Side notes, Blackberry advice. Ok, all I can say, is that this is my first and last time of owning a blackberry. Also known as a "crackberry". Mainly because it is like crack. You find yourself online all of the time and reading emails non-stop. Especially with offices across so many timezones. The only time I find it helpful as maybe at the airport or inbetween meetings. Other then that it used to be the first and last thing I looked at every day. So my advice, be wary of this technology. Set groundrules. It took me a while, but I learned not to look at this device after 7pm if I could help it.

ANZAC Day - 25 April - is probably Australia's most important national occasion. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. I enjoyed the day full of parades and events that occurred throughout the city this day.

Here is my sill family at the Torango Zoo. Great zoo, probably one of the best zoos I have ever been too. They have a great bird show and also great view overlooking the harbor.

Back in April, I was lucky enough to have my family come down under to visit me. Both of my parents and sister. Here is a picture of us at Sydney University. They stayed with me for two weeks. Yikes, but it was great to spend time with them.

Here is a random picture from the botanical gardens, also a few blocks from my apartment. Although it does not look large, this one is huge compared to what I am used to seeing...

On the occasional days it rains, you also get a great rainbow. Here is one rainbow as viewed from my very own desk. Quite beautiful.

Another great pic, as you can see there is still a great deal of construction in downtown Sydney.

The following are some great pics from my old office space (before we moved). It was in the city and had great views of downtown.

Sunrise from my apartment. I was fortunate enough to obtain an apartment that faced east. So every morning had an amazing sunrise. I never needed the use of an alarm clock (except for those 1:30 am conf calls). The sun woke me up every morning with an incredible view. The neighborhood pictured is Darlinghurst.

I know, I know, this blog is many months late and overdue. Here is my opportunity to catch up. More great pictures of Sydney. Here is one of a fountain in Hyde Park 5 mins from my place. Actually, it was pretty amazing. From my apartment, I pretty much lived within a block radius of all of the necessities. Grocery store, gym, park, and after the acquisition of an agency, my work office was right behind my building. It was great. Even the other necessities; Hungry Jack's (aka Burger King and a great gyro place. Even within a few blocks was downtown and chinatown. Almost too convenient.

This rock formation is known as the "three sisters".....

Ahhh, the Blue Moutains of Australia. Just a couple hours drive from Sydney. It is nice, but we have bigger and pretty moutain ranges in the US....

Ah, the morning after. The street was cleaned immediately after the police cleared everyone. The streamers were the only things left, outside of the people with hangovers.

The street after party, everyone joins the parade! What a mess.

This is simply the largest pink disco ball I have ever seen!

URL if you are intersted in learning more or attending future Mardi Gras in Sydney: http://www.mardigras.org.au/

It is too bad Angkea and Chryssa were only there a few weeks, they just missed Mardi Gras. With a slight twist in Sydney. It is actually called the Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade and it was right on my street on Oxford street. Lots of great colorful floats. Here is one sponsored by IKEA.

One morning Angkea and I got up early to enjoy the beach and go for a swim. We were out even before the Lifeguards were out. By the pool we saw some body boards and decided to borrow them for a bit. Well while in the water, it is easy to get taken out by the waves as the tide goes out. I have never been in waves to tall and strong also. Before you know it Angkea and I are way and I mean way out in the water away from the beach. The Lifeguards are out by this time and waving us in. Very difficult to swim against the waves as it was going out. Very challenging, but after about 10 mins of struggling we started to swim left and in, this was a great deal easier and what we should have done in the first place. Well after still a strong stuggle we get back to the beach. The Lifeguard then says to us that with us out so early and with bodyboards made for "two" year olds, that is a recipe for disaster. We had a good laugh.

Sufers Paradise is located on the Gold Coast of Australia. Here is amazing sunrise, right from the bedroom window. The sand is a clean slate before people start to enjoy the beach.

Went to Surfers Paradise with Chryssa and Angkea on their visit. Really nice beaches, Chryssa picked this great serviced apartment next to the beach where you could hear the waves as they crashed onto the beach. Really close to the center of town also. Here is a neon sign of the fun.

Back in Feb, had some good friends come down to visit. Angkea and Chryssa. Here is a picture of them by the Opera House. I like to think they enjoyed themselves, especially Laksa Soup!

Sharks! Well not a picture of one, but you do have to be aware there are sharks that swimming near the beaches of Australia, just have to be careful and listen to the life guards. In addition to sharks, you have to be careful of these fells, "Blue Bottles" They are jelly fish type of things that sting big time. Knock on wood, I have been lucky it not getting stung, but I heard it hurts.

Time for sufing. Taking some surfing classes at Bondi Beach. Good times and learning a great deal. Very challenging sport. Also have to be patient for the waves. I am able to stand on a board for a few seconds now :)

That evening by my work is an area called Darling Harbor and Cockle Bay. There, they had a large barge with video screens with folks speaking how proud they were of being Australian. They had entertainment and fireworks. An amazing evening!

January 26th, Happy Australia Day!!! A celebration for when folks first landed here (besides the aboriginees). Reminds me of July 4th in the states. Lots of events and fireworks in the evening. Aussies sure know how to throw a party.

Here is another picture. Amazing to look out and the sea goes forever.

Summer time is Dec-Feb, so here is a picture of Bondi beach. Very full, but if you look hard enough you can find a spot. I was lucky enough to come back a few days before New Years. On New Years Day I had the opportunity to experience Sydney's hottest summer day with 44.2 degrees Celcius (this is 111.56 Fahrenheit). Yeah, so it was a hot one!

Here is another fancy picture with hearted fireworks!

Amazing how in a crowd of thousands you can run into friends. Here is Pam and her husband. I knew they were coming down but we were not sure if we would be able to meet up. But in the middle of the crowd I hear someone yell "Jimmy"!

Happy New Year and apologies. I know it has been a while since I have updated this blog. But it has been a busy first part of the year. I have also been having laptop issue, but enough excuses. Here is a picture of the Sydney Harbor Bridge at New Years! Amazing fireworks display. Crowd was managed very well. As soon as an area was full they closed it off.