frauke at large

Flew to Australia (in a new A380), at the beginning of the month, to attend the Australia and New Zealand Academy of Marketing conference, which was held in Sydney this year. Had the best 10 days. The actual travel there is always a bit of a trek, especially since I flew via Singapore, but the reward at the end was so worth it; every time. I had been to Sydney before, several years ago, and always wanted to return, so this was my opportunity. There is something about Sydney…   

The conference itself was held at the Olympic show ground, which was quite spectacular in itself. I guess it was pretty amazing when the Olympics were actually taking place there. The grounds are huge and there is so much to do and see. Preoccupied with the conference, meeting many exciting new people and talking marketing all day, I did not venture off too far, but I did have the opportunity to go and see the inside of the Olympic stadium, as this was where the conference dinner was held. Makes you feel very small … it’s such a huge building.

Obviously, my excitement of being in Sydney was also supported by the fact that I had left behind a most miserable and cold weather, which was replaced by the Australian summer: 28’C, sunny, with no clouds. Absolute bliss!!! Saying that though, I didn’t quite warm to the idea of having to celebrate Christmas during summer … it was somewhat comical and odd walking through the shopping streets and hearing Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas’ in the background. I did like their alternative Christmas tree though:

Took the ferry to Manly on one day to relish and enjoy the beaches, which were simply spectacular with their white sand and crystal clear water. I had a great book with me: George Orwell’s ‘Burmese Days’, which unfortunately didn’t last as long as I had hoped for: I read it in an afternoon whilst sitting under a tree in the shade at a beach near Watson’s Bay. Which reminds me: they have a great fish and chips shop there, right by the ferry dock … and fish and chips always taste so much better when you eat them right by the sea side.

  

 

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