Author Archives: Kathryn
Sydney Opera House
One of the world’s most famous buildings was almost never built. When the Australian government called for architects to design a performing arts center, over two hundred entries poured in from around the world. It was only when one of the judges, who had arrived late, insisted on reviewing all of the proposals that Jørn … Continue reading
Jenolan Caves
A series of limestone caves, known as the Jenolan Caves, is found in the Blue Mountains. “Jenolan” comes from an Aboriginal word meaning “high place,” appropriate as the area is about eight hundred meters high in The Great Dividing Range. After driving through winding roads that climbed and fell through the mountains, we drove through … Continue reading
Koala Park
Northwest of Sydney is Koala Park. It's a bit of a hike to get out there and the building has a pretty sad, neglected facade, but the animals make it worthwhile! There are several different birds and plenty of other animals in the park. Wallabies hop around the park freely. This one has … Continue reading
Taronga Zoo
The Taronga zoo is always a great place to spend an afternoon in Sydney. It's a pleasant fifteen minute ferry ride from downtown to the zoo. What koalas do best: sleeping. You can't tell from this shot, but just behind the giraffes is a spectacular view of Sydney Harbour, Opera House and all. … Continue reading
Bondi
Bondi beach is barely fifteen minutes away from Sydney, so it was pretty packed during our visit, especially since it was smack in the middle of a heat wave with record high temperatures. TV crews were out in force asking beach-goers softball questions like, “So how are you beating the heat?” The beach was … Continue reading
Glow worm tunnel
After driving for over an hour in the wrong direction due to the worst directions ever given by a hotel clerk, Josh and I came upon the dirt road that, thirty dusty kilometers later, led us through a driving tunnel before reaching the glow worm tunnel in Wollemi National Park. The information board said … Continue reading
Horseback riding
Inspired in part by the horses eating outside of our room in the mountains, Josh and I spent an afternoon horseback riding. My horse was Effie and Josh rode Bessie. We spotted a wallaby (looks like a smaller kangaroo) and an echidna (looks like a porcupine or hedgehog) but I didn't snap any … Continue reading
Marine Corps ball
November marked the 237th anniversary of the founding of the US Marine Corps. Squadrons across the world celebrate by throwing a birthday ball. Josh made an appointment for me to get my hair and make up done at a Japanese salon. I generally don't like make up and this was probably the 4th time … Continue reading
Merry Christmas!
Milk and cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer left out on Christmas Eve. Gone in the morning! Josh models the stockings I made us with silk from Laos. Lots of presents under the tree! Note that in place of a star or an angel, Godzilla sits on top of … Continue reading