Saturday 1st September 2018 - First Day of Spring Activities

Today sure was the first day of Spring with a warm 21 degrees C although it did not feel that warm but the sun was out.

First to my regular Beginner Jazz class @ SDC. Louie George  repeated last week's routine to Lady Marmalade - that's not like him to repeat a routine but it was fun and he did refine it.

It took me longer to get to class then usual with roads blocked off for the Chatswood Spring Fair. I met an elderly lady on the way who I've seen around on the bus at Chatswood. She spoke very little English and I could only understand about 50% of what she was saying to me in Chinese as she kept switching from Cantonese to Mandarin and I only speak Cantonese but I managed to have a conversation with her and find out a little  about her. We both got off at Chatswood station and onto a train to Central Station then parted ways. On our train trip into the city we admired a mum and her cheeky but cute toddler. When I asked the mum where she was off to today with her toddler she said she was off to meet up with some of her toddlers friends and she asked me where we  ( meaning the elderly lady and I) were off to, I had to inform her that I was off to my dance class but actually didn't know the elderly lady  and that I had just met her on the bus and didn't actually understand all of what she said due to her language. I did find out that the elderly lady was off to Auburn to do some Asian grocery shopping.

I made sure she got across the Chatswood roads safely. Such a hassle getting to Chatswood Station this morning hence I left extra early after washing my fathers dishes and making him a cake and some braised pork ribs.

A quick shower after my dance class today before heading to Balmoral Beach for a swim. The Bathers Pavillion was full as everyone was out and about for lunch either for fathers day or because it is a beautiful Spring day forcast to change into rain tomorrow though.

It is a very long wait for any North bound buses to/from Chatswood hence I am late for everything I planned to do today. I only reached Balmoral Beach around 1.20 pm and class finished at 11.30 am. I only arrived at my 10.00 am dance class this morning at 9.45 am - just enough time to check in.

I am still waiting for a bus from Balmoral back to Chatswood and the Spring Fair will be well and truely over by the time I arrive. Public transport is so unreliable in Sydney. Yep it took almost 2 hours from Balmoral Beach to Chatswood including wait time. By the time I finally arrived at Chatswood Station all the stalls and activities at Chatswood Fair had packed up at 4 pm so I didn't get to see anything so just took some quick random photos below.

A quick hot shower at Balmoral Beach and I was so hungry I ate a meat pie from The Bathers Pavillion Kiosk- never again!!! That was the most disgusting $6.50 meat pie I have ever eaten. I don't usually eat meat pies but had no choice at the kiosk - not much left. It was so dried out I could not even identify the meat. Yuk and it had no flavour - it could have been any type of meat. Straight to the pigeons - in the bin at least!

At the I was fascinated by a single black duck simming and diving in and out of the water with the waves. It came quite close to me in the water a few times- wish I had my camera then.

photo below

yep that black speck is a diving duck and not Loch Ness or a shark!

Back at Chatswood a proper meal from my from my favourite Japanese food concession of grilled salmon don with a sprinkle of chilli powder.

photo below

So tired - end of my Saturday. Another event tomorrow!

Thursday 30th August 2018 - Another Blogging Milestone

I had estimated that I would reach 15000 readers by the end of this year but am a little surprised that this milestone has now been surpassed.

Thanks again to all my readers out there around the world.

If the stats are correct the US and France are still battling it out as the top 2 countries with the highest number of readers of my blog. Third spot varies from week to week now and is no longer Australians who are now  way down the list.

I would like to know where the increasing number of readers are from what is classified as an "unknown region" are from.

I hope they are sailing around the world using satellite and not from terrorist territories using my innocent blog site as a secret weapon for destruction  or corruption. I will make it quite clear I do not want to get involved and if I suspect anyone trying to use my blog for purposes other then to inform and recommend events attractions and places of interests to tourists that I will report them to the appropriate authorities.

I hope people will continue to read my blogs. Thanks again.

Saturday 25th August 2018 - Finally SDC Moves To Their New Ultimo Dance Studios

On to some more exciting news - Louie George's 1st Saturday Beginner Jazz Class @ SDC's brand new custom built dance studios @ Ultimo!

Today marks the end of an era and a new beginning for Sydney Dance Company @ the Wharf precinct. Although only temporary for 2 years , Ultimo will be the temporary home to the dance company until vital refurbishments are completed to the Wharf precinct.

I had a little trouble finding the studios but I looked for the petrol station on Wattle Street that Louie told us about. Found but to get to class now is 2 buses M40 to Town Hall transferring onto an M30 to Broadway and  10 minute walk to the dance studio building.

Upon arrival I saw my regular classmates and checked out the new facilities. There were heaps of giveaways - packets of almonds suishy glow rings and of course draw string SDC bags with a leotard and leg warmers or little hot pants and scarves as well as vouchers and discounts inside them ( no free class tickets though!) The size of the leotard received was random but you could swap for one your size later. I originally received a teal coloured one which was a large but swaped it for a more plain steel blue medium. I asked a male classmate what he got in his goodie bag - he had not looked properly he said he got arm warmers but did he get a leotard? I hope they had some male mystery black drawstring giveaway SDC bags too!

The studios are quite large compared to the ones at the wharf precinct however there is only 3 of them and what's with the barres? Everyone is complaining they are all too high - I have to stand on tippy toe to get my leg on them! Wall to wall mirrors at the front of the studios no windows heaps of cubby holes of various sizes for your stuff which we didn't have at the old studios a new sound system (a little too loud for my liking) central heating ( no more freezing studios and tugging and struggling to turn old gas heaters on  during each class) huge ceiling fans ( no more boiling in Summer) really bright led lighting ( a little too bright for my liking) and a flat screen for videos and information such as displaying dance class schedules.

There are 2 sets of female and 2 sets of male toilets and showers as well as a disabled  toilet. The change rooms are smaller and one hs 1 shower the other has 2. There are benches and lockers inside them as well although lockers are not for open dance class students to use just the professional and company dancers to use.

We didn't take any group photos or video the routine today - someone outside the studio doors tried to and Louie signal them to stop but they still continued for a while misunderstand what he was trying tell them.

I took a few photos of studio 3 we were in and of the exterior of the building . There was media present and will be all opening weekend.

photos attached.

SDC @ Ultimo exterior - there's the petrol station next door 

Reception area hallway to the 3 studios

Inside studio 3 before class started 

Cubby holes for your stuff!

Another new Louie George routine today to the class's choice Lady Marmalade. New dance studios rating : 8/10 Need time to get used to 3 larger studios and adjusted dance class timetable. iron out teething problems with changeroom/toliet situation etc.

After dance class a shower at the new dance studios and then a walk around the corner to Broadway shopping Centre for some lunch. So much choice - I think this may be a regular stop now if I decide not to go for a swim afterwards at Balmoral Beach. No swim today as it was a little cold and wet.

I didn't feel so well this morning on my way to dance class - serves me right for eating cheese!

Next stop after lunch whilst blogging and paying some bills online and a quick shop to pick up some things, was a bus back to Market City to pick up a few things before boarding the light rail back to Central Station where I found out there were no trains to and from Chatswood therefore had to catch a train back to Town Hall to transfer onto an M40 bus home. End of another day which started at 5 am.

I can sleep in tomorrow but not for long. Always omething to do or go to!

Next weekend another exciting Saturday. So stay tuned!

Friday 24th August 2018 - Another F**king New Prime Minister!

I've lost count - In the last 10 years how many new prime ministers has Australia had now? Can someone please tell me? Is our government insane!!! ( notice I am only using lower case for any proper nouns used - that's because they are not important enough to me to be proper nouns!)

It started off a few days ago - another leadership challenge. I get a phone call from the AEC (Australian Electoral Commission) - what for I was wondering? They asked me a few questions - Did you apply to work at the elections? Can't remember maybe for the last by elections which were not applicable in NSW. Aparently I did back in May this year. Could you please update your employment profile online ie fitness to work, references, availability etc. Sure but not right now as I returned the call during my work hours. ( 3 days later after the leadership challenge is over still haven't  done it yet). Are we having an election? We don't know yet - really? Surely the AEC owns a crystal ball!

OK I have done so now but not without problems saving my updates.

All I can think of is Please don't let Peter Dutton become our new pm and more importantly please don't have a by election for Wentworth - this will happen if our former pm Malcolm Turnbull resigns from politics leaving his seat vacant for another member of parliament. I don't particularly want to vote again (voting is compulsory in Australia refer my last rant about the last elections we had in my previous blog) and I don't think I will be available to work with my busy schedule if an offer of employment is received.

I can't figure out which country is worse off USA or Australia. It is now not just a 3 candidate race in Australia to become the next pm but a 3 country race with the UK's PM also under threat joining  Australia and the US -  So which country is the worst off with their current government?

Again who cares or as Kate from Woolworths says "Who cares a s***!"

Why can't  we be like France - socialist with the only voting options you like this person or you don't like this person or let's just be like Canada. Even better how about requesting Justin Trudeau to be our PM! That should solve everything!

Remember when the If Trump is elected Canada would open their arms to all Americans to came and live there? Not! or the Canadian dating site matching Canadian and Americans. Maybe this is the immigration solution - with every new leadership challenge Australia has,  NZ would open their arms for all Australians to go and live there! I love you Jacinta!

Scott Morrison - who is he anyway ? - who cares!!!!! Wait he is a Christian but not just any Christian - what's that cult following similar to Hill Song that draws the masses and holds services not in a traditional church but in huge auditorium called? Yes one of those - not Armish not Scientogolgist not even Mormon - Pentecostal  yes that one! That would mean that Scott Morrison would be against same sex marriage wouldn't it? Would that mean there is a possibility to revert this legislation just passed? I read that his religious "connections" would not be involved in his political "dealings" -  impossible - just look at Peter Dutton's education "connections" which are currently subsidized by government funding - do politicians not understand the meaning of "CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS" - yes plural not singular!

Let's see how long he lasts as pm before someone decides to boot him out - I see  few possibilities - Julia Bishop and Peter Dutton at a second attempt - after all Scott Morisson did invite him to be one of his side kicks - or is that s***  kicker - sorry Peter Dutton the position of deputy pm has already been filled but thanks for yor application and I wish you luck for the future - now you know how Malcolm feels! Julia Bishop was also invited back but is considering her options and it looks like she will retain her foreign minister position - and as mentioned on a news program - why not? travelling the world to escape all the chaos happening back in parliament.
Post Script - I was right about Peter Dutton - he may have been invited back by Scott Morrison to what is his ministry call again?  " Homeland Affairs?" but his has had his wings clipped so S*** Kicker he is. Now what about finance minister Matthias Cormann I thought he should have had a go at the pm position NOT! What a little traitor! Trust no-one in politics!

If only photos could tell this story! Scott Morrison hopefully not Scott Moron!

Best 2 stories to come out of this leadership challenge - Will the real Peter Dutton please step forward ? Yes the other Peter Dutton from the US who sells Soul Pop available on Amazon.

AND

Forget about Malcolm Turnbull ex pm and grandpa being the centre of attention - his grand kids stole the show and his lime light!

One final politically incorrect comment if HK is not China then Australia is not Parliament (or Canberra) - do not even think of China running Australia or making Australia a communist country.

Disclaimer on any incorrect information I have published. Information was correct at the time I wrote this blog but more and more worms have come out of the political woodwork since.

Sunday 19th August 2018 - Sweet Expo & Sydney Vegan Markets @ EQ

The day has finally arrived to attend the Sweet Expo 2018 at its new venue The Hall of Industries @ EQ.

I haven't check the feedback yet on how it went on its first day and I hope the $21 I paid as an entry fee is worth it.

Will report back later. New crowd new venue.

Still no exhibitors list on website so obviously they haven't listened to feedback from last years show and no floor plan. Tickets are now $24 earlybird adult ticket with sales ending in about half an hour ie looks like when the show opens at 9 am this morning- after that it increases to $29 for a general admission adult ticket.

I think I may have jumped the gun in a previous blog of mine when I mentioned Cake Decorating Solutions was an exhibitor at this show. There is no mention of them on the Sweet Expo website when I looked this morning. Post Script : they were present along with The Red Spoon.

It is now 8.30 am and I really don't want to go but it is a really nice sunny day today so I will force myself to get up and go. There is no mention of what time the show opens or closes so I assume 9 am to about 4 pm.

Stay tuned......


Such a hike to get to EQ. First the the M40 bus to Bondi Junction interchange (which was running late) then a run to the bus stand opposite and straight onto the 355 bus with not a minute to spare to EQ. If I missed that bus it would have to be a 30 minute walk or taxi. The 355 does not run very often about every hour or so on weekends.

I finally arrived at EQ around 11.45 am and l left the Sweet Expo around 2.30 pm. By 2 pm quite a few products had sold out completely. So I could not get any of the items I wanted such as  double tipped black edible marker, flavoured pop corn, mini squeeze bottles etc.

Most of my time was watching the free demonstrations on how to decorate cookies with royal icing, how to ganache a cake or how to use an airbrush without much effort artisticaly. As well as taking photos of the expo.

I only spent $18 on rosemary, gingerbread and chocolate flavoured CRACKLE pop corn. I wanted to purchase 4 packs of flavoured popcorn for $20  but stuck with 3 packets for $6 a packet as there was no 4th flavour available. No cakes or biscuits purchased as most contained loads of dairy products. There was only 1 chocolate stand selling rather expensive bespoke chocolate bars for $16  a block. I love a Golden Gaytime but not for $26 a pop!

These were the only 3 flavours available on Sunday. All other flavours which included the salted caramel were completely sold out. I ate the entire packet of chocolate/caramel pop corn and my work collegues devoured the entire packets of rosemary/caramel and gingerbread/caramel pop corn!

Same old food trucks such as Pimp My Chimney , German Sausages and Stroop Bros. with long queues so I did not bother to queue up.

Interesting stands included the flavoured candle and bath bomb stand. Burn them but don't eat them - so realistic in smell and look.

see below near bottom of blog for photos

Apologies having trouble uploading photos again of the Sydney Vegan Markets try again later to upload.

Sydney Vegan Markets @ EQ everything from yummy food ( almost sold out by the time I arrived) to compost bins, vegan desserts, reusable straws, compost bins, reusable bags , organic produce to drink bottles could be found 

Although I got a re entry stamp into the expo I didn't return instead spent a little less than an hour at the Sydney Vegan Markets held once a month at EQ according to the signage. So many people and such a variety of food attracting long queues of people. Again although starving I could not be bothered queing up for what was left as the majority of hot vegan food was sold out. Plenty of drinks still available. I took some photos and walked around EQ to find the Off Piste Experience ( refer my previous blog on BBR Festival). Found it and there was the mother of all ski/snowboard simulators proudly on display in one of the windows. No one was on it though, everyone was trying out the baby ones.

 Off Piste Experience @ EQ

By 3.40 pm it was back on the 355 bus back to Bondi Junction. Following a quick detour to Gomez for a mini spicy chicken burrito - so hungry - before hopping on the M40 home bound. Plenty of time to finish my blog of today.

Sweet Expo 2018 @ EQ rating : 5/10. Not too crowded but the venue is too large for the expo. Running out of stock not good as well as long queues. Need a floor plan and proper exhibitors list. Entry fee of $14.50 would have justified going to the expo but not $21 or worse $29 at the door.

photos attached

The Venue Exterior of Hall of Industries

The Venue Interior of Hall of Industries lots of empty space

High Tea Anyone?

Airbrush demonstration

Chocolate ganache cake demonstration

Decorating cookies with royal icing

Adriano Zumbo & his stall

Baking products # 1 - silicon moulds

Apologies there are so many more photos I am trying to upload but blogger seems to always have a problem uploading photos and forget about including links or video to my blog it just can't do it. When I have a little more time I must find an alternative blogging platform - One that actually works!!!

Products for purchase silicon moulds chocolate for drip cakes cookie cutters in almost every shape available cake toppers fondant butter cream coloured gels pastes powders and various other cake decorating tools etc......

Some live entertainment

Floral arranging workshop perhaps ? - spot the fake from the real flowers @ the expo

Candles that smell and look so real they make you want to eat them but please don't  if you decide to purchase one  - anything from a stein of beer to a chocolate sundae candle is on offer