Author Archives: Damien

China dreaming

Posted on September 30, 2008 by Damien

Just had dinner with James and Kate at Thai Tha Po in Surry Hills. Kate has travelled all over China (and is about to return again), and has given me loads of tips on where to go and what to see.

The broad plan for the big trip is firming. Starting in Hong Kong, I hope to travel inland to Hanoi and roam around the northern parts of Vietnam, Laos and Thailand for a while. Then back into Yunnan province in China, north to Shangri-La and then northeast to Xián. After a few days in that area I’ll board the high train to Lhasa in Tibet. Yes, into Tibet by train, travelling at altitudes of over 5000m. 

Afterwards who knows, but wandering around Tibet and Nepal before heading down into India for a month or so sounds like heaven to me. I should certainly have the time to do all that and more, even with inevitable delays obtaining visas and other permits of entry.

As another occasional mate said today, only half-jokingly, I’ll be “living the dream!”. Yep. 😀

Categories: china | 1 Comment

Lunch at Woy Woy

Posted on September 30, 2008 by Damien

Last Sunday was the first time me, Stan, Val, Geraldine and Azza had gathered together since Mum’s death. It was great to catch up and reminisce, and Val’s friend Margaret from Dubbo also came along and added spark to the day.

Despite the heat we had a wonderfully long and lazy lunch on the sheltered deck of Fishermens Wharf restaurant at Woy Woy. The quality and price of the food was an excellent surprise: I had whole roasted snapper stuffed with mediterranean vegetables, and as you can see I didn’t leave too much on the plate. All the other dishes were generously sized, well cooked and good value (mid-$20s).

Close to the train station, this wharf is also a stop for local ferries. And there’s a decent pub across the road for afterwards, if one is so inclined. A great day at a great spot, highly recommended.

Categories: family, food | Leave a comment

Panicked about Palin

Posted on September 29, 2008 by Damien

It’s with some glee that I watch the contortions of Republicans as they limp along with Sarah Palin for VP. I thought she would backfire on McCain at some point, but I had no idea how spectacularly she would burn out. That some are calling for her to resign only five weeks from the election shows how worried the Republicans are…

The key strategic blunder that McCain made in choosing Palin is that it focuses attention back on the old guy’s age. Yes she was youngish, pretty and female – all good “modern” things to counter the Obama onslaught – but she’s only had limited experience running the most remote state in the Union. Is that enough to justify her running the country?

It’s a critical question: if McCain died for any reason (and here’s where his 72 years is a factor) then Sarah Palin would become President of the United States. 

Hands up who’s not terrified by that prospect?

Categories: politics | 3 Comments

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