Christmastime, Sydney, Peats Ridge

According to Bill Bryson, there are more deadly creatures in Australia than anywhere else in the world.

And one day, I woke up with this on my arm. It freaked me out a bit. I'm happy to say, that two weeks later, this is no longer on my arm, and I am still alive. While in Australia, I read his fascinating book, In a Sunburned Country. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone considering a visit down under.

We spent Christmas Eve and day in Newcastle at Chris and Jenny's house. We saw Sherlock Holmes in the theater (movies are very expensive here, by the way- no matinée prices) and on Christmas day we watched Elf and Bad Lieutenant at the house. Weird double feature. We also saw Avatar in 3D a few days ago. Two tickets and a popcorn was $50.

Being a world away on Christmas is kind of sad. It wasn't very festive in Newcastle.

On the 26th, we played the Croatian Club in Newcastle. Mandy and I sat at the merch table, and this very drunk Columbian guy danced for us.

On the 27th, we went to Sydney, where I did a book reading at Juno Books, an anarchist bookstore. Only a few people showed up, but I read, and Chris and I played some songs.

We played a show with a good band called Rand and Holland that evening at the Excelsior Hotel. Afterwards, Mandy and I stayed in Sydney, and set out to see some sights in the morning.

Luna Park

Opera House

Botanic Gardens

Ibis

On the 29th we set out to the Glenworth Valley for the three-day Peats Ridge Festival. 200 bands performed. Mostly Australian bands I had never heard of. I ate the worst hamburger of my life here, but I also had delicious coconut sorbet in a half-coconut shell. There was a lot going on, and it was bit overwhelming. It was fun, though.

This is where we camped.

Alps played on the 29th.

The Cameras

This pirate was blocking my view.

Castanets played on New Year's Eve.

Mandy and Chris sat in with Castanets.

In the "George Harrison Memorial Trailer".

Cicada on our tent.