Cablog

BlackCab

Sydney reader Pennie has started a blog chronicling her two year honeymoon with husband David around the UK and Europe...in a Black London taxi. It was 1968 and the Swinging Sixties generation was on the move.

Europe by London taxi is a treasure trove of fascinating images, postcards and vigniettes of the time. Although still under construction it's a quality effort with something for everyone.

Some favourite images include the blog banner, departing Sydney Cove (older posts), and General Montgomery's staff Humber. Worth a visit.

Back

Palm Cove, Far North Queensland

I'm back on deck after my son's wedding last weekend. It was an outstanding event, with no bust-ups or brawls or cops or nothin’, eh?

Although there is footage of some gut-busting Jacko moves on the dance floor. And I missed another shot of some ‘delicate’ planking occurring on a knee-high bollard outside the venue. Don’t ask.

After the success of the momentous occasion I decided to celebrate on my return with a random taxi shift. This quick-smart jolted me back to reality.

At one point last night, whilst absently waiting on a red light, I reflected how Palmer Street, Darlinghurst is a long, long way from Palm Cove, Queensland. It's about 2,000 kilometres, in fact.

Also my speech worked out quite well, despite a dread of public speaking. For our only child it was a one-shot event so I put in some serious preparation. When the day arrived I was actually looking forward to it, without any need for hard liquor! But thanks, anyway, for readers advice on this perilous approach.

For most wedding guests it was a three or four day event with many taking the opportunity of an extended holiday. And why not? At 28 degrees and visitor numbers down, what’s not to like about Far North Queensland in the dry season.

However I also spent time with some friends in Mission Beach and was shocked at the devastation still clearly evident after Yasi, especially throughout once lush, dense rainforests. The cyclone showed no mercy, and many of those decimated now face a new battle - insurance assessors. God give them strength.

Away

Currently I’m on holidays preparing for my son’s wedding this weekend in FNQ. Yes, he’s marrying a Queenslander but what can you do? Kids these days never listen, anyway. As I hone the father of the groom speech, this week has been one of reminiscing. Here’s an image from the vault of the young fella outside Erskineville Oval after a session of kicking practise.

When I was a nipper my father would take me there when he umpired in the Sydney Aussie Rules competition. And being a Victorian he would have copped plenty. As my brother remarked after last weekend’s Swan’s demolition of Port Adelaide: “Half the fun of going to the game is bagging the Victorian umps.”

Anyway, on Monday I’ll post an image of how we look now, somewhat older of course and dressed a little sharper. Also I’ve been trying to nail down the right proportion of drinks to settle the nerves ahead of the big speech. Boy, anticipating a live television appearance is a walk in the park compared to a wedding speech.

Figured I’d spend the spare hours after the ceremony with a couple of quiet gin and tonics. Thence once the function commences, one or two aperitifs would be in order followed by some beers and red wine with the meal. By then the anxiety levels should be well under control.

However I’m unsure whether a final settler would be advisable, say, some vodka Red Bull shots...or should I stick to water at this point? I’m happy to take suggestions regarding the shots.

Holidays

The Rhapsordy of the Seas heads out on Saturday evening. On holidays. In the sun. Bastards.

Away

Extraordinary

(cabbie finalists in Perth)

Whenever I poll passengers travelling around Australia the majority nominate The Kimberley in the north west as the best location of all. And needless to say it's definitely on my own Big Lap itinerary, one day. 

An unusual tourism campaign is currently being conducted by Tourism Western Australia, based on a nine week taxi journey around the State - The Extraordinary Taxi Ride.

Five cabbies have been selected as finalists to ferry some lucky passengers on 11 different legs from the vinyards of Margaret River to the outback and The Kimberley, to name a few.

Here you'll find short videos of the cabbies presenting their 'extraordinary' credentials for voters to consider.

Readers can also enter the competition by choosing a destination for a berth as a lucky passenger. To enter submit either a 1 minute video or 250 words detailing yourself and an accompanying passenger.

So, how about touring Western Australia in a taxi driven by an extraordinary cabbie? Just perfect.

(Cable Beach, Broome)

Engaged

Last night I engaged three taxis around town, as a passenger. Each journey was without locality or language issues, so nothing to report there.

This week my girlfriend and I are on holidays and managed to find a sweet movie, re a recent post.

On Monday night we got lucky with Mao's Last Dancer, an entertaining and uplifting account of Li Cunxin's true story. Highly recommended.

And thanks to readers who suggested other suitable films worth watching together, especially one dealing with blogging and romance!

Speaking of romance my son and his delightful girlfriend have just announced their engagement so last night we celebrated with a sumptuous dinner at King Street, Wharf. Many times in the cab I've waited outside the Japanese restaurant, Kobe Jones saying to myself, one night I'm going to have a slap-up meal at that joint. Now I have and can highly recommend the banquet dinner for two, with a selection of matching wines. A fat time was had by all.

And speaking of engagements, here's a sweet photo of my mother in 1943 aged 21, newly engaged and reading a letter from my Dad who was away at war. Awww.

Hastings

Yesterday we took a road trip from Port Macquarie to Long Flat, on the upper Hastings River, via Pipeclay. Another perfect day in this fast finishing holiday.

Grommets

Grommets at Port Macquarie breakwall, home to a world bodyboard champion.

Look for a travel video tomorrow.

Freakin'