Friday, June 15, 2007

@ Conservatorium of Music


Last day in Sydney city. Alighted at St James station. Went to Hyde Park, St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney Hospital, Conservatorium of Music, Royal Botanic Gardens, Opera House and Haymarket.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

@ Haymarket


Raining again. Went to Haymarket to buy cheap souvenirs and fresh food. Grand ships at Darling Harbour.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

@ Bondi Beach


Had pancakes for breakfast! Yes, I went to Pancakes on the Rocks and ordered the Hot 'N' Troppo - 2 buttermilk pancakes with chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce, grilled banana with walnuts. Yummy~ Went to Bondi Beach. Not worth going if you are not a surfer. Walked to the Bronte Beach and from there, went to Bondi Junction, Oxford Street to do some shopping.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

@ Sydney Darling Harbour


Finally! Sydney~ After 4 days, finally I am in city Sydney. Being the thrifty traveller, I went everywhere by foot. Wanted to go to the Haymarket but it only opens on Thursday so I headed for Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay. Had a quick tour of the National Marinetime Museum and saw different types of ships. Wanna gamble? Visit the casino at StarCity. I'm not feeling lucky so I just went to the Lyric Theatre and check out the prices of Priscilla The Desert Queen musical. Out of my budget. Steal of the day: Lobster lunch at Sydney Fish Market! Only $15.50 and comes with chips and garden salad. Yummy~ Crossed Pyrmont Bridge to get to Sydney Tower. Did window shopping at Queen Victoria Building. It's Sydney Film Festival now so I popped by the State Theatre. Very impressive interior architecture. I walked to the Rocks and visited an art gallery featuring paintings which Nelson Mandela did while he was imprisoned. Saw the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the famous Sails -Sydney Opera House. Wanted to eat Pancakes on the Rocks which sells all sorts of pancakes but I was still full from lunch. I will be back to eat those humongous pancakes!

Monday, June 11, 2007

@ Symbio Zoo


Went to the Symbio zoo. Fed the kangaroos and got scratched by one >:_( Saw the koalas too!

Sunday, June 10, 2007

@ Botanic Gardens & Mt Keira


Went for nature walks today since the weather has turned better. It stopped raining and the sky is clear. First, we went to see different species of plants at the Botanic Gardens. Sadly, most of the flowers in the Rose Garden are dead due to the heavy rain. However, the types of vegation are more varied than Singapore because of the weather here. There are also greenhouses for desert plants and rainforests. Next, we hiked up Mt. Kiara which was punishing initially because I am so unfit. There was a family trimming the trees along the trail. My friend said that a forest fire broke out a couple of years ago and looked like Mt Kiara has a volcano that erupted. The reward for the first part of the hike was a stainless steel scuplture made by the UOW Arts students which resembles a silver inverted ice-cream cone. The spectacular view of the city and the ocean makes the hike worthwhile.

Saturday, June 9, 2007

@ Seacliff Bridge





This morning was pouring and windy so the initial idea to run to Seacliff Bridge was scrapped. We had breakfast at Nellie's and mine was deeelicious! Bacon, scrambled eggs, mushrooms, potatoes, sausages, grilled tomatoes and toast with latte! Ed said he usually cannot finish the Big Breakfast and I did :d We drove up to Seacliff Bridge instead and huge waves were crashing against the cliff. Really spectacular sight. It is rare to have a storm in New South Wales and there is a flood at Hunter Valley which is a winery and garden- looked really pretty in the brouchures. The Sydney Morning Herald's headline was "Five swept away in storm. At least four dead in wild weather" There were pictures of stranded travellers sitting up on the top of their cars. It is fine where I'm staying so pray hard!

Friday, June 8, 2007

@ Wollogong




Yes! My first day in Australia involves the daunting task of trying to get to Wollogong from the International Airport. Luckily, the instructions is quite clear so here I am, in Wollogong! ^_^
This is the southern coast of New South Wales , an hour and a half away from Sydney. Today, I learnt to navigate myself around this area so that I can go to the city myself. Spent 3 hours shopping at the local mall, buying chocolates and vegetables for dinner. The fresh produce is cheap and tasty here! I think I can be a vegetarian here. Skin will clear up too ^_<

Thursday, June 7, 2007

@ KLCC airport


Whoosh and I'm now at Kuala Lumpur. Eating French Chicken now. Never heard of it? It's from Burger King. Fried checken patty with ham and cheese. Wonder if the French eats it that way. Hehe.... I'm a budget traveller and the cheapest and most filling meal is fast food. At least French Chicken is not sold in SG! Don't think nasi padang will go down well in my delicate stomach either. Wanna eat A&W!!! However, no outlet in KL airport. Sigh~~ Jam, we shall fulfil our cravings one day!~

@ Changi Airport waiting lounge F56


Waiting to board my transit flight to KL. This is the start of my maiden trip to Sydney. Somewhere which I have never been and had no time to research or plan because I had too much to mark!
It has been a harrowing experience. Insisting to embark this trip alone, without the company of any family/friend/ colleague or my ever trustworthy, dependable travel companion - my fiance, has raised a tsunami in my conservative family.

I really pray that everything will be fine and I will grow up to be a more mature and confident person. Of course, refreshed to face new challenges.
I will be back safe and sound. Check this space.