Australia
Coke by the Numbers
In 2011, Coke started selling bottles with common first names printed on the labels. The marketing worked and I saw numerous friends on Facebook posting about buying the bottle carrying their name. It was undeniably fun.
Flowering Jacarandas
Our visit to Sydney coincided perfectly with the flowering of the Jacaranda trees. For most of the year, these trees blend into the surrounding greenery, but for a few weeks each spring they are crowned in purple flowers.
Ferry to Bundeena
We joined Megan’s grandparents for a ferry ride from Cronulla to Bundeena. The ferry we took was called “M.V. Curranulla”. The operators claim this ferry to be the oldest commuter ferry in Australia working to a regular timetable.
Australian Ants
Australia’s reputation for large insects and dangerous animals is well known. In daily life encountering the nastier creatures however is unlikely. What does surprise me is the size of the more mundane animals.
Town Hall Lights
I had a few minutes to spare outside Sydney’s Town Hall. The main door was open and I took the opportunity to venture inside with my camera in hand.
Sudden Hail
We were not long in the Hyde Park before a rumble of thunder suggested we move on. Within a few moments of reaching shelter a hail storm begun. The hail was dense and soaked those caught within its reach.
Australian Art
There is something delightful about someone’s name matching the way they spend their time. Art Dereka is an Australian artist and a mother of a friend. She is dipping her toe into the online world and has started a web site.
Wattle at the Market
Most mornings, a market sets up along the Saône River. The market hosts an array of fresh produce, and right at one end there is a flower stall. I was quite surprised to see buckets of what appear to be wattle at the flower stall this week.
Tim Tams in France
The world is getting smaller. Australia’s Tim Tam chocolate biscuits are available in Monoprix, France.
Early Mornings in the City
One of my favourite times to be out and about in a large city is the early morning, as the city slowly comes to life, and before the usual mass of people arrive.