The Sydney Writers festival held several hundred events the past 7 days throughout Sydney and New South Wales. I only attended the closing address of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, but wish I had maybe attended others. She quoted one of her colleagues in her opening about the power of books. And continued about the book which plays such a huge part in her life. The Quran. I have read her autobiography Infidel the past few weeks and was captivated by her openness in sharing her troubled youth and escape to the West. I had 'heard' of her when she became a politician back in the Netherlands, but only really after Theo van Gogh's horrible murder who Ayaan collaborated with for the Submission movie. It felt like a thriomph to hear her address, with so many people attending and before she had spoken a word welcoming her with a huge applause. To fear for your life fighting a cause that helps others is an incredible price, but one she seems determined to continue to make.

There was quite a lot of security, something the Australians aren't used to either I think. Not even the security staff, as they seemed to enjoy the radio / ear pieces they had and joked around. It almost made me angry they didnt take their job serious. No waterbottles or pens allowed in the room where Ayaan signed her books, and a couple of really big body guards watching our every move. But we got to speak to her - in DUTCH - which was really nice. She asked if we were living here, and wondered if I was going back to Holland or stay in Australia. I said I hoped she would enjoy her stay here, despite the stir her visit was making.

Sleepless in Sydney

OK I think I had too much Coca Cola.... I cant seem to sleep??

So why not a little update of what occupies Australian media or my life at the moment;

The hype surrounding the Big Donor Show in The Netherlands also hit Australia news reports. Its interesting how everyone had an opinion, and was discussing it. This morning as I found out it was all a hoax with the aim to make people aware of the lack of donors, I couldnt resist a smile. Mission accomplished; 18000 people apparently downloaded donor forms overnight.

Former Dutch politician, immigrant from Somalia, AKA film maker, named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world Miss Ayaan Hirsi Ali is in Sydney, obviously under heavy security attending the Sydney Writers Festival. My flatmate gave me her recent auto biography as a present and we are planning to attend her closing address on Sunday night. I found it interesting to read about how her past and the tragedies and occurrences in her life that have made her the person she is today and it saddens me so much hurt and loss has come along with it. I am intrigued by her strength, maybe not in a politically relating way, but in a humanitarian way. I think she is certainly a remarkable, influential person.... I was touched by her book.

I wonder if we are allowed to bring our cameras in??

I am trying to get a new flatmate, as Lin is leaving some time mid june. For some reason I get a lot of male responses, even though I mention I prefer a female flatmate. Its an annoying task and I have to plan my evenings around it at the moment.

OK, of lesser importance... I got a haircut today... Actually not just a haircut... I got my 1st EVER highlights, a cut and my hair straightened, and I have a little bit of a fringe now! My friend Amanda who also got her hair done hardly recognized me.... It looks so different!

Pirates 3 - not bad even though the story was hard to follow. I was surprised by how how prominent Keira Knightleys role was. Great special effects, and as always Keith Richards looking his scary self.

And for you wondering what the Aussies like to watch;

The Australian box office highest grossing movies;
1. Titanic (1997) $58 million
2. Shrek 2 (2004) $50m
3. The Return of the King (2003) $49m
4. Crocodile Dundee (1986) $48m
5. Fellowship of the Ring (2001) $47m
6. The Two Towers (2002) $46m
7. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) $42m

Or music the Aussies listen to, this one is pretty scary;
The top selling albums of the past ten years;
1 Come On Over (Shania Twain) Oh Canada, oh no.
2 Jagged Little Pill (Alanis Morissette) Oh Canada, oh yeah!
3 Innocent Eyes (Delta Goodrem) Another Aussie Soapie turned singer.
4 Savage Garden (Savage Garden)
5 Falling Into You (Celine Dion) Oh NO NO NO,
6 Abba Gold (Abba) Thanks to Muriels Wedding maybe??
7 Immaculate Collection (Madonna)
8 Recurring Dream (Crowded House) Love CH...!
9 Come Away With Me (Norah Jones) If Norah made it why didn't Sarah M?
10 Forgiven Not Forgotten (The Corrs) That must be because there are so many Irish here!
11 Yourself or Someone Like You (Matchbox 20) Match who?
12 Forrest Gump (Soundtrack)
13 The Very Best of (The Eagles)
14 1 (The Beatles)
15 Affirmation (Savage Garden) They are Aussie.
16 The Eminem Show (Eminem) I think I should have stopped at 15.

And some May photos

Me & Nicole enjoying the Sun at Telstra stadium during the Rabittohs match.

The birthday gang L-->R

Dave, Nicole (behind Lindseys elbow) Nat, Tex, Me, Claire, Amanda, Kirsten.

Some of my wonderful pressies!

Had a little get away break to Aussie Nat family's place near Gosford. Very relaxing and enjoyable weekend.