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: “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: 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: 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

Destination: Foxtel Studios N Ryde

Inspiration: Camille Guaty (aka Dimples) sends me to see her friend Chelsea Handler!

Actualization: After finding out that I had surprise backstage meet-and-greet with Pearl Jam that I missed due to flight miscommunications (well we’ll call them that!), I wasn’t about to miss Chelsea and Chuey too! So when I arrived at destination Fox, 25 minutes late and found out I was at the wrong studio, nothing was stopping me from finding a way across town. I ran (yes same day I ran all morning when lost) but this run in my gold flats and brown dress felt exhilariting. Haha. I ran to the main road to find a cab, almost jumped in two full ones. At this point it was 5:40pm and I’d heard I was 30 min away with a showtime of 6pm. I kept asking the cab driver about how long will it take?” He kept getting flustered and explaining to me that they have cameras that take pics of speeders and mail speeding tickets. After I explained 4 times I understood he couldn’t speed but wanted an eta/approx. time, he finally said about 25 minutes. At this point I knew I was missing the beginning of the show and maybe even all of it but gosh darnit I’d make a Chelsea Handler moment out of it.
$54 dollars later and sweat on my brow I made it into Foxtel studio. 4 conversations later and I was in a seat having only missed 1.5 segment. Chelsea looked gorgeous and they joked about the average man in Australia owning only 4 pair of underwear. I love Chelsea and the show and I’m reminded how I wished I watched it more.
Next segment was the moment all my girls and gays were already asking about: hottie Ryan Kwanten. Now before I get into the Kwanten of things, let me explain something about me. I worked talent relations, but anyone who really knows me knows that I never read the mags.

I loved my job at H&S in entertainment and worked very hard, but I just couldn’t read those blogs, US weekly, etc as my source of info. I prefered to actually get to know people and be astounded if I saw them dating or be informed by my friends. If my friend had a celeb crush and chose to fill me in then I would live it through them (aka. Liz Gemmill / Rob Pattinson or Alana Kleiman / Leo).
Anyway, at one point I met the ever-so charming Rob pattinson at Azitas bday dinner and she was dying for a picture. It must have been the fact that I was there sans present or maybe the wine from Sunday Funday, but I approached his dinner table, asked which one was Rob and then said, “Huge favor. It’s my friend’s bday. Will you just come take a quick pic?” He nods. “Oh wait, didn’t I send you the new blackberry last week, I did, didn’t I?” He nods. “Ok great. Come take the pic.”

So I had a similar Ryan Kwanten moment.

As Chelsea’s star guest walked out onto the stage. I accidentally said aloud “you’ve got to be kidding me. ha”. The hot boy walking onto the stage was the cute boy carrying his luggage in as I was sitting at the front desk. Sorry ladies but I kind of love it this way. I thought Ryan Kwanten had blond hair and was a muscle boy. This dark haired guy had glasses and a bit of nerd to him. Much hotter to me though by the way.
The rest of the show was very entertaining and Chelsea sort of jocked Ryan a bit. I was thoroughly entertained and ended up chatting with Chuey a bit after the show. Camille, the guys behind the scenes even said, “ahhh you lived with Dimples.”
Thanks Camille and Chelsea!

Realization: Always remember use what you’ve got to make your way into any situation. Many times a flash of the dimples does the trick

Destination: Taronga Zoo, Sydney

Inspiration: Weeds actor Kevin Nealon sends me to take the ferry to the zoo and ride the gondola!

Actualization: I forgot that the weather from Melbourne always travels to Sydney and so the cool trickles from my Lorne weekend settled on sydney. No surfing for me, but sprinkles and wind were okay when spending time with smelly animals in the weeds of the zoo. Also to offset the somber mood of a cloudy day, being on the water in the ferry made me happy.

I saw just about every animal at the zoo:
Giraffes; who stand with their hind legs crossed over which I liked because I do that a lot too.
Monkey butts; the chimps’ face structure can be hard to decipher from their shape of their butt.
Pelicans; deep thoughts. At the zoo pelicans can get visitors from their non-zoo pelican friends.

Realization: It’s not as fun doing coordinated activities like the zoo when you don’t have a pal around to do silly things like hide in the weeds with you. Tomorrow I’ll drag along a partner in crime.

Your moment:
Taronga Zoo
Showtime: Weeds
Kevin Nealon
Sydney Harbor Ferries

Destination: Paddington Neighborhood, Sydney (Centennial Park, Pearl Jam Concert, Gilda’s Place)

Inspiration: Markus Anderson from Soho House London (they say he’s the Angie Banicki of London or perhaps I’m the Markus of LA. Ha!)

Actualization: Markus knows me better than I thought. There are 3 reasons why Markus tops my list today:

1: His number one thing for me to do in Sydney was meet Gilda. Gilda is amazing. Gilda, her best friend, sister and I drank wine, ate pizza, and talked about boys and travel last night. You cant beat that for a Monday night. It was exactly what I needed. The way Gilda talks about family reminds me a lot of how I feel about mine. She’s the oldest like me. She’s crazy fun, works super hard, and cares a lot about her family.

2: Because of Markus, I was able to get Gilda to go cover my Ben Harper/Pearl Jam moment for me. As I sat on my Virgin Blue flight, she ran over and took my seat at the concert. THANK YOU RHIANNON!! I did everything in my power to get myself to that concert. I even bought TWO FLIGHTS! However, I couldn’t have picked a better candidate to take my spot. She reported back exactly what I wanted to hear. Amazing seats. Some boy next to her flirted with her and got her number…he was Ben Harper’s friend. (In actuality and in Angie form, Gilda said he was shady and got the number pretending to call his friend from her phone.) She was disappointed PJ didn’t play BETTER MAN or DAUGHTER….those are the songs she knows best and me too! She met a cute band. They were sitting in the seats in front of her. Of course, Gilda is cooler than me and was like, “well they’re in a band and they looked familiar but whatever I just kept asking them when Better Man or Daughter would be coming on!” All this and then Gilda came and picked me up from the airport. You cant ask for a better friend.

3: Markus sends me to Centennial Park for a run. Ok fine, I was supposed to feed the cockatoos, but I forgot about that part when I got excited about running. My run was a bit of a hullabaloo. It started off when I ran to where I thought Centennial would be and asked a woman on the street corner if Centennial was ahead. She nodded and said yes. I hesitated worried she hadn’t heard the Centennial part through the rain and asked again. Again she imitated me and pointed across the street and nodded. Hmmmm. As I started running I realized the yes yes and nodding doesn’t mean a thing if you don’t speak English and the same question was asked. Why didn’t I say, “is that a spacecraft yonder in the park?” “are you going running in your dress in the park”. A million things would have worked. Instead I just asked, “this way to Centennial?” In my defense, I think subconsciously I do this because I love running and when I get lost it only forces me to run more. So I end up at the rugby stadiums instead and then when I get to the opposite end, I find myself at the start of Centennial park. Brilliant. Rugby fields were a warm up. I need to burn off the pizza anyway. I keep running and running. Past ponds and horses, soccer practices and old people, I avoid all the midway turns and keep heading farther…. busby pond towards Bondi…..
I look down and realize I’ve lost track of time and I’m going to be late for my facial moment…a scheduled appointment. Eek. I start to plan in my head it’ll be fine. I need to get this run finished and then I’ll just lie and say I got lost and go to the appointment a little late. I mean it is a big park.

News alert: Angie cannot lie without at least part of the lie coming true.

It’s a problem I’ve always had which I suppose thankfully I’m a bad liar. However the times I try to get away with it, like today, somehow I put it in the universe and it happens. I guess that can be a good thing for making positive happen….but when it’s raining and you want to get your tired body home and ready for a facial, you shouldn’t put it out there that you got lost.

Well somehow, I end up on York road. Thinking I’m not far I turn up and I find myself running on broken beer bottles, NOT on Oxford where I need to be and a broken iPod. Battery dead iPod = no music inspiration = Angie cant go. I start walking and come up with this plan. Highly recommend it, turn the iPod music really quiet and pick a non-rap song, one you know the words to, so when iPod dies, you can sing your run on in your head because you can barely tell if it’s still playing or not. My suggestion: Moby – Run On.
Anyway thanks Markus for a good run. I never made the appointment, but again thank god the Aussies are so friendly and I got to reschedule….probably because it was the truth when I told Aussie Sharon that I got lost.

Realization: Don’t plan a lie in your head, unless you are prepared for it to be the truth. I’m thinking about lying that I wont be home till Christmas…..hmmmm

Your moment:
Soho House
Moby
Centennial Park
Ben Harper
Pearl Jam

Harley Pasternak quote: “Definitely eating kangaroo in Sydney…..making Kanye West and i do wind sprints up and down at the Opera house stairs.”

Destination: Opera House Stairs

Inspiration: Everyone needs a Harley Pasternak to tip them off when they travel. I remember when I was sitting on the bike next to Harley and he told me he was leaving for Australia because Kanye wanted a trainer for a few days. I like when inspiration gives me a kick in the butt.

Actualization: I booked those stairs despite my broken ipod….but secretly Harley, I am positive I didn’t do as many as you and Kanye.

Realization: “Work it harder, make it better, do it faster, makes us stronger”

Your moment:

Check out Harley Pasternak’s website!
Also have a look at Kanye West’s website!