Sydney Holiday 2012: November 2012

Friday, November 23, 2012

Wednesday 10th October 2012

The day started off with catching the ferry over to my favourite wharf - Circular Quay. From there we caught the train down to Central station. Here I was thinking the city for sure would have the luxury trains like the one from the airport. I have to say that QLD does have better trains than the city ones, but we have nothing on the luxury ones. Sydney would be totally spoilt if all trains were that classy!
Silly me forgot to take the map directions with us, so we weren't totally sure what we were actually doing. Bro was relying on me to know and of course, I'd had holiday brain since before even arriving in Sydney...lol.
Instead of going all the way to Central from Circular Quay, we were supposed to get off at Town Hall. It meant walking a good distance, in who knows what direction, or getting back on the train to Town Hall and walking 700 meters to Chinatown for lunch.

I wasn't impressed with Chinatown and being accosted every few steps by waitresses basically throwing menus in our face, wanting us to choose their restaurant. Then we got conned into signing some partition. Fortunately it wasn't long before we were through the entire 'town'. Bro was eager to have lunch, but I honestly didn't feel right about eating in any of the places there. We decided to wander through the market building located opposite, but found there were no price tags on anything. I was interested in a handbag, but naturally with no price tags, I assumed the stall girl would approach and offer assistance. Instead, she chose to help out someone else who came along a few minutes later, who also happened to be Asian. Perhaps I just wasn't the right nationality...lol.
I couldn't understand the no price tag thing, until bro pointed out they can charge different people different prices that way. To me, that's just wrong and a turn off.

On the way back, we raced through Chinatown, not knowing where to go if we were to walk around it. But we got suckered into a restaurant that looked ok from the outside. We asked to dine inside, as I prefer not to be breathing in cigarette smoke, and we were taken upstairs. Instantly I had a bad gut feeling about this place. It was such a strong feeling that I couldn't ignore it and eat there. It wasn't any one thing I could put my finger on, it wasn't the cleanest but not filthy either and it didn't smell bad, but you have to listen to a gut instinct that strong! I would have hated getting food poisioning or anything and ruin the holiday.

Bro was getting antsy by this stage and fortunately we stumbled upon a kebab store where he had lunch. It's weird, but I'll only eat lamb kebabs and it wasn't an option at this store. I chose to get Hungry Jacks, seen as how it's something we don't have in good old Kingaroy. I can't say it's something I'm a fan of, but it's 'ok' as a change once in a blue moon.

After lunch, it was back on the Town Hall train (once again the train stations are confusing as to which track you actually require) to Circular Quay.
I for one, was grateful to be back on a ferry on our way over to Manly. It was more of a case of being able to say "been there", than anything else. Once there, I was glad we had made the trip over. Manly is rather different to the city. Because I had forgotten the map, I wasn't sure on how to get to Manly beach from the wharf, so we walked in the complete opposite direction until things just didn't look right. You have to laugh, but I don't think bro saw it that way....lol.
Neither of us were in a grand mood due to the Chinatown failure, but things started looking up once we were on the right track and we found Ben And Jerrys ice-cream store.
Hot damn, do they know how to charge or what! I went with a cherry flavoured ice-cream in a waffle cone which was ok, but nothing to really write home about. Way over priced!
I had been super excited to go to that store since planning the holiday. There's a fuel station between home and Brisbane who sells small and large tubs of Ben and Jerrys. We often like to stop there for a small tub treat. But I found the actual store to be a little disappointing.

We ate our ice-creams on the beach and were amused watching the seagulls almost taking off with someone's (who wasn't paying attention) lunch. At the time, I couldn't be bothered taking my shoes off and paddling in the water, but I wish I had of. We followed the beach a reasonable way looking for a fish and chips shop that had been recommended. Unfortunately, I wasn't sure which end it was located and bro wasn't interested in walking the whole length of the beach and back. On our way back to the wharf, we came across what the locals call 'The Corso' where you can find almost anything you want - plenty of chemists and yay .... clothes shopping! I came back from there with a lighter credit card and more baggage.

We caught the ferry back to the apartment from Circular Quay. On the journey home, a gorgeous little boy (no older than 18 months) came up from behind my seat and started tickling me. So cute! I got chatting to his mum who was rather embarrassed about her son's new found hobby....lol.
In the end, the day turned out much better than it started!

Monday, November 12, 2012

Tuesday 9th October 2012

It was an absolutely beautiful sunny day and Taronga Zoo was on the plans for the day. Unfortunately, bro had hit rock bottom with his chest cold and was in no shape to be going out, let alone walking around all day. We had already paid for our admission and it was suppose to be rather misreable, weather wise, the rest of the week.
I was determined to enjoy my zoo day and took the plunge to go alone. Even though Sydney had me up early each morning, I've never been a morning person, so it tends to take me awhile to get ready and going. For some reason, being on holidays had me taking longer than normal.

By 11:10am I was on the ferry heading for Circular Quay, where I took the Taronga Zoo ferry over to Mosman. I chose to travel up the hill to the zoo via the bus rather than the gondolas. Those things give me the hebby gebbies and I'm not a fan of heights.

Even with a map, I found it confusing at first as to what path to do and if I had done each one or not. I didn't want to miss a thing! It was unfortunate that I missed out on any of the shows. I would have loved to attend the penguin one.
The poor camera was working overtime until it came time to sit down to a lunch of zero coke, chips and a chicken/salad wrap. There really wasn't a whole range of meal choices (in my opinion) at the main dining spot.

The main path around the zoo features large green spots so you know where you are according to the map. I found I doubled back on a number of the paths so I could see everything possible. It's a lot of walking, but when you're admiring amazing animals and camera happy, you really don't notice the distance.

The main entrance (unless you take the gondola) is at the top of a hill and you work your way down to the wharf. Before you enter the actual zoo, there is a large gift shop that I cruised through, thinking I would come back that way when existing. Half way through your zoo journey is another smaller gift shop. I decided to buy mum an elephant mug for a souvenir and a white stuffed bear for myself. I actually intended it to be for my pup, but it wouldn't take him long to distroy it for a price of $20. Also, the toy sort of looks like him when he was only 9 weeks old.
I also found a zoo badge for my hat.

For whatever reason (I no longer required the entrance gift shop), once I got near the bottom of the zoo, I decided to take the track back up to the top instead of exiting down at the wharf. Mind you, all the walking was doing me good!
I did start to regret the decision when the bus was over 10 minutes late from what the timetable stated. Although I wasn't the only one who was confused. In the end it worked out quite well as I got chatting to a nice Pommy guy who was also touring Sydney. Perhaps the trick is to hit on the tourists down there - you might have more luck than with the locals...lol.
The bus finally turns up and because it was late, we had a 25 minute wait for the next ferry back to Circular Quay. The wharf was quite full by the time the ferry was due and it was a mad scramble as everyone gets in each other's space while the crowd boards.
By this stage, I had learnt to just go for it instead of standing patiently for a chance. That chance will never come until everyone else is already on the ferry!
In the city, it's everyone for themselves and the sooner you learn it, the better off you''ll be....lol.
I found it hard being pushy and feeling selfish at first, but seriously, no one else gives it a second thought.

The ferry trip from Circular Quay to the apartment was a rather pleasant one (more than usual), as most of the passengers were guys in business suits....hehe. One of my top favourite sights is a guy in a suit - add a delicious cologne and I'm a gonna!

Instead of getting off at my usual Olympic Park stop, I had to pick up a forgotten key ingredient for dinner that night from IGA at Meadowbank. Loaded with more than just a few items, I only just made it back to the wharf in time for the ferrry pulling up. Miss one and you have an hour wait for the next one. Only 3 minutes on the ferry and I was at my home stop where the 1.7km walk began while carrying shopping, as well as my purchases from the zoo.

Once back at the apartment, I loaded my photos onto the laptop to check how well they turned out before having my shower and setting the lamb Curry Royale on to cook.

Another well accomplished day that left me feeling confident and proud of my efforts. It may not be a cheap zoo to visit, but it's certainly well worth going at least once if you're ever in Sydney!

Komodo Dragon

Sailfin Lizard

Green Iguana

Himalayan Tahr

Meerkats

Gorilla

Lawson's Bearded Dragon flaunting his stuff!

Spider Monkey

Tasmanian Tigers

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Monday 8th October 2012

We were on the ferry by 10:10am and on our way over to Darling Harbour wharf for our first real tourist day. We chose to purchase all our tickets online to save where possible, which also made it simple when entering the attractions.

First on the list was Madame Tussauds: the wax museum. Bro had visited the large one in London and was set on me seeing one. Although this one was small in comparison, it was still impressive and well done. The artistic work put into each one is amazing. Of course my absolute favourite is Mr Johnny Depp, who they should have dressed in the mighty sexy pirate outfit! My plan was to smuggle him out of there, but much to my dismay, there was a staff member observing in that area. Who let the cat out of the bag????
Shucks, just my luck....lol. Sorry Johnny, but we will always have the photos and memories! And who knows, perhaps we'll get lucky next time I'm in town...hehe.

It didn't take anywhere near as long as we had imagined to wander through and cruise the gift shop where we each bought a Tussauds mug. I also bought a Tussauds badge to pin onto my new Sydney cap.

Next we hit Sydney Aquarium in the adjoining building. Being country peeps, we had no idea why the lady at the entrance wanted us to hold certain poses as she took photos. A little heads up would have been fantastic for those new to the city way of things. My photos may have turned out a tad better if I knew what I posing for..... lol. I never imagined the aquarium would be so large. There's a reasonable amount of walking, which I quite enjoyed. I may have large legs, but they are always happy to keep on going!
Upon exiting I learnt what the photos were all about. I was rather bummed about not being able to purchase any kind of Sydney Aquarium badge for my hat to say "been there, done that". So I didn't think twice when approached about buying a small album that contained the photos of bro and I imposed onto a couple of different backgrounds. The album didn't come cheap at $35 for two or three photos, but for an extra $5 they give you a number of other ones as well. What the hell, what's another $5 when you're on a wonderful holiday! It's a little disappointing that they don't take a few more different poses once you agree to buy yours.

Once that was done, I chose to fork out a hefty price for a seafood and chips lunch. Or at least I thought it was rather steep, but I came to learn that with the higher prices came very large meals. They work out great if you have someone to share it with - cheap meals then.
I ordered some kind of seafood basket which contained a hoard of chips, 3 pieces of calamari, 1 piece of fish and I believe there was a prawn or two as well. Bro doesn't eat seafood, but there were so many chips that he was able to eat most of them for his lunch. A handful of chips and the seafood had me chockers.
The city is amazing for my appetite. I found I needed less food and only ate when I was actually hungry. I seem to eat too often, even when not hungry at all, out in the sticks. I think it's boredom.
We chose to eat out on the timber steps which lead down to a deck and follows the waters edge around Darling Harbour. The water smelt a little funky, but that was the least of our problems. Damn seagulls are everywhere and as soon as they see some sucker with food who is willing to risk their lunch by sitting outside, they all swarm in. You keep your food extremely close by if you want to practice that act!

Even after stopping for lunch, we had a good couple of hours before we wanted to enter the Sydney Tower Eye. I wanted to be up the top on sunset to capture the beautiful city views as darkness fell. By this stage, the chest cold bro had caught the friday before had really set in and he was in no mood to keep walking around waiting for 6:30pm. I was determined to get myself a replacement mobile as I hate being phone-less at the best of times, let alone in a strange city. JB Hi-Fi really weren't much help unless I wanted to pay out $30 to $40 for a secondhand one. Secondhand stuff is great and cheap for those who don't mind used stuff, but I have a thing about owning other peoples 'old news'. I simply can't do it.
I finally found a Telstra shop where I decided to fork out for a Next G phone that I'd be able to use once back home as well. Spending that high price ($575 - more expensive than other stores, but it's not easy to find such stores in a city you are unfamilar with, so you settle), couldn't have come at a worse time, but what can you do.....

We continued on to find Westfield mall when I came across these large spinning glass doors. Being from the sticks you never see fancy doors like that. My natural instinct was to try them out! Inside was just a desk with two men in suits - one of whom had this huge smile on his face as I asked where Westfield mall was. Turns out it was next door, but I got what I needed (cheap thrill) by using their fancy doors.
Sydney city isn't a place that's easy to find anything you actually want. There are plenty of stores that sell the type of clothing that most of us wouldn't be caught dead wearing and of course for some whacko reason they come with outrageous price tags. The Westfield mall, which is located under the Tower Eye, is full of little stores like that. When I hear mall, I imagine the types of malls we have in QLD - a range of useful shops to cater for most people. Here I was wandering around trying to find bro a chemist which did not exist in there. Eventually, he got so fed up with walking around (I think we all know how horrid we feel when full up with a standard cold, let alone a chest cold) that he decided he wanted to go home. We parted ways and after finding a chemist outside the mall and grabbing myself a drink, I decided to go up the tower to wait for sunset. I have to admit, being in the city on my own without a mobile was a little concerning (every mobile I've ever bought needed to be charged before using).

Before you can enter the top section of the tower, you must sit through a 5 to 10 minute 3D movie which shows you sights and wonders of Sydney. Once you exist, a guy takes a photo, just like they did at the aquarium. Only this time I was aware of what was going on and I had no intentions of purchasing the photo, so I opted out. The two guys ahead of me made spectacles of themselves and had me laughing. One commented on how they were going to get a laugh out of watching my pose and were very disappointed when I escaped the process.... hehe.
There were 5 of us in the elevator ride to the top. It's an extreme height up, but it only takes a couple of minutes to get there. On the journey up, you can watch people in one of the other elevators on a small screen, while another elevator watches you!

The 360 view from the top is fantastic. One direction you see ocean, ocean and more ocean. The other directions reveal city upon city - the camera was working overtime!
I decided to find a quiet spot to open my new mobile and found it had a smidge of battery life - score. It took me a bit to find out where the damn micro sim card was to be inserted, even with the help of reading the book ..... they made the instructions somewhat confusing. Once it was set up, I returned bro's call, who had decided to stay in the city after all.
Unfortunately, it was a rather cloudy afternoon in Sydney, so I wasn't able to capture the sunset I was hoping for. The best it got was the sun peeking through a small gap in the clouds, but it was still worth being there. I had hoped to score some awesome night photos with all the buildings lit up, but by the time 7:10pm came around, we were both tired and ready for home.

It was another ferry ride back to the apartment. The evening cruises are amazing when it's not too cold to stand out the front of the ferry.
Another totally fantastic day and I love my new Nokia Lumia 800!

There's quite a few photos below, but there are many more where they came from. For those who are interested in seeing more, I'm adding links at the bottom of the page.