Wonderful observations for a slight individual

So many observations so little time. Actually I have all the time in the world in my very slightly inebriated state.

First let me start by thanking three outstanding bartenders who have been so kind to me all week and have given me copious amounts of sweet nectar in the form a liquid forgetfulness. Ben, dude you have explained to me the crazy women here, Alex, the female with the ability to remember 15 drink orders in a row and still do a little jig behind the bar, and Abbey (pronounced like the church in England with a soft A, long B, and a beautiful smile and eyes you want to lose yourself in for all your remaining years), you sometimes forget my drink, but rarely forget me. So what I have first learned in the bars.

Women, come on down here and you will not be regretful. The men are handsome and kind and they dress up in all their Sunday best everyday of the week. But be warned dress to kill, as the local women are out to compete and they do long so smashing in their outfits. Men (from America), go to South America where you might have better luck. I can usually compete in the states, not winning any awards here, but at least be in the running. Here? Well men let us just say that the locals don’t find our accent so sexy, and the fact we have never wrestled a kangaroo to the ground is not a high point either. Suffice to say this has been a rather celibate week (wait isn’t all my weeks that way?). But boy do these Aussies know how to have a good time.

I was quite perplexed tonight, everyone was all decked out and the bars were over-flowing out into the streets and around the block. Men were in jackets and ties and women, well besides beautiful they all wore crazy and wild hats. Turns out today was a race day. No not a foot race, or even a Lance Armstrong bike race, nay it was a race straight out of a Ken Follet novel, a race of horses and underweight jockeys. Apparently after the races everyone goes out and gets a little sloshed. Well I have got to say they know how to go out and party, and of course dressed to kill. NY women, watch out, these southern (and I do mean very southern) will give you a run for your money.

Another observation. Early teen girls here (we are talking 12-15 here) know how to dress. Although they are still trying to look ‘coo’, (does peer pressure change around the world?) they do not try to dress like American kids, which is a mix between Britney Spears and a hooker. So I applaud them for trying to look good, without the incredibly low rise skirt, that is 2 inches long, and the mini-shirt. They dress decent but I guess still enough to be cool. As they say down here, jolly good show, or rather, well done Sheila!

Last night was the opera, Marriage of Figaro. A little sophistication and society goes a long way down here. It was amazing to see the mix of people at the opera here. In the states it is predominately an older and more mature crowd (occasionally bringing a child as well). Here is was the older but more surprisingly a younger generation, the 20s and 30s crowd. Well I say, well done! The opera was quite well done (although a little slow in its 3.5 hours), but humorous and well performed. The local was stunning regardless of the rain that tried to damper our spirits.

To be truly thankful, today lent a pardon to the rain justice and led to a day of bright blue skies and warmer weather. A perfect time to wander the Latin dance festival (man can they DANCE!), and stroll along Darling harbor eating an ice cream cone (pictures to follow tomorrow).

As for me, well it is time for me to hit the sack (alone, but still content). Two more days to go.