It's been a while since HSS International's last blog post, so here are some fresh entries for this week's top five events. If you've already attended one of the events listed on our blog and would like to tell us about it or if you have any suggestions about the types of events and information you'd like to see on the site (or on the blog's new colour!) email me at stephanie.liew-1@uts.edu.a.u, I would love to hear from you.

Have a great rest of the week and until next time,

Stephanie on behalf of the
HSS International Community

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Ultimo Pyrmont UPTown Festival

A day filled with music, performance and craft and food stalls, the Ultimo Pyrmont UPTown Festival has something for everyone. Jam-packed with stuff including roving performers and stilt walkers, a reptile show, pony rides and craft and food stalls from around the world, this Saturday is guaranteed to be a colourful one!

Wear your eye-catching 'Tropicana' outfits, baubles and hair-dos to win fabulous prizes!
31 March, 11.00am - 5.30pm, Quarry Green, Quarry St (off Harris St), Ultimo and Quarry Street, off Harris Street Ultimo. Free.                        http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/WhatsOn/html/custom/2234-event-details.asp?EventID=17603

 

Royal Botanic Gardens Guided Tours

Join a free tour around the gardens and learn more about the history of this beautiful site while getting to know some of its weird and wonderful plants! A 1.5 hour walk departs daily at 10.30am from the Information Counter in the Palm Grove Centre, with the lunchtime tour (lasting approximately an hour) commencing at 1pm from Monday to Friday.                         

For more information about free walks or to look at some of the other tours on offer, visit http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/friends

Glebe Markets

On the hunt for a great gift for a friend or fancy a pork pie hat for yourself? Glebe Markets have become a Saturday morning ritual for some and whether on the lookout for something in particular or just passing through, there are always special things to see and hear at this day market known for its pre-loved and handmade clothes, jewellery, alternative therapy, buskers and fresh food.

Glebe Markets are held on Saturdays from 10am - 4pm at Glebe Public School, Glebe Point Road.

Sacred Tracks of Warrane - A Virtual Experience of the Cadi(gal) People

Experience a day in traditional Aboriginal life at a multi-media exhibition which offers a virtual simulation of Cadigal life in and around Sydney Cove before the arival of the First Fleet. The 3D computer-game-based simulation 'Virtual Warrane'  portrays some of the indigenous group's stories and connections with the land, allowing visitors to explore the landscape, meet the people, complete activities and live a virtual day in the life of a Cadi(gal) person in the Warrane, the country around Sydney Cove.

On now until May 6, 2007. Customs House, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay. 9242 8595.

Edna's Table

Situated at the heart of Sydney's CBD. Edna's Table uses ingredients such as emu, warrigal greens, lemon myrtle, wallaby, rosella flowers and bush tomatoes to create interesting mix of earthy and contemporary Sydney cuisine. Expect fusion dishes such as emu and gum leaf-smoked trout stir-fry, or version of Lebanese kibbeh using minced emu. Although not authentic bush tucker, it's an interesting concept and a fresh change from lunch-time pasta.

204 Clarence St, lunch Mon-Fri, dinner Tue-Sat, mains average $25. 9267 3933.

Beautiful Avoca beach is in the Central Coast , about one and a half hours drive from Sydney . For fishing lovers there is a large rock platform where many enthusiasts try their luck (and some catch whoppers!). For others not inclined in fishy adventures, there are many nooks, crannies and rock pools to explore, as well as the beach itself. Make sure you try the fish and chips at the Hi Tide Café!

Cultural Awareness Week

UTS is celebrating indigenous identity and culture this week. Hear the stories, musical performances and see the artwork displayed at Concourse Level, Tower building. On Thursday 2^nd November Aden Ridgeway will be reviewing and reflecting upon current government policies and how they affect indigenous people presently. It’s on at 12.00pm Gus Guthrie Theatre 06.2.28.

Cricket Indoctrination

The original Ashes urn commands an almost god-like reverence in the hearts and minds of true cricket fanatics. The urn is currently in Australia , as part of the Marylebone Cricket Club exhibition which also displays bats, blazers paintings, wickets, and more memorabilia. It may be viewed upon at the Museum of Sydney , corner Bridge and Phillip streets, until November 8. $10/$5/$20. For more info ring 9251 5988.

Indian Classical Music

If you like Bollywood music, why not try another style of Indian music? Explore the depths of identity, tradition and modernity in Indian Carnatic music in a seminar by Professor Lakshmi Subramaniam from Calcutta . Friday November 3^rd, 6pm. Bon Marche Building , Room 210.

TV Moore- Apocatopia

TV Moore is a highly respected artist majoring in studio and video art installations. His contemporary exhibition Apocatopia is loaded with emotion and challenge. Special opening night 2^nd November, 6-8pm. Opens from 2^nd- 18 November at Roslyn Oxlyn9 Gallery. 8 Soudan Lane , Paddington. http://www.roslynoxley9.com.au/

Moulin Rouge Drinks Night- THIS THURSDAY!

Sick of assignments? The Moulin Rouge drinks night is an opportunity to forget about your uni worries! Glam it up in red and black and enjoy free drinks at The Loft. All HSS students are invited to come along, so grab your friends and enjoy the company! TROUTS will also be previewing a Cabaret performance at 6.30pm.

THIS Thursday 5.30pm start, The Loft, RSVP essential- HSS International@gmail.com

Drop by the Surf Rock Hotel

The Surf Rock Hotel is packed on weekends with locals from the Northern Beaches. Newly refurbished with a relaxed setting, this bar has an exceptional view over Collaroy Beach. Wednesday nights have an open mic night where anyone can play, so if you’re interested just drop by! (Easy access via public transport)
Surf Rock Hotel, 1064 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy NSW 2097 http://www.surfrockhotel.com.au/Bars.aspx

Silk trade seminar

If you’re interested in what economic forces were in play during the Byzantine Emperor Justinian’s times, head to the Institute for International Studies for a seminar on the stratagems of the silk trade.
Thursday 19 October, 12.00pm, Meeting room 1, Institute for International Studies Lev 2. 10 Quay St

On Your Bike!

This Weekend marks the Festival of Cycling! Head to Olympic Boulevard and s ee spectacular speed, spills and thrills featuring Australia's top Mountain Cross riders compete! You can also try your hand at wheelchair cycling- demonstrations at the Overflow. If you’d like to compete in a Spring Cycle event, go to http://www.springcycle.com.au/ to register!

Saturday 21^st October, At Olympic Park, Mountain X Course, Heats from 10am.

Interested in Bonsai? Don’t be afraid, you’re not the only one!

It sounds a little odd for those who aren’t familiar with them, but if you enjoy cultivating bonsai (it’s an art form!) why not meet with like-minded enthusiasts? Once a month, Bonsai meetings are held around Sydney and the Eastern suburbs, and discussions about styling and shaping are vivid. Simply bring in trees for display or advice and you’ll fit right in ;).

Go to http://www.sydneycitybonsai.org.au

If you feel like learning a little bit about the history and natural flora of Australia, join a free guided tour in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. Led by trained and knowledgeable volunteers, they are run daily at 10.30am and 1pm, Monday to Friday. Departs at Gardens Shop. Enquire further at 9231 8134

This drama is a local narrative inspired by and set in Bankstown, a Western suburb that is typically presented in the media as a place where ethnicity, violence and religion clash. Fast Cars & Tractor Engines is a new play about courage and survival. Ordinary people share extraordinary stories about the fight of their lives as cultures collide, punches are dodged, and youthful confessions of love are shared. For another perspective on Aussie culture! Riverside Theatres, Parramatta. For more info see http://www.riversideparramatta.com.au or 8839 3399. 

Café Intifada will feature live music, hip hop, speeches, anti war film screening and political discussion. This creative expression of dissent against the War, Racism and the military on campus will be held on Thursday 12^th October, 4pm-
8pm at the Loft, UTS. Drop by for some constructive student discussion and drinks!

The popular Kiwi band Evermore are touring Australia! Hear them play their melodic harmonies and soulful rock music at The Forum, Moore Park, this Friday 6^th October. Tickets aren’t too expensive at $34.40. To book, go to http://evermore.oztix.com.au/

Riverlife Free Walking Tour- 16th Sept
Opportunity to join a guided two-hour stroll along the beautiful Cooks river is available this Saturday morning. Starting at Dulwich Hill train station, the walking tour will inform you of the history of Cooks River. Enjoy the scenery, learn more about the local area and meet new people along the way. Bookings are essential- 9335 2222.

Walk the talk and chalk the walk
It could be called legitimate graffiti- Check out what Sydney’s street artists have on offer as they display their incredible talents at Pyrmont Bridge, Darling harbour this week. Some amazing artwork created last year has set the standards and we shouldn't expect any less in 2006!
Pavement Arts festival- Thursday 21st- Sunday 24th September. www.chalkthewalk.com.au

Flea markets at Sydney Uni Verge
Another event organised by our rivals down the road, Verge is an arts festival among the hedges and sandstone with music, exhibitions, art, a skate ramp, comedy acts and an attempt at a world-record 50 hour gig! This Wednesday 20th Sept there will also be Zine Fair and Flea market at Manning Forecout, 10am- 4pm.
Verge Festival at Sydney Uni, until 22nd September. http://www.vergeartsfestival.com

“Human Rights and Trade in Australia-China Relations”
Phil C. W. Chan is Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University’s Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy, specialising in human rights, international law and constitutional law. He will be talking about the interplay between human rights and trade, within the Australia- China and global context. The talk will be held Wednesday 20th September 2006 and opportunity for questions will be available.
At The Glover Cottages, 124 Kent Street Sydney, 6:00 pm for 6:30 pm. AIIA members $10, Students $10, Visitors $20. RSVP to aiiansw@bigpond.com 

Launch of Social Enquiry Network
Come along and join in the celebrations for SIN's long-awaited launch! Meet fellow sinners and hear from President Amie, faculty members and Shane in a demonstration of their online community. All Humanities students are invited. FREE drinks and nibblies provided. Thursday 14th September 5 til 9pm, with a formal welcome at 5.30pm. Upstairs at The Loft, UTS.

Red Green and Blue Photography Exhibition
Cafe Giulia will host the RGB photography exhibition from 6th September - 31 September 06. The photographs are the work of local Sydney Photographers connected by their passion for photography and sharing their work online using flickr . The group fondly call themselves the Sydney Photo Bloggers (SPB), dedicated to capturing everything and anything that may pass their lens. This is the first time many of them will have exhibited their work in hardcopy (including UTS student Samuel Webster), a novelty from having their work on the computer screen. So come along and share with them their achievement. The Café has a wide variety of food and beverages to suit all tastes- the prawn bagel is tops, but the ice chocolate is made from a powder mix, so try something more exotic. Café Giulia, 92 Abercrombie St, Chippendale. Open Tues-Fri 6.30am- 4.30pm, Sat- Sun 8am-4pm.

The Faster Cooler Pleasure Show- Japanese Club Night
If you’ve never been to a Japanese dance club (or Japan) experience the cross-culture jam where east meets west as Dance Tracks becomes Japanese. This dance party with a difference will be held in The Studio, Opera House and will feature DJs, dancers, visuals and members of the Regurgitator and The Bird as well as Honeysuckle (Japan) and Hanaarashi (Japan). There will be lounge space upstairs with a bar, and a downstairs dancefloor so you can chill out, or be the life of the party! At The Studio, The Opera House, Fri 29th and Sat 30th September. 10pm-1.30am, $25/$20+bf (bookings essential). See http://www.spraci.com/events/71383/

Destination: Paddington
For those of you who haven’t wandered over to Paddington yet, you’re missing out on an array of great designer and eclectic shopping! Although a little pricey, this inner-city village is home to many unique boutiques, speciality shops and art galleries. Take the main shopping strip of Oxford Street as your starting point, but there are also many side streets with delicious cafés and cosy pubs to explore. Recommended streets include William street and Woollahra’s Queen Street . Make a day out of it!

Marrickville Festival 2006
One of Sydney’s most diverse neighbourhoods, this multicultural festival features non-stop free entertainment on three stages featuring local and profile acts for all ages. Over 80 stalls offer a variety of international cuisines representing Marrickville's diverse community as well as trade in arts, handcrafts and local produce. The festival attracts a crowd of 50,000 people that come to celebrate Marrickville's vibrant local culture. Sunday 17 September, 11am-5pm, Marrickville Road, Marrickville. Contact Christina Eisermann on 9335 2142 for more details.

It's a little bit of a drive...
but Blue Mountains SpaRadise is a japanese bath house that curiously enough complements the vast, urban australian landscape. Almost two hours drive away, the bathhouse contains a steamroom, and three hotspring pools filled with mineral water at varied temperatures. Stay past dusk and watch the many stars twinkle in the sky. An optimal relaxation experience. www.bluemountainsparadise.com

Merrick and Rosso- The unprofessionals
They're ascent to stardom accelerated tenfold with their Winter Olympic show and now they bask in omelette and toast glamour as breakfast radio kings. A live comedy full of Aussie humour and gag. Tix start $29.90, on sale for 18-21 October, Enmore theatre. www.ticketek.com.au

Head to the Sexy Spanish Quarter
With Salsa dancing, sangria and tapas, the Spanish Quarter Festival will be steaming. This free festival attracts a 40, 000 strong crowd who all love a bit of Latino blast! Sunday 3 September, 12-8pm , Spanish Quarter, Liverpool and Kent Sts, Sydney. Visit www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au .

Sydney Uni Band Comp
For those of you who haven't headed across the road yet, here is an opportunity to experience Sydney Uni life at its optimum. Visit Manning Bar when the band comp finals are on- they've whittled down the contestants to a quality set. Sam Webster, a 3rd year UTS Writing student has also infiltrated the ranks and plays with Emma Davis. Drinks aren't pricey but make a Sydney uni friend and they'll be cheaper! Thursday 7th September, 6.30pm. FREE for USU, $5 general admission. www.manningbar.com.au

 All oars out for Dragonboat Open Day
Naga Spirit Dragonboat Club is holding an Open day for anyone interested in this increasingly popular watersport. Dragonboat is a team sport where 20 people in a boat row in unision. It's painful, social, and tones every muscle in your body. If you don't have a clue what it is, come along to Black wattle day at 10am, there will be a free bbq provided. Be prepared to get wet! 1 Bank st, Black Wattle Bay. Enquiries: kitkats33@gmail.

You are invited to the HSS International 'New Directions' meeting.

When: Tuesday 29^th August, 5pm

Where: At the Loft, UTS

This will be a small, low key event where you will have the opportunity to contribute ideas on how to make the HSS faculty a more dynamic community with an international focus. We are inviting both international and local students – please come - your input would be most welcome! We'll brainstorm ways to make our website http://hssinternational.squarespace.com/ more interactive and also plan an event to get locals and internationals connected.

Free drinks, a chance to meet other like-minded students and the opportunity to participate actively in uni life from the other side is on offer.

Please RSVP to Tanny at tanny.por@uts.edu.au or Katherine at Katherine.gordon@uts.edu.au to let us know whether or not you can make it. Hope to see you there!