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People are coming out of hibernation. They're losing their layer of fat gained over winter which was used to keep themselves warm through the burning of calories just from being in the cold weather. They're getting slimmer, and when they see that in the mirror they decide they need to go somewhere to show it off.
Maybe do some moonlighting as a stripper, or gigilo/prostitute? Maybe begin frequenting the nearest friendly nudist beach? Ahhh that's showing too much confidence in our bodies. Plus stretch marks aren't really in right now.
Maybe just a normal beach? You know, the type where you don't sunbake naked but sunbake with swimmers... maybe even swim!
Darnit we've struck gold.
Even if there isn't a beach nearby, maybe a waterhole or lake or some unpolluted river that doesn't have crocodiles or sharks in it. Regardless, as long as the place has cool water in which we can take a dip in, we will travel for it.
This fact has been proven over many years in Sydney, especially looking at the daily exodus of people travelling for hours in traffic jams with people who are going exactly the same place. From over land and mountain, river and lake come the hoards of people who feel the travelling distance is made worthwhile just by getting a glimpse of the ocean.
There's even people from countries who don't have the adequate weather and beaches travelling over the seven seas and 12 time zones to get a taste of what is, in a way, a state of mind.
The Australian beach.
And if you haven't experienced one before, don't worry you're not missing out on much. Happiness is often something relative - we want to experience what those around us experience. If you don't know anyone who's been, or only know people who say its not all its hyped up to be, than you can't be expected to bother.
Still, many people do bother. How it all snowballed into something like the calibre and international acclaim of Bondi or Manly, well lets just say a bit of positive PR can go a long way.
A loooonnnng way.
September 29th 2008 05:55
It all began when Bob Carr, then NSW Premier, stated he wanted Sydney to become a 'truly international' city. This was around the time of the Sydney 2000 Olympic games.
And he got what he asked for.
We've got city apartments packed with Koreans, fringe suburbs full of either-drinking-it-or-serving -it Irish folks, and centres throughout greater Sydney that house specialty shops from every country that has invested enough capital in its people for them to run their own businesses.
So no, not EVERY country. I think Rwanda, Georgia, Zimbabwe and Uzbekistan are still highly under represented. Afghanistan and Iraq seem to have survived thanks to the baby boomers who discovered the buddhist culture pre-Taliban and the exodus of Christian Iraqis post-US invasion.
But hey, you never know. Some may be living it up somewhere in the back streets of Bondi.
What is possibly Australia's most famous beach has become a Mecca for struggling creative types all over the world. And being that Australia is not nearly populated enough for the average independent artist to make a living here, it is a pre-requisite that they prefer to continue struggling.
For bohemia can only mean one thing. You love to live the life of an artist, but have to think of something to do on top of that in order to make any money.
Many flock to the hospitality sector, an area where employers act like they are not under any regulations and therefore can employ immigrants and asylum seekers at below minimum wage. Its funny how both employee and employer seem happy with this notion as it has been a phenomenon prevalent in Bondi restaurants and cafes for as long as I can remember.
Others simply live off their parents in order to study something profoundly anti-establishment like anything at the College of Fine Arts or Philosophy at / of Sydney University. Some of course use it as the perfect excuse to study what is these days the lingua franca, English.
For those of us that actually live permanently in Bondi, we don't mind being a bit of a welcome mat. We're used to it.
For those that come to Bondi, Mi Casa e seu Casa.
Finally, the move has been made. It was around the beginning of this year when I had a dream in which I woke up thinking I was on a particular street in the inner city of Sydney. Now, I have moved into Castlereagh St - what was seen at the time of moving as to be close to my places of work and study.
When I told a workmate I was living in the city, he asked, "What, because you're rich?"
When I told him I'm sharing a room with three other people, I was thankful his curiousity towards my bank balance dimmed.
And its no lie, living in the city can cost around $500 per week per room - and that's just to have the room to yourself. Sydney has experienced a population squeeze and property boom that has led to people such as myself sharing 2 - bedroom apartments with 7 other people.
My place, I like to call it Little Korea. Every male in the apartment, excepting myself, is from South Korea. For the most part, I find myself not relating to them - on a language level and personality level.
But hey, I'll just keep up with my studies and work and friends and family and I'm happy.
Looking back on the dream I had at the beginning of this year, I can also remember thinking I was in Glebe... is that next? Regardless, I'll take whatever's practical, but it is nice to have my living situation solidified by knowing where I'll be after this.
Ahhhh the psychic psyche is kicking in...
Sure, I miss Bondi. I still visit about twice a week, and certain memories of the area which have been concreted by writing about them on these sites will always remain.
Okay I'm gonna fix myself some of the free rice we have here. Did I mention its included in the rent?
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Hey all,
I've recently started writing a column for a street press magazine (think 3DWorld, The Brag) called Music Feeds
[ Click here to read more ]
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I've got to admit, times like this nerves can get the better of you. Here, in this Italian coffee shop in the heart of Bondi, I await the arrival of his Holiness. He arrives ten minutes late, with afew Vatican-style security guards in tow, and we all gather around a table close to a gas heater.
I had previously decided to keep things as casual as possible, in an attempt to get a glimpse of his brighter side. Hopefully get him to say, "Please, call me Benedict." Shouldn't be too hard. So why Sydney
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Its like the universe has folded itself up into one neat package and placed itself all along the streets of Bondi. People are partying, lord knows its just one big party - regardless of how minimally sex and booze are in the picture. Just what the doctor ordered.
There are a few slip ups here and there, nothing the World Youth Day Damage Control Team aren't used to. Just a few more letters of complaints to the Pope's Facebook page won't really change his image
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Thick socks, leather gloves and a scarf are needed to just get out of bed right now.
The rain is constant, so no chance of getting out and warming up with some exercise. I've been understimulated as hell from not getting my usual coffee fix, hence writing just doesn't seem to be happening right now
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Last time I came here was five years ago, and left the joint with some excellent booty. "Brazil Boogie - Brazilian Jazz Funk from the 1970's and beyond" was the album, discovered beyond the hustle and bustle of Fitzroy St, Luna Park and Acland St.
This time around I came for a look-see in the hope of discovering another piece of buried-in-the-shelves treasure. But I notice a difference to the shop - the world music section has been replaced with... a bar
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It's everywhere in this town. Just yesterday, while I was driving through, I saw two cars stopped at the middle of Taren Point bridge - with a man walking out from one looking ready to throw the other driver over the bridge.
Around Bondi way, it is more often than not limited to the European luxury car drivers and those big 4WD's. One may note that the big cars often limit their road rage to suttle cut-offs and tail-blazing, if only for the fact that they feel bigger and stronger just by being behind the drivers seat
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7am. Joe KO the Ghetto Seppo is riding in his run-down '83 hatchback, sipping on a bottle of 'Make me Sober.'
"What up my peeps. I been up all night tryin' ta make some lovin with a girl from downtown. And she got that downtown confidence yo. Love that steez. Anyway plan to meet up with the god to shoot the breeze and let him know I still ain't no wrong gee. All love. Plus I owe him a coffee since he took me aside for some much-needed financial guidance last summer
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Comments (2)
Comment by Optomistic Opportunism
on Monica Bellucci - sofisticata signora
Bohemian Hiphop
Japanese Jazz Funk
Optomystic Opportunism
gotta luv the constants in the equation though - lipseyeshipswaistchestetceter a.
Word up Raoul. I'll catch you at 'Wild Blood' (bellucci's movie at the Italian Film Festival this year) @ the Academy this friday night yeah?
It is also awesome how she tends to take on some of the edgiest roles in (european) cinema.
Peace
Opto