Destination: Australia All Over

Inspiration: Secret Actor texted me (he’s hot and a legend as the Aussies say!): Have someone go down under

Actualization: So this is my Best of the Rest part 2 for those of you who go down under to Australia!

UP IN THE AIR Director, Jason Reitman: Enjoy Australia. The zoo in Sydney is beautiful and if they’re playing right now, you owe it to yourself to check out an Aussie rules football game.

Dexter’s Julie Benz: Go to the Great Barrier Reef… You have to see it!!! And the Sydney zoo is a lot of fun:) and there is a great flea market in Sydney on the weekends with lots of cool stuff…. And go to an outdoor movie!!

Jesse Lutz and Cameron Diaz: Culture: Moonlight Cinema is amazing if the weather is great, google it and you can see whats on. Its amazing watching old films under the stars overlooking the harbour

Actor/Producer Jake Hoffman: I’ve never been, but my brother went and went bungee jumping! I dare you!!!!!!!!

Desperate Housewive’s Sharon Lawrence: Here ya go. Have some one teach you to play the diggery do and make sure to video the lesson. That’s so Aussie and something you should only try under professional supervision. We brought a magnificent one home from our Fijian/Sydney honeymoon and cant play it at all!

H&S Grey Gooser, Danielle Lew: Drink VB (short for Victoria Bitter – it’s the local beer that’s made in the state)

Comedian Jon Lovitz: I’ve never been there but I hear Perth is beautiful!!!

Musician Jaron Lowenstein: Find something so beautiful either externally or discovered within that makes you cry. I don’t have tangible suggestions because those don’t mean anything to me except that they can be conduits to emotion. Find something beautiful about yourself that you didn’t know before. And tell me what it is. Have a wonderful inspired trip.J

Publicist Liz Keen: Eat a “pie” at Harry’s Cafe de Wheels – Sydney

Actor, Robert Ri’Chard: Go to the Whitsundays if possible on a 2-3day sailboat tour. U’ll get hit on by the 26yr old Firstmates during the night. They’ll take you to the most photographed beach in the world. Prettiest beach on the planet. Make sure you go topless (it’s what all the Sports Illustrated Supermodels do) It’s quite liberating. Port Douglas: Take the Quiksilver II Boat Tour to Great Barrier and see an amazing underwater experience

Jeff Probst: Find a local to teach you how to play the didgeridoo then buy one and ship it home.  They’re great fun to have around the house and definitely a conversation piece and they are indigenous to Australia.

I actually took Probst’s advice partially and had the most amazing experience learning about the didgeridoo and the history of the aboriginals in Australia. (I didn’t ship it home!) You can see for yourself here - http://www.indijnarts.com.au/

Kathy Najimy: You are spectacular!  Happy Birthday doll and have a splendid time in Australia!! We love Melbourne- where are you staying?  There is a theatre/performing arts festival there you will love!
oxoxo Kathy Ann

Realization: I still am dreaming of my time in Australia and cannot wait to go back!

Destination: Great Barrier Reef

Inspiration: Donald Sutherland.  Need I say more?

Donald Sutherland “the Great Barrier Reef? If that’s where you’ll be go out in the water on a boat to the ‘Potato Hole’. Just from the boat, without even going in, you can see more fish than you can imagine. But swim. Dive. Even the sharks out there are pretty tame. If you’re a good diver you can go down the cliff on the sea side of the reef. That apparently is fantastic. I’m too old to dive. Fifty’s the safe age limit. Beware of the predators that are all over the place. The Box Jellies and the Irukandji. They’re very poisonous jelly fish, and they’re all over the waters up north now that our man produced CO2 is lowering the Ph of the oceans and the invertebrates are taking over. Keep an eye peeled for the salt water crocodile; they go out to the reef to mate and then they lie on the beaches on shore and pretend they’re a log until you sit on one and they eat you….”

Actualization: Donald sent me to dive and I dove…as a snorkeler.  It was worth being a snorkeler that day for the following 4:

1- Risk decompression sickness if you fly within 24 hours of diving.  I was originally scheduled to fly out the next day….so snorkel was safe and just as fun!

2- Less money to snorkel and as my trip was coming to an end, I was happy to cut where I could.

3- More sea creatures – in my snorkeling crew. Pretty sure I saw more than the divers AND got to talk while I was exploring;)  I swam with a sea turtle. I was close enough to touch a meat-eating shark – the white tippery.  Our cute snorkel instructor would bring different sea creatures up to the water’s surface and tell us about them.  He’d answered all my silly questions like, “what were those fish doing when they jabbed their mouths at one another fast?” Cute British accent, “Haha. Doll. Those were parrot fish- fornicating.”

4- Cute young instructor was my fav part of the reef.  As I’ve frequently mentioned, the people make the moments for me.  In this case, it was the people and the organisms.  Donald being the inspiration. Sean being my cute guide who introduced me to all the beautiful creatures of the sea. The next day, despite the fact that I discovered he was the ripe young age of 19, I still wasn’t able to control the kissing bandit.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 1500 species of fish.

What else did we find at the reef? Donald, no crocs or web spiders, however I did see…

Coral – in every color from blue to pink to cabbage patch-like lettuce.  Examining the coral with the rays of sunlight shining through the blue water was magical.
Maori Wrasse- I got to pet this slimy blue one.  Maori can change from female to male halfway through life.

Maori Wrasse

Sea cucumber- we saw and touched 3 of 18 different kinds
Zeitan- Spunky fish with a hole
School of yellowtail, Parrot fish, zebra fish, and starfish

Realization: I forgot how much I love the water.  Something about the water just makes me happy and makes the kissing bandit happy too.  Thanks Donald.

Your Moment:

Donald Sutherland’s entire email:

Where are you going? The north east coast? Port Douglas? Surfer’s Paradise? The Great Barrier Reef? If that’s where you’ll be go out in the water on a boat to the ‘Potato Hole’. Just from the boat, without even going in, you can see more fish than you can imagine. But swim. Dive. Even the sharks out there are pretty tame. If you’re a good diver you can go down the cliff on the sea side of the reef. That apparently is fantastic. I’m too old to dive. Fifty’s the safe age limit. Beware of the predators that are all over the place. The Box Jellies and the Irukandji. They’re very poisonous jelly fish, and they’re all over the waters up north now that our man produced CO2 is lowering the Ph of the oceans and the invertebrates are taking over. Keep an eye peeled for the salt water crocodile; they go out to the reef to mate and then they lie on the beaches on shore and pretend they’re a log until you sit on one and they eat you. The Funnel Web Spider is fatal. Jumps up in your face. Nocturnal. Falls into your pool sometimes when it’s foraging and as soon as it hits the water shoots out a diaphanous bubble that immediately encloses it and gives it enough air to breathe while it lies in fear and trembling at the bottom of the pool. Hard to see. Don’t step on it. You die. Mostly kills little kids. And the snakes, the Death Adder, the Tiger Snake, the Brown Snake, killers all. They’re in the garden between where you live and the beach so keep an eye out when you walk through. Go to Fraser Island. All sand. They issue you with a Sutherland Tourniquet there because they’ve got a lot of snakes and the venom goes up your epidermis, not intravenously, and that tourniquet with the cute name will stop it from getting up to your heart and brain. High boots are useful too. The Australians, once drunk, are probably the most ruthlessly predatory of all the creatures. New Zealand is exactly the opposite. Sydney’s beautiful, Melbourne, Ayres Rock is out there. Look at the Aboriginal Art. Beautiful. Foster’s Lager. Penfold’s Wine costs a fortune. The white chardonnay from New Zealand, Oyster Bay, is pretty reliable. Barbecues. There are fish stores that you can walk in, select your fish, hand it over and they’ll put it on the ‘Barbie’ and you eat it outside. Won’t let dogs into the country. When Noel Coward went there the very strict customs and immigration asked him if he had a criminal record and he replied, “Oh, I didn’t know you still needed one to come here.” Have a wonderful time. Make out a will before you go. Lots of love, Donald

Fool’s Gold
Donald Sutherland
Whitsunday Islands

Destination: “I’m on a Boat”

Inspiration: Audrina Patridge was in Sydney recently and said: “Hiii…. When I was in Sydney we took a cruise around the harbor which is beautiful and also went to Bondi beach and had lunch at iceberg which was amazing!!!!”

Actualization: I haven’t even made the boat yet. I’m sitting here at the airport trying not to cry. I can’t really because everyone’s laughing at me. I’m wearing a santa hat I got at Sluttingham Palace last night. Slutttingham palace was described to me by a 22-year old girl as a place “owned by 3 old guys (um 35) who had parties to get girls.” She also thought I was 24. I’m thinking it was the hat, so I’ll keep it on and be 24.

My story: “I went to Sluttingham Palace and all I got was this Santa hat.” I actually got this sweatshirt too. I took it from the Sluttingham closet. New favorite out of business brand favored by the kings; Fake London Genius.

In the attempt to fulfill Audrina’s moment, the following has commenced…so far: 24 hours in Melbourne (even when I write it I say BORN, but for you Americans, the accent is on the MEL I’ve been told too many times now). I had a flight booked for noon to get to Sydney and go on a sunset boat ride. Woke up in my clothes from the night before and ran around throwing clothes in bags with a confetti sprinkle trailing me. If you aren’t going to be a slut at the palace at least create a costume I went in the bathroom as a confetti trail was falling out of my bra but the Santa hat was staying put. I grabbed Janae and we rushed out for the airport. Janae told me about 17 times. “Angie, I’ll drive you just get me directions to the airport.” I tried a Google search but it seemed easier to ask. We got three sets of directions and next thing you know we are in Dungaroo something, 40 minutes from the airport. Australians are the worst at directions…not only cabbies or people on the street. It’s the entire population. Serious.

I arrived to the airport 20 minutes after my flight standing about a mile from Jetstar’s check-in. I pulled my bags across 4 times before booking another flight on Virgin Blue. Note to self. Book Virgin Blue from now on. My blackberry had died and my shoes were falling off. I could feel eyes on me from all directions. Watching me lug bags in a Santa hat, wine-stained green dress, blue sweatshirt, smeared makeup and foofy hair. People smiled, pointed, laughed, or just hummed christmas songs at me. I wasn’t taking the hat off because it was the only thing keeping me from crying. I booked another flight. Bought a charger. I was able to stall the boat and get a later pickup thanks to the 911 trick. I didn’t believe it worked but had heard if you hit 911 your phone will automatically recharge for an extra 5 minutes. I felt this was a case of 911. Thanks Cade! I had a drink on the plane and was ready for the boat.

Lucinda and Freddy were celebrating his birthday on their friends boat and had invited me to join them. Lucinda is another result of my friendship with VeeV’s Courtney Reum. I had met her and Freddy once for dinner in LA, but we kept in touch. They are adorable and fun. Originally I thought there was no way I’d still be down under. Now it’s December 12th and we are rushing to Newport where they have the boat making a special stop at the wharf there to pick up me, Gilda, and Jacki Bresic. Thanks to Gilda’s quick driving skills, we made it on time. Thanks to Jacki’s attentive skills for reading the invite that said white party. I was already causing a scene, no need to stand out more in my green dress. I did a backseat change into my white frock but kept on Santa. That hat was keeping me sane!

The next 10 hours were a dream. We were greeted by Lucinda and Freddy, probably the most gorgeous couple I’ve ever met. Cindy kissed us and handed over champagne. Freddy gave a birthday speech filled with thanks and funny tidbits about his friends and family. When he gave me a shout out and thanks for extending my stay for his birthday, I knew the mornings airport drama was SO WORTH IT!

Freddy’s friends were all attractive and too much fun. Of course the Bresic girls knew half the boat and by the end of the trip we all had quite the bonding. I even got Stephen Rich to come join us at the “after boat party”! We got our place to stay when tipsy Gilda said, “Angie don’t forget to call your friend Stephen so we can ask if we can stay at his place tonight!” Stephen was sitting next to me when this was said. Good guy that he is, we still got to stay with him. I feel like I’m a party of Sydney – I mean part of Sydney. I’ve definitely made Sydney friends for life.

Realization: No matter how much it may seem the world is steering you towards disaster, just go with it and have a laugh. Janae dropped my dress in water, Aussies steered me towards the outback rather than the airport, the unnecessary taxis and flights were killing my budget, my shoes, credit card and technology didn’t want to stay with me, but life is still good. I’m on a boat

Your Moment:
Audrina Patridge
Veev
Special thanks to Christian Blencke for photos!

Destination: Streets of Brisbane, Australia

Inspiration: James Franco: “Brisbane. The beach or the hippy place where you can see whales. Forget the name”

Actualization: It’s not whale season, you say? Who cares? Tell me to see whales and I’ll show you whales. James Franco moment turns Mission Pineapple Express in Brisbane. As you read the below, note some fav quotes from the movie and how they paralleled our trip. Except we don’t have pot to use as an excuse.

Janae and I realize we aren’t finding real whale watching as James suggested. Instead, we are going to have to have to get creative. I say let’s go on a scavenger hunt in Brisbane and find hippies and whales!

Janae says yes, but that we’re going to do it Pineapple Express style. Of course this saves our day. I pulled my favorite quotes from the movie as they corresponded with our adventure.

Dale Denton: I’m here to save my best friend… I’ve got an idea! Rub your wrists against my belt buckle!
[Saul does. It looks like humping]
Dale Denton: I’m gonna save you, man!
Saul: [Grinds against Dale] Yeah! Yeah!
Dale Denton: Let me save you!

Janae is a true friend and photographs the search. She’s been my Aussie BFFF:

Saul: BFFF?
Dale Denton: Best F**kin’ Friends Forever, man!
Saul: Holy cock!
Red: Thug life!

We start with the police station.. This policewoman prints out maps for me and then these police guys point me towards tourism.

Dale Denton: [after explaining everything that's happened] Do you believe me?
Police Liaison Officer: I don’t know. Give me a minute. It was a woman or a man cop?
Dale Denton: It was a policewoman. It was a woman.
Police Liaison Officer: Oh, I think I know who that bitch was.
Dale Denton: Yes, I will identify that bi*ch!

I’m a little embarrassed by my tennies and dress attire at the tourism spot:

Budlofsky: [Matheson is smoking weed] No, I can’t. My wife can always tell. She can smell it on my sweater.
Matheson: [laughs] You want my vest? It smell good.
Budlofsky: It’s not my style.
Matheson: You ain’t got no style, muthaf**ka.

We get hungry and get smoothies midsearch.

Saul: Enjoy your last meal.
[throws bills at Dale]
Saul: Here, super size it, bitch.
[throws change]

We find the whales as directed by the museum worker, AKA Seth Rogen as shown below! He tries to talk to me about where I can find more hippies. I don’t understand where and how I’ll get to the hippies because again Aussies don’t know how to describe walking or driving directions.

Saul: Let’s roll, man! I’m done with the woods! Let’s go! C’mon, man, let’s get the f**k outta here!
Dale Denton: [sarcastically] Okay… Uhh let’s go… No… It’s not working… the battery’s dead.
Saul: Wait…! What do you mean, it’s dead?
Dale Denton: [laughing] What do I mean? I mean the battery’s dead. The battery’s dead!
Saul: No, no! What do you mean, the battery’s dead?
Dale Denton: How can I explain this to you differently? The battery is dead. It ceased to live. It’s deceased now. The car needs a battery to start, Saul.
Saul: [frustrated sigh] How did this happen?
Dale Denton: Well we clearly fell asleep with the battery on and-…
Saul: Aw, man… Talk radio?
Dale Denton: Yes, talk radio.
Saul: So boring, man! The car just committed suicide.

We find SAUL!!!! (aka. James Franco lookalike in a café in hippy town!) He has no clue what we are talking about when we mention Pineapple Express.

Saul: How about in the park, when I said you were my friend… you didn’t say anything back.
Dale Denton: Well, that’s easy. It’s because we’re not friends. You are my drug dealer. The only reason I know you is because I like the drugs you sell. If you didn’t sell drugs, I would have no idea who you are, and I wouldn’t be here right now. I would be fantastic!
Saul: Oh.
Dale Denton: I’m sorry, that sounded really mean… just to hear that, that sounded really mean.
Saul: No, I see. The monkey’s out of the bottle now!
Dale Denton: What? That’s not even… a figure of speech.
Saul: Pandora can’t go back into the box – he only comes out.

I get us lost as we go back to get the photo with the whales. We eventually find it though:

Saul: Man, why’d we have to go to the woods?
Dale Denton: Well you didn’t come up with any ideas!
Saul: Yeah, I came up with two! Nowhere and Quizno’s

Time for dinner. Let’s find a good spot to eat. Our feet hurt and we think about hitchhiking.

Saul: Hey, look: it’s like my thumb is my cock.
Dale Denton: That’s not gonna get us a ride, man..

When I get hungry and premenstrual, I lose focus on the moment and want to punch Janae. She wants to punch me too. We both hold it in:

Red: Why don’t you follow his lead and just chill out, man?
Dale Denton: I’m chill. I’m chill as a cucumber, man.
Red: You don’t seem chill.
Dale Denton: I’m more chill than you.
Red: You’re more chill than me?
Dale Denton: Yeah.
Red: Look what I’m wearing. Kimono, dog. What’re you wearing?
Dale Denton: A suit.
Red: Yeah, exactly. I don’t know what’s up with you, but I don’t know if I like you.
Dale Denton: Well, I don’t know if I like you either, man.
Red: Well, that’s your loss ’cause I’m a great friend.

Janae, like Red, is even more upset because Max isn’t around. At least I have a moment…

Red: [before saving Saul] I can’t do this. I’m sorry, man. I can’t do this. I’m infected. My shit’s all f**ked up. I need medical attention.
Dale Denton: What do you mean you can’t – I thought we just got all pumped up! What was that all about?
Red: Dude, Ted is a f**king murderer! I can’t f**k with him! I got a wife, man! She’s gonna be out of jail soon. I wanna f**k her! I wanna have sex with her! I am not gonna wake up murdered tomorrow.
Dale Denton: Oh, no! Come on, this could be your moment of redemption!
Red: F**k that. This’ll be your moment.

We find the perfect restaurant. The dude at the counter sucks in a deep breath while crinkling his eyes and opening his mouth with teeth together. BIG PET PEEVE OF MINE and says, “Sorry. We don’t serve food for another hour.”

Ken: [to Ted and Dale] You, suck my balls. Two times!

We find our dinner spot, fill our tummy’s and review the day of finding Saul, Dale, whales and FOOD. Thank god! We bond again.

Dale Denton: [talking about his girlfriend] I go visit her in high school and all the guys she goes to school with are, like, strong and handsome and really, like, funny and do good impressions of Jeff Goldblum and shit like that. And, like, I just feel like a fat, dumb f**kin’ stinky-ass turd when I’m there.
Saul: What?
Dale Denton: It sucks for my ego.
Saul: F**k Jeff Goldblum, man!

Realization: We all have our moments!

Saul: You lied to me.
Red: I did. I lied big time to you.
Saul: Dale said that that you didn’t even have herpes, and I said that you did.
Red: Honestly, like, from now on, just, like, from everything that we’ve gone through, from, like, seeing this f**kin’ asshole’s nuts smashed with my Daewoo, I want to be a better friend to you. I really do.
Saul: I f**kin’ love you, dog. I f**kin’ love you.
Red: I wanna be inside you, homes.
Saul: No more lies, Red.
Red: This is my moment.
Saul: This is your moment.

Your moment:
Pineapple Express
James Franco
Brisbane
Brisbane Whale Watching
Brisbane Whale Museum

Other fun quotes:

Mr. Edwards: Clark’s a great guy, man. He’s totally gonna take care of Angie, man. He’s great; he’s a wonderful lab partner, so… It’s gonna be cool, he’ll keep one eye on her.
Dale Denton: Why don’t you go f**k yourself, you weird little prick?
Mr. Edwards: I’m a teacher, okay? You can’t talk to me like that, guy.
Dale Denton: I’m not a student, so I can say whatever the f**k I want, you chimp-f**king little bastard.

Angie Anderson: F**k you, Dale. I lost my virginity when I was fourteen, okay? How many women have you even slept with?
Dale Denton: Like two and a half.
Angie Anderson: Two and a half? What is a half, your hand? That doesn’t count!
Robert: Angie, you’re a fucking idiot. I say that with love

Saul: This is like if that Blue Oyster shit met that Afghan Kush I had, and they had a baby. And then, meanwhile, that crazy Northern Light stuff I had and the Super Red Espresso Snowflake met and had a baby. And by some miracle, those two babies met and f**ked, this would the shit that they birthed.
Dale Denton: [smells the marijuana] Wow. This is the product of baby f**king.

Matheson: [Saul has smashed a coffee pot in Matheson's face, leaving huge scars] I look like the Hamburglar.

Destination: Govindas, Sydney

Inspiration: Aussie actress and star of CHUCK, Yvonne Strahovski:  ”Go to GOVINDAS, a weird and awesome movie room where you lay down on cushions to watch movies and before you see the movie, you eat vegetarian Hindu food cooked by the Hindus. Its rad! 112 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst NSW 2010.”

Actualization: The first time I tried to make this moment, I got lost in the city walking everywhere BUT the actual street Govindas was on. I’ve realized , and this is NO EXAGGERATION, the Aussies always WANT to help but literally 9 times out of 10 make up the answer to your question and HOPE that they might be right. Not kidding. It’s happened at least 27 times now.

ME: “Is the garden up on this street?”
Aussie:“Oh yes of course walk that way, turn right and it’s right in front of you.”
WRONG!

ME: “Do you know which way to Bill’s?
Aussie: “Of course mate, that’s easy. Just turn up here and you’ll see it 4 blocks ahead.”
ME: “Oh my gosh thank you for helping!”
Aussie: “No worries love.”
WRONG!

On Govinda’s attempt #2, I was tipsy and I scored. Dragging along my friend Megan Pope, I was lucky she was just as tipsy and hungry as me. We basically inhaled the vegetarian buffet. Reminder to self, don’t expect to day drink and then control food intake (and definitely don’t go to a buffet). I sampled everything laid out while Megan tried to determine if any of the drinks on the menu had alcohol in them. Three tofu helpings in and I asked Megan, born with that adorable Australian sweet nature, if she was sure she didn’t want to stay and watch the movie with me and she said, “Angie, I mean if they at least had wine!” I LOVE HER. I felt a bit of the same. Wrong night for a movie.

Until I made it into the theater….and then for the next two hours was completely taken away with the story of Coco Chanel. I didn’t realize how much I was craving alone time as well and then getting to watch a movie in pillows with a full tummy after my early drinking WAS A DREAM COME TRUE…nope I didn’t fall asleep. If you remember, I had a daytime nap at my afternoon facial in between drinks. The theater seemed to provide a good mix of independent films with a few mainstream ones thrown in. Coco was one of those movies you really want to see, but unless someone ropes you into the theater, you talk about it forever and 5 years later find it on a plane and finally see it. Well this time I was trapped into seeing it and honestly could not have had a better night. I also love a good French film and the subtitles didn’t allow me to lose focus for a second. The red pillows and dinner/movie aspect made Govindas a great date spot, but I think if I lived in Australia I’d make it my secret escape haven .

I left the theater having had a good cry and ready to hit the sack before my 6am flight to Brisbane for what became my PINEAPPLE EXPRESS MOMENT.

Realization: Force yourself to experience the things you wouldn’t normally get excited. An unconventional day brings an unconventional happy feeling.

Your Moment:

Yvonne Strahovski

Govinda’s

Yvonne’s email of suggestions (PS how great is she for putting in locations? Bonus points Yvonne!):

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Angie,

You can always go to the awesome POOL CAFE in MAROUBRA where I used to earn 12 dollars an hour its a nice spot high on a hill overlooking ocean and at this time of year, I think, u will prob see the whales travelling north. Erm… All my recommendations are not fancy, coz when I lived in australia I wasn’t as fancy as I am now .

• Go to GOVINDAS, a wierd and awesome movie room where u lay down on cushions to watch movies and before u see the movie, u eat vegetarian Hindu food cooked by the hindus. Its rad! 112 darlinghurst rd, darlinghurst NSW 2010
• Close by, same street bit further down is a joint called UNAS. U must MUST have the Jaeger schnitzel. 338-340 victoria st, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
• DEF go to BONDI ICEBERGS. On the south cliff end of bondi beach. Gorgeous!!!
• And go to the OPERA BAR at circular quay in the city. Its got great views of city, beautiful during a sunny day.
• Do the whole walk around circular quay in fact.
• Speaking of walks, Bondi to Bronte coastal walk is a MUST. If u do anything-its this.
• Crown street in Surry hills offers some cool vibe and good food too.
• And the garlic and fetta bread at Well Connected (a cafe in Glebe) was my FAVE FAVE treat ever!!!! If they still make it.
• And if u don’t see the blue mountains ur crazy.
• WENTWORTH FALLS in the blue mnts has a small shop lined street and a train station. There, u will find a german bakery with cakes and coffee. Get in early and have the scones and jam with an earl grey tea or hot choc. MmmMMMMM!!!!!!!

And aussie land makes the best coffees and hot chocs….

Xx,
Yvonne

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Destination: The Establishment (a bar in downtown Sydney)

Inspiration: Jerry O’Connell via. Fisher Pence “Tell Angie to go to “the establishment” (Although it has been 8 years since I’ve been there) super cool Sushi upstairs, bar downstairs and club in the basement. “

Actualization: After my facial, I felt unstoppable and decided to go with the momentum of my productive day. So despite my oily hair and no makeup I started walking back towards town. Next stop, one of Jerry O’Connell’s favorites from the time he spent in Sydney working on KANGAROO JACK! The Establishment still had quite the business despite the fact it had been a while since Jerry was there. One of the newer hot spots, The Ivy Pool, has the same owners and so The ESTABLISHMENT had turned over as their after-work hotspot. LA-ers, it’s kind of like Chris Huvane and Andy Fiscella’s Dime and Crown. Dime, like the Establishment, became an oldie but a goodie. Crown, like the Ivy, took over as hotspot. I liked the Establishment just like most know I love The Dime. You know no matter when you go, I reckon you’ll have a good time mate and Chris and Andy, they’re just legends!

Check out THE DIME & CROWN Bar.

Well, I felt it was an extra special moment because I got to spend it with an old friend in from LA, Miss Megan Pope. Megan lent me the famous Aussie dry shampoo to soak up the oil in my hair and we hit the bar. It was the luck of the Aussie when we arrived and discovered that every Thursday The Establishment gave out free champagne drink tickets.

• Bonus for PEA: Project Extend Australia or Please Earning Assistance or Produce Exchange Aid or Planning Extension Adventure 30 or you get the point. I’m running low on the cash flow. To contribute to PEA click here: (perhaps send an early Christmas gift mom haha).

Surprise bonus: Gilda came out to meet us for a drink! Of course, Gilda’s a pro with the Sydney scene and directed us upstairs. I love Gilda because somehow we run into the Macquarie guys she works with and despite Gilda’s plea “no. Aw guys. We didn’t come here to hang with you.” She obviously has a great rapport, kinda like one of the boys. I was jealous she played in that world of dudes. The guys bought us drinks and we were entertained by stories of Gilda drunkenly sneaking in 20 of them to the VIP festivities at the Polo Cup. After our cocktail, we decided food was a necessity and split. I was headed to Govindas…..

Realization: Sharing travel experiences with new and established mates make the trip and you can always find a bar to drink in that reminds you of home…even if it takes a few champagne tickets to get you there. Fisher it wasn’t quite the perfect moment without ya mate.

Your moment:

Jerry’s other recommendations:

• The Establishment: super cool Sushi upstairs, bar downstairs and club in the basement.
• HUGO’S in King’s Cross is another good spot.

These are clubs with dancing. More fun than pubs, I think…

Jerry O’Connell
Kangaroo Jack
Macquarie.au
Chris Huvane
THE DIME
CROWN Bar
The Establishment

Destination: Mosmoth Harmony Pharmacy for MV skincare facial

Inspiration: Alice Eisenberg (and Maggie Gyllenhaal): “The best skincare and she is a sweetie, tell her I sent you, go and get a facial and try her products!”

Actualization: In no shape to be going for a facial, I was making the moment. If you remember my last attempt in Sydney, I got lost on a run and missed the appointment. So 2 glasses of Rose were not holding me back. It took only a cab, bus, walk, and bus again to get there.

1:45pm: TAXI – The cab got me downtown to catch the bus over the bridge. He dropped me right as a bus had pulled up.

2:05pm: BUS – The bus driver laughed at me as I tried to explain where I was going. I just jumped on hoping it was the right bus, but he had no answers for me. Was it me? I think not, Australian transportation just never understands when you tell them where you are going. We crossed the bridge and got halfway through town before he told me it was time to switch buses.

2:20pm: PEE – After waiting 5 minutes for the next bus, I couldn’t hold it anymore and decided to sidetrack and pee. That rose goes right through you. I found a bathroom, grabbed a granola bar and went back to waiting for the bus. When I saw I was on Military Street, the same street as the pharmacy, a cab seemed smarter. Who even knew if the bus driver knew what he was talking about anyway?

2:35pm: WALK – I couldn’t chance being too late for the appointment, so I threw my arm up and started hailing cabs. Well tried. Walking in the direction while hailing seemed to be the best plan. As I started speed walking or what felt like it in my tipsy state, I saw that the numbers weren’t getting much higher each block. I was having absolutely NO LUCK.

2:45pm: BUS – 8 blocks later, I happened to approach a bus stopped and I jumped on hoping it might just be my saving grace. Again, the bus driver broke into a huge grin as I described where I was going. I could tell he was trying not to laugh. As we putted along, I thought to myself I can walk faster than this. I tried to sneak off the bus but the grinning driver said, wait at least one more stop dear. At this point, I was already later than late and listened to the man. Next stop I was off and running towards the pharmacy.

2:50pm: FACIAL – Only 20 minutes late, I find myself sitting in the facial room with Sharon chitchatting about woman role models and finding balance with career, family, and life. Thank god my walking and run had sobered me up. Her facial was a bit of a therapy lesson for me as well.

I’ve never been a fan of the facial. My face doesn’t do well with prodding, squeezing, and scrubbing. I was nervous about all this but as suspected Alice’s moment was worth every bit of the journey. Sharon left me with not just beauty tips but a bit of soul-searching knowledge. There was never a squeeze or pinch involved. Sharon’s process was soothing with different oils. All very calming. Calming to the point that I woke up snoring on the facial bed. I passed out. SO EMBARRASSING. For someone who has trouble sleeping, Australia has helped me get to a place that allows me to slow it down. It’s been 3 weeks since I’ve dreamt of a superhero, a spider, or a monkey on my head. Sharon’s facial helped me catch up on sleep and my quick nap felt like a 4 hour rejuvination. My face was glowing sans makeup and I was ready to continue my day. The last few days, my face has cleared up and I’m obsessed with the products. It’s a simple and organic clean mosturize and effective.

Realization: Never let the Rose slow you down, just let it enhance the experience…and the story.

Your moment:
MV Organic Skincare
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Sydney Buses

Destination: Bondi Beach

Inspiration: CSI’s Adam Rodriguez

Actualization: Adam met Rod (Box) when he was in Sydney hosting an awards show there and the head of the network asked Rod to teach Adam to surf. If I make it back to Bondi, I’ve enlisted Rod to teach me too!

Since we didn’t have time for a surf, Rod and I agreed to meet up for a drink in Bondi when I had a one hour window of time between meetings. Rod wasn’t so keen on my last-minute calls and scheduling but I trapped him into this one. Rod Kerr is basically a prepubescent boy in a 30-something year old body. He has a high pitched laugh that people turn to see. He’s always got a little lopsided grin and a boyish charm. He ran into Ravisis to meet me with his pants falling down, holding his belt, and causing a scene. We immediately hit it off. I laughed a lot and made fun of him for repeatedly saying, “well I had to meet you because I couldn’t let Adam down….but oh. you’re cute.” It was 1pm on a Thursday afternoon and I had already had a productive day. I ran the park, wrote for a few hours, and did a video interview. When Rod said let’s have a drink, I felt okay about my glass of Rose. However, when Rod convinced me to get another, I didn’t think about the rest of my day…..I couldn’t resist. I deserved a day drink and it was too much fun listening to Rod talk about working on Bondi Beach. And anytime I mentioned him to the Aussies, they all seemed to know the ex-pro surfer from the TV show, BONDI RESCUE. Rod is one of the lifeguards who stars in the show. When we talked surfing, Rod had the positive attitude you cannot fake that made me want to get out and do it. He wouldn’t listen to my excuses about being the worst surf candidate – uncoordinated, always most improved but never athletic, a wrist that still couldn’t bear weight, the mascot in me. He had me convinced by the end of the first rose, that I would be surfing easy breezy. His confidence in me made me see how he had made his career as pro surfer. Rod tried to convince me to stay for more but I had already delayed my trip all the way over to Manly long enough. This he could not convince me. I had a 2:30 appointment and it was now already 1:45. Rod, the gentleman, walked me to go grab the cab and sent me on my way.
I wasn’t quite sure what he was doing when we hugged goodbye. Did he lean in for a kiss? Nah…and then I received the the following text at 2:27pm: “babe I so wonted to do you xx sorry”
Nuff said.

Realization: Rod brought back the confidence I needed in myself. Do a little investigation,maybe CSI style, and you can always find a dude in a foreign country to make you laugh, remind you what you are capable of, and give you proof that you still got it.

Your moment:

Adam’s recs: “WAY TO LIVE LIFE ANGIE!!! I know we don’t see or speak to each other often, but I just wanted to reach out and say that I love what you’re doing! ENJOY!!! You already did Iceberg’s. Did you climb the Harbor Bridge? Call my friend Box to try some surfing. He’s a good guy I met down there and he took me surfing for the first time in my life on Bondi Beach. His name is Rod “Box” Kerr and I’ll text him to let him know that you might be reaching out to him. He was a professional surfer for many years and a beach legend down there. Have fun and let me know how it works out!”

Rod Kerr
Adam Rodriguez
Bondi Rescue
CSI: Miami

Destination: Sydney Harbor Bridge

Inspiration: A whole slew of people raved about the bridge but Ryan Kwanten wins because he’s an Aussie and well who doesn’t want to listen to the guy in this picture?

After leaving me in OZ, Jen Birn worked her magic and got the following quote from Ryan for me: “I know it sounds touristy, but the Sydney Harbor Bridge walk is really cool at night, so she should definitely do that if she can, at sundown. After that she should take the ferry from Manly to Palm Beach and go bar hopping in Palm Beach. She’s guaranteed to meet some great people there and have just the time of her life.”

Actualization: When I first heard about this so-called bridge walk, I thought to myself I cannot do a cheesy tour. How unoriginal. And then I kept receiving email after email telling me to do the bridge. When Matthew Rhys told me to go at twilight, it seemed perfect to have a little vampire moment TRUE BLOOD at TWILIGHT.

The bridge walk is NOT cheap, but as expected worth every penny. I chose the express which I learned is very smart. Express is 2 hours no dilly-dallying. Regular is 3.5 hours. I don’t do well with downtime and know I wouldn’t have enjoyed the tour quite as much. If you are okay doing stairs and want a mini workout with a history lesson and topped with a RIDICULOUS view of the city. This is where to go. I had a fun group comprised of:

1) Anthony, our adorable tour guide who genuinely loved what he did and made the trip a blast. I loved that we went fast too! Anthony and I were at the front and would climb and talk between stops where he’d point out popular spots with fun stories about the history of Sydney. I am a harsh critic of tour guides and get easily annoyed when they talk too much or are cheesy. Anthony was perfect. He really enjoyed sharing the stories of his hometown with people.

2) Three Swiss dudes: These guys were comedy and in Australia learning English.

3) Nina and David: a NY Mom and Dad. Nina was the mom checking to make sure everyone was okay as it got dark and we made our way up and over across the top of the bridge. David was actually using this challenge to overcome his fear of heights. They were visiting Sydney because David has developed a therapy technique called brainspotting. Fascinating. He gets to travel and teach the technique around the world.

We all got breathalized. Yup you had to be under .05! Thank god I didn’t do this one yesterday because my rose with Rod def would have been an issue and embarassing. Who knew they were making us blow before the walk?
Then we put on our prison costumes. I had seen people on the bridge my second day in Sydney and told Jen, “omg they send their prisoners to go work on their bridge.” Jen laughed at me as we soon found out the prisoners were tourists and they have you on a lock chain walking for safety reasons.
Then we walked. I always love when I get to learn and workout simultaneously. So I give this moment a 99%!

Realization: Don’t be afraid to be a tourist.

Your Moment:

Ryan’s full quote: “I know it sounds touristy, but the Sydney Harbor Bridge walk is really cool at night, so she should definitely do that if she can, at sundown. After that she should take the ferry from Manly to Palm Beach and go bar hopping in Palm Beach. She’s guaranteed to meet some great people there and have just the time of her life.”

Amaury Nolasco Prisonbreak: “Climb the bridge…. It INSANE!!”

Matthew Rhys Brothers and Sisters: “SHIT! You still there, thought you were leaving Saturday – misread your email. If you are still there – my one and only piece of advice. Six words. Sydney Harbor Bridge climb at Sunset. Hope you’re having a ripping time cobber, Good on ya..Happy Bloody Birthday mate, Mx”

Stacy Keibler DWTS: “You can climb the Sydney Harbor bridge. Near the opera house, you get an amazing view of the city! I did it! It takes half of the day or so but if you have the time it’s worth it. and if you aren’t scared of heights. They take you to a couple great spots up there that are excellent photo ops with the city behind you.”

Sydney Harbor Bridge
HBO: True Blood
Twilight: New (full) Moon
Ryan Kwanten

Destination: Seaplane Palm Beach to Rose Bay

Inspiration: Stephen Rich says take the seaplane back to Sydney after our 24 hours on Robin William’s favorite beach; PALM BEACH

Actualization: Stephen mentioned the seaplane at our first meeting for breakfast the day before back when we were a bit weary of this very excited about Sydney / new friend / Stephen. However, after our time in Palm, we were up for whatever he threw at us. And I mean really, who doesn’t want to get on a plane that takes off and lands in the water? One of the stories I cannot lend justice to is the process by which guys become members of the Wrt Surf Club. Stephen’s crazy tales of testing for this baffled me. We talked about the Reums (VeeVlife.com) where Stephen actually is spending his time now ladies. Stephen is playing LA as we continue around OZ. Go find him girls.

Stephen was brilliant because this was 100% a memorable Aussie moment. Next thing you know Janae and I are walking down the harbor, luggage in hand, ready to take off for Sydney. Stephen’s Dad walked us down and told us stories about living in Palm Beach, celebrating his daughter’s engagement, and randomly the discovery that he and Janae may have crossed paths in the past…either through his clothing line or her family’s hotel. I’m now dying to see the caveman suite at the Madonna Inn!

Janae and I were sad and hesitant as we said goodbye to father and son. Our 24 hours felt like 2 weeks at Palm Camp….but kinda like in the NEVERENDING STORY, we climbed onto our flying dog / seaplane for the next adventure. As the seaplane made its way to the middle of the water and we fiddled with our headphones and took pictures outside the boat stalling for the moment…the engines revved and we were off. The seaplane trip was exhilarating and the most breathtaking way to take in the coast of Australia. Good one Stephen.

Realization: Go for a ride in the sky anytime you can. Get amongst it and I reckon you can see what’s going on down under or maybe just your next destination.

Your Moment:
Seaplanes.Au
Madonna Inn