Monday, October 27, 2008

The Twelve Apostles - Australia




The Place: The Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park along the Great Ocean road, Victoria.

Great Ocean Road - Australia




The Place: On a journey in Victoria to see the 12 apostles, we took a road trip along the Great Ocean Road taking us from Geelong just outside Melbourne to Port Campbell National Park where we decided to turn around after seeing the 12 Apostles.
Some features: Stopped at a surfer town Torquay for a barbeque on the beach. Later I tried surfing some waves on a stand-up paddle board which was good fun. Popped down to the famous Bells beach, drove through to Lorne and Apollo Bay. The drive and the small towns along the way are all beautiful with an ocean alongside as turquoise as the picture above shows. Turned around after seeing the 12 Apostles featured above.

Byron Bay - Australia






The Place: On the coast of New South Wales, nearing the border to Queensland, Byron Bay is a super chilled out surfing town.
Some features: Stayed in a cool backpackers called the Arts Factory which has numerous types of accomodation including teepee's and island retreats (canvas shelters with platforms overlooking a small lake). We were lucky enough to be there over whale watching season and were able to spot about five or six whales, two being mother and calf, as well as two dolphins making their way along the coastline. Cruised around town on hired bikes and found more beaches to visit. Went surfing at cosy corner on Tallow beach. Took wine, cheese and biscuits down to the beach for sundowners.

The Races - Melbourne



The Event: Attended the Caulfield Cup for a day at the races. Lots of sun, big hats, beautiful people, champaigne and of course horses. Tried my hand at betting and was lucky enough to win on Mimi Lebrock who came first in the Group Two Tristarc Stakes, my only bet for the day - pity it was only $5.

Melbourne - Australia



The Place: Down under in the state of Victoria, Melbourne is a funky city loaded with sport, art, and architecture.
Some features: Took a tram down to federation square to have a look at the city which features buildings and bridges of all shapes and sizes, old and modern in design. Looking down alleyways you can discover original and interesting cafe's and bars. Got a view of the city and Yarra river from the 88th floor of the Eureka tower, which features the highest viewing platform in the southern hemisphere and 10 floors of 24 carat gold plated glass windows making the golden block which can be seen in the photo above. From the platform you can see Melbourne's many sporting grounds including the Australian Open tennis grounds, the MCG, and Flemington race course.

Friday, October 10, 2008

The Great Gorilla Run - London






The event: Competed in a team of six (guys from work) in the great gorilla run in London. The 7km run is geared as a fundraising event for the mountain gorillas in Africa and this year saw 633 gorilla clad individuals (in fancy dress) taking part.
Some features: Was a real laugh, especially watching bypassers' reactions as you run passed them in the street. We crossed London, Southwark, Tower and Black Friar's bridge so was also quite a scenic tour of London. Best dressed gorilla went to a gorilla in a kissing booth costume but aside from that there were ballerina tutu's, mankini's and village people costumes to name a few. We were dressed as cowboy's (thats me in the black hat). I don't think I've sweated as much in my life, but good fun!