New Bondi Rescue With A Special Guest Star Appearance From Ben Mak

Thought it was only right to do a small post when I saw Ben's Bondi Rescue clip up on YouTube. I know Ben from my time in Broome and we met up again in Sydney over Christmas. Ben was staying in the city, but came over to Manly to surf with myself and a few of the other lads around the festive period. The day in question was fairly rough conditions. I was out myself that morning surfing at Manly and barely got out the back of the waves. It took me the best part of an hour and numerous attempts. It was definitely big that day, probably too big for me and the dartboard.

I think it must of been Christmas Eve when Ben called me late that night from the hospital. He explained the whole story of been washed up onto the rocks at the southern end of Bondi (also known as the infamous 'backers rip') and having his leg caught in between the rocks. Wave after wave came in and did some serious damage fracturing his leg in three spots. Luckily for him a passer by got to his aid even before the Bondi lifeguards. Ben was later taken too hospital and had his leg put in a cast.

All in all Ben was lucky that day he didn't have worse injuries. You be glad to know he's all better again and after getting his blue fish board repaired will be back surfing in no time.

Bacon And Adam Help Ben Up Roadside

Ben Reflects On His Near Death Experience

Just Another Day Down Bondi For The Pro Surfer Benny Mak

Bacon Paddles Out

A Passer By Helps Ben Off The Rocks

The Dangerous Rock At South Bondi

Ben Hobbles Around

Reidy Spots Ben In Trouble

Filed under >< 562 Comments

Australia Comes To An End, For Now Adleast

Sorry for the lateness in the last post covering Sydney, Australia and indeed 2009. The time has been well spent reminiscing the memories of another great year traveling in the amazing expansive country known to backpackers as Oz. I thought it was only right to finish in the city where I first landed from Singapore back in December 2007 amidst my round the world trip. After a total of 20 months living, traveling (by allot of means possible) and working across Australia's mainland, I think I can happily say I've seen it all. Well most that is. From swimming with Whale Sharks to literally climbing to the top of Uluru (Ayers Rock), I've been really fortunate to experience what so many will not.

Experiences literally amass to nothing if you cant enjoy and take in everything around you with others. 2009 was no exception in the incredibly cool people I was lucky enough to meet. The list would be too long to type, but for certain new friendships have been made that will last a lifetime. Also going solo this time around really paid off. Being your own boss and having no shackles is like an unlimited 'pass go' card where you do as you please and only have yourself to worry about (well most of the time).

Sydney this time around was certainly different than before. Living out by ferry from the city Manly was my home for the last five weeks in Oz. Living on the beach really has no cons. I met up with Lauren again after she had spent a month travelling the East Coast with her brother Liam. Allot of the Broome crew were in Sydney aswell. There was definitely plenty of good times over the festive period. Most of our days comprised of time down on the beach, surfing, bbq's and enjoying the parties and nightlife on offer. I worked for a month in the city to cover hostel fees, which got expensive over the Christmas period. Towards the end everyone began to move off in their separate directions. Some off to other cities in Australia, but the majority off home. My time too was up on this great city and country.

For me though 2010 holds allot of promise and of course unknowns. The latter though was something I got used to in 2009. Plans never usually work out whether getting a good job or ticking all the boxes. Pinning all your hopes on one thing alone is a bold move that can back fire.I found travelling can be likened to playing poker where a good player always has a number of 'outs' or options to win. This goes for traveling too. Having plan A,B,C and D means you'll always come out happy and never disappointed.

Follow the blog in 2010 where I'll try to see New Zealand from head to toe, north and south and up and down it's spectacular mountainous scenery. Well that's the plan, we'll see how it fairs out. I can't promise anything, lol!

The Dartboard's maiden trip out in the huge Manly surf with Brandon & Jona

The paddle out was tough in this swell

The sign doesn't lie

Enjoying one of the many hostel bbq's on the roof

Everybody wanted a go on the famous Dartboard

Jona soaking up the rays on Manly

Dressed up for a night out

Trying my hand at beach volleyball

Mel, Jona, Ray & Ben ready for some surf action

Brandon, Lisa & Claire creaming up on Shelly beach

Big is best when it comes to 'Sunnies' downunder

Brandon tucking in

Roof bbq at the hostel

Ray & Lauren enjoying the party on the roof

Lauren, Lisa, Ray, Ben, Brandon & Claire all in

Cocktail Time With Lauren

And Ray

Going out in Manly

On my way to work across the harbour with Anna from Broome

Coming into Circular Quay

The Opera House

Out with friends the Fredster and Mel

Getting in a Sydney FC Game

Seafood Christmas dinner at Darling Harbour

Best beach in Sydney? Manly of course

Fireworks over the Opera House - New Years

A little sweaty midst the celebrations

Fireworks

The pyrotechnics never disappoint

New Year eve night at work

Celebrating New Years after work

Filed under Dubs Down Under, Australia >< 30 Comments