Shark attacks, and thousand lightening strikes hit Sydney

Despite the horrifying title of this blog, I still have had a great weekend! On Saturday I did my usual triathlon, which involves cycling to the beach, running on Coastline, and swimming in the outdoor, shark proof, seawater swimming pool with a lovely view of the ocean including the people swimming in it and therefore risking their lives. Though, I did had to dodge some kiddies during my swimming laps. Ah well, I'll be the chicken in the kiddie swimming pool. Nevertheless, I have had every reason to stay out of the Australian sea. Last week a shark attack has been reported at a beach near Sydney, North Avoca Beach. Today Manly beach had to be abandoned due to a shark alarm. At least I am now capable of typing this blog with two healthy functioning arms, which is more than I can say for that particular unlucky surfer. I use the word unlucky, though, realistically is a rather incorrect term as that would implicate that there were no environmental factors present influencing this outcome, which was clearly not the case as this particular surf dude did decide to go surf in the unsafe water. Well, not me! I tried to explain this principal to the kiddies in the swimming pool, but they seemed unimpressed.

I went early to bed on Saturday night, because Sunday was going to be the first shooting day of the short film. Of course, I wanted to look fresh and well-slept as a huge camera would be in my face all day.

We were shooting from 09:00 till 15:00 and I must say I was exhausted when I came home.

We were filming mainly around Hyde Park area, and they aspired to use the same filming techniques as they use now in the new TV series called Modern Family. This particular program has an original filming method in which they combine the actual drama story line with interviews of the actors. We only taped the interview part last Sunday. Therefore, I had to memorize a lot of lines which drained my energy and focus, because you don't want to mess up as an actor after an extensive elaboration for every take. I have gained much more respect for TV show stars for developing new episodes every week! It also involved a lot of waiting, as the director, co-director, cameraman, and sound person had to discuss every angle prior to shooting. I really enjoyed myself though. The filming caught the attention of a lot of pedestrians walking by which was very funny. I am looking forward to the next shooting day!

Sunday night, hell broke loose. Sydney was undergoing a thunderstorm that dumped the heaviest rain in months on the city. Thousand lightening strikes were detected according to the newspaper Sydney Morning Herald. It was insane! I have never experienced such a thing before. I am not a big fan of thunder, so I plugged in my music earplugs and watched a movie on maximum volume.

Shark attacks!? Thunderstorm!? Is that the price I must pay for having three summers in a row?

Source: Sydney Morning Herald