So, um, where are you from?
I'm American.
And where are you now?
Sydney, Australia.
And what's a Kirribilli?
Kirribilli is suburb of Sydney. If you walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge from the south to the north, you will land smack dab in Kirribilli. I don't live there, but I love it. It's where my church -- Church by the Bridge -- is, and it's beautiful. If I'm not mistaken, "kirribilli" is an Aboriginal word meaning "good fishing place." ("Billi" relating to water -- i.e., "billabong" being a watering hole, etc.)
Are there any cool things to do in Kirribilli?
I'm so glad you asked! Oddly enough, YES! Every year there's an awesome art exhibition called I Heart Kirribilli. It's held at Church by the Bridge and features the work of local artists. This year (2011) it's from 22 - 29 October and you really don't want to miss it! If you're an artist and are interested in entering -- click the same link to find out how!
When it gets to be Christmas time, there's an incredibly joyful celebration called Carols Under the Bridge. It's Sunday, December 18 at 5 pm. Just stop by the north side of Sydney Harbour Bridge -- you can't miss it!
Of course, there's also Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Easter services at Church by the Bridge as well -- including an Easter sunrise service at 6:30 am right under the Harbour Bridge itself.
In other Kirribilli news, there's markets usually twice a month -- the general market on the 4th Saturday of the month from 7 am - 3 pm, and the art, design and fashion market on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 9 am - 3 pm. Church by the Bridge also has MADE Fair (fair trade markets) coming up on Saturdays September 24, October 22 and November 26.
If you didn't know, also, Kirribilli is where the Prime Minister has her (or his) Sydney dwellings in a place called Kirribilli House. You can't really wander in uninvited, but it's kind of fun knowing it's there.
Luna Park is also just on the Milson's Point side of Kirribilli -- personally I find it pretty tacky, but if you're dying to go to say you've been, feel free to check it out.
As for just popping by the area -- it's stunning. Come for a walk near the harbour, a great view of the city, whatever. It's a great atmosphere and there's also lots of cute little coffeeshops to visit. My favorites are Freckle Face (because they give you free freckles with your hot chocolate) and Cool Mac.
And the fireworks. Words don't do them justice. Try these photos instead. Or these.
What's the biggest difference between Americans and Australians?
It's a long story. Check it out here. Or, if you want a quicker version that's not really the same, try this post.
What's the most bizarre difference between Americans and Australians?
Aside from the whole fascination with Vegemite, I've been struggling to come up with the best answer to this for over a year now. I'll keep thinking and get back to you. In the meantime, I think you'll be pretty amused by these games Australians play, though.
Can you do an Australian accent yet?
No. And I'm not going to embarrass myself by trying.
