If only I can earn $4.7m a year!

A bit of trivia, did you know that incoming Qantas CEO Alan Joyce will be earning $4.7m a year plus plus plus incentives! He is the new head of Australia’s flag carrier, and I am sure he would be inheriting a lot of head ache caused by the current financial crisis, as well as other quality issues that plague the company. I am sure he’s got a whole bunch of big responsibilities that would have come together with that big, fat (excuse my politically incorrect term) paycheck.

Meeting people

Nowadays reality television series are everywhere, at any time of the day or night. There is one particular show which I used to watch which showed Millionaire Men seeking for a serious life partner. I am wondering how that (would) actually work. I know in life there is no set rules as to where, or how one should hook up with a potential partner. I cannot even imagine myself going on a speed date of some sort so I cannot imagine going on a date with a complete stranger. I guess it works for some people. Will it work for you?

The Rocks Market Rocks

Every saturdays and sundays, the Rocks comes alive from 10AM to 5PM, with all sorts of people buying and selling things, trinkets, souvenirs, and a lot of other things. There are homewares, art, indigenous crafts, food items, and some other novelty items. Whether they are useful, interesting or just pretty to look at is left to one's opinion. Here are a few things that I snapped at while visiting The Rocks Market. Be sure to visit the stalls should you find you find yourself strolling in Sydney.

The Rocks Market is located at the old part of the city of Sydney, a few steps from the water's edge by the famous icons : the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are Irish pubs, Aussie pubs, nice restaurants along the street markets should you need a mug of beer or a pack or yummy ribs. (If you can, visit the Pancakes on the Rocks!)

For the love of Tomatoes

Okay, I love tomatoes. As you may have read my previous post on my cooking delight.

A long time ago, when I was in college I watched a travel show which featured the Spanish event: La Tomatina! The festival is celebrated on the last wednesday of August, in the town of Bunol, in Valencia, Spain. There are numerous festivities which lead to this final celebration of tomatoes, such as : food stalls, street parties, parades, dancing, fireworks, etc.

It is quite a costly celebration, that their city council spends up to about USD15000. However, attracting up to 40,000 tourists and visitors who travel 38 kms from the city of Valencia, this Tomatina festival offers so much more that it has been ongoing since the year 1945. Quite a while now! When I saw this festival on television I thought to myself I should try this and experience this in my lifetime. Well, I guess not this year, sadly.

The celebration begins mid morning, when the lucky person has reached for the ham at the top of the greased pole. Water cannons are fired up onto the street filled with people (dressed in hopefully not white tees), who armed with their eye goggles and gloves. Although tomatoes are squished before being thrown, it is always best to keep safe and cautious of the chaotic-tomato filled hour. The Tomatina ends in about an hour, with the water cannon firing away signalling the end. Time for clean up, and the people head towards the Bunol river to rinse, while the local council clean the streets. Another end to a good time, until next year again when the city comes alive with tomatoes in the air. They say it takes experiencing it to appreciate the event. Otherwise, one just feels tomato rotten about the wasted fruit.

I've gathered a few trivia on tomatoes:

• Botanically, Tomatoes are fruits
• The tomato seeds are source of vitamin C
• A tomato plant can produce up to 15 tomatoes in a season
• French people refer to tomatoes as the "apple of love", while the Germans refer to it as the "apple of paradise"
• There are more than 4000 varieties of tomato, ranging in size, shape and colour

Famous twins (or half of)

When I was younger I always wanted to have a twin sister. I guess it’s the influence of having read too much Sweet Valley Twins/High (I grew up with Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield). It’s quite interesting to note the twin (or half of twin) celebrities out there. Among them are:

Mary Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen
Alanis Morissette (has an older twin brother, Wade – older by about 12 minutes)
Aaron Carter (has an older twin sister, Angel Charissma – older by about 2 minutes)
Jeremy London and Jason London
Joel Madden and Benji Madden
Scarlett Johansson (has a twin brother, Hunter)
Vin Diesel (has a twin brother, Paul)
Joseph Fiennes (has a twin brother, Jacob)
Ashton Kutcher (has an older twin brother, Michael)
Isabella Rossellini (has a twin sister, Ingrid)
Kiefer Sutherland (has a twin sister, Rachel)
Gisele Bundchen (has a younger twin sister, Patricia – younger by about 5 minutes)
Linda Hamilton and Leslie Hamilton
Jessica Origliasso and Lisa Origliasso (The Veronicas)
Kofi Annan (has a twin sister, Efua)
Brittany Daniel and Cynthia Daniel (Sweet Valley Twins!)
Giovanni Ribisi (has a twin sister, Marissa)
Parker Posey (has a twin brother, Christopher)

Fancy eating in a toilet restaurant?

Everyone's entitled to their own preference. I would probably be more inclined to try a more "traditional" themed restaurant. But with all the new concepts and themed restaurants emerging, sooner rather than later this was bound to happen. If you are wanting to try the novelty of all novelties, then this is on your list.

The first of its kind, toilet restaurant called Marton (Chinese for the word toilet), is located in Taiwan's major city, Kaoshiung.

The restaurant decors are pretty much what one would find in a toilet (or bathroom). The guests are seated in toilet seats, the walls are in bathroom blue tiles, dishes are served in miniature toilet "bowls", urinals, tubs, etc. They serve dessert (chocolate mousse like) in a mini "dump" shape.
If you're feeling a bit 'crappy' and want a bit of amusement, AND happen to be in Taiwan, then this place may cheer you up. And then again, if you are not up for it, I am sure there are other restaurants available in the city!

I personally would probably have a quick peek into the resto if I happen to be in that town. Just to see that it is real, and that people actually have their meals inside this toilet restaurant. Interesting!

Photos taken from: http://funfever.blogspot.com/2007/11/taiwans-modern-toilet-restaurant.html

Contact:
Toilet Bowl Taipei Metro, Hsinpu Station, Exit 1 (02) 8253-7767

Sydney Mardi Gras 2008

I went and enjoyed the Mardi Gras this year. We were situated at a good vantage point. A lot of people trying to push and shove since we had such a good spot. But what the heck, we got there at 5PM, and so we deserve the front row seats....

Oh well, here are the photos. Enjoy! (BTW, you can catch more juicy and fun photos from my other site. Visit : Coriander Dreams' Mardi Gras and Lemon Iced Tea)

A word of caution to those who's easily offended. Some shots show a lot of skin.

More pics from yesterday's Royalty Ships in Sydney

Just a few more photos from yesterday's event in Sydney. Thousands of people flocked to watch the Royalties meet at Sydney Harbour. It was one of those things that happen once in a while. In this case, its the last time that QE2 (Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2) to visit Sydney. It was a pretty sight having the two ladies swim past Fort Denison.

I was situated near Mrs Macquaries Chair. Some people were standing on the rocks, trying to take photos. And I was one of them. Well, it gave us a good view of the ships. The crowd had toddlers, infants, and even grandmas and grandpas!

Amazing!

Queens Victoria and Elizabeth in Sydney on 24 February!

... the ships, that is!

On sunday, february 24 both Cunard ships will be meeting at Sydney Harbour. Queen Victoria, who is on her maiden voyage, would be heading on to cruise the Tasman Sea before docking at the port of Brisbane on February 26. Meanwhile, this is Queen Elizabeth 2's last voyage and last visit to Sydney. She is currently circumnavigating the world before heading to her last port of call, Dubai, where she will retire and stay to be one of UAE's resident tourist attractions.

Queen Victoria's the newest and second largest liner in the Cunard fleet. While Queen Elizabeth 2's the oldest serving liner in the Cunard fleet, before she retires.

The last time two Royalties, Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2, were in Sydney Harbour at the same time was about 12 months ago. My friend and I went to Woolloomooloo to watch last year's much anticipated occasion. City traffic was bad, and we walked all the way from our place to see the event. It was well worth it. The siren went off when they met, and it was just such a fabulous sight. I'm sure tomorrow traffic will be bad as well, and people will flock to the wharf. I will be there again. Together with hundreds of other people wanting to catch a glimpse.

I will definitely be at the harbour tomorrow waiting. I can't wait!

Unconventional places to get married

For people who are not traditional, looking for alternative venues to hold their dream wedding can be a challenge. Unless you'd want to settle for your own backyard, or your community hall, there are a few other places that you one can choose from. Some more costly than the others, but nevertheless, still would give you a day to remember. Here are some places you may consider...Or, maybe just have a good read at how amazing or unique the locations are.

1. Disney World Wedding in Florida

A lot of young at heart couples have tied the knot in sunny Florida. Imagine having to dress up as a Disney character for your own wedding! Interesting! And definitely a fun wedding!

2. Two Lovers Point in Guam

Imagine being on top of a 400 foot cliff which drops onto the ocean, overlooking the Philippine Sea and Tumon Bay. What a magnificent sight! What more if you have a sunset wedding.. Fantastic!

3. Natural History Museum in London

Are you both history buffs? Or just really want something memorable that will go down 'history'. Having your wedding in one of London's great architecture will surely create wonderful photos and lasting memories. I am sure this will be a wedding your guests will not forget. History wont.

4. Tower Bridge in London

Another spot in London where you can create nice wedding memories is having it at this popular tourist spot. This venue can accommodate up to 250 guests! Which is not bad at all!

5. Absolut Icebar in London

This is probably one of the most unique spots to get married in, in London. Rug it up in your warmies while saying your I Do's. Have your reception at Belowzero restaurant, and I am sure your guests will have very warm memories of your big day.

6. Underwater wedding

An unforgettable experience for the couple who would like to remember the most adventurous day of their married life. You can experience this at Palm Cove, Queensland, Australia or Thalassa Dive center in Manado or some other place which offer this unique wedding experience.

However way or wherever you are tying the know. You can be as creative and as bizarre a wedding idea as possible. Just always remember the real reason for getting married : which is to commit to loving your partner through good and bad times, forever. So, enjoy planning and have fun on your wedding day!