By Allan Yap & Nigel A. Skelchy
It's been 2 days since I arrived in what should be Australia's capital.
Bold, brassy, but quite content with herself, Sydney is one of the world's great capitals. Very up to date and very modern it is a city that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's up there with the big boys like London or New York but it doesn't feel as stuffy as the former or as middle aged as the latter.
The city is relatively small but has quite a sprawling suburban expanse. And each suburb has its own little character. For example, Glebe, where we stayed, was a little suburb right opposite the city centre but was a little artsy place. Newtown a little further down is a little gayer and all the shops reflect that. Further up north, Killara, Lindfield seems to be very upper middle class and very quiet and leafy. The phrase "leafy expanses" seem to be tailor made for those suburbs.
Allan and I are house sitting for friends at the moment as they holiday in New Zealand and in all likelihood will stay here until we return from Hobart.
By Allan Yap & Nigel A. Skelchy
I find it hard to believe when people say that they'd like to feature me in a particular segment of their magazine or newspaper.
My first reaction usually is, "is this a joke?" Hot on the heels of puzzlement.
What have I ever done that I could be considered remotely interesting?
OK, I have my own business. I am happy with life. I could do more and I'd love world peace. (OK, that's my Miss Universe ambitions gone to pot, since I'm a guy and probably too hairy to enter).
But on the whole I don't feel that I'm doing too badly. If I had to mark my scorecard, I'd say I would be average in pretty much every area.
I love people, that's for sure. For the most part, I think I'm likeable. People seem to respond well to me. But interesting enough to write about?
That's always been a mystery to me.
Oh well...my philosophy is that I should just sit back and relax and stop asking so many "why" questions and just enjoy the ride.
Besides if I do get big headed with all the attention, I'm sure my other half, cousins, parents, good friends will be there to puncture it again. I have people who I believe do love me.
I'm lucky that way. :-)
