Secret

Yeah, I've been slacking off from posting recently... I've just been really busy!
Probably going to have to break up the posts again; seeing as it's been well over two weeks since I've last posted!

So on Australia Day, 26th, I caught up the train to Leura. I've been enjoying these long train trips because  it gives me plenty of time to read The Book Thief! It's such a good book. So I met Thanjon as he finished work, but it was raining! Bloody blueys. So we cancelled our plans to do Whymper, a multipitch out in Sublime Point; and had a really nice breakfast at a cafe instead. I had some smoked salmon, poached eggs, rocket and sourdough toast. Thanjon got waffles, hah!

V1 problem or so. Horrible holds, a touch steep but good footers!

V3/V4 problem? Steep on small and not very positive edges.

Same problem

Same again

We dropped by to Thanjon's house, before deciding on going to a new bouldering area that was discovered recently (still a secret). We repeated the two existing problems and then started going around trying to find some new problems. Ended up doing a lot of bush bashing and getting a rash from the plants, and we kept referencing one of our first hikes that went ugly with the term 'hashtag sassafras'. Do click on this link HERE (it goes to Thanjon's blog) where he has written up a post about the day!

Project V5/V6? Big move to a small sharp edge, painful heel hook and squeeze a nothing hold with your right, before bumping up again to a good crimp.

A gem V2 that Thanjon found. Rad pockets, awesome rock and a committing mid-high ball finish.

Afterwards, we went back to Thanjon's place for dinner; before deciding to make a trip down the mountain to Baden's house, where he had a little party going! Awesome fun!

Another project, V5/V6 at least?

Had lunch in Cabramatta with the parents on the 27th!


On the 28th, we started a bit later because I had to do my tutorial selection in the morning. That failed anyway, stupid UWS. Caught the train to Wentworth falls where I would meet up with Thanjon and Hannan over some coffee at Il Postinos! Grabbed some food at the supermarket (Doritos and dip) , then headed to Medlow Bath for some light climbing. This would be Thanjon's last time climbing for a while; as he would have surgery soon. So I felt nervous all day, I didn't know why; but I still had a great time at the crag with some great people! Also bumped into Kate (I always seem to bump into her) as well!

Our classy photographer

Hannan! Old Salt

Hard dyno...

Warmed up on Strange Karma, tried Gas, Food and Lodging twice; the dyno was harder than last time for some reason! But I think I remember the beta for next time... Had a fun lap on Old Salt before heading back (and getting kebabs from Hazo, as always) HERE is Thanjon's post about our day at Medlow Bath!

I was down to the last 150 pages by the time I got home, and finished it that evening. Such an amazing book, I really wanted to go see the movie now!

Hannan and I!

The very next day, 29th, I had organised (already) to watch The Book Thief with Es in Parra! I was that keen to see it, yes! So we watched the movie around lunch time or so, and it was great! Not as good as the book, but I still enjoyed it very much.

Presenting, The Book Thief

Afterwards, I was craving some sushi; so I decided to get some from Hero Sushi, and then I managed to convince Es just to get a pack of Smoked Salmon from Woolies; just like how I normally eat it! Anyway, I ended up getting the Five Stars box from KFC; so, what does that contain you ask? I modified the box a little, but in the end, there was still a ridiculous amount of food. 2 pieces of Original Recipe chicken, 4 Wicked Wings, Popcorn Chicken, chips, gravy and a bottle of water. Apparently has about 7000kJ of energy in that meal (and remember, the average intake for an adult daily is 8700kJ). So, Es kept going on about how I should stop complaining and just finish the whole thing, because she said she could. I challenged her, and... she accepted it; bought her own box and we pretty much raced.

I won. Theoretically, the race wasn't part of the challenge, but she DID finish the box; and I was actually amazed. I don't know where all the food goes (on either of us, to be honest). But when we were done, laughing hurt, a lot... We sat there for another half hour or so before actually moving. Met up with her friend Rachel, and got some ice-cream from New Zealand Natural! Hooray for me, because I brought some of my lactose pills; and I could enjoy my favourite ice-cream! Delicious, it was delicious! Es tried smearing ice-cream on me, but I got her back; all was well...

We had to finish our drinks too.

The next day, 30th, still not climbing; met up with Chris on the train to go to the city! I had to run to the station, as I had no other way to making the train, and it was such a bloody hot day. Good work out, but I was extremely sore and now hungry.

They wore the same thing!! Pretty much...

Met up with John at Central Station and we walked to Market City, where I got a bowl of Roast Duck noodle soup; then we headed to a Sushi Train place where John and Chris ate (and I also continued to eat). We met up with Michelle and Fiona, where we pointlessly walked into an arcade, and really did nothing. Headed over to the Darling Harbour playground where we spent a decent amount of time there, it's seriously a good time waster! I have too much fun on the swings. Walked over to the McDonalds just right next to the playground, where we all got soft serves, just to make the day a bit cooler.

Mmmm sushi.

Caught the train back home with Fiona and Michelle, and I bumped into an old mate! Tony Tan! We talked for some time, and it was good seeing him after such a long time! Found it funny that all the asians had to go home first for new year celebrations!

Our decoration table for Tet

Had work on the 31st with Benn and Tony! Maccas for lunch ;)
Did nothing on the 1st!


However, finally got around to climbing on the 2nd with Seann, Damo and Chris. Met up at Penrith in the morning, before heading back to Seann's so that he could prepare some food for the day. Drove up to Faulco to meet up with Chris (and his friend Glenys). She really took her time, so we sat down to watch some old climbing movies while she got ready... We all squashed into one car, including Arnold; which made for a lot of fun! We filled up at a servo in Leura, before stopping in at Blackheath so she could get coffee... and food... at two different bakeries, because of her preferences. Women...

Chicken Skin

Bumped into Lee Cossey and Andrea Hah, Chris had known Lee from a long time ago and they hadn't seen each other in a long time! Andrea, well, she has no idea who I am, but she is one beautiful (and strong) climber!

Cutting loose on Goosebumps

Seann and Damo

Finally got to Barden's, where we did a few climbs on the main wall to warm up before heading to the cave to do some harder routes. Had a good day of scending! It was a bloody hot day. Had some drinks at the Blackheath pub, and grabbed food at maccas at Blaxland before I headed home.

At the car park

Had a half day at work on the 3rd. Had Oportos just off the M4 before work, and grabbed some maccas for Benn and Tony on the way. I was getting more shifts at work over the next fortnight, because Kim was on leave!

On the 4th, after I finished work (also a half day); I headed to Evolution Climbing and Training; where I have been hearing good things about their routes! Got there around 5pm or so, and stayed for 3-4 hours; training with Chris, Seann and Damo.

Bloody hell, the routes there can be tough; I managed to do an 11 and a handful of 8-10s. I rested for some time and got a second wind later on, when Amy and Neil arrived. There was also a ridiculously cute kitten, with one eye. Got a bit lost getting to ECAT though, as they had recently moved locations. Headed to Red Rooster with Damo afterwards for dinner, it's good to eat immediately after training; and then straight home after that. Had a great laugh riding home next to him.

I'm losing the motivation to write now, so I will end this post here; and hopefully the next post will be soon!
Have a good one!

Melbourne - Jan '14 Pt 2

Hello again!

Happy Chinese Vietnamese New Year!
This post will be the second half of my trip to Melbourne this month. I hope it's enjoyable!

So, woke up on the 22nd feeling a little iffy; some thing felt a little off and I wasn't too sure why. My stomach just didn't fell 100%. I thought it may have just been hunger, so I got some Red Rooster for some light food, and hoped that I would feel better. Unfortunately... did feel even worse and I ended up walking around the city slowly, eventually walking to a Korean restaurant called 'Gangnam Pocha' where I would meet up with Adeline! So, Adeline is a girl I met two years ago; when I went to Thredbo.

So we got into the restaurant, and I ordered some Coke and dumplings; really didn't feel like eating; but the soft drink made me feel better! She got some sort of combination dish with rice? Afterwards, we walked to the Hard Rock climbing centre; where Adeline got the funniest 'lesson' from a guy who was most evidently gay. He was wearing skinny jeans, the tone of his voice screamed homosexuality, calves smaller than my forearms and his socks were tucked into his skinny jeans...

I went through all the necessities with her beforehand and the lesson was just one long overkill; really not required. The system they go through at this climbing gym is just ridiculous and over the top, and the top rope system with yourself tying in and using your own carabiner is silly; compared to how The Climbing Centre does it. To each their own, I guess. Himmat joined shortly after, and they were happy to do a short lesson with him, luckily. So long story short, I climbed a ridiculous amount of routes and worked up a great pump; awesome!

We all headed over to Degraves Street, just off Flinders Lane where they have a lot of cafes and cheaper restaurants; most of them were Italian themed and I got a Surf n Turf steak, Adeline got a lamb rack and Himmat got some sort of chicken. Afterwards, we headed to Federation Square (again, the atmosphere is just awesome) to watch the Federer vs Murray match. It was bloody cold, and Himmat had actually forgotten his jacket; so he needed to head off.

I took off my tank top underneath and covered my legs with that, just trying to make myself warmer because I was wearing shorts.  By the end of the night, Adeline and I were pretty much one person trying to stay warm. Freaking Melbourne weather! Federer won, quite easily and we headed back home. That night, the nausea came back and I ended up... chucking. I felt much better afterwards, and could actually sleep though. I'm thinking it was something in the crab, just part of it; because Himmat was fine!

Earlier in the day, came across these guys.

Woke up on the 23rd, feeling... not that great, from the events late last night. The plan for today was to have an early dinner at 4pm with just my family and aunt, then head off to watch the tennis at night. We had Rod Laver Arena tickets for the night session, the men's semi-finals!

My parents had gone shopping, but I decided to stay in bed resting, before heading out to wander the city slowly. First stop, was 7/11, so that I could get some blue Powerade and rehydrate and recover, it worked wonders! Second, was some light food from Red Rooster, because I know that will never mess with my stomach, I eat it way too much. I stayed mostly along Bourke Street watching all the street shows, there's an endless supply really.

Playing a didgeridoo, holding a harmonica for his brother, also playing the guitar, awesome! 

Quite the crowd.

My favourites of the day really had to be The Pierce Brothers. They could sing, they could perform; and were very exciting to watch! They sung covers, and originals; and you can listen to them on YouTube. Really great performers. I particularly enjoyed their cover of "I Will Wait - Mumford & Sons" and their own original, "Flying Home". Also enjoyed a magic show with this Asian guy, doing tricks I could not explain with cards and coins... Bloody awesome! Also walked along Little Bourke street to go in and browse at all the various outdoor stores. Paddy Pallin really intrigued me, how the store was trying to be environmentally friendly. The sign outside didn't have a light or anything, it was actually a hanging garden.

I think this photo captures Melbourne well. Australian Open banners, cyclist, trams and street performers. Yes, he is hitting the guitar with drumsticks.

Afterwards, headed back to the hotel to change into pants for dinner and the night time tennis, because of how cold it was yesterday... Turns out, it stayed very warm into the night, bloody Melbourne. We arrived at 'Box on Collins' at 4pm, however, my aunt was late and arrived just before 5pm.  The restaurant was split into four levels, with ground being the cafe and bar, level 1 being the restaurant, level 2 being the kitchen and level 3 being the toilets. We had gotten entrees without her, some garlic bread and oysters kilpatrick. She arrived, ordered some white wine and saganaki. I didn't have any wine and stuck to lemonade, so my stomach would still keep recovering.

Garlic Bread & Oysters

We ordered our mains, and I had some crayfish and mornay sauce and it was incredible. They claimed they were caught in the morning, and they tasted that way; so fresh. So freaking delicious. Afterwards, they took the crayfish away and cracked open the legs to make a salad out of the meat; really cool. Did I mention it was huge? I believe one half was 1.1kg. I was worried about eating too much because of my stomach, but the quality of the food was great; and there were no issues.

Next to an iPhone 4 in a case for size comparison.

My dad and I left first, heading to Melbourne Park and getting to Rod Laver Arena early. I took some photos right towards the front, and I could feel a headache coming on; which sucked. That ended up lasting for the whole Wawrinka and Berdych match up. Very tense match, and also quite hot court side. Dad wasn't feeling too well, and left after that match; however I stayed back and grabbed a seat at the front for the doubles match between Mansour Bahrami / Goran Ivanisevic v Henri LeConte / Pat Cash. It was only a short exhibition match, but my god, so damn funny.

Front row photo

Warming Up

Great sunset.

There's so much I could talk about (and I will!), but it was just a match you had to be there for. Moments like Cash taking pictures on his iPhone mid-match; Ivanisevic serving a massive 211km/h serve after acting like a little girl; LeConte scaring the ball boys; Ivanisevic jumping the net to hit a volley into the net to win the point; Bahrami being himself; Bahrami holding all six balls in his hand and throwing one up to serve at 170km/h; Ivanisevic turning his shorts into underwear; Cash posing on the ground for photos; LeConte crawling into the drinks container; Ivanisevic wearing the ball-boy hat, and playing as a ball boy; LeConte getting on the umpire chair and getting the umpire and ball boys to play, while doing hilarious commentary.

My view!

Ball boy Ivanisevic.

Not to mention all the silly points, the massive lobs and four way volleys. During one point, Ivanisevic served, LeConte did a massive lob and a person in the crowd (towards the back of the arena) caught it with one hand, extremely casually. The headache was gone during this match, so much laughter. At the end of the match, I also managed to get autographs from all the players, except Henri LeConte; damn! Walked back home and got myself some late night Maccas, weird cravings. One Cheeseburger, Medium fries, McBites and lemonade later, I was one happy man. Back to the hotel for a great night of sleep.

Pat Cash / Goran Ivanisevic / Mansour Bahrami

On the morning of the 24th, we checked out of our rooms and I played the piano for a while, waiting for my aunt to come pick up us and our luggage. Well, she would just get my parents really; because I was planning to meet up with Adeline for lunch, which was actually meant to be brunch; but I still felt like breakfast food... So we met up on Degraves Street, just outside the restaurant we ate at the other night; and walked back and down the lane trying to decide where we would eat.

Remember these dolls? Justin Bieber. Came across this walking about with Adeline.

Did I mention it was raining today? Go Melbourne weather! So, our requirements included shelter from the rain, some sort of bacon for me and good coffee for Adeline. Again, I don't remember the name of this place but I had the big breakfast: Bacon, eggs, sausage, mushroom, tomato, sour-dough bread; and Adeline had Eggs Benedict, I believe? It was delicious! We continued to roam around the city, with the rain stopping; she got some milk tea; and I ended up buying new casual shoes from Glue. $25! Great value. She got a brownie, right before she caught her tram; and I headed back to the hotel to meet up with my parents and aunt.

We were driven to the airport; where the check-in was nice and smooth; had some Krispy Kreme donuts and had some Gloria Jeans iced chocolate with Tim Tams! Yes, I was finishing off my holiday with some horrible food, I know... Went into the Telstra store where I had a chat with one of the guys for some time; before boarding and heading home! It was a Boeing 767, and I started reading a great book on that flight; The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

Our plane

It was hot when we got back into Sydney, and my brother picked us up and we went to Strathfield to have Korean BBQ. They didn't have bulgogi, and that devastated me. The food was great, and we rushed home to watch the semi-final match between Federer and Nadal. I really missed my bed, and I had a great night of sleep!

Have a great one!