Sydney I found you

2009-09-24T00:06:00.003+08:00

Date: 13 07 2006
Day: 14

Today is the day where we have to return back to Perth. But we are not going to just end here without anymore fun. Everyone got up at 4 am in the morning and head down to hop on the hot air balloon. After almost a week of booking, we finally managed to get the tickets and the weather permitted us to go up in the air. Yeahh!!. When we got to the waiting point, it was freezing in the morning. We were jumping around to keep warm. There were like 2 U.S. teenagers who only wear slippers and broad shorts. I could literally see them standing on the ground and just shivered.

After, we got to the take off site. The guide took out a huge balloon from his truck. He told everyone to lent a hand and start unwrapping the balloon. It took us about 1/2 hr to set-up and heat up the air to get the balloon air borne. Once the balloon is air-borne, no one waste any time. We all sat in the 12-seater basket and up up again we go.

The view up in the air is magnificent and breath-taking. The forest were covered thick with the morning mist which give it kind of a Lord of the Ring feeling. It is as if something mystical is about to happen. As we flew further down the path, dogs were barking at us and we could see what every household has in their backyard.

The most exciting part is to land the balloon. The guide picked an open field and we were all crossing fingers. A bad landing means the basket will crash onto the field and everyone will be throw out of the basket. The worse part is not the idea of being thrown out of the basket. But rather, the field was covered with horse dung. No one want to get dung on them !! But we had a safe land. But while keeping the balloon, we roll in a few couple of dung in too. I hope the next group who will be unwrapping the balloon, don't get dung in their hands.

Soon, it was time to say goodbye to Sydney. We had enjoyed our 14 day of stay here and seriously speaking we don't even feel like going back to Perth anymore.

2009-09-23T23:14:00.003+08:00

Date: 12 07 2006
Day 13:

It was a lovely morning. The snow storm has stop and the sun is out.

Check out the snow flake. Every Snow flake is unique. You cannot find two snow flakes that has the same design.

The tour guide bought us to a different ski ground but no one on the bus wish to go ski. Almost everyone legs are still very sore from the yesterday trip. So, we just walk around and enjoy the day. This ski ground is so much better as compare to yesterday. This has a much even slope and I feel it is so much better for a beginner. The one where we went to yesterday has bumps all over the places. Anyway, we had a snow ball fight. Ouch and it is painful!! We also managed to build a snowman. But it took us hours just to roll two big ball. It was a brilliant holiday and ski trip.

2009-09-23T22:37:00.003+08:00

Date:11 10 2007
Day 12 ~~ Ski time.

It was freezing when we got up. According to the tour guide, there seems to be a snow storm throughout the night.

The slow gradually changing environment until we see Snow.

It was so awesome to see Snow. Yet, it is freezing. It was snowing like X'mas. Everyone just feel like jumping off the bus and start running around. The minute the bus stop, that's what everyone did. We put on our gear and waste no further to start running around while the tour guide head down to the ticket office to get the tickets. Well, we waiting outside in the snow storm for about 2 hours before the guide came back with out tickets. Gosh, talk about effective. I could have spent those time learning how to ski. Good thing, Lat had some experience in how to Ski. At least, those 2 hours was not wasted.

The mountain is packed with tons of people. I must say it is not easy to walk about with our ski gears on. Everytime, I tried to walk up a slope I just had those feeling of sliding down. Man, it is very very tiring. After a few hours of gliding and sliding and falling, I managed to get a hang of it. I wouldn't say I'm become very proficient. But, YES !!! I learn how to ski. As the place was crowded, there was a couple of times where a kid just came dashing out in front of me. I have to reacted instantly. I managed to swirl like a professional and avoid the kid. Glide further down the slope before I start rolling on the ground. It is soooo fun.

After 5 hours of ski, my feet begin to feel sore. We headed into the cafe to enjoy a nice hot meal and tea.

At about 5pm, we packed up and headed back into the hotel. All these while, even until the point we got back to our hotel, the snow storm just got stronger and stronger. Excellent !! More ski to come tomorrow.

2009-09-18T15:36:00.004+08:00

Date: 10 07 2006
Day 11:

4 backpacks

Yes !! Yesss !! The day is finally here, the one and only ski Trip. Here we are waiting for the bus at 8 am in the morning for Thredbo. It is just so excited.

After 2 hours of bus trip, we had our first pit stop. We stop by at this small town. Everyone just got down the bus and find a spot to stretch out their leg. There was this saying Perth was the windiness place in Australia. But I hold on to this quota first. This small town was even windy than any of the spot I've been to in Perth. Not to mentioned, it was freezing.

Our next stop Cockington Garden.

Next stop, we were given a choice either to head down to the capital Exhibition Hall or the Science Centre. Well, we choose the exhibition Hall since it was free.

We sure did not regret it. It was such a lovely afternoon walk and we managed to shot alot of pictures. After the walk, our tour bus head straight down to Parliament House. This was my first time in another country's Parliament house. And Australia Parliament house is full of heritage. It was like an art house combine with a museum.

Next stop, the War Memorial House. Here is a place dedicated to the World War Soldiers who have fought bravely and died. I must stress this part. The Australian has great respect for the soldiers who have sacrifice themselves for the country

At about 6.00pm, we finally arrived at our hotel to rest for the night.

We are this close to the mountain for ski. Yeahhh !! But, first time to rent some gears.

Lastly, this would be the mountain where we be heading out to ski. Can't wait until tomorrow come. ~~

2009-09-16T15:50:00.003+08:00

Date: 09 07 2006
Day 10:

Korean Fusion

Seriously, one cannot get sick of Korean food in Sydney. It's just simply delicious. Even more, the sides are refillable and they don't charge you for it.

2009-09-16T15:30:00.003+08:00

Date: 08 07 2006
Day 9:

Shopping on a Saturday Morning.

Check out ways people are trying to avoid break-in

Lastly, more chocolate Strawberries. Yummmy.

2009-09-16T14:59:00.005+08:00

Date: 07 07 2006
Day 8 in Sydney:

A little brunch we prepare

Japanese Ice-creams

Ikea in Sydney

Well, what is a trip without visiting the Ikea in Sydney. We love to see does the designs varies differently in different countries.

2009-09-16T13:04:00.003+08:00

Date: 06 07 2006

Day 7 of our Sydney trip, we just spent most of the day shopping.

Remember those American Tv series whereby they always have those chinese take out in a box? We managed to find this store that sell it and ,man,I do have to admit it does taste nice.

What is it like travel without visiting the Casino. I must admit that the Casino in Sydney do look so much better than the one in Perth. For a Starter, it is smoke-free. And as usual, I make to make a bit of money using a dollar playing the jackpot machine. Lucky me !! X )

After all the gambling and walking, we decided to end the day with a nice hotdog. Lat drove us to this spot which was supposedly to be the best place for hotdog.

The truth is: It is indeed one of the few best hotdog I ever have. Yummmy. Hoootdooog .....oooooo

2009-09-01T12:16:00.002+08:00

Date: 05 07 2006

Craving for Korean food? We know we did. Good thing was that Sydney wasn't lack of these. Lat bought us to one of the best Korean BBQ Buffet I have had for years.

Where on earth are you going to get $22.90 worth of Korean food buffet. It is not only cheap and the food has begin marinated to the perfection. Splendid !!

2009-09-01T11:45:00.002+08:00

Date: 04 07 2006

Our Breakfast

Today is the day, we going to head out to visit the aquarium. Yeahh...

Enjoying a cup of Green Tea with cream.

Taking a bus

Outside the Aquarium

It was abit wet today. However, this does not damp our mood.

Our VIP entry

Good thing we made a booking before we head down. Not only it cost cheaper, we can skip all the queue.

Enjoying the fishes

After enjoying a few hour inside the Aquarium, we continue our excitement by heading down to take the power boat ride. We enjoy the scenery from the harbour and get very wet.

Lastly, to end our day, we had a nice pancake meal from the ROCK. yummy.

2009-07-07T10:31:00.005+08:00

9am. Day 4, 03/07/2006, we are off to Blue Mountain. But before that, we need to clean up the car and pump up the fuel. Don't want to get struck in the middle of nowhere without fuel.

Check out how expensive fuel is in Sydney. That is 20 cent more expensive that what Perth is selling. Gosh.

We are nearing Blue Mountain. Phew at least we are not lost.

After a couple of hours of driving on road, we finally arrive at the information booth. I'm not too sure is it because we are getting near to Blue mountain or was it my camera. But the photos came out pretty blue.

There are a couple of tourist attractions here in Blue Mountain. Our very first stop was Princess Rock. I must comment there is nothing much about the Princess Rock expect at the very end of the road, there is a speculator view of a waterfall. It is not only refreshing and breathless view of the waterfall.

It took us another half an hour before we arrived at the 3 sister.

As the name implies, the whole place seems to be covered in a blue haze and talk about being windy. I did some research on Wiki: "The tinge is caused by mie scattering which occurs when incoming ultraviolet radiation is scattered by particles within the atmosphere creating a blue-greyish colour to any distant objects, including mountains and clouds." Wow, this just let me experience that Mother nature sure can do wonder to environments.

For a more detail view and walk around the mountain, we head down to Scenic World. According to Wiki: "Blue Mountains are rich in coal and shale" Scenic World is build for this purpose to allow visitors to view these mines. One exciting about Scenic World is the ride down to the lower part of the mountains. It feels like an roller coaster run and the whole design was virtually vertical straight downhill. People,with weak hearts, do take note. But it is a must to go for if one visit Scenic World. If you view towards the last few photos, the wind is just getting stronger and it is freezing toward late noon. After a few more photos, we head back to Sydney for something that will warm our bones: HOT POTS

It has been ages since I had Sichuan Hotpot. Furthermore, this style of hotpot, is very Singapore like. Gosh, you can even order chicken liver here.

Before we head down to Chinatown for a stroll, this cake shop caught my eye.

The cake that it sold was gorgeous. Look at all its product. This just made me wonder how come we don't have such shops in Perth.

Lastly, before we end our day, we bought ourself some Ontou otherwise known as pancakes. They are simply delicious. This trip to Sydney is beginning to feel like Hong Kong where one shop, eat and shop, eat and shop and finally rest for the night...

2009-07-05T14:21:00.005+08:00

Day 3 ~ 02072006:

It is time to prepare to leave Lat's hideout and head on to Chinatown. Hopefully, by today, we can book our ski trip. *Finger Cross*

UNSW Apartments. Pretty modern looking.

Sydney's City View

On our way to find an agency, we pass-by this Pub. Based on it's appearance, I have to admit it looks like a pretty happening place.

The 3 Monkey. Hear not, See not, Speak Not. JUST DRINK

It was pretty luck that we got ourselves seats for the ski trip. Almost all the tour agencies were pretty much booked out. Yahoo.. another thing to anticipate. With the tour booked, now to fill out tummy with yummy Dim Sum.

We were hoping to try out this restaurant. It was highly recommended by quite a few bloggers and friends. However, due to the crowd waiting for a table, we decided to give it a pass first. Lat recommended another Dim Sum restaurant which he think it is almost as good as that one but cheaper.

Well, it is equally packed. But we did managed to get a table within 5 minutes, so it is not that bad. Food was fantastic. Environment: it kind of reminded me of the Dim Sum restaurant in Hongkong where all the Grandpa and Grandma sitting there reading newspaper, drinking tea and slowly enjoying the Dim sum.

After Dim Sum, we decided to head down to Bondi Market. On every Weekend, there will be a mini Bazaar. The Bazaar market just remind me of Singapore night market which here in this case only opens from morning until evening.

Our Dinner after the shopping trip at the Bazaar

Lastly, after all the shopping and yummy dinner, we took a stroll in UNSW. Gosh, this Uni has some fantastic night views and the best part, it is still pretty lively at night. Talk about campus life

The final event to end the day is to treat ourself to another box of Krispy Kreme.

2009-06-09T12:52:00.000+08:00

Date: 01/07/ 2006

Nothing could be better than a refreshing sleep and wake up to enjoy a nice good view of the country.

10.37 am and it is finally time to say goodbye to Ironbark Cottage. I must admit we are kind of sad that we did not get the chance for a hot air balloon flight. The weather is just so excellent. How can it be bad weather as they say. This is really very puzzling. Well, on we go, back to the city.

Not to forget a quick snapshot

The trip back to the city will take us about 2 hrs. So on the way back, Lat suggest Fish & Chips over at a place Mooney Mooney.

The town, Mooney Mooney, has a fantastic view of the sea view. Anyone who has a yacht, should stop by this town to enjoy a nice cold beer and fish and chips. After a 15 min search around the dock, Lat couldn't find the good fish and chip store. So, we decided to just give up and head down to Sydney fish market.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Yes at last, we arrived back in Sydney. It does feels kind of different crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge again. T,hen Lat stopped his car and I was wondering what was going on. Man...I can't believe my eyes. We got to pay $3 for toil just to cross this bridge. As the saying goes, NOTHING is FREE in AUSTRALIA. It stick true to the fact.

I keep having a wrong perception that the fish market should be wet and smelly like those we have in Singapore. Lots of fisherman should be there and people should be bid for the fish. But this wasn't the case. It was CLEANnnnn .... It has no smelly, fishy smell inside the market. The whole fish market is pack with people and SEAFOOD. I have never see seafood fresher than what is display inside. After like 1/2 hr of buying and comparing prices like aunties, we manage to grab lots of seafood and now to find a spot to sit. Lat suggest we sit outside but there wasn't really any space outside and there are too much seagulls and not to forget to mention they keep pooping. Good thing, we manage to find seat inside the market and let the FeasT being. Seafood, Yummy yummy ... ...

After a nice good meal, it's time for more posing. The background is the Anzac Bridge.

We decided since we are in the city, we might as well head down to the AMP tower to watch the sunset.

View of the City

Check out how expensive the fee is

See the yellow Envelop, it is an illegal Parking Ticket fine. Unbelievable, even parking ticket was given in style.

While on our way to AMP tower, we stop by a chocolate shop call BonBon. What is so special about this shop. Check out the chocolate.

Can you even believe that's chocolate

The AMP Tower. The one place, you get to see the entire view of Sydney city. The timing, perfect for us, because we going to catch the sunset. It took us awhile to get past the security and queue up for the elevator. When we got up the top of the tower. The view of the city was immersing.

After the beautiful sunset and night view of Sydney, we head down to Darling Harbour to catch some fireworks before we head down for dinner.

Gosh, a Monorail inside the City. Vintage.

Arhhh, I can't believe my eyes. A 7-11 store !! WEee so exciting ... it has been like half a yr since I last saw 1. Well, we went in and walk out with Surlpe. They are good.

Enjoying the Darling Harbour and the fireworks

After enjoying the firework at Darling Harbour, we decided to head straight down to our dinner. Talk about being hungry.

Our selection: Choys Chinese Restaurant.

It is a very cosy restaurant with the nice Asian setting. Food was fabulous. I have to say restaurant in Sydney always serve good food. Love every thing I put in my mouth. Especially, the desert, we love it the most.

After a filling dinner, we head back to the apartment to rest. Tomorrow ChinaTown.

2009-05-29T14:19:00.006+08:00

30/06/2006 and the time: 10.15 am. We are all prepared and ready to head off to Hunter Valley.

Our Pit stop for lunch and Guess what's our favourite food?

It was late afternoon before we managed to reach Hunter Valley. The whole trip was like a 4 to 5 hrs drive from Sydney. It sure is a long way. The very first place we stop by is the visitor centre. We have to find a place to stay and check out if the hot air balloon flight is it available tomorrow morning.

The Visitor Centre

After some calling, we finally found a cottage: IronBark Cottage that is still available. But due to the weather, the hot air balloon flight is cancel tomorrow. It is abit disappointing. So, we headed down to check out the cottage with our finger cross. It took us awhile to find this cottage.

An unexpected welcome from Joey

When we reach the cottage, we were like AWESOME!! This place look gorgeous and stunning. The owner came out to welcome us and show us our the cottage. We came to know that this cottage was build by Drew, himself. Every single piece of furniture inside the cottage and the cottage, itself, was build by him. We were like wow. This is definitely not the kind of stuff that one would be hearing especially from where we came from.

The IronBark Cottage

For more detail information about this place, check out their website: http://www.ironbarkcottages.com.au/accommodation.asp
It is definitely a good place to escape with your friends or love ones to have a nice relax weekend.

Well, now with our accommodation found, we head down to what Hunter Valley is best well-known for: Wine Tasting. Yummy. Wine.

HungerFordHill, Tempus 2, Bimbadgen Estate & Cellar Door

It was quite an accomplishment. Given 2 hours, we have toured four speculator winery, a smelly cheese factory and chocolate factory. Wine Collectors, I would highly recommend Tempus 2 bottles. It is specially design and they come different with every wine. Last stop before we head back to cottage, Coles. Seriously, the pricing between a suburb like Hunter Valley and Sydney is huge. Here, you could get a sirloin Steak for really cheap. But in Sydney the price seems like 1/4 more. Anyway, we head down to Coles to grab some food for the BBQ.

The temperature feels like it drop until 15 degree at night. It is simply a good weather for BBQ. All the hotdogs, chickens wings and steaks. Lastly, wash it all down with bottles of wine. That is indeed life.

*Ps: notice the big bug on the corner of the pictures. We found it sticking to our window. Man, it is one mean looking bug.

After stuffing ourself with so much meat & vegetable, not to mention the smell we had from the BBQ, what is more relaxing than a spa.

The 3 guys sure know how to enjoy, although it is kinda of squeeze.

After so much excitement for the day, it is time for light out. The adventure to be continue ... ...

2006-11-24T01:47:00.007+08:00

Ever feel like taking a break from the normal routine? Ever feel like throwing everything down and just take a holiday? Well, one thing for sure, Yun Yen & I sure did have those ideas flowing around our head. Times flies. Unknowingly, we have been in Perth for one and a half year. All the dinners party we have been, the KTV sessions, shopping in the city and etc... just seems to be getting bored suddenly. It felt like I have a routine that I have to follow every week and it is always the same old routine such as "Tuesday": Waffle Day/Movie, Thursday and Friday: "Late Night Shopping", Sat/Sun: "Dinner Parties/BBQ".

Then YunYen (A.K.A Dear) suggested:"Why don't we take a holiday to Sydney?" My first reaction was like: My eyes were rolling. Half of me was arguing:"No, don't go. You need alot of money to do that" The other half was telling me:"You should go. Everyone who goes overseas to study always backpack to all the states." Well, anyway, that was the evil and holy me arguing at the background. Meanwhile, we went to surf the VirginBlue website as we were informed that every now and then, air tickets will be on discount. With our finger cross, we literally surfing the website daily. Just hoping for that magic moment to appear. Aside from the air tickets, I have to think of ways to make this trip a budget one. Then it came to my mind, one of my good friend, Lat study in Sydney !! I gave him a rang and guess what's the outcome. He was even more excited than me about the trip. Thank goodness, you were there Bro. With this resolve, the last part is the ticket.

After months of surfing, we never got a good price on the tickets. It was simply expensive to fly to Sydney. The cheapest ticket we saw was like $5xx Aus Dollar. Well, it was at this point, I felt like giving up. It's simply just too expensive. Good thing, my dear kept asking me daily:" Are we sure, we don't want the trip?" Not to forget the mention, she kept showing me the website too. This is the part that seems hazy to me. I only recall that dear pop that question again and I reply:"Well, just take my debit card and we'll just fly down to Sydney." And that's the story on how we decided to fly off to Sydney.

Anyway, Yes!? yes!? After months of hard work at the Thai restaurant(Tida Thai) and juggling work with school (haiz~), finally, I can put everything aside and go on a Holiday. HOLIDAY Holiday !!~~!!! So excited about it.

The day was: 28/06/2006 and the time was 10.30 pm. It was pretty last minute but I manage to get Jeremy for sending us to the domestic airport in his Jeep. Thanks a million, Bro. I do have to comment that the road to the Domestic airport is really different from the international airport. It is so much better lighted and decorated as compare to the international airport. Usually, it is the international airport that is really the highly decorated one. However, for this case here in Perth, it seems otherwise. Well, as usual, how could it be called a holiday without some photos!?

Once Jeremy drop us off, we,of course, waste absolutely no time in posing for photos. Now that I think back again, it do feel kind of "pai sei". 2 Asians running about posing and snapping photos every step they walk. After a satisfying session of photo taking, we head down to the counter to check in. However, to my horror, I couldn’t find the Virgin Blue check in counter. After some enquiry with a security, I finally realised that we were at the wrong terminal. It was like OMG. How can I not see where my airline is before I got off the car. Now we have to walk to terminal 3 !!! The very first though that came to my mind was: Is there even such thing call a skytrain in Australia? Well, the truth was indeed sad. It was a BIG BIG NO !!! But one good thing was the terminals are really small, so it was a few minutes walk down to terminal 3.

Finally, the correct terminal at last. We did a fast check in and start touring around the airport. Guess what we did again, it's not that hard : )? Of course, take more pictures.

The domestic airport is as small as the international airport. I can't believe my eyes. The check-in counter were like in the middle of the everything. The departure and arrival hall were like beside the check-in counter. And Worse, I don't see any security check-point for the arrival hall. People just walk out and collect their luggage. Gezz....guess must be the different culture and different way of management. Well ok never mind, now its time for us to go into the departure hall and do whatever custom they have.

The first thing that came into my mind was I need to check in really quick. The security might take awhile, since at this point in time, they are stepping up security and they might have to stamp my passport. But hey guess what, we got through in less than 30 sec and no one even bother to look at us. I was like WHAT!!!!
Did I got through screening that fast !?

The departure hall was really really super small. Seriously, it doesn't take one very long to walk from 1 end to another (around 10mins if you stroll really really slow).

Two Tired Souls and the small domestic airport.

At last, time now is 12.20am, 29/06/2006, the call for our flight finally arrives.

Calling for us Yeah Yeah

Lo Ahold!! Lets enter this gate now

Yes, Sydney here we come!! But hey where is the hallway to walk to the plane? What !? I can't believe it, I have to walk down a flight of stairs and to the plane myself. Man I though that kind of stuff only happen in China. But looks like Perth is also the same. Guess, I can’t expect much from Perth domestic airline. Happily we got up the plane and sat down. Just when our seat were getting warm up, someone asked: "Excuse me, I think you have taken my seat." I turned my head and hey that's my lecturer from Murdoch University: Paul Brain. “Wonder does he still remember me?” Well, we check our ticket and hey we have two tickets with the same seat number printed on it. Great right!? Anyway, Paul remembered me and wishes me luck for my grades (It just feel so great that a lecturer remember me). However, this is the part where I don't really like about. We got relocated to seat 11E and 11F !? Until this very day, I still feel I am being discriminated. I meant this is a technical error from their computer system. Why must 2 people move from their seat just because he refuse to sit at the back? This is all so wrong but no it is just not going to ruined the mood.

The new seats were freaking crappy. Why? First, the seats were solid hard. Throughout the flight, my butt had the feeling that it going to get butt-cramp. Next, the engine roars so loud that I hardly get to slept a wink. Finally, just when I was about to doze off. They have to make the very announcement that we are approaching Sydney in 5 minutes. I was like No way Right!? It's 4am Perth time but Sydney apparently is 2 hrs ahead of Perth so it’s 6am for them. Darn!? I guess this is why they call it jet-lag. Not everything turn out so bad after all, we did manage to catch a great view on the plane: My first Sunrise on the Plane in Sydney. It was awesome.

Sunrise On the Plane Above Sydney

After a long night, we have finally landed in Sydney. I don't know whether is it the excitement of the holiday nor is it just because it is Sydney itself. I must comment that the air feels totally different and not to forget the airport is also different too. Gosh, at last, a real airport. We could feel life bursting out and then best part is there are so much more shops in Sydney airport!!

It is 6am in the morning (Sydney Time), both of us were like really hungry after such a tiring night. What more could satisfy us than the most important meal of the day breakfast. The very first shop I saw and not to forget to mention how bright the signboard is : Krispy Kreme. We have always watch American series that show that the Americans love their doughnuts. But why? What serious is so good about it? Well here are we going to try out.

Oh my goodness, it is simply heavenly. The doughnut is so soft and the filling is so rich. This is sure a GOOD doughnut.

Breakfast & exhausted

We waited for awhile before Lat arrives to pick us up. *Thanks man bro, for getting up so early* After some introducing with each other, we finally head down to check out Sydney.

The Small Incident:
While walking to the car, Lat told us that the carpark fees in Sydney is very expensive especially the airport. So out of curiosity, I followed him to check it out. But by the time I got there, he had paid up and was waiting for the change to drop. Then the funny thing happens: The machine spit out a $20 dollar note. Now come to think of it, I must be really exhausted because I had the perception that wow these machine in Sydney can give you back changes in notes. That is simply so cool. So while walking back to the car, I gave him back his $20 dollar notes change and he kept saying no need man bro. I was like what? What on earth he don't want his change back. It really took me awhile to register what he was trying to tell me. Lat was convinced that I was trying to pay him back the parking fees, which I seriously do want too. But this was different, I was just trying to give back his change. He told me that he have already got back his change. I was like what!? Then why did the machine spit out this $20 dollar? He say this was the amount he put into the machine and insisted that I need no pay him. This goes on for 20 minutes just to convince him the situation that it was the machine who spit the money out and I have not take out any money yet to pay him. He was surprised that this even happen. Well, yunyen (aka. Dear dear) of course told him: well, if you have been long with me. You understand this sort of things always happen for some reason. Anyway, what a great way to start our holiday. With the rumbling of his engine, our trip in Sydney finally begin.

Streets of Sydney look at the amount of traffic at this hour its only like 7am.

First stop: UNSW to drop our luggage.

Seriously, comparing Murdoch flat and the apartment from UNSW aparments, it is so different. UNSW apartments are really located just behind the University. You just have to walk down the stairs from your apartment and turn and you arrives at the University. Murdoch Student village is still like a 5 minutes walk to University. It is a very cosy apartment and from the window from Lat's room, I could feel the flow of life in the city. It is so much different in Perth. After we drop our stuff in his room, Lat brought us down to Botany Bay which is one of the very place where MI2 was film.

Fans of Mission Impossible would know this place. This location was shot in Mission Impossible 2. Aside from being a good place to sightsee, we also saw quite a number of people coming here to fish and dive.

It was while sightseeing, we had an unexpected accident. My dear slipped and fell on the rocks. Poor thing, she ended up having bruise all over her legs. So if anyone intend to visit there, be warn that it is very slippery.

Dino foot marks

Heading for Branch:
After this incident, we decided to head down to a nearby restaurant known as Boatshed cafe, for our branch.

We oredered a salad and a seafood platter, and enjoy the meal with a fantastic view of the sea. A crystal clear, blue sea with water that one could see the clear white sand and a few boats floating over the sea.

Bondi Beach:
After branch, we went down to take a sneak peek at the Bondi beach. Bondi beach has always been well-known in Australia for its lifeguards. They even make it into a series to show how effective and good are the lifeguards here. Today, I'm going to get a chance to see these heroes.

With a cosy sea breeze blowing at your face and the sight of clear water with white sand. How can we not be excited.

Even though, it is winter. The beach is still bursting with life. People are running around, surfing, enjoying a stroll down the beach, model posing, etc ...

After a nice refreshing stroll by the beach, our next stop: Paddington Street. Here at Paddington Street, I highly recommend everyone to try this delicacy: The Chocolate Strawberry. A relatively huge, sweet strawberry coated with delicious dark chocolate. The chocolate texture is just nice, smooth and not too thick and the strawberry is super juicy. Every bit you could feel the strawberry juice spurting out of the berry coated chocolate. It's heaven once you tasted it. It's mouth watering just thinking of it.

Chocolate Strawberry

Our little exploration at Paddington (Two Thumbs up)

After stuffing ourself with the delicacy, we head back to UNSW to take a break. While we are taking a break, Lat head down to the airport again to pick up his brother, who came from Brisbane, to join us. After some self introduction, all of us head down to Chinatown or otherwise known as Market Street to get some quotes for our ski trip.

It took us sometime hopping from agency to agency to get those quotes. Some of them were already fully booked. We sure have to decide fast. Next stop, the speed boat trill ride. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, the ride had close. They stop selling out rides by 5pm due to the weather. Oh well, we can't grumble much. Since we are down Darling Harbour, we might as well head down to the Rock for dinner. Talk about famished.

The Rock is a 24 hr restaurant which is famous for it's exotic pancakes. Unlike MacDonald who serve it in a standard version (Butter and Honey), the Rock offer more varieties. From chocolate pancakes with strawberries, cream, chocolate ice-cream sauce to buttermilk pancakes with lemon wedges, sugar crystals, cream and vanilla cream. It's such a sinful yet indulging feast of pancakes. But, since it is dinner, we can't possible only order pancakes to eat. We had a pizzas and pork & beef ribs. It was still yummy delicious.

After a sumptuous dinner, we head down to Circular Quay for a stroll. Walking along the Circular Quay, we could see the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera house. What more can I say expect: magnificent and breathtaking.

See the Cute face gate on the corner. That is the Luna Park.

After a nice stroll, it is time to leave the Cirular Quay and head down to PARTY @ the Ice Bar. Although, it is just like 15 min walk to the bar but since our carpark ticket was about to expire soon, so Lat had to drive to another carpark slot to park.

The Ice bar (A.K.A Minus 5):

This is one bar I would recommend people to try it out. Everything within the bar is made from ice: cups, chairs and waterfall too. The only limitation is that you only get to stay in there for half an hour and it cost you Aus $30 with one free drink. Aside from the price, it is really an eye-opening experience and fun when you enter as a group.

Choosing our jacket & gloves; a timer to let us know when to leave the the place; enjoying the free drinks; exhausted and freezing after 1/2 hr

After the ice bar, we stroll down Circular Quay one more time before we went back to the UNSW apartment to sleep.

Close up of Sydney Opera House

Time to leave and rest early. Tomorrow HUNTER VALLEY here we come.