Whats happening in Sydney in October

Sydney Fringe
 
When: 6th to 29th September
Over 300 shows. The 4th annual festival promises to be one huge month long celebration of art, music and sound, dance, poetry, film, food and wine.
For more details visit: http://www.sydneyfringe.com

Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival
 
Date: 28 September Venue: Cowra Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre, Binne Creek Road, Cowra
Cost: $15 for adult, $9 children and $40 for a family pass
In its 24th year, the Cherry Blossom Festival features not only cherry blossom, but a Japanese tea ceremony, Japanese music and traditional dancing, Japanese flower arranging, kite flying, martial arts and Sumo wrestling displays, Kimono displays and other examples of Japanese heritage.
For more information visit: www.cowragarden.com.au

Festival Indonesia 2013
 
Date: 28 September Venue: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
Time: 10am – 6.00pm
During this time, you will find the park full of food stalls, live music, cultural dances and performances, competitions, workshops, information stalls and much more. For more information visit http://festivalindonesiasydney.com.au/

NSW Rural Fire Brigade Open Day
 
Date: 28 September Cost: FREE
This is your chance to say thanks to RFS Volunteers.The Rural Fire Brigade are opening their doors for a sneak peek behind the scenes of the wonderful continuous silent and heroic work they contribute to the community.
For more information click here

Sydney Opera House 40th Birthday Celebrations
 
Dates: Oct 1st – 31st Where: Sydney Opera House
Cost: Some events free, some ticketed
The iconic Sydney Opera House is celebrating its 40th anniversary on October 20th this year and to mark the occasion there is a whole host of festivities on show to please all ages. The Opera House will be staging a series of inviting events with many open to the public. Here are some of the highlights.
For more information go to: 40.sydneyoperahouse.com

Lebanon Carnival 2013
 
Date: 6 October 2013 Venue: Harbourside AMphitheatre, Darling Harbour
Time: 11am – 5.00pm FREE
Performances from belly dancers, Lebanese folk dancers, singers and many others. There will also be arts, crafts and music, and you will find it all at the Harbourside Amphitheatre (which is located right next to Harbourside Shopping Centre).

Brookvale Show
 
Date: Saturday 19 October Time: 10.00am to 5.00pm
A variety of carnival rides will be available, as well as BMX demonstrations and horse jumping events. Wood chopping will also be a family friendly feature at this event, kind of like the Easter Show coming early. For more details click here

Warragamba Dam Fest
 
Date: 20th October Venue: Warragamba Recreation Reserve Time: 10am – 4pm
Cost: $20
Why not bring the whole family along for a wonderful day out. Features include displays of cars and bikes, stunt bike riding displays, market stalls, amusement rides, animal farm and then of course Warragamba Dam itself including the amazing interactive display in the Visitors Centre.
For more details click here

Naked Bungee Jumping

There's a new trend in bungee jumping, but I wouldn't exactly say that it's taking the world by storm. So what is this new angle on the ancient sport of bungee jumping?  How about naked bungee jumping.  OK, so I know you think I'm crazy, but there hundreds, perhaps thousands out there who will swear by this experience.  Let's take a few minutes to look at the possible attraction, as well as the detractors, of this bizarre variation on the sport.

First, it is interesting to note that the natives who have performed the ritual that has become bungee jumping for thousands of years wear very little clothing.  I'll admit, it must be a bit different jumping from a make-shift wooden tower using a jungle vine attached to your ankles.  This is a far cry from modern bungee jumping.  However, these native young men wore nothing more than a flimsy loin cloth on their plunge to please mother earth.  So in some primitive, instinctual way, there must be a spiritual attraction of sorts in performing naked bungee jumping.  Some people who choose to participate in this variation of the sport have admitted to being extreme naturalists, even nudists.  Of course, there are those who complete nude bungee jumping who wouldn't qualify as nature lovers at all.  



A common theme that is seen at the special events held for such display is that of a couple performing a tandem jump.  A tandem jump is simply a jump where two people go together, usually tethered together, facing each other.  There is obviously some primitive expression of sexuality in this type of event.  However, more modern couples are choosing to participate in naked bungee jumping to show their devotion to one another.  Taking the plunge can now be applied to more than just marriage!  Many couples who share their experience afterward say that there is a definite bonding that takes place.  Sharing an adrenaline rush such as the death-defying act of naked bungee jumping is something that will tie them together forever in their eyes.

Another reason many people choose to go 'full monty' on the ropes is because it is usually cheaper.  Yep, you heard me right.  Although the time investment and equipment used by the jump company is the same, the cost is less.  Some companies even allow those brave souls who want to go naked bungee jumping to go free of charge.  These types of promotional efforts appeal to those who are of a more frugal nature.  Some companies that offer naked bungee jumping do so once a year, on a pre-planned date or weekend event.  This helps make the event more palpable to the public.  Imagine going to an amusement park and seeing people riding the rides naked!  It would be a great shock, especially if you did not know that it was planned that way.  By scheduling the special jumps for a specific date, the promoters of this type of event avoid that aspect of publicity.

It's growing among the ardent fans of the sport, as well as the newcomers.  It seems to have no defining characteristic except that those who perform it are lovers of adventure.  So whether you believe in the spirituality of it all or not, naked bungee jumping is here to stay.

 

Whats happening in Sydney in September

There's a number of interesting events coming up in Sydney this month, here,s a small selection...
 

Sydney Fringe

When: 6th to 29th September

Over 300 shows. The 4th annual festival promises to be one huge month long celebration of art, music and sound, dance, poetry, film, food and wine.
For more details visit: http://www.sydneyfringe.com

Bankstown Children’s Festival 2013

When: 7 September 2013 Time: 10.30am to 7.00pm

Where: Paul Keating Park, Bankstown
The festival will feature a huge range of activities and events for families to enjoy. Kicking off the day will be the costume competition, with dances and musical performances, kite-flying, scout adventures, arts and crafts, and a table tennis competition sure to keep everyone occupied for the rest of the day.
For more details go www.childrensfestival.com.au

Orange Blossom Festival 2013

When: 6 – 8 September Venue: Old Northern Road, Castle Hill

The Orange Blossom Festival (OBF) has been a major annual festival in the Hills Shire since 1969 with the objective of stimulating the growth of social, cultural and sporting activities within the shire. The festival name originated from the shire's reputation in the 1800s as the biggest citrus growing regio.
For details go to: www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Orange-Blossom-Festival.html#.Uh4TTj-mGpo

Australian Garden Show Sydney

When: 5-8 September Where: Centennial Park

The first-ever Australian Garden Show will be held in Centennial Park this September and looks set to establish itself as Sydney's biggest outdoor gardening and lifestyle event. It will run from Thursday September 5 until Sunday September 8, with a variety of activities focusing on gardens, flowers, sustainability and design taking place throughout the period.
Fore more details go here: http://australiangardenshowsydney.com.au

Taiwan Festival Sydney 2013

Saturday 7 September from 3.00-9.00pm FREE

Patrons will be able to sample the culinary delights of Taiwan at the food stalls, including the irresistible pork dumplings, entrees such as braised and sliced beef loins, pickled salads, battered and fried tofu, deep fried tender pork ribs and of course the famous pearl milk tea. Guests will be treated with the famous glove puppet performance, a Taiwanese folk performing art, where puppets embark on a journey of fantasy, kung fu and adventure.
Taiwan Festival Sydney 2013 will celebrate and share the splendor of the Australian multiculturalism with all.

Click here to learn more.

R U OK? Day 2013 – 12 September 2013

Ask one question & save a life
Just three little words could save someone's life and no they aren't 'I love you'. Although that would be great also but I am actually talking about asking someone, 'Are you ok'? Or in this case, R U Ok? Seems simple doesn't it, however, we get so caught up in our own lives that it's easy to forget to ask.

Find out more at www.ruokday.com

Fwd: This Week's Top 20 Travel Deals

Interesting Ideas for travel

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"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

Life is an Adventure'
Life is an Adventure on IBS

Are you ready to Travel for the Holidays?

Going to another country for the holidays is a great way to learn about a new culture or visit family that is located there. Regardless of the reason why you are traveling to another country during the holidays, you need to make sure you are prepared for the trip.

For most countries you are going to need a passport with a photo ID. This will allow you to remain in the country for a specified amount of time. Generally, this time frame is from 30 days to 90 days.

Make sure you keep your passport and other pertinent travel documents in a safe place. You don’t want them to get lost or stolen as this can delay your travel plans. Make sure you arrive early for your flight so that you can get through all of the necessary inspections and verifications in plenty of time. 






There may be vaccinations that you are required to get and others that you are encouraged to get before you can travel to certain countries for the holidays. Plan ahead and find out what these vaccinations are and then schedule appointments with your doctor. Some of the required vaccinations have to be given in a series with a specific amount of time between each shot in the series to be administered. Therefore you don’t want to wait until close to your time of travel to take care of this matter.

Depending on where you are traveling, you may have to deal with a different type of currency. You can get your money exchanged at your local bank before you leave. This will save you time trying to take care of it when you arrive in the other country for the holidays. There may be language differences as well that you need to take into consideration.

Be careful what you pack when you travel for the holidays. Most modes of transportation have strict guidelines on the size of your luggage, how many bags each person can have, and the weight guidelines. They will be enforcing these restrictions during the holidays because of the volume of people traveling. You don’t want to have to get rid of some of your items or purchase more bags at the gift shop.

Make sure you are aware of how much luggage you have for your return trip as well. While it can be fun to purchase items while you are there, think about how you will get them back. It may be a good idea to pack an extra bag in your luggage when you go so you can fill it up for the trip back. Another idea is to have items shipped but that can be quite expensive.

While traveling to another country for the holidays can be exciting, you need to remember that their customs may be significantly different than your own. Be respectful of such differences to avoid any conflicts while you are in that country. It is a good idea to read about the various customs that will be in place so you won’t reach them by accident. 

Whats on in Sydney July 2013

Now & Then Markets – School Holiday Fun

When: 14 July Starts at 10am

Venue: Rowers on Cooks River (is conveniently located a short walk from Wolli Creek Train Station Time
This July, the family-friendly Now & Then Markets are once again taking over the Captain's Room at Rowers on Cooks River for a market extravaganza. But their upcoming Sunday, July 14th event isn't just for those who favour vintage and retro fashion and hand crafted jewellery and accessories - rather this event is all about the kids!

For more details visit: http://www.nowandthenmarkets.com.au/

Open Marrickville

Dates: 20 June to 30 July 2013

The Open Marrickville festival will unlock the talents and creativity of local communities and celebrate the many and varied cultures. 

Open Marrickville's ten days of storytelling, music, dance, art, theatre, food, and simply gathering together will reveal the uniqueness of local lives and stories. The ten day festival will open with the welcome event in Marrickville, and close with the Magic Winter Festival at the Addison Road Community Centre.

In between will be Greek, Italian, Portuguese and Chinese cultural festivals, a national anthem singing competition, a short film festival, art exhibitions, a ping pong tournament, an Arabic dance party, a NAIDOC Week event, a museum open day and a children's festival. Download a festival program from the Marrickville website.

For more information: www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/community/events65140/open.html?s=1271909405


The Rocks Aroma Festival 2013

When: 21 July Where: The Rocks

Brews, baristas, fun and for free

For those of us who can't live without our caffeine; your festival highlight of 2013 is sure to be The Rocks Aroma Festival on Sunday 21 July 2013. And for those of you who have a non bean-drinker in tow, don't worry there's plenty of food and tea as well.

Situated in the historic Sydney location of The Rocks (as the name of the festival suggests); the alleys and streets will be taken over by roasters, dippers and mixers offering u all sorts of goodies to make your mouth water. Best of all; this annual event is free from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority. Like previous years; Campbells Cove, Hickson Road Reserve and George Street will all play host this year to the entertainment and stall holders

Check out the Traveling Australia Guide below

Prepaid travel card info

If you’re planning an overseas holiday you may wonder if a prepaid travel card is a good idea.

You can get them from major banks, travel agents, the post office and even from online foreign exchange specialists. But not all prepaid travel cards are created equal and depending on where you’re travelling to, they could be the most expensive way to spend your holiday dollars.






What are prepaid travel cards?

Prepaid cards are basically an updated version of the travellers cheque. Just as you would pre-buy your foreign currency travellers cheques, with a prepaid card you purchase foreign currency at a set rate before you travel and instead of paper cheques you’ll get issued with a prepaid Visa, MasterCard or American Express card. You can purchase single currency cards or multicurrency cards which allow you to preload multiple currencies on the one card.

One of the best advantages of a prepaid card is that you can lock in your exchange rate so that when you are travelling you’ll know exactly just how much things are costing you. You can use prepaid cards in ATMS or pay for things like restaurant bills, hotels or shopping wherever you use MasterCard, Visa or Amex.

There are a number of great tips and comparisons on the MOZO.com.au Blog HERE that I recommend reading.

In this site are discussions and tips on:

• Prepaid card tips
• Variable purchase fees
• Using Mozo to compare exchange rates.
• Reloads.
• Spending habits.
• Watch default currency order on multicurrency cards.And,
• Holiday budgeting.

Have a great Holiday :-)