San Francisco, Day 6

Sunday April 29th 2007. Cooler, some cloud, Exp top 65F.
Being a Sunday, its tradition that my owner goes out for a long late breakfast, this we did today also. After a short cable car ride. We stopped at Jona's on Hyde. 1800 Hyde Street, San Francisco. After a freshly made breakfast on toasted rye bread, we thought about going to church be decided against that. Last night on the way back to the hotel, we passed Saint (not sure which saint) with the 3 very stretched limos lined up out side, looked like the place to go to pray.
Anyway we headed back into downtown, so as to get another one of my owner's memory cards transferred to DVD to send home. While waitng for that we did a bit of a shop in the Westfield Complex nearby.
We now have a bit of time to reflect on San Francisco, for in the morning we are going to start our drive down to LA LA Land.

Yes to the person who made a comment, there are still plenty of the homeless on the streets, with their portable housing (shopping trollies). The hills are steep, but you soon work out how to use the cable cars and buses to get to places and then walk down hill. We met lots of odd ball type people when walking, many talking to themselves, or quoting the scriptures. San Francisco is a real mixture of people.

When riding the cable cars you often notice the smell of burning pine, the reason is that the brakes are wooden pine blocks, and yes when breaking especially on those very steep hill, they do tend to smoke a bit. The very friendly cable car guy did say that they are replace usually every 4 to 7 days.

Well here we should also thank Quetzal Internet Cafe, 1234 Polk @ Bush, The guys there have been great, looking after my owner with a cafe latte, and even pie today.

San Francisco, Day 5

Saturday, April 28th 2007. Weather Fine Exp 68F. Clear Skies and sun.

Well we didnt get home too late, and it was a great evening to be walking home after a show, mild weather nite. Jersey Boys was a great show, except that it stopped about 5 mins in, they were having a technical problem with a trap door. So after about 20 mins the show restarted. We enjoyed it, I had a nice spot in my owner's jacket pocket,and we were 5 rows from the front, so I got to see and hear it all. It was the first time that I had been taken to a live show and I hope to see a few more during our travels. Today started off with coffee and toast, at the local internet cafe, I am getting known there and we are getting a good discount. We then headed downtown, the walk from here is downhill all the way, and checked out a few more art galleries. Liz a senior art consultant, and my owner were having a bit of a discussion, about exhibitions, and details were exchanged.
After Lunch we headed off to the Golden Gate Bridge and Park, as it was a great day to be outside enjoying the warmth. As you will be able to see when we post the pictures we walked over the bridge and back, lots of sail boats out on the bay, and even a few surfers. For the rest of the afternoon we walked thru Gold Gate Park. My owner found a nice spot in the Botanical Gardens and did some sketching. The Japanese Tea Garden was our next stop and I had my picture taken with some very nice people. I seem to be popular at some of these tourist spots, as people like to have their photo taken with me.

San Francisco, Day 4

Friday, April 27, 2007 Weather Clear, sunny, 70F. As I had made a little extra cash the other day, with my collection for Alcohol Research, we could afford to drive from San Fran to LA, so this morning we booked a car to take 3 days down the coast. We also spent a bit of time at the Internet cafe, booking the flight and accomodation in Las Vegas. On of the options with the flight was either the Wedding Package at $245 or the wedding package and Elvis for $355. I think my owner declined these offers. I think my owner is starting to look like a local as he has had several people approach him for directions, thank heavens he knew where they wanted to go. We started the day with a short cable car ride to our breakfast place, then back into the downtown area, to pick up a DVD with his pictures on it to send home. Then we headed out to the Castro area, were we had a bit of a walk around and he was going to buy me some clothing made of leather and metal, but I decided that my fur was enough to keep me warm. Even though it was a warm day there were a few men around the area, with big moustaches, leather pants, jackets and caps, but bare chested. I guessed they were going to a fancy dress party somewhere.

Headed back towards Union Square, were a lot of the art galleries and shops are around this area. There was and exhibition and sale of original art of Alberto Vargas. I am too young to remember Vargas, but my owner does remember is art work appeared in a Magazine called "Playboy" and he did the illustrations for Ziegfield Follies. The works were very interesting, lots of Ladies without fur. One Illustration of Brigit Bardot that was never published due to legal reasons, was only $68,000. it as also initialled by someone named Hugh Hefner. My owners credit card could not stretch to handle that purchase.

Tonight we are going to see a show, there was Menopause: the Musical , Shopping: the musical, or Jersey Boys. So we are going to see Jersey Boys, based on the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Season, It is a Tony Award winning production so it should be good.

San Francisco, Day 3 later.

Thursday, April 26th 2007. later in the day. We have noticed that no one has tried to answer the "Where am I" question we posted with a pic a couple of days ago.

San Francisco, Day 3

Thursday April 26th, 2007. Weather Sunny, 67F. We started the day, with a coffee and a short session on the Internet. He said he was making sure that his boss was still paying him, so after the bills had been paid, we were off.

I was going to be put to work today while he did some sketches, yes he did pack a sketch pad and pencils in. Today was a great day weather wise, blue clear skies, sun was out and not too hot. Have included the picture of me working.

One thing I have noticed here that a lot of people come up to my owner and ask him about change for train fares or coffee. I wonder why when there are machines in the stations that provide change. I guess they havn't been shown how to use the machines.

We have got a 7 day travel pass which enables us to use the trolley cars, buses and of course the Cable cars, I have spent a bit of time hanging off the side of the cable car, on our way back to the hotel. Its a big hill and a bit of distance to walk it, and with my short furry legs would take ages.

One thing I have noticed from my vantage point in the back pack, is the large number of people that walk around with the very large containers of coffee in their hands.

I have been told that I had to include the other image on here, my owner said something about it being evidence for "taxation purpose".

San Francisco, Day 2

Wednesday, April 25th, 2007, ANZAC DAY, Weather, Some cloud, Exp 65F
Started out slowly this morning, my owners' legs are getting used to the hills. We got an all day ticket on the cable car, which helps eliminate the big hill when going back to the hotel in the evening. The walking hasn't affected my legs too much, as I get to ride looking out of the backpack most of the day. With the use of the cable car and trolley buses we managed to visit a few of the sights around town. After a short stop at the internet cafe to update and collect emails. Late afternoon was spent doing a little shopping. Abercrombie & Fitch. I might have to come back to this entry and update it again, as my owner is wanting to head off again, as it is getting near dinner time. Guess I will be stuck back at the room while he goes out and has agood time. I wonder why he doesn't take me out in the evenings. He didn't go out last nite, the corner store has a range of liquor and deli items so we got something to have in front of the tele. Looks like we are going to have a quiet nite in, a hot bath for the legs etc, and catch up on a few tv shows. With me travelling around in the back pack, my owner, thinks we should start a TV series like 'Dora the Explorer', and her backpack

San Francisco, Day 1

Tuesday Aprtil 24th. 2007 Weather Clear Skies, Temp 21c
After the walk up the Hills to the Hotel last nite, My owners legs were a bit tender this morning. But with the use of the cable cars we should be able to avoid some of the big hills. We found a very nice cafe around the corner and up the hill a bit from the Hotel. Jona's on Hyde, Coffee, and Breakfast Bagel was only $4.50, so breakfast was relaxing while we sorted out what we intend to do toady. As the cable car that heads down to the wharf passes right out in front, guess where we were headed. With my vantage point in the backpack I got to see everything. At the end of the Cable Car ride was the bay, the bridge out to the left and Fisherman's Wharf along to the right and in the bay, Alkatraz. As you can see I met a very nice young lady at Pier 39, and managed a cuddle with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. The First Picture is a puzzle for you to work out where you think I might be and send me your answer by using the comment section below.

Travel Day

Monday April 23rd, 2007. Vancouver. Exp Temp 13c
Flying from Vancouver to San Francisco, Alaskan Airways. I have got my position in the backpack so I get a good view of whats going on. I have also gotten a few strange looks. Lucky for me I don't have to take off my shoes when we pass thru security checks. Thankfully my owner put on clean socks this morning. We have passed thru immigration and customs, and going to spend a bit of time here waiting. Our flight has been delayed about 30 mins. Vancouver Airport is large, with lots of glassed in walkways, etc. Pictures to be added later. We managed to get Exit seats on the flight, which was good for my owners long legs. If you are in the Exit seats you have to agree to assist in the case of emergency. But my owner wonders why some of the people say they will, the guy in the window seat near us, was old and unsteady on his feet and might have had a hard time removing the exit door if there was an emergency.

We arrived in San Francisco, a little later than schedule, and managed to use the BART to get into town. Il Divo had been performing in Vancouver last nite and there were a few on board the flight that had flown up to see them. A mother and her daughter, caught the BART with us and said I was cute, with my head sticking out of the back pack. My owner said they were typical Il Divo fans. (Female and both not to slender). Comments in italics are direct quotes by my owner.

Just a little message for Trevor. There is a lot of bike riding around Vancouver, along the sea wall and Stanley Park. Vancouver has the largest nude bike ride each year around June. That was one of the interesting facts pointed out by the Marine biologist while searching for killer whale, also Vancouver has a nude beach at the back of the University, and the binoculars are not handed out until we pass it.

Vancouver, Day 4

Sunday, April 22 nd, 2007. Weather some light rain over nite, cloudy, exp max 13c.
Since is Sunday morning, I have started today's entry early, as it is very quiet in the Internet Cafe. My owner, was once again late home, after being out. So this morning we are taking it quietly and then heading off for our traditional Sunday Breakfast. Hugs to Michael and all the others at 'Red Tongue', so far we havn't found a place to match. So this entry will be updated later in the day. Remember you can make comments or send us a message by clicking on the comments section of each entry. Comments are vetted and not always published.
Its now later in the day,
Hamburger Mary's Diner was the pick for breakfast this morning, nice window seat looking out on the street and the passing parade. My owner made comment after breakfast to me that, the bacon was very crispy, poached eggs good, the yolks appeared to be a bit pale in colour, and the rye toast was interesting!. After breakfast we needed to walk a bit and headed downtown and had a coffee latte, (not at a Starbucks, which seem to be on every second corner). The rest of the Sunday afternoon was spent doing a little shopping.
Tomorrow, we fly out to San Francisco, to continue the adventure.

I have managed to get my owner to shrink a few more of his images, the originals are large files and would use up a lot of space, so he has to shrink them down to a smaller size for me to use.
You should be able to click on the images to make them a bit bigger to see.

Vancouver, Day 3.

Saturday, April 21st, 2007. Exp. 12c.
Up early today, not sure what time my owner got in, but we had to be up early to get down to the docks for today we are going in search of Orca or Killer Whale.

Once down at the docks we had to get fitted out in safety suits, lucky they were Red in colour. I managed to get tucked inside a nice warm pocket as they didn't have a suit small enough for me. After a safety briefing, we all walked thru the Island dock area thru the market and craft area. Our jet craft departed out thru the port, and north to the most recent sightings of orca. The safety suits protected us from the cold air and sea spray, but as the day progressed the weather cleared. We all had to keep an eye out for the orca, and while on the trip Paulo, the marine biologist, gave information about the resident orca pods, marine ecology and wildlife.

After over 5 hours on the water we arrived back at port, greeted with a very warming hot chocolate. We then went for a wander thru the produce and craft markets on the island. It appears to be a popular place to come to on the weekends.

We have been staying in a suite hotel on Robson Street, and Saturday afternoon is the time to do a stroll and shop in this area. When walking back the streets were very crowded with people.

Once again tonight, my owner left me behind and when I asked he said "was going out". I will have to try and get a look at his notebook to see what else he has been getting up to with out me.

Vancouver, Day 2

Friday April 20th 2007
Another Sunny but chilly morning expected top 12c. We awoke a bit earlier today, but my owner is still taking a bit of time to adjust the sleep patterns. Today was another bit of a walking day, thats good for me as I get to ride around looking out from the back pack. A very nice breakfast from a bakery cafe, which was only C$5.50 and the big mug of coffee was only $1. I got a bit of time to catch up on my written diary, and remember things that needed to be updated on the previous days entry. We decided that today was going to be a bit tourist like, so we headed down to the Harbour Trust Building and went up to the observation desk to get a 360 of Vancouver.

Then headed to the other end of Downtown Vancouver to Stanley Park, this area was damaged recently by storms so a few of the big trees have been uprooted and the sea wall damaged. Still it was a great place to ride and walk and spend a bit of time at the aquarium there. Interesting exhibits, and a large area with 4 Beluga whales. My owner got a bit wet at one stage with the splashing of a tail. Lucky for me I was in my safe spot on the backpack and was a bit protected.

We eventually walked back to our accomodation, and I came down and added today's entry. Tonight I have been told that I am staying in, and my owner is going out. He said it is Friday Nite in the City and time to see what the Nite Life is like.

Vancouver, Day 1

Thursday April 19th, Vancouver.
The date on the blog entries will be a day ahead, as we have crossed the date line and the blog time and date info is set for Melbourne time.
Well the jet lag caught up with my owner, as we didn't wake up until well after 11. So it was out for coffee and a little breakfast. The coffee was only a medium size but it was big compared to the normal size I am used to, as you can see in the pic.

After that we headed to the Vancouver Art Gallery, where there were a couple of photographic exhibitions on. One a major exhibition of a local photographer's work. Fred Herzog who had moved to Vancouver in 1953 and has produced an incredible body of work. His photographs were of secondhand shops, vacant lots, neon signage and the people who have populated Vancouver over the past fifty years. These were photographed using Kodachrome film, so many of the images have never been printed for exhibition before. Previously his work was exhibited as slide shows. (My owner remembers slide shows)

The other a historical look at photography, Acting the Part: photography as theatre, included over 90 works ranging from earliest salted paper prints and daguerreotypes thru to digitally manipulated photographs. Photographers such as Julia Margaret Cameron, Duane Michals, Weegee, Oscar Rejlander, Man Ray, Edward Weston.

Off and Flying

Wednesday April 18th. Melbourne.

We made it to the airport in plenty of time, thankfully. There was a slight problem at check in, my owner did not have the address of the friends that we will be staying with, he had the phone number and email contact etc, but the actual street address was required. Panic, what with the missing passport, wallet in the wrong place from the previous day, what else could go wrong. But some quick thinking by me, and a few phone calls, we had the information required. The very nice lady behind the counter gave me a cuddle and issued the business class boarding pass for my owner and me.
The Qantas people were so friendly towards me, I guess it was my cute face and warm body that loves a cuddle, that won them over. They gave me some nice lotions etc. to use during the flight, but my owner thinks that they would make a bit of a mess of my fur, so my owner got them. It was very nice up stairs in the plane, there was plenty of space to lay back and watch the movies, listen to music and sleep a little.

Wednesday April 18th, Vancouver.

Any way we are now in Vancouver, after a short flight from San Francisco, on Alaskan Airways. There is snow on the mountains and its a bit cool, 11 c today, so my owner might have to buy a jacket to keep a bit warm, lucky me I have my fur.

If you would like to make a comment or pass on any news etc. click on the comments and send them thru. Don't worry they are checked and vetted before they are published.

Oh and another lot of Hugs to Michael.

Panic Over ... or is it?

This morning my owner woke up in a bit of a panic, as he hadn't found the passport last nite before going to bed, but he had a good idea where it will be. Well the passport has been located, as well as the atm card for cash. Yes he did find it in the box of things that he thought it might be in.
So now he is a bit more relaxed, and starting to get a few things ready to pack.
I wonder if I will need a passport, I hope he has arranged one for me.
Now today he is getting his cameras ready to go, film, batteries, memory cards, etc. Today is his day of getting the loose ends sorted. Later we will go over to his work, as he has to take back the laptop computer as it is near the end of the lease.
Today's pic is with Brian, a man that my owner have been working with for many years. My owner and many others say that he is a person of integrity all round nice fellow, and I have to agree, you can tell alot about a person by the way they handle me.
Anyway back to the panic, passport found but the wallet was missing for a while. My owner had forgotten to put it in the car when going to pick up a few things. Thanks to the lovely Michael at the Red Tongue for his assistance. Big Teddy Bear Hugs are the order of the day for him.

So nice not having to go back to School today.

Well we woke up a bit late today, When my owner realized that he didnt have to go into work for the first day of term, he smiled and rolled over and had a bit more of a snooze. Today is going to be a bit busy, got things to be arranged, and also got to find the passport. He has put it in a safe place, but cant remember just where yet.
Eventually got out of bed when Kerrie Ann started, my owner then headed over to the doctors to get a bit of a cough checked. Then we headed up to the shopping centre, for the last bits of shopping and a haircut. I hadnt noticed but he made the comment that the centre was a lot quieter, no school holiday kids, but the large number of prams and babies are still there. My owner calls them Costello Carriages.

Another Sunday

Sunday..morning.. coffee.. brekkie.

Not long to go

A relaxing day, a bit of shopping etc. My owner has been making a list of things to be done before we go away, I didn't realize the amount of work that is required for our big adventure. Today was also time to fill in the forms for the travel insurance. I am told that I have to be specially listed on the policy, as I am valuable.

Drawing nite

Wednesday is Life Drawing night for my owner, and tonight he finally took me along, so I got to see what he gets up too. As you can see I got to be the model for a while. Being a teddy bear, I am naked most of the time and my fur came in handy, as the gas heating wasn't working in the studio. It can be a bit chilly standing naked in front of a group of artists with only a basic radiator giving off heat. Well last night was the last drawing night for a while, but I hope my owner takes his sketch pad on our travels, so he can sketch me in the interesting places we will be visiting. I will post a few of the sketches here if he does. Have attached a link to the classes and groups that are available at Gasworks.
Link to Gasworks Art Groups and Classes

Easter Monday.

A touch of the sun, yesterday sitting outside on a beautiful Melbourne autumn weather. Today its going to be 27c so it going to be another great day.
It has been a time for catching up with old Friends, old school friends, some of his original models, and also family. The pic included in today's post is one of the old school friends, he has known my owner for nearly 40 years.
Plans for the big adventure are starting to fall into shape, he has been spending a bit of time searching the net for good cheap accommodation. I am lucky I have my own special spot in his back pack to have a snooze and keep my things.

Easter Sunday

As usual, we headed off for brekkie at 'the office'. Almost every Sunday, he heads off for a coffee and breakfast. Reads the paper and relaxes watching the passing parade in Brunswick Street. As you can see by todays pic, the staff of "The Red Tongue" look after me.
Today it might be interesting, as he is looking at a few places, to do some photographs at and he is taking me with him. My owner has been in contact with one of the original 'Chairman', and we will meet up later in the day, will be nice to meet David.
We did find a few places for possible photographs, and spent most of the afternoon, chatting to David, who was improving his tan with the last rays of sunshine, that we are having in Melbourne.

Good Friday

Today being a traditional religious holiday, I am taking it easy at home. My owner has has given me the flight tickets to look after. He has also called friends in Texas to let them know when we will be arriving there. It will be great to meet these people, as my owner has spoken often about them, and it has been almost 10 years since they last met. Today is also the annual Royal Childrens Hosptial Appeal which is on the television for most of the day, but the weather is good so spending time outside is the go. My owner is also updating his website, to include details of the places we will be travelling to, so if you would like to meet up, we can arrange something.
(Link to Travel itinerary)

Another Day Another Brekkie

As you can see by the pic, today my owner had brekkie with a friend that has a great smile. His nikname is 'Naked Smiles', and he lights up the place when he flashes them pearly whites. My owner has taken a few pics of Mr Smiles as he has a very fit and toned body. Hope he will add a link to some of the pics at some stage, so keep an eye out for that, as they are great shots. (Will add a link here shortly)
After brekkie we headed off to sort out some printing, and later in the afternoon, caught up with a nice guy that had offered his hairy chest for a photograph to be used in an art competition. I might try and get him to add a couple of the pics taken as I got to be in some of the pics, and as you can see, I do like to get my picture taken.
Last nite my owner, left me at home, while he went off to Life Drawing, he does that most wednesday nites, he hasnt taken me with him as yet, but one day I might get the chance to go and rub a bit of charcoal or pencil on paper.

Getting things sorted

The past couple of days have been spent, getting things ready to go away. Looking for a suitcase, ( they are on special at Harris Scarfe from Sat), finding the passport, writing down things that my owner need to remember. What changes need to be fixed up with regards the flights and tickets. My owner has been spending a little time, at what he calls 'his office'. I have included the recent pic of that very nice Michael from The Red Tongue. He gives good cuddles. What with catching up with my owner's old school friends, and models etc. we have been spending a bit of time here. Breakfast and Lunches and sometimes the afternoon coffee before heading out of the city. Well the easter break is about to happen this weekend, so i will be indulging in a little bit of chocolate, and other easter fare.

Day One

Well this is the first post, of what I hope will be a collection of the interesting things that will happen in the future as I embark on a bit of a trip around the world, with my owner, to use up some of his frequent flyer points. Well a little about me, as you can see I do enjoy a coffee on Sunday mornings at a nice cafe in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. 'The Red Tongue'. Michael looks after me very well, and today we were reflecting on the past 7-8 years that my owner have been going there. When he first started going there, he was going thru a very difficult time, with someone very close to him in hospital. But there was always Michael and also David there to look after him. I will add a pic of myself with Michael during the week. Will add some more pics and details over the next week as I get used to this 'Blogging'