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Sex? Beer? Travel?
After conducting a random survey into the daily thoughts of others, the following were the most common, in order of frequency:
Ladies
(averages from 52 women)
1. Food
2. Romantic partner
3. To do lists
4. Appearance
5. Work
Men
(averages from 60 men)
1. Sex
2. Food
3. Work
4. Sport
5. Driving the car
Beer, computer games and daydreaming about anything and everything also came up regularly.
Travel definitely rates high on my list! (But so far I'm the only one??)
What's your top 5?
Grey, cold and starting to snow, New York showed us the bite in her tail on our last day. Having had tantalising glimpses of Central Park through double decker bus windows, or from across the street as Bloomingdales beckoned, we'd decided to save indepth exploration until our last day, to fully enjoy and relax among the acres of parkland and frolicking squirrels.
Naturally, the weather had been superb, although chilly, with the sun shining brightly every day for eight days. Yes, it was snowing, but not enough to create pictures of glowing, white splendour. The soft flakes simply melted into slippery mush that seeped into our non-waterproof shoes and created crusted patterns on the bottom of our jeans.
We stumbled upon the Terrace Bridge, facing the lake, and searched in vein for the men we'd seen ferrying tourists around on the back of a bike, desperate to catch a ride and see the sites, somewhat proctected from the elements. With not a soul in sight, we sat on the steps, gazing dejectedly at the falling snow.
Out of nowhere, huge bubbles floated across the lake, the kind that drift calmly on the breeze, multi-coloured patterns shining in the dimming light. A man, dressed entirely in black, strode across the bridge, his movements dictating the patterns of the bubbles he so skilfully blew from a giant wand.
We followed him through the park, meandering as he was among trees and darting squirrels, whistling old show tunes. Droplets of water were frozen on bare branches and mist was rising from the pond, shadowing floating ducks and the backdrop of New York highrises with its thick tendrils.
.
Central Park worked its magic - without the smell of Spring, flaming colours of Autumn or Winter wonderland sparkle - simply with a little help from one of its characters.
The 'glitter strip' of Surfers Paradise is loaded with designer brands (think Gucci and Louis Vuitton), their exclusive, shiny stores standing out among cheap T-shirt shops and duty free windows full of kangaroo toys and sheep skin rugs.
Pacific Fair, in Broadbeach, has long been the jewel in the Gold Coast's shopping crown, with major chain stores such as Target and Myer and specialty shops ranging from Sportsgirl to Australian Geographic.
But, where do you go when you're after a major bargain?
Carrara Markets
A short drive from Broadbeach, Carrara Markets stretch over two sides (the 'old and new' sections according to the locals). With clothes, homewares, shoes, books, paintings, pots and plants and arts and crafts, these markets fulfil every shopping whim - with low prices to match.
It's possible to trawl through tables filled wtih second-hand antiques one minute, and pick up cutting edge art-work the next.
Can't afford theme parks? While not in the same category, face painting, pony rides and roving entertainment keep children amused while adults shop.
Also prized for the fresh fruit and vegies available, Carrara Markets are a bargain hunters paradise.
Harbour Town
Gold Coast locals know that when they want a bargain, Harbour Town is the place to shop. With brand direct outlets such as Nike, David Jones, Converse and City Beach competing for space among smaller speciallity shops, Harbour Town delivers classy shopping for lower prices.
Off the Beaten Track
Nobby's Beach and Burleigh Heads both offer dining and shopping strips with unique, one off shops catering to the needs of individual shoppers looking for a bargain buy.
Along the Gold Coast Highway, stretching from Broadbeach to Burleigh, surf shops, furniture stores and sunglass warehouses contain surprising bargains for the savvy tourist.
It's worth going a little outside the main tourist precincts, with the help of the easy public transport bus system, to find bargain buys on the Gold Coast.
Byron Bay Bluesfest, 9 - 13 April 2009
John Butler Trio and Ben Harper head a long list of acts at this year's Bluesfest at Byron Bay. With international food stalls and enough space to chill out on the grass among the bongo drums, the Bluesfest is an Easter weekend tradition for many and an exciting new experience for first timers
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We're all bombarded with dire news of the world's economy, so where does that leave die-hard travellers desperate to embark on a new adventure? Especially if your income no longer supports such expensive jaunts?
Cheer up, travel is possible on the smallest of budgets, and, without expectations of five-star accommodation and flights on the premier airlines, a whole new world of travel opens up - if you're open to it. Best of all - views are free! All you need is a cheap, fold up camping chair to be comfy and enjoy...(and maybe a special on your favourite wine at the bottle -o
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The world is full of historical and natural wonders, penned by travel enthusiasts (or clever advertising gurus) as 'breathtaking', 'one of a kind' and 'must see destinations'.
For many reasons, branching across endless opinions, some of these destinations more than surpass expectations, others can leave you wondering what all the fuss is about
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Once little more than a surfer's haven, specialising in corner store fish and chips, the Gold Coast has transformed into a city with food options galore.
Surfers Paradise remains the quintessential tourist trap, however, 'Circle on Cavill', with its big screen TV overlooking a grassy seating area, is a more stylish version
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A man covered from head to foot in body piercings strolled past two girls as they yelled at each other from either side of the boulevard. Skateboarders wizzed by police patrol cars and the smell of burgers cooking blended with salt air.
Venice Beach, California, is part carnival, part muscle man display and part flea market. As we walked past stalls selling unique paintings, jewellery and souvenirs, we dodged girls on rollerblades, a man weaving erractically through the crowd on his three wheel bike and a few random souls simply sitting in the middle of the foot path; happily smiling as they were jostled back and forth
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Before you hit the world's most famous glitter strip, here's some tips to make the most of a short trip.
1. Book your favourite shows before you go. Although discount tickets are available at various outlets, many of the bigger shows (Cirque du Soleil, Bette Midler) are booked out well in advance. This way, you see want you want and it's an extra bonus if you score cheap tickets to something else once there
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Comment by The Travelling Fairy Dancer
on An Afternoon in Central Park
Travel Magic