't have such big cojones hanging? Can't remember anything like that... they censored a kangaroo's parts?? ;)

Walked some more, saw mooooore koalas and other Aussie wildlife, and left around 4ish, fully satisfied and happy that I had accomplished what I wanted to do the MOST in Australia.


Had a glass of wine (complimentary with hotel stay) and that was a baaaad idea as I am still on antibiotics. But hey, it's me! Had dinner at a nice Italian place in South Bank (cute artsy part of Brisbane) and felt a humongous headache coming on, so left really quickly, and went to bed at 10.

However, as I have to wake up at 4am every day to take the antibiotic, I haven't had a good night's sleep in a while... And woke up at 7, to have breakfast with Louis, old Montreal friend. We had a really nice time, was good to reconnect (however short the time together was) with a Montreal person... Walked around the Spectacle Gardens- which are simply breathtaking in 25 degree heat at 9am, and headed back to hotel as needed to check out to head back to cold cold Melbourne.

Made the flight without any problems, as I am fit to fly after all...hihihi... and landed in 17 degree cold weather. Ewww. But hey, am still on koala high, so it doesn't matter.

Will get back to writing as of tonight since the last week, was, well, mmm... not as productive as one would hope.

Kisses

"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."- Abraham Lincoln

FIT TO FLY!!!! Brisbane bound Monday ....

OMG. The ear infection has finally cleared. Almost back to normal! Got a clean bill of health from doctor yesterday, saying the infection had cleared (thanks mummy for the advice.... even though it was long-distance!), so I can FLY again (planes, that is...hihihi).

Had a lovely day today, hung out with Phil's mother, sister and niece. They were all very sweet. Told them the tales of Canada and foreign land, as it is very exotic for them... Imagine that! And we are so impressed by Australia. So it's not all upside down after all... Then went on a walk on the beach, and started feeling a LOT better, so had a late lunch, and headed to the jacuzzi. Niiiiiiiiiiicccce.

Replenished and feeling great, started writing again. So Luz is alive! Once again.

Tomorrow AM, heading to Brisbane where I get to go to Lone Pine KOALA sanctuary, and FINALLY hold a koala. Give it a real hug. Can't wait.

And then, hopefully meet up with an old-time friend, Louis, in the city.

Kisses from a healthy Caro XX

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” - Miriam Beard

Almost a month in...

Hello all..
So the last few days haven't been so eventful. Bed rest, battling an ear infection which I need to get under control in order to fly back to Melbourne, and ultimately back to Mtl asap. So spent Thursday, Friday and almost feeling better today (Sat am)... Need to go get a doctor's OK before flying as my ear drum could be in danger when flying... sooo not doing much but watching TV, and as I have a pounding headache most of the time, can't even write.

IT'S ALMOST OVER. I am convinced.
Keep you all posted. So sorry I have nothing more interesting to report than the frequent visits of my parrot friends on the balcony. I fed one yesterday!!

CaroX

"What we think or what we know or what we believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only consequence is what we do." - John Ruskin

Grey Sydney & Gold Coast, anyone's paradise

Last days in Sydney were quite uneventful... Spent Monday in bed, siiiiiccck and achy (maybe too much traveling?. Managed to drag myself to a Gold Suite (fancy chairs, food and booze at the movies again...hihihi) to see He's just NOT that into you...funny and cute, appreciated the movie version of the book and thought of what my book may look like up on a screen like that one day...

Tuesday was departure day, and I was still feeling under the weather, but had to pack and be out of the room by 11am, and Phil had a meeting which ran until 2pm. So busied myself up with a visit to the Sydney Museum of Contemporary Art ... where entry is free .I LOOOOVE that they make art accessible to everyone, including the special events, just like London. Anyways, saw the works of crazy woman Yakoi Kusama (a celebration of 60 years doing art), a very controversial artist who commited herself into a mental asymum, and who creates unconventional pieces and works that use repetition, continuity and obsession as themes. If interested, check out what I saw...
http://www.mca.com.au/default.asp?page_id=10&content_id=4737

Wandered around a bit more, but a huuuuuge storm hit the city, and then took the flight to Brisbane. Perfect timing.

Landed in sunny, hot, humid 30 degree weather, which immediately made me better. Hopped on the train to Gold Coast (1h30 hr) and settled into apartment. VERY nice. Have my own quarters.... Then had a great Thai meal, at a local place on Surfer's Paradise road, and went off to bed as I wanted to wake up to see the sunrise.

My body woke up Wednesday am at 6h15, just as the sun was peeking over the ocean. You will never have seen me get up so fast! By 6h30, was walking on the beach, sand between my toes, sun blazing, hot, humid weather, and peace and quiet. Had a yoga meditation in this beautiful environment, no one around... NICE. Then, did a few cartwheels and had a few National Geographic moments, jellyfish, fishes being eaten by seagulls and left half dead on beach, still breathing (broke my heart), and picked up shells for future jewelry pieces =)

Groceries bought for the week here, then headed to the beach for MAJOR sun time....butttttttt.... felt sick and spinny after 30 minutes, so headed back to the hotel. Damn. Thought I would sun all day and get nice tan, but around 1h30pm, felt better but still decided to stay close by. Can't believe I'm actually saying this but used the HOTEL POOL for the the first time in my life, and stayed in the afternoon beautiful warm sun until 4.

Came back up, and sat down to write this post with a glass of wine... and as a lovely God-given gift, 4 Australian King parrots came to say hello (see for yourself...)although the pic I chose is the nicest one and only shows 3), on the balcony RIGHT in front of me. WOW. Have been chasing them to get a good picture for the past 3 weeks, and here they were love this place.

Nothing major tonight, but the weather forecast isn't looking good for the next few days. A huge wall of fluffy clouds is rolling in from the ocean onto shore... So hopefully I get to finish chapter 4 of Luzisphère... she's also now in a sunny place with an ocean...how fitting =)

Now 6h30pm and pitch black outside. The curtain has come down.

Love and miss all of you
Caro
XX
“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” - Martin Buber

Interesting ....

Well well, as the title lets you believe, interesting.
Last night (Sat), went to Guys and Dolls musical from Broadway, was fantastic. Set in the '40's, a story about love and gambling in the big apple.. the clothing was unbelievable, I wish I could have lived in that era.... Anyways, after it was finished, we decided to walk on George St. in Haymarket, was feeling great, all dressed up like a doll... walking amongst the hundreds of drunk youngsters and people ready to go out....enjoying the mood...and then, I get shifted by Phil to the side of the sidewalk, he tells me he can't tell me why, and then, with the program from Guys and Dolls, I get whacked on the back and pushed to the side of the road.

I am freaking out, asking what the f**k... and then, he tells me some guy was trying to snatch my very expensive purse, with the camera and all my ID. OMG. Now he's freaked me out- get in a cab as I am no longer feeling safe, we are pissed at each other because I didn't acknowledge the fact he "saved" my purse and I am pissed off because we left this really cool place, and I don't feel safe anymore.

Anyways, get back home, go to bed, and before I do so, Phil tells me it is daylight savings time tomorrow and that I should back up the clock 1 hour at 2am.. which I did. HE THEN wakes me up at 8h30 (my phone clock) telling me it really isn't daylight savings until next week (so it's really 10h30...as the phone I adjusted took it upon itself to think it needed an extra hour back...), so really interesting beginning of day =)

Then head to Toronga Zoo, across from the harbor, where I enjoy all the lovely animals and...I strangely realize I have an obsession with birds... hihihi... see water cats, really cool giraffes (ok, not local but still, check out the pic with the city in the back!).... and headed home...

Writing again! Starting chapter 4 and keeping on it tonight...

"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end."- Scott Adams

Saturday in the Royal Botanical Gardens

Today was great- spend amongst local fauna and flora. Could not have asked for more.
First off, got a great night's sleep. The higher floor did make a difference: no noise at all! YEY. So, started off the day at the Rocks market, browsing through jewelry, rocks, clothing, food, artifacts.. too much for me! The Shopaholic was awoken.. and all the things I liked were extremely expensive, think 1000AUD...
those huuuuge bracelets with opals and rings with red coral were amazing. Wish I could have been a millionaire and get you one each =)

Had a lovely Turkish snack, and practiced my language skills with the people working... they were impressed a white girl knew so much! And they made me think of the fisherman's family I met in the south of Turkey... nice time.

THEN I discovered the motherload: a fine wine shop, only selling local vineyards-family-owned wines...mmmm... and they have a wine bar next door with a Michelin star trained chef... definitely going back, and the lady was sooo helpful and nice. Her business partner is also Canadian, so she told me to come back and tell her about the wines she recommended. All I can say as I am drinking the First Drop (Sauvignon Blanc from Adelaide) is that she knows her stuff. Their wines are picked only by sommeliers. So told her I had found my second home. Definitely the type of business I'd like to own one day...

After that, visited the Royal Botanical Gardens... so beautiful and peaceful... and btw, what I thought were bats are actually not, even though they really look-sound-smell like the creepy animal. They are actually grey-headed flying foxes!!! See pic...hopefully you get to realize how MANY there were ...and juste everywhere... Weddings galore going on on this beautiful day- saw at least 5, and really loved one dress!

Now back home and resting before the Guys and Dolls musical tonight. Should be loads of fun- I know I have the perrrrrfect outfit for it!

XX

"There's only one way to succeed in anything and that is to give everything." - Vince Lombardi

Sydneysiding it

Well, well, yet another day in beautiful Australia. Now been in Sydney for two days.
First, sad news. No Asia for Carolyne. Things happened in business world making it no more likely that the trip can happen now- have to stay in Aussie. SO they gave me a choice, which I have to make by Tuesday next week: stay along, in Melbourne and to travel around, or go home, still having been here for a month. Still pending on what I should do...

BUT now, Thursday pm arrived in Sydney, took walks along the harbor, said hello to the bridge and Opera house, got my footing around town, marveled at the different fashion sense in this great city vs. Melbourne.. and as the hotel is in Central Business District (CBD), we are very central and a short walk away from everything.

Got back Thursday night, and had horrible sleep as the city workers decided to pick up recycling (bottles, glass, etc etc) at 2am, and THEN some drilling occurred at 5am, and some more at 7am. Woke up more tired than ever and angry- but went on to walk around the Royal Botanical Gardens where I saw parrots just hanging out on the grass, by the dozens, BATS during daytime just chatting away and hanging in trees by the hundreds, and then took a harbor cruise for 2 hours around beautiful city, with 30 degree weather! Couldn't ask for more, but no...wait,... went to the Opera in beautiful opera house at night, to enjoy Goethe's work of Werther. French sung, with English surtitles (which was quite weird and badly translated...missing key parts of what they were saying)- but that's when I understood what they indeed sung.

Still pondering about the setting of the opera in contemporary world with everyday clothes you and I would wear, when the work was originally written in 1774, during "Les Romantiques", and the décor matched that of a Paris from the 1900's. Anyway, quite enjoyable, ended the night at Sofitel with two dirty martinis, and enjoying the city air who was playing tricks on my dress (think a few Marilyn Monroes)....hihihi...

Last night, Thursday, the noise and banging was even worse, so we changed rooms in the morning, hoping it will make a difference to our quality of sleep. Let's hope so! Writing and working out, as it is rainy and gray, and will head to the zooooooooo tomorrow! YEY!

Miss you all, and who knows, may see you all soon.
X

"Energy is the essence of life. Every day you decide how you're going to use it by knowing what you want and what it takes to reach that goal, and by maintaining focus." - Oprah

Off to Sydney for 6 days

Ladies, gents,
I am so excited! Heading to Sydney tomorrow am... renting an apartment for the week, so full comfort and kitchen-washer-dryer... like a home away from home. Booking activities and scheduling time there now, thinking of having a nightly benefit at the Opera house, a koala encounter (finally!!!), go up the Sydney tower, have a harbor cruise and hop on the bridge (stairs on TOP of the bridge give you a beautiful city view... ), and so many other things. Feel that I will love the city and all it has to offer... Work will once again be minimal as he only has 3 appointments, so all the time in the world to enjoy...

Writing in the last few days, as well as planning Asian destinations- pending my assessment of the visa situation for mainland China (we may not be able to go as I was to get a visa in Canada, but will try the embassy in Sydney...who knows? I could then go visit PANDAS!!!!), but for sure Hong Kong & Macao, Tokyo, Singapore and (working on getting Phil to agree to New Zealand as I see lots of business opportunities for him).

So will keep you posted on the day-to-day, as usual, but thinking of you all in the -10 degree weather... Forecast for Sydney Thursday: 31... =)

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Back from Tassie land

Greetings from Caro..just back from one of the greenest (eco friendly) places on Earth! After arriving at Hobart airport, we made our way to the hotel... fantastic artsy, beautiful old jam factory which was restored to be an 11 bedroom art-historical-preservation boutique hotel. WOW. Hopefully the pictures will speak for themselves: art from all local Tasmanians is everywhere, there even is an art curator and a historian on staff 24-7...

Settled in, then went to peruse the harbor, which was right outside, and what do I see? The Steve Irwin boat, from the Sea Sheppard... Crazy activist group founded by the original founder of Greenpeace who split from the organization after conflicting views on how operations should be handled when fighting off the Japanese whalers in the South sea... There is a show on National Geographic called Whale Wars where they follow them, and let me assure you, if you've seen it, you understand. They ram whaler boats, they throw stinky bombs on deck, slippery substances on deck, board their deck illegally to deliver messages... At the sign up, the crew members who voluntarily accept the mission have to agree to the fact that the boat is under the dictatorship of the captain, it is not a democracy, and they are willing to put their lifes on the line for whales. Basically, depending on their operation, they could die... Impressive. Spoke to a girl who was on her first mission with them- they were docked in Tasmania for a few days before heading to the Galapagos. She was fully aware and willing to take the risks, and it was a great talk. So for all you animal lovers out there, that's a nice story!

After, had a typical seafood lunch at Mure's, the fisherman's basket with fish so fresh it melts in your mouth...mmmmmm... Then walked around in Hobart- capital city of the state (Tasmania), old world meets new. Quite a young place, as it's barely 200 years old, but still loads of history. Took a car up Mount Wellington, which overlooks the city and stands tall at 1270 meters above sea level !!! =) Did a few silly pictures, and then went back to hotel and off to Astor Grill, where the crooners and meat-oyster dinner brought a close to the day.

Friday I had all to myself as Phil was meeting with various government officials. Went on the Bruny Island Wildlife adventure... a mix of luxury catamaran ride with a million dollar jet boat 2 hour crazy ride amongst 165 million year old stones, seals of all colors (SO CUTE...but SO smelly), white-bellied eagles (there are only 220 in the world and I saw 3!!!) and then back on the catamaran for lunch with all local fabulous produce (oysters, patés, smoked salmon, vino....yummy!).



They gave us an hour to visit Peppermint Bay, where I made friends with a local jeweler who is also a miner, and bought a few stones and a new ring... Very productive day. Had a few calm moments on the beach with local fauna and collected seashells...for god knows what, and then back to the boat to head back to Hobart. The weather started off rainy and gray in the morning, but I enjoyed the windy upper deck back home, drenched in sunlight.

Went to dinner at Drunken Admiral's, which was good food... but I was so tired that headed to bed right away.




Sat am, walked to Salamanca market, open market where hundreds of merchants sell their jewelry, their food, etc etc... Smells, tastes...mmm.. and found AMAZING black cherries that I couldn't get enough of. Lunch - seafood chowder, and off to Richmond (Coal River valley) where I saw the oldest bridge in Australia (build by prisoners who were then pardoned after it was completed, in 1823, and became settlers) and the oldest Roman Catholic church in Australia as well. Beautiful little place, with amazing wineries.

Now back in Melbourne, uploading pictures, trying to give life to Luz again...
More to come tomorrow!

X

Melbourne by day, when sunny... gorgeous!

L'oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival today was quite uneventful. The fashions were inspired by Where's Wally? so you can only imagine the clothing that was presented. Not nice...

And yes... this post means I have received the cable.. today... thanks mummy!


But THEN, walked around on Collins St where they have all the high end shops... so spent a bit of time with Giorgio, Louis, Salvatore, Ralph, etc. And then had lunch at Oyster on Burke. Fantastic, also part of the Melbourne Food festival... yummy...

Then walked the streets and found some cute vintage clothing, that I'm bringing down with me to Tassie. Leaving at 7am tomorrow (Thursday) and heading to the Henry James Art Hotel... Google it, you'll understand ;)

And I am sooooooo tired and about to go to bed.
3 days in Tasmania, back here for 3, then heading to Sydney for a week.


And yes, I promise to add pics and videos to all other posts as soon as possible =)

Gray Tuesday morning, sunny afternoon.... Good sunny day tomorrow!!!!

Soooo. Tuesday isn't always the most productive day. Well, I can say it was for me. Woke up quite late after writing last night, but since Phil had a meeting with his lawyers, was able to do so without shame =).. Then had a sushi breakfast, coffee and more planning for Asia. Which may now be pushed back a week as we may have to head to Sydney right after Tasmania. I am not complaining at ALL but a girl needs to know... packing purposes only...hihihi... am I leaving for 3 days in Tassie or 1 week Tassie-Sydney... If so, I'd need to bring nicer clothing as Sydney needs to have Kiki style all over it...=)

Otherwise, went to first event of Melbourne Fashion week.. very cool... Lili designer from which I want to get everything (Lili is a free spirit, vivacious, bringing style and confidence to her daywear, office attire and evening wear. Lili consistently produces collections that are fresh, new and exciting allowing you to take key trends and make them your own.) .. Wait, the shopaholic in me is talking. And we browsed a few shops (which I never do, being the crazy shopper that I am...) in the fashion district and WOW... fell in love with so many things. Could try to rationalize it by saying my dollar is 1.20 VS. theirs... but... ahhhh.... Someone hold me down. Love the fashion here! Heading back tomorrow for a second show and lunch, but that may not be so good for my credit card as... the shops that interest me are still right around the corner...

Again, writing, so Luz is definitely working hard at being ready for her Canadian return end of May...

Supposed to be 25 and ALL sunny tomorrow... YEY... missing the morning writing outside!

Kisses

" Carrie: Honey, if it hurts so much, why are we going shopping?

Samantha: I have a broken toe, not a broken spirit. " _ Sex and the City quotes

Monday... back in the grind of things

After such a rough weekend ;), one needs to saddle up for the week. And that I did today. Itineraries planning, bookings for Asia trip which is finally happening for 1st week of April...and possibly for 3 weeks. Also putting the finishing touches on the Tasmania trip - heading there March 19-21..SO exciting, they say it's the freshest and purest air in the world, as per environmentalists. One day Phil has meetings where I am not required, so Friday, I am embarking on a full day WILDLIFE adventure cruise on a luxury yacht... a little present from me to me... =). We get to see dolphins, whales, seals... up close in a speedboat and then I go back on huge catamaran. All on my own, like a big girl...Can't wait.

Writing again, very prolific. Luz is coming to life down here! I can only imagine what will happen in Tassie... Well, good Monday to you all...
X

"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." - John Wooden

Sunday movies... in amazing Aussie style!

They say Sunday is the day God rested. Well, it is the day Carolyne rested as well. Having gone to bed at 6am after writing and speaking to mum and sis, was exhausted. Woke up at 11, to then go back to bed until 1pm. Decided working out would be the best way to start the day as I'd had LOTS of dee-lish Greek pastries (+ ham and cheese croissant ...I know, I'm bad...) at Sat brunch, and ate the Pavlova (a HIGH sugar cake that Phil made... very good but oh-so-sugar-rush...).

Then went to brunch and read papers, before heading to Ste.Theresa's church for 5pm mass. I am really loving this hour of calm on Sundays... the priest made a very interesting point about religion. He said nowadays, people are SOULed out. That their heart and souls are not connecting. I had to grab my notepad and jot it down while he was saying it- he was so contemporary in his approach to religion and how people should start reconnecting themselves to their core, their heart... Beautiful.

Then went on to the BEST movie experience I've had in my life. I had previously mentioned they can drink wine at the movies.. Well we went to the Director's suite, a room that holds 27 seats Lay-z-boy style, where you order your food and drinks that they bring to you at your request throughout the movie. Very red carpet, VIP treatment. Saw Confessions of a Shopaholic (perrrrfect movie for the room..sorry girls =)...), which I laughed and cried at. But we also had a sparkling wine bottle and dips with Turkish bread... AT THE MOVIES!

Loved every second of this too-good-to-be-true movie time. Made me feel like we were at the director's house watching the final cut.... I must export this type of experience back home.

Now attempting to give life to Luz on paper once again, as she attempts to seduce her married client...

Nighty night everyone... X

Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started.- Proverb

Do you reckon, mate?

Greetings from a very happy Geelong Cats fan... my footy team won. Got a cap with a cute cat on it to support the team (and guess why I picked them versus the stupid Collingwood Magpies) and they won 127-51... SQUASHED them.

So the Aussies have a sport of their own, which combines American football footwork, European soccer kicking and NBA dribbling with the ball that kinda looks like a football, almost is a rugby ball and bounces like a soccer ball. And the boys wear short shorts! I thought the pictures weren't doing them justice, that they would be longer, but NOOOOOO. They really are short! Took so many pictures for you all that the camera battery died....LOL

Their beer comes in 3 choices: light, midstrenght and hard. All for 6 AUD, which is roughly 5 CAD. SO cheap. To drink. At sporting events. Ok, may have had a few. AND they have mixed drinks that come out of a CAN: rum and coke, vodka orange, etc etc. I'm really down under and finding the things of everyday life extremely funny.

Was sitting second row from the field, so close to the players we could almost smell their sweat. Yummy... and by the way girls, the legs weren't that hairy. Pics to come to support Aussie theory =). After warm up, they decided it would be a smart idea to remove the safety net shielding me from killer balls coming at me full speed. O MI GOD. I turned to Phil and said "Are you KIDDING me? I am going to die". Which we almost did. 3 times. But the neighbours and supporters were too happy and enthoused and shielded me.

And I took an instant fancy to no.8, Josh Hunt... yummy... who then tore a ligament (or maybe has a broken leg) after the first quarter. How stupid of him...LOL... but got a few good shots at first. They say he may be out for the season. If anyone remembers far enough, my Lewis Hamilton encounter (which ended up with him crashing into Raikonnen), this could all be MY fault. I hope I never marry a footballer...hihihi

SO for all of you still wondering what the title of the post means, it's what the guys in the back of me kept saying... all the while commentating on EACH play with "oh beautiful pass... look at that mate, perfection".... Ahhhh. So, the title means "do you think so, dude?".... SO WHY can't they just say it like that??????

Kisses to you all on this no longer Friday the 13th here... hope yours is as fun as mine. Oh, and also took the train for the first time. Sandy, think AMT in Aussie... SAME thing, even the delays...

“People travel to faraway places to watch, in fascination, the kind of people they ignore at home.” - Dagobert D. Runes

Art Food Wine Water.. and repeat

Isssssh. That was a tough night. Just barely woke up at noon, and missed out on this gorgeous day. But the food last night was fabulous. Benefit @ Mirka in Torlano (Mirka Mora is a very famous local artist from the 60's and her art covers the walls there- pics to come) for well-known contemporary artists (Kate Daw- does weird things on napkins and calls it her ode to the restaurant experience...) and to celebrate the great food of restaurateur Guy Grossi. Scallop raviolis, lamb shacks, mmmm... dessert to die for which I can't remember...hihihi....

And very interesting conversation with a member of the Victoria gov. who ended up sitting next to me and who, funny enough, I had pointed out to Phil at the beginning of the night as someone he should talk to. And he out of 100 people ends up next to me. And I worked the charm and they talked. Turns out he's the Innovation minister, so would be interested in the product USB for problem gamblers which is locally-made, AND he's also responsible for funding Melbourne Fashion week so may get me impossible to get tickets... YEY. All in all, a very productive night. But oh so not productive morning. And I somehow ended up chatting on FB until 4-5am, trying to write some pages of Luz... but couldn't see straight anymore (as La GAGA sings it...)...

And here I am Thursday afternoon, settling in to write. For real this time. Luz is up to her regular mischief, and I feel particularly mischievous...

Ohhhh one last thing, the book Exuberance speaks of Winston Churchill and how he was passionnate about everything in his life. And I will now pick up his biography as he's a very interesting character and also a key man in the history of the USA. But funny thing is, I get daily quotes on my IGoogle page, and look what and who popped up last night.

"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice;it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." - Winston Churchill

Tuesday in writer's paradise

I brought a book along with me that I bought with Audrey before leaving (just because it had a pretty title EXUBERANCE and it was on sale), and it turns out to be another coincidence of the universe. This book is amazing. It's subtitle: the passion for life. It somehow speaks of themes I use in my book, and gives me all kinds of scientific background info on people around the globe who lived for passion and what they accomplished. It's perfect. So that's what I'm all about- exuberance.

Staying home today, writing and reading, working very little, which is just the perfect thing I could have asked for. Went to Healsville Animal Sanctuary yesterday, where I saw all of Australia's local animals: rock-wallaby that I cuddled up to, koalas!!!!!! SO CUTE, Tasmanian Devils, wombats, kangaroos, only to name a few. Was a kid again for a day- but does that surprise you?

This place is also where they have the animal hospital, nursing the wounded animals from the recent bush fires in Australia that we all heard about. Some are still burning, but so many poor animals got hurt in the process. The name, HEALsville, is the actual city name. Beautiful coincidence again, as they are helping them in taking care of them. I LOVE IT here.

A few little funnies...
I saw a John Dear truck on the road, not in the outback, but in the city. Bienvenue à Ste-Clotide, Melbourne style...hihihi

The ads here are so different. I'll take pics and post them. You'll understand what I mean.

It's almost full moon and looking at it last night, I noticed the moon has a face here. It smiles. Supposedly normal, but for a Northern hemisphere gal, it is surprising. Phil said that's why they coined the "Man on the moon" phrase.

I sit out on the balcony every day and people just wave and say hello, happy that I am enjoying the 25 degree whether with sun. Seems to be a rare sight. Or they're wondering why I'm not in school-office or working!! Hihihi

Going to another benefit tomorrow night, where contemporary art, food, wine and a soprano accompanied by a piano are featured. Can't wait. Today is chill day as the Spice merchants of Maghreb stint was canceled. So will cook my seafood linguine and drink local wine, which I am simply loving. Lots of French vineyards and winemakers are established here. Driving through it yesterday, felt like I was in Nappa Valley. Ahhhhhhh, the hard life.

Kisses

“Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.” - Paul Theroux

An interesting week to come

YEY. I go see the koalas today, Monday... again =). Didn't get to hold them as it is illegal in the state I am in (Victoria.. go figure!) but heading to Queensland soon so there, as it is legal, will do it 3 times as much! The koalas will get some lovin'...hihihi

Church was replenishing and extremely beautiful. Full choir, amazing. Had communion for the first time in a really long time, and I think it did me good. But is it only valid in the Southern Hemisphere? LOL

Saw The Reader afterward, which was just as good as predicted. Fantastic cast, and she deserves her Oscar. Go see it, if you don't want to be singing the Hugh Jackman tune "the Reader, I haven't seen the Reader..."...but sooooo funny...

Full week ahead. Lots of Food & Wine festival activities planned. Monday night Magreb dinner with goodie bag, Thrift-shop browsing Tuesday (Ariane, friperie...=)...., the sushi and wine at the Melbourne Aquarium Wednesday, then I forget... there's so much planned. I LOVE IT!

Kisses to you Canadians that I miss...

"Enthusiasm spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment." - Norman Vincent Peale
(Et Ariane, désolée mais pas de citations en français... peut-être à ta fête, pour te faire plaisir!)

Symphonies, food and wine, and plans

Saturday night, just back from a fabulous afternoon with Mahler's Symphony no.2- Ressurection. Very intense. 120 strong ensemble of musicians, 85 chorists, and 2 sopranos. The only word to describe it is majestic. I feel reborn and ready to attack Melbourne full on =).

Work is very sparse and enjoyable, have loads of time to write and plan away all the activities I want to take part in... Very accommodating, my boss wants me to have the best experience possible of the city before we leave for Asia so anything goes, basically. Can't complain... Perfect.

Missing my chicas, the family and my little babies... Heading to church tomorrow morning, to get a feel of the Australian way of life. Should be fun, followed by some shopping and afternoon tea, and maybe a dinner. It's a day of rest tomorrow, and a long weekend as Monday is Labour Day here, so long weekend.

Visited the Royal Casino... the hotel part of it was extremely Las Vegas, down to the fountains coordinated to a music show. So checked off my list. Don't need to go there now... not that I had any intentions.

Everything is new and very stimulating. And yes, the toilet does flush counterclockwise... Will bring proof home!

Melbourne time!!! Your time + 15 hours.. so always a day ahead

Greetings from the land down under!
I made it, safe and sound, after quite a turbulent flight. 4 hours in, felt the motion sickness kicking in but thanks to the lovely Qantas stewardess and her medicine, fell asleep and woke up with only 3 hours left. YEY. Thank God for her.
Arrived safely after my luggage exploded (yes, once again) and the sniffing dog at the airport fell in love with my suitcase and sniffed it for about 15 minutes. I think he was a puppy in training because the lady just brushed it off, saying he was smelling other cats and dogs, Puce, Poops and maybe Gaetan =)...
Met Phil, settled in to the apartment, drank some vino, and lasted about 8pm, when Ghost Whisperer couldn't hold my attention anymore. Slept 11 hours, and woke up this morning at 8, feeling refreshed and happy to finally be here. Only have been talking about it for the past 2 months!

Heading to the Melbourne zoo today... to get my animal fix =)
And it's like it was meant to be as this month, it is
a) Melbourne's Food and Wine festival
b) Melbourne's Fashion week.

What else can a girl ask for??????

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.- Henry David Thoreau

Whirlwind... about to embark on fabulous journey!

I found this to be very interesting, now that I am 24 hours away from leaving for 3 months and visit foreign and exotic locations... leaving at the drop of a hat, my Canadian life, to go work and stimulate my creative spirit to finish Luzisphère.

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go where there is no path and leave a trail!!

Twelve Qualities Trail Blazers have in common

1. They have confidence in themselves

2. They have a very strong sense of purpose

3. They never have excuses for not doing something

4. They never consider the idea of failing

5. They always try their hardest for perfection

6. They work extremely hard towards their goals

7. They know who they are

8. They understand their challenges as well as their strong points

9. They can accept and benefit from criticism

10. They know when to defend what they are doing

11. They are creative

12. They are not afraid to be a little different in finding innovative solutions that will enable them to achieve their dreams

I will keep this blog updated, should my daily experiences prove worthy to be shared. I am so excited and will miss everyone, but feel this move will open up a whole new world (literally) to me and unlock my destiny.

"Success never comes to the chosen few, but the few who choose. These can be the worst of times; these can be the best of times. You get to choose"

Pushing through

As much as I try, sometimes inspiration doesn't come. On command does not apply in the task at hand, and it makes it hard to keep going. Writing is like disrobing your soul, your heart, and laying it down on paper as accurately as possible for the world to read.

With this project, I am after not only success, but the pursuit of a dream of mine, and its realization. My top priority is, as I mentioned, to live for my passion to write. That's why I work tirelessly every day, developing my character's life, intellect and emotional life - Luz has become a part of me. And I feel I am close to my end goal.

"Success doesn't come to you, you go to it." - Marva Collins

Passions through fog

When you are sick, worried or bothered, it seems tougher to keep your eye on the bigger picture. Your end-goal becomes fuzzier, less visible, and it's easy to let it go. What proves ones strenght and willpower is the capacity to keep charging towards their passion, whatever adversity they may face.

Yey Obama! He is the perfect example of someone who overcame whatever obstacles stood in his way and kept his eye on the bigger picture, on his final goal, on his dream. He is now a role model for me, of perseverance, strength and passion.

And funny enough, but his 'we are one' finds resonance in this yoga kriya ' we are one as we are held in the invisible divine'. Namaste.

"For every failure, there's an alternative course of action. You just have to find it. When you
come to a roadblock, take a detour." - Mary Kay Ash

Bravo's Top Chef obsessed

It's not funny. I am so obsessed with this show, and I must admit that this season, the cheftestants are amazing. The Italian Fabio is my favooooorite- he has these amazing one-liners and cooks great refined hearty foods. Some of my favorites are about Jamie:

For Christs*****, it's Top Chef, not Top Scallops. The only thing she ever cooks is scallops!

In my country, they say it’s not how many dragons you kill; it’s who takes home the princess—and I go for princess.

Enough said. Anyways, it is clear that I loooooove this show. I get into screaming fits when it's on, begging the judges to let Carla the alien go home, or the annoying Josea who looks like a lost puppy in the kitchen. But the BEST new twist of this season is the new judge, Tobey Young- he rocks. His passion for food is clear, but his one liners are priceless.

"The U.N. weapons inspectors were looking in the wrong place in the run up to the Iraq war. Because I have found the weapons of mass destruction, and they are in this bowl."

"I think it tasted like cat food."

"It was like Tom Cruise's cameo in Tropic Thunder. An unexpected treat."

"It was the bland leading the bland."

Can't wait for next week's episode... restaurant Wars!!