I hope it can deliver the feeling of the festival to you.

Audience

Arabic Dancer

Stage

Flags!

Hip-hop Dance

Hip-hop Dance

Stage

Portuguese Sandwich Shop

hmmm looks yummy

Portuguese Omelet

That’s all.

I think you could see that many people from many countries were there.

Some more photos will be found on my flickr.

See you next year!

Anangu art has traditionally taken the form of rock paintings, sand drawings and body painting. Anangu paintings are created for religious and ceremonial expression, teaching and storytelling. Traditional methods and designs are passed on from one generation to the next.

Symbols and meanings

The symbols and figures on the shelter walls at Uluru are similar to those found in many sites throughout Central Australia. Anangu still use these symbols in their paintings and carvings. These include geometric symbols such as concentric circles, figures representing animal tracks and the outlines of animals.

These symbols can represent different meanings, however these become clear when the artists explain the story they are depicting. The true meanings of the Uluru rock paintings rest with the artists and those they were teaching. Some senior Anangu in the Park know the meaning of the cave symbols because they either painted them themselves or recalled having them explained by the artists.

In some paintings the concentric circles symbol may mean a waterhole, or a camping place. In others, the same symbol may indicate a honey ant nest or a native fig tree. Concentric circles symbols usually represent a significant ancestral site or can be an intricate part of the story being told by the artist.

Body painting

The same symbols and paints used in rock art are also used in body painting. People are painted with ochres to represent the Tjukurpa ancestors and events they are depicting during inma (dance and ceremonies).

Traditional painting materials

Anangu make paints from natural mineral substances mixed with water and sometimes with animal fat. They most commonly use red, yellow, orange, white, grey and black pigments.

• Red, yellow and orange pigments are iron stained clays called ochres.
• Calcite, a chalky mineral, and also ash are used to make white pigments. Calcite occurs naturally in calcrete deposits common in this area.
• For the black pigment charcoal is used.

As these materials are used in religious ceremonies Anangu handle them with great respect.

Modern art

Today Anangu still create sand drawings and body paintings for religious and ceremonial expression, and teaching and storytelling, but do not use rock paintings any more.

Now they also have available a wide range of new materials to use including acrylic paints and canvases and have acquired new skills such as painting on ceramics and punu, wood carving and decorating.

Although the mediums may have changed Anangu artists use the same symbols and meanings that have been used over many generations. This enables Anangu to continue passing on the Tjukurpa through storytelling as well as providing the community with a source of income.

Anangu first began transferring sand paintings onto canvas during the 1970′s. The popularity and demand for western desert paintings has been increasing ever since with the paintings being sold locally, nationally and internationally. Contemporary media and Aboriginal art enterprises now enable broad distribution of paintings and crafts depicting traditional designs.

Paintings and crafts in this style are on display in the visitor exhibitions and for sale at the commercial enterprises in the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

Design of the Park Entry Ticket – Tjukurpa of Uluru

Anangu ask that you respect the Tjukurpa by keeping your park entry ticket, not discarding it or giving it away.

The painting, by Malya Teamay, that is on the ticket depicts the important stories of Uluru. Uluru is represented in the centre of the painting by concentric circles. The different shades of colour surrounding Uluru show the different land and vegetation (which is all Tjukurpa), crossed by these ancestral beings on their journeys to Uluru.

The ancestral beings (Tjukuritja) represented in this painting are:

• Kuniya, the Python Woman with her eggs (top-right of painting);
• Liru, the venomous snake (top-left of painting);
• Kurpany, the doglike creature represented by the paw prints (bottom-left); and
• Mala the rufous hare wallaby represented by the wallaby tracks (bottom right).

The footprints and spears represent the warriors of the Warmala revenge party who travelled from West of Uluru looking for Kuniya.

Protection of rock paintings

Rock paintings around the Park are extremely fragile and can be easily damaged. Natural elements like water, salt and lichen growth make them fade or flake off. Dust has an abrasive effect on the paintings and also covers them up. Mud nests built by swallows and wasps can also damage the art. Paintings also deteriorate when people touch the artwork or paint, or scratch graffiti on the sites.

Anangu and Park Managers have established methods for protecting the rock art. They have erected viewing platforms and interpretive signs at many of the popular sites. These allow people to view the art closely but prevent them from touching the paintings, and also reduce the amount of dust stirred up. Silicon drip lines are located where paintings are vulnerable to water flowing over the surface. The drip lines change the surface tension, diverting the path of water away from the paintings.

Please help protect the World Heritage rock art by remaining behind the protective barriers. Inform the Park Visitor Centre if you see any graffiti or persons damaging or interfering with the artwork.

If you want more information about the Aboriginal art you can visit this website:

http://www.aboriginalartonline.com/index.php

Stone Monument from Nagoya City

As I am one of the residents in Sydney, I see a number of Asians every single day. However, I do not see Japanese as often as Chinese or Koreans. I decided to do a quick research on the relationship Japanese people and Australia.

It is said that Australia and Japan started the relationship in 1831, when Australian whaling ships arrived at Hokkaido. Anyway, in the Edo era, there were some Australians coming to Japan as the end of seclusion in 1853.

After the end of Edo in 1867, Japan began to introduced new laws and government institutions as well as European cultures. European clothes were introduced for public service workers such as army and police.

When the demand for European style clothes was increasing, Japan found out that Australian produced wool was the best for them, and they started trade in 1879. Besides, in 1881, the first Japanese came to Northern Australia to work in the pearl industry.

They were allies in World War 1 and enemies in World War 2, but since1957, Australia and Japan, two countries located in the Pacific Ocean, has been essential partners. You can see from the fact that the exports to Japan is the biggest and imports from Japan is the third biggest in Australia Today.

In a statistic, in 2006, the  Japan-bon population in Australia was 30778, and the number of Japanese coming to Sydney each year is currently increasing. Considering the fact that 17,804 international students from Japan in Australia in 2006, most Japanese come here to study, not to settle.

Actually, an article on Japanese people in Sydney finds that “they have no intention of living in Australia for the rest of their lives ” and they are here just to enjoy “a long trip which they know will end when they eventually resettle in their country of birth”. I think it is pretty Interesting, and I am actually one of them. I am here, to absorb the cultures and values here, and it would be great if I could utilize such knowledge in Japan, and help people from both countries interact and understand each other.

Anyhow, I am so glad to see many people studying Japanese, going to Japanese restaurants and watch Japanese movies at Japanese Film Festival.

By the way, Sydney has a sister city relationship with Nagoya City, located in the center of Japan, since 1980.

There are koalas presented from Taronga Zoo in 1984 in Higashiyama Zoo, one of the most biggest zoos in Japan,  and they are one of the most popular animals in Higashiyama Zoo (like, Higashiyama Zoo remind many Japanese people of Koala). Interestingly, one of the three mascot characters of Chunichi Dragons, the professional baseball team in Nagoya, is Koala named “Doara”.

In addition, 16 students from Nagoya come to Sydney and stay for two weeks at Australian families every winter, and another 16 students from Sydney stay in Japan in October. Furthermore, You can find Japanese traditional stone monument in the botanical garden near Sydney Opera House, and Nagoya garden in Hyde Park as well.

The reason why I have written so much about Nagoya is that I came from Nagoya. I visited Sydney for the first time in this program. Obviously, it had a big influence on me and now I study here in Sydney!

These are the sources that I used in this article:

Australia-Japan Relations – The Perth Express

Sketches from the Australia Japan Relationship – Australian Government

Nagoya Gardens, Hyde Park – Sydney Media

JETRO – Australia

Asian Dynamism and Australia-Japan Relations by Mr. Murray McLean

Nagoya’s Sister and Friendship Cities – City of Nagoya

Koala: Origins of an Icon – Stephen Jackson

Wikipedia – Japanese Australian

Japanese citizens living abroad

Little Haveli

We went to an indian restaurant in Broadway the other day, called “Little Haveli”. We had a birthday dinner there.

Curry

We went to an indian restaurant in Broadway the other day, called “Little Haveli”. We had a birthday dinner there.

The restaurant is not so big and retains home like atmosphere, but during dinner time there are lots of customers including not only Indians but also people from other nationalities.

Main curry such as butter chicken curry around $14, which you have to order a rice or nan for $2.

Or you can choose a plate with several kinds of curry with salad and nan which is around $10.

After meal Lassi is available for $ 2.50 as well. I had never drunk Lassi, but it does not taste like any other juice… it was like a Yogurt drink that I had in Japan, but it was not the same. Anyway I certainly loved it.

Curry Plate

Tandoori Chicken

Butter Chicken Curry

Nan

Tasty!

Little Haveli

Little Haveli

Little Haveli is located at:

153 Brodway, Ultimo NSW 2007

Tel:(02) 9212 2471 | Fax: (02)9212 2472

Website: Little Haveli

I think it’s a good opportunity to talk about Indians in Sydney as well. Indian culture often can be seen anywhere in Sydney.

There were not many Indians settled in New South Wales in the early 19th Century because most of them were workers. Besides, there were a number of convicts from India as well. Major emigration beacon from around 1853, supported and organized by Sir William Burton, a judge in NSW. The number beacon to increase from then.

Especially, the number of Indian students in Australia increased from 30000 in 2004 to 97000 in 2009. Also, Indians are the 6th biggest overseas born population in Sydney.

Sources:

Archives In Brief 79 – India and NSW – Migration and trade

Demographics of Sydney

Little Haveli – Beansprout’s Cafe

However, picking out all this in the contemporary world, seems to be rather difficult.

Honestly, Australia is the only country where most people do really want to enter the university. I mean that in many countries you either want to relax and immerse yourself in the unique culture or to study, however, Australia is the only one of its kind where it is a pleasure to both: live and study for a long period.  Every year thousands of people are coming to Australia and pursuing the aim to enjoy the atmosphere and the spirit of the country, the culture and people. Moreover, Australia as a study abroad destination has never been more affordable what can do nothing but please students and their parents. Because compared to other English speaking countries the costs of education in Australia are comparatively low.

Sydney is Australia’s number one destination for international students. They are drawn to Sydney due to its blend of culture, beaches, location, lifestyle and universities. It is also a choice for new residents – people from different international backgrounds live here. Education system in Sydney (Australia) may ultimately be judged in terms of equality of opportunity. I mean that there are the same opportunities for educational achievement and elitism of one sort or another is not inherent in the system.  What is more, overseas students continue to enroll in Australian universities and from year to year their amount is increasing in a dramatic way.  On the other hand, it is quite obvious that demand for Australian universities among local students is significantly smaller.

References:

Australian Government, 2009, Study in Australia, viewed 10 September 2009:

http://studyinaustralia.gov.au/Sia/Splash2.aspx

But if you haven’t had enough time to enjoy them, don’t worry I will introduce you the list of multicultural events that will be held between October and December.

• 1~15 Oct [Art & About]

Art & About will bring together different art forms, spaces and artists in Sydney’

From painting to performance, laneways to banners, established to emerging artists, they will reflect Sydney’s identity and all its diversity.

http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/artandabout/

• 2~5 Oct Darling Harbour Fiesta

Fiesta is Australia’s largest Latin American festival featuring high-energy Latin American bands, salsa and tango experts and much more’

World salsa campions and other dancers from So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars will perform. Also, Latin food and fireworks will spice up Tumbalong Park throughout Fiesta.

http://www.sydneyfestivals.com.au/darling-harbour-fiesta.htm

• 9~11 Oct Sydney International Food Festival

It is a celebration of Australian food that will bring together Sydney’s biggest culinary stars as well as chefs from some of the best restaurants in the world’

Also restaurant dinners to markets, street festivals and open-air eating, the best regional produce and the finest fine dining will be presented.

http://www.siff.com.au/

• 10 Oct [Sydney 2009 World Masters Games]

The world’s largest multi-sport event, attracting up to 25,000 people from upwards of 100 countries’

The Games opens to people of all abilities and most ages, and promotes lifelong friendship regardless of their background or skill level.

http://www.2009worldmasters.com

• 17~30 Oct, 4~22 Nov [Multicultural Art Competition 2009-Australian Identity?!] at Customs House

Artworks that tell a story or encapsulates an impression of the City’s diversity and multiculturalism’

As a young and culturally diverse nation, with rich indigenous culture and heritage spanning thousands of years, the competition challenges artists and illustrators to express their own interpretation and view of Australia’s national identity.

http://cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Community/GrantsAndAwards/MulticulturalArtCompetition.asp

Eevery event has unique theme and value that nothing should be missed out.

Let us know your experience from these events

Red Square, Moscow

Russian Immigration started at 19^th century with the Russian expeditions, the purposes of which were to explore unknown regions of the Pacific Ocean and Antarctic. The Jackson’s port (nowadays Kirribilli) at Sydney was the main area of Russian ships, where seafarers repaired their ships and had a rest. Therewith, most of the Australian citizens, of that time, named this place as “Russian Promontory”.

Actually, the first Russian immigrant was a seafarer from one of the Russian ships named “Ladoga”, who ran to the Tasmanian forests and joined the group of the fugitive states convicts.

The main immigration started in 20^th century. There were 5 waves of Russian immigration. They started after new social cataclysms in Russia.

In 1911, the first Russian colony “Small Siberia” was made on the plateau Atherton, northeastern Queensland. There were twelve men, seven women and more than ten children.

From 1917 until 1922, Australian government, frightened by revolution and Civil War in Russia, rejected Russian immigrants. Only under the pressure by the Western European countries, Australian government was forced to make concessions and to accept refugees.

In 1923, this pressure gave a chance for 70 Russians to come and live in Australia. Moreover, that wave brought Russian Orthodoxy in Australia. In 1926, the first Russian Orthodox Church was opened in Brisbane.

The third wave was held at Newcastle after World War II, there were more than 1500 Russians. They were brought there by ships for free, but they needed to work for two years in mines and fabrics. Afterwards, they were getting a citizenship and were able to start their own businesses.

The fourth wave was from 1949 until 1960 there were brought the biggest amount of Russians, thousands of people, most of them were from North of China from the city Harbin, which was Russian colony full of Russian schools and churches.

The fifth wave started after USSR collapsed and Russian borders were opened. New Russian immigrants came to Australia, which had a huge development of Russian culture in Australia.

Nowadays, Russian society situates at the megapolises such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, etc.

Russian immigrants opened restaurants, shops, churches and clubs all over the Australia. At Sydney, there are few suburbs where you can find Russian culture: Bondi Junction, Sutherland, Strathfield, etc.

Interesting facts:

The first Australian and Soviet citizen who got a Nobel Prize was Alexander Prokhorov who was born in Australia in 1916 in the family, which lived at the colony “Small Siberia”.

“Myer” Australia’s largest department store, which you can find all over the Sydney, was opened by Russian immigrant, who came to Australia in 1899.

More than 200,000 ethnic Russians live in Australia, the majority of whom reside in Sydney and Melbourne.

Reference:

Shanin, V. 2001, Russian Immigration: 5 waves,  Moscow, Russia.

Viewed 5 September 2009

<http://www.msha-club.ru/australia/australia/storyes/russkie-v-avstralii-shanin.htm>

Me? well, I jsut have finished summarizing the list of all the multicultural events/festivals held in Sydney for the rest of this year.

I should say it was not an easy work to search, select, edit and organize in a format, but worth it!

Until now, I haven’t quite known there are such valuable and variety of events focused on Sydney’s multicultural aspects!

What the best point of all is …. most of them are free to enjoy!!!

In this post, I will only list for the September events that will arrive very soon

But unfortunately, there are some events held on a same day, so you might need to choose where to go, haha.

Have a look the list first and I am sure you will find some interests!

• 10 Sep [A National Scandal: Perspectives on Australian/Asian Intermarriages] at Customs House Library

The Chinese Heritage Association of Australia to celebrate History Week 2009’

Individuals from both the Chinese and Anglo-Saxon Aus communities, and Dr Kathie Blunt will discuss why intermarriage between Asians and Australians was a national scandal.

http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/WhatsOn/html/custom/2234-event-details.asp?EventID=75472&ref=feed

• 10 Sep ['Love Sydney' Festival] at Sports Centre, Sydney Olympic Park

Celebration with all the people of Sydney

All free for food, rides, pamper zone, music, Skate Park for a night out

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-Sydney/115374416643

• 12 ~13 Sep Cronulla Spring Festival at Cronulla Plaza

The annual Cronulla Spring Festival celebrates the arrival of Spring’

Over 100 market, food stalls, kids rides, free entertainment, a phychic and wellbeing fair are held.

http://www.sutherland.nsw.gov.au/ssc/home.nsf/ApprovedByHeading/B856C80891A4A9AECA2574FF00008961?OpenDocument&Expand=2

• 13 Sep [Festival of the Winds 2009] at Bondi Pavillion, Bondi Beach

Kite flying, Food stalls, kids rides and multicultural entertainment’

http://www.festivmedia.com/new/index.htm

• 13 Sep [Marrickville Festival 2009] at Marrickville and Illawarra Roads, Marrickville

The one of largest annual festivals in the Marrickville area’

Free entertainments draw crowds of more than 50,000 people each year to celebrate Marrickville’s cultural diversity.

http://www.festivmedia.com/new/index.htm

• 19 Sep [!Viva Mexico] at Randwick City Council

Independence Day celebration’

Free entertainment for the whole family includes El Grito & Mexican dance groups, live music, food and drink.

http://www.festivmedia.com/new/index.htm

• 19~20 Sep [Eurofest 2009] at Ararat Reserve

Sydney’s European communities showcase their culture’

Non-stop entertainment & the best of European beers, also giant Eurofest fireworks will be held.

http://www.eurofest.org.au

• 20 Sep [Chilean Independence Day Festival]

Chileans celebrate their National Independence Day’

A range of folklore, traditional foods stalls, performances and live music will be held.

http://www.latinos.com.au

• 20 Sep 2009 Festival Ritmo at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour

An occasion to share the tolerant and harmonic atmosphere when the Brazilian people join the AUstralian multiculturalism’

About 27,000 participants are expected to try the best of the Brazilian cuisine like Feijoada, and traditional dances such as Samba, Capoeira.

http://www.writtenlife.net/ritmo-brazilian-festival-09/

• 27 Sep [City of Sydney Spring Cycle] at Sydney Olympic Park

Sydney’s most popular annual recreational cycling event

Cyclists of ages and abilities come together and enjoy cycling through the city’s most picturesque surroundings

http://www.springcycle.com.au

Personally, I am really interested in the first two events: Asian and Australian intermarriage & Love Sydney.

It will be absolutely a good opportunity to appreciate and celebrate diverse sydney!

In the next post, I will bring the festival list for the rest of this year.

Fee free to leave a comment if you are interested in joining one or more of those events, so we will might meet you there

Photo by Nikita Gorbachev

Hello for everyone!

At this post we’d like to do a report on the In-fusion Festival which was held at UTS Tower Building from 17th to 21st  of August.

This festival had a great purpose which was to show various cultures that can be seen in such a prestigious university as UTS.

We went there on Wednesday, on the 3rd day of the festival. The program of the show included Arabic dancing by pretty woman and hip-hop dancing by a group of students.

Photo by Nikita Gorbachev

The Arabic dancer showed an outgoing and beautiful  belly dancing with such danger weapon as a saber. Furthermore, the dancer gave a lesson “how to dance”; it helped us to get an unforgettable knowledge such as how to dance using your belly.

Moreover, this dancing was followed by a hip-hop dancers, who have made the UTS hall full of emotions. The dancers, who presented Hip-Hop culture, were UTS students. As you can see on the photo, their skills were amazing.

Our impressions were great, it was beautiful.

Photo by Nikita Gorbachev

Moreover, the second floor of the UTS tower was filled with little shops called “international markets”. The major souvenirs which were sold there: coulombs, flags, postcards, etc.

All of the souvenirs were brought from different countries such as Portugal, Spain, China, Lebanon, Malaysia, etc.

Photo by Nikita Gorbachev

Photo by Nikita Gorbachev

At 1 p.m we decided to have a lunch and we went to the UTS’s park (in the middle of the UTS Tower Building), where we found few cafes with various types of food: German, Portugese, Italian. Our group decided to take Portugese burgers, which was made simply with chicken and rocket salad. The price was suitable for the students, 6 $ per burger. As you can see on the “left” photo, our group member Victoire was very satisfied with the taste of the Portugese burger.

Photo by Nikita Gorbachev

We were very tired after this terrific program and we have made a decision to go to the level 3 at the Tower Building, where we have found a cafe which has held the area near the main entrance. The idea of it was to support students with free Arabic coffes and teas.

The coffe was made in a big copper which gave a terrific taste. We took few cups of Marrakech ginger coffe with its exotic taste. As we wanted it gave us more energy and we went back to the UTS:insearch.

In conclusion, we’d like to say that it was a great experience for us. We have understood that different cultures at the UTS are the biggest benefits. We hope to see In-Fusion Festival next year. Also, we’d like you to go there and get the same knowledge as we did.

Breakfast - generally everyday cereal with cold milk, Fruit Juice from a bottle (they are very good quality), and very few people squeeze oranges at home. The most common eaten bread is the slice bread toast with butter and jam. The Coffee is weak mixed with cold milk in a big cup. Sweeteners are not very common used and they seemed to be amazed when you ask it.

School Lunch Box – Sandwich of bread with butter and vegemite, apple or any other fruit and a “little treat” that means a small chocolate or fruit/cereal bar. Others use Nutela  hazelnuts spread on the bread. As the kids stay in the school until 3 pm sometimes they bring pocket money to buy food in the tuck shop (canteen).

Adults lunch – Usually around 12 o’clock, and the preference are the sandwiches hamburgers. Meat Pies came second, and fried chicken pieces in third place of preference.

Dinner or Afternoon Tea – “Spaggy Bol”-  Spaghetti  Bolognese is one of the most requested kid dishes, but usually the menu is composed with some kind of meat and  vegetables, always have potatoes or mash potatoes. This means the traditional English style meal Meat + 3 Vegetables. The rice has been introduced by the Asian culture (30% of the population) but the consume is still very low ( generally they don’t know how to do very well and the outcome is a very sticky rice).

Weekends – For the families the Fish & Chips (fried fish with fried potatoes) is the most requested eaten with a lot of ketchup. To the younger generation Pizzas. The BBQ (Barbie) is very popular as well on the weekends.

Also, typical Australian food

Avocado smoothies. For them they really looks like something very disgusting. In Australia they use Avocado only in salads (salted with other vegetables) or inside a sandwich, never with sugar.

Black beans, brown beans and  Feijoada. Most people does not want to risk their life in a gourmet  adventure to try such a black staff full of things inside.

Farofa. They say it looks like and taste dry as  saw dust.

Young kids have coffee and milk or any other drink with coffee or  Guaraná. In Australia both are considered as drugs or to stay excited. The soft drink Guaraná is not known. Here only exists guarana drinks associated with smart drinks or energy drinks, advertised about the caffeine effects. They usually drink to be awake working studying or dancing.

Not using chilies in the food. Australians love chillies,and they are amazed to try Brazilian food without chilies. They think  Mexican food is similar with Brazilian.

Dish washing with soap and after rinse with clean water. The way they do here ( and in NZ too) is a full sink of hot water and soap, Put all dishes inside, clean with a sponge and put in the dish drainer. Few people  rinse with clean water. Dish washer machines are very popular.

Bread with Vegemite – spread butter and a thin layer of vegemite in a sandwich (vegemite is like a strong Soya misso).

Fish and Chips – overdose of  grease but It is nice. Don’t forget the ketchup.

Roast Lamb with  vegetables & gravy – Roast lamb in the oven (try also the pork),  with roast or boiled vegetables such as carrots peas and potatoes (of course), a sauce called Gravy (they loved this sauce- It is a thick meat sauce).

Sausage roll – It is a pastry  tube shape filled with meat sausage. Very filling.

Meat pie - the most famous and popular. Every where you can find them even frozen. The ones sold at the  Goldstein bakeries are very good.

Baked Beans Waffles. It is a very strange combination for Latin taste, but they love this cans of tomato sauce with brown beans (sweet) with bread.

Sticky Date Pudding – it is a iced cake with dates and a caramel sauce on the top.

Bee Sting – Cake with custard filling. You can find it in bakeries.