Waiting for Visas

Headline from today's Australian newspaper:

Skilled immigrants sponsored by employers are waiting more than five months to have their visa applications processed while unsponsored applicants face waits of between a year and 18 months.

If plan on working in OZ better get a jump on it!

NYE Capital of the World?

Sydney claims to be the New Year's Eve capital of the world!

With summer weather and spectacular fireworks display it was pretty amazing I have to say.

As far as how to ring in the New Year, there are many options including:

• House parties (hopefully with a view of the harbour).
• Boat parties (barges and yachts with $500 ticket prices will sail you around the harbour and put you in prime viewing locations).
• Why not go to the famous Opera Bar? This year's theme was "Beach". Tickets ranged from $300-$500 to ring in 2011. 
• Picnics in the Botanical Gardens are always a favorite too.

Regardless of how you spent your evening, it was assured you had an early start with many roads closing at 3p which meant you had better be at your final destination or within an easy walking distance of your destination. That being said, at noon party goers were making their way to the Darling Street Wharf park to claim their patch of grass in Balmain which is a prime location due to it's placement on the Harbour.

This year, celebrations were held at 13 Duke Street! Though fireworks couldn't be fully seen because of a big ficus tree, there was fun and too much food thanks to Hex and Keavy. With the 15 minute warning signal, we (10 of us) easily made our way to a prime neighborhood hill to watch the fireworks.

Pete, Ann, Ange, Keavy, Hex Dad (Hector Sr.) & Hex Brother's Girlfriend
(Missing from photo: Hex, his brother and Maddy (Ann's daughter).

There are actually two shows! One at 9p for the kiddies and the traditional display at 12 midnight.

This year's theme in Sydney was "Make Your Mark" which was demonstrated with an "x" on the Harbour Bridge.

Crowds were estimated at 1.5m for the Sydney displays. Over 1 billion views with the international broadcast. The 12 minute show cost an estimated $5m.

Happy New Year!! Wishing everyone the best in 2011!!

Merry Christmas from CLE

Merry Christmas from Cleveland!
So I left mid-70 degree weather and headed straight into snow and 20 degree weather! Welcome to NE Ohio.

So great to see all of family and friends.
Wishing everyone a safe and merry Christmas.