T and A Down Under

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Derby Day!!!

It's racing season in Sydney and we decided to go....

Got to get properly fitted out to attend the races...

You may remember this suit from such places as my wedding...

Cuff links courtesy of my lovely wife!

A beautiful day for the races!

Just 2 gentlemen of leisure attending a race...

Oh yes and my lovely wife is here too!

Black and white themed race day...

Side note: Hat did not make it to Sydney, still working on procuring one for the next race...

And... They're OFF!!

Around the turn they GO!

Annnnnd the winner is T!!!!!!!

$70AUS which is like $72 US, no big deal....

Needless to say a great day at the races!!!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Alex's 30th in the Great Barrier Reef

Hurray we finally arrived to the GBR for Alex's 30th. We have been talking about this day forever! Pic taken at Whitehaven beach, quoted "the 2nd most beautiful beach in the world". The sand is 90% silica making it the softest and coolest sand we ever put our toes on. Also great for jewelry buffing.

Ok lets back up. The Great barrier reef is the longest stretch of reef in the world. It is comprised of 2900 reefs that stretch over 133,000 miles. We chose to visit Hamilton Island, which is a part of the WhitSunday Islands. It is a 30 minute boat ride from Hamilton Island to the inner reefs and a 2 hour ride to the outer reefs.

Hamilton Island is a quick 2 hour flight from Sydney. Here is the view from our resort, tide moving out due to the full moon.

There were a ton of fun activities on the island, to help us celebrate Alex's big 30. This was our first time on paddle boards, what a great work out.

Beware there are sting rays here and turtles. I was scared but Alex managed to swim with the turtle.

More fun to be had on this tiny island, there are no cars, just golf carts to drive around. Seat belts included.

And since this is Queenslands territory, we were allowed to cuddle with Koalas! The nails did hurt my arm!

Ok on to more of Alex's week of birthday activities...

We made 2 dives on the outer reef. It was breath taking and the most beautiful reef I have ever seen.

Matching stinger suits to prevent jelly fish from attacking us.

and we are off!

Misson accomplished!

Day of Birthday Skype....hello Whitey, Ro, Rob and Sara!

Opening cards on the balcony from family- thank you mom/dad, grandma, aunt barbara/uncle bill!

Thanks for the letter Gram!

Birthday rainbows...

Birthday Beaches

Birthday Sunsets...

Goodbye 20's its been fun!

On to more adventures in my 30s!

Friday, April 6, 2012

TandA Goes Fish Hunting....

In between interviews we decided to check out Sydney's fish market....

BUSY day at the fist market... Not sure if you can tell by my face but it was hot and it was stinky!

Hello delicious fishies

Hmmm bug tails... I think I'll pass.

Side note, bug tails are actually supposed to be good they're like flat lobsters, will keep you posted once tried.

Delicious crazy fish platter! But no bug tails,maybe next time...

A good afternoon at the market!

Side note, T was with me on this adventure, just didn't make it into any of the pics. :(

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Opera night in the outdoor theater

First ever outdoor opera in sydney. Pre show

Monday, April 2, 2012

Scuba Genius

For those of you who are not Padi certified - it's a 3 day course consisting of waking up at 6am, lots of video/book work - 6 dives and showing that you are capable underwater skills.