Hello...Wow, this initiative is as good as gold at perfect time of year!! Hooroo to all involved. Too bad though that I only came across this wonderful opportunity just today though its one of those days that I wished I was a Master, sadly, I'm DQ'd but nevertheless... sharing my OZ experience.
Quite rightly, Australia has given me an "OZum" experience each time....back in the 90's I was a Flight attendant for Philippine Airlines and one of my favorite destinations was your country...I always took the Sydney flights despite being a red-eye flight out of Manila for the simple reason that I enjoyed Sydney its folk , food and friends. We'd be at the Novotel by the beach and it was just great around that area....a list of highlights...
>mouth-watering Fish and Chips anytime
>Sundays with my Archie Reid, a good friend who works as the Novotel Shuttle driver who would take me to Swap Meats and enjoy Crown lagers or Tooheys at his home BBQ where we'd grill steaks and Lambchops from the G reek butcher.
>Walked and toured by myself to buy a Hard Rock Sydney shirt which I still have, though quite faded now...enjoyed the Sydney Harbor cruise alone....and since there were no selfies yet back then...Aussies would always be glad to snap a shot upon request.
>had to check out King's Cross..:-) had fun watching..LOL.
>Still have my black BlundStones which I got for 75 AU$ back then... wanting to get a brown pair soon...they sure have a great story from the railroad tracks till today...tough shoe to wear out...but always easy to walk on.
>Tarongga was always a treat!!
>Been years since Ive eaten Vegemite over Soda Crackers and i kind of miss it now...
> One sad day in Nov 97 was when INXS's Michael Hutchence called it a day at the Hilton... was and still a big INXS fan..."I need you tonight" is playing as I type
>I wont forget the helplessness i felt watching the Huge Fire from my room balcony at the Novotel... and the smoke we could smell from that far... incredible that they said it lasted for months.
On a personal vacation in 98, i went with my wife to Cairns and had a wonderful time at the Great Barrier reef...one of my bucket list.
Hope to return someday when I have the chance.
Cheers Mates,
Sanitago124
P.S. One of my fave DJ's is R.U.F.U.S....and a Grand Prix at Albert park is on my checklist.
Wishing you all Happy Holidays... translated below..:-)
"Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!!