My Beard, Part I

Sydney from the water

Mum and I caught a Manly Ferry the other day... this is arguably the best way to see Sydney. The ferry runs the length of Sydney Harbour from the bridge to the heads, and even hits open ocean for a brief period as it runs across the heads. It ends up in Manly, the most southern of the northern beaches. We met with some folks there and had a seafood feast.

Fish and chips in Kirribilli

My favorite fish and chips shop in the world is in Kirribilli, the suburb under the north side of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Its next to a park with some pretty incredible views of Sydney.

My birthday

The night before my birthday we went for Karaoke... and rocked it. Next day we had a big reli-bash (aussie slang for relatives gathering) at my parents place.

My new nephew Toby

According to pretty much everyone here, I'm identical to my nephew Toby. I'll let you be the judge. I, for one, think I look more intelligent.

Day 3 - Christmas in November

Seeing as this is the first time in 5 years that all the Foxtons have been in the same place at the same time, we figured we'd do Christmas a little early.

The first pic is an Australian tradition... take a brandy-based Christmas pudding (kinda like a dense, wet fruit cake) and poor burning brandy over it, then enjoy with gobs of brandy butter (background).




If you had any doubt as to how intensely uncool I am... check me out in this family photo!

Day 2 - Damo and Alyssa's arrival, Dumb Australian Animals, Dinner with the fam

Damo and Alyssa arrived this morning. We went to my fav Sydney beach, Bronte and had some brunch. Then saw some of the sights of Sydney... the gayborhood Darlinghurst, The Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and some other purdy stuff...















Then on to a petting zoo called Koala Park to show Alyssa some Australian animals, which all have one thing in common.. they are all of very low intelligence and extremely docile. Not dissimilar to my state of mind at this jet-lagged juncture.




Later, dinner with the full Foxton contingent, originals and du jour: