Australia, Blue Mountains - Part 2

Australia, Blue Mountains Review  

 


By z_l3nG 
 

#2 Stop - Katoomba Town

Lunch Time!

Let's talk a bit about Katoomba town, shall we?

If you get hungry while seeing the 3 Sisters at Echo Point, you have 2 options.

1. Grab a bite at a cafe at the World Heritage Plaza. (the nearest)
2. Choose your preferable cuisine from a row of cafes and restaurants in Katoomba town.

We drove to Katoomba town and reached there in 5-10minutes.
It's a pretty quiet town and a relaxing one.

Discounts & Bargains!

Katoomba town is a place where you'd want to take a stroll and do some shopping.

They have quite a fantastic collection of jewelleries there.

What's best? You can bargain the prices with the sellers.

OR, you can just sit back and relax at a cafe and enjoy the tranquility.


Colourful Smileys

Calling all those with sweet tooth!
You just can't resist all the wonderful, colourful and yummy-ful buns and muffins displaying at the window of this bakery shop.

But, be warned, there might be unwanted guests feasting on those buns.
We saw flies circling around the pastries and we were immediately turned off by the sight.


Spot the Proton


Wasn't able to spot one in Sydney, but here, in Katoomba town, we spotted a Proton Gen-2 parked near a store, next to a VW. 


We walked past several cars, and I was immediately attracted to the well-kept orange VW, but it was Gen-2 that got my fiance's attention.

He's got sharp eyes for Malaysian cars.

To Scenic World, we go!

We didn't spend too much time in the town of Katoomba.
We had our lunch at a Chinese restaurant, took a brief walk along the street and dashed our way to Scenic World!


(Note: All texts and photos are copyright reserved - Z)

Australia, Blue Mountains - Part 3

Australia, Blue Mountains Review  
 


Scenic World, Blue Mountains

Walk on Air

Never mind Echo Point, that place's no fun. 
But, undoubtedly an ideal point to snap photos of The 3 Sisters in close range. 

Oh, have I mentioned that Blue Mountains is in the World Heritage list?
Yes, you bet it is! 
You'll know why when you get there.


But now...

Welcome to Scenic World Blue Mountains, where a whole new experience awaits...
Yeah, I know, it does feel like I'm writing for a Scenic World advertisement.

But, it's the truth! 
I had a jolly good time there and I'll tell you why.

Before that, let me feed you with some infos.

There are 3 rides you can take to explore Blue Mountains.

1. Scenic Skyway
2. Scenic Cableway
3. Scenic Railway

Another way of exploring the ancient rainforest at Blue Mountains is by walking.


#1 Float on Air

You've experienced this before, on cable cars, perhaps.
Or bungee-jumping. Or parachuting.

At Scenic World Blue Mountains, it's called the Scenic Skyway ride, in which you'd be standing or sitting throughout the journey which will take you across the ravines, mountains and Katoomba Falls.

The sight of Katoomba Falls will leave you breathless. 

If you're worried about your safety, don't have to. 
It's a slow and relaxing ride.   
Even my fiance who has fear of heights (aka Acrophobia) had no problem throughout the ride!

One Skyway car can accomodate more than 20 passengers. 



Highlight of the ride
  
I find this feature Awesome. 
Black men would say, 'Dang!'.

Here's why:

Electro-Sceniglass floor 


You can see everything that's below your feet from 270m above, through the see-through glass floor.


With this feature, you now literally have a 360 degree view!

If you have acrophobia, it's not advisable to look down for too long.

Pic: Looking downward to see the rainforest and Katoomba Falls, through the glass floor







Admission Prices:

Adult
$ 16 (return), $ 9 (1 way)

Child (4-13)
$ 8 (return), $5 (1 way)


Family Pass (2 Adults & Kids below 13)
$ 40 (return), $25 (1 way)

(Note: All texts and photos are copyright reserved - Z)

Australia, Blue Mountains - Last Part

Australia, Blue Mountains Review  

 

by z_l3nG


Let's resume with Scenic World's other exciting rides!

But first, let's take a stroll along a trail (over 2.8kms of boardwalk) set in the heart of the rainforest in Blue Mountains.

To enter, you have to get the Scenic Walkway pass (at the entrance).

It's quite an educational tour because there are fact boards provided about the local flora as well as the history of the valley as you walk.

This walkway is disabled-friendly as it offers a 380-metre long of wheelchair accessible walkway.

In addition, there are benches along the way for you to sit and rest your sore legs after a long, tiring walk.

It's worth the walk, really. You can feel tranquility setting in as you enter the rainforest. 

Don't worry, I've checked.
There's no "Not for the faint-hearted" sign at the entrance although it may get a little creepy as evening sets in...

Before exiting the walkway, there's a very old site of Katoomba Coal Mine.

Katoomba Coal Mine

At the press of a button, you can listen to the narration of the history on this particular coal mine, the Katoomba Coal Mine.

I pushed the button, but I could only hear a word or two clearly. Speakers no good.


Tools used by the coal miners are exhibited, like the "Pit Pony Shoes" and "Rabbit (or rat) trap". Other artifacts on display are as below:

Well, that's all I have on Scenic Walkway!

Now, let's proceed to the next ride...


Scenic Railway (aka the coal miner's ride)

 

All of I've gotta say for this ride is, Hang On Tight!

We took this ride to return to the centre. And, it was pure FUN!

Imagine going down the hill on this, with a rather fast speed.
Oh, the thrill and adrenaline!

But, it's no roller-coaster ride, so you're good to take that ride.




Scenic World opens everyday, from 9am to 5pm.
Take note: Last rides at 4.30pm.


For more info, visit http://www.scenicworld.com.au/

SYDNEY - Take 1

Australia, Sydney Review 

 

By z_l3nG


Temperature
15 - 26 degree celcius


I was in Sydney for 4 nights,  from 20-24th April,  2010.

I would be lying if I say Sydney isn't a beautiful city,  the weather was so fine I wouldn't want to come home. Imagine,  walking for one hour without breaking a sweat!

 

 (Top: Darling Harbour bridge in Sydney standing proud under the bright, clear sky)





I was surprised that my brief stay in Sydney was completely dry,  not a single raindrop,  as opposed to the information I got online saying that the weather is unpredictable and it's advisable to bring weather gear such as umbrella and raincoat.

My fiance's uncle said we were lucky with the weather.

I bet we were, since we all agreed that the weather was 'just nice'.
Humidity at its lowest level.

However,  I didn't like the wind that was trying to blow my hair off and making me look like a Mad lady. Other than that, it was fine.


Chinatown Mostly

We did mostly sightseeing in Sydney,  as tourists do,  as we didn't have much time exploring every single corner of the city.

 (Top: Charming Sydney view at Circular Quay)






I like the cleanliness of the streets in Sydney,  except those in Chinatown.
Dirty is always the adjective to describe every Chinatown I've been to.

Despite that reality,  people in Chinatown Do Not represent the whole Chinese community in general.

Talking about Chinese,  yes,  I discovered that Sydney is just full of them, and Koreans too.  But then and again,  maybe because we were staying near Chinatown,  which is just a few streets away.


On Top of the World

Four nights were spent in one of the amazing units at the World Tower in Sydney,  which cost AUS 255 per night.  Yes, it's rather costly but worth every penny.

It's a spacious 2-bedroom apartment,  equipped with sofas,  flat panel TV,  toaster,  oven,  cutleries and so on.  They even provide food containers for you to store leftovers.

The best part of this unit is...its viewing deck (enclosed balcony) that allows you to have a bird's eye view of Sydney.

A rattan table and 2 chairs are provided for you (and your partner) to sit and enjoy the panoramic view of the city.

It's definitely the vantage point to see the city,  apart from Sydney Tower.

(Top: Smog covering the horizon in the morning, creating a mystical atmosphere. Picture taken from our room.)

(Right: Colourful lights lit up the dark sky, bringing Sydney to life. Picture taken from viewing balcony)





On the first morning in Sydney,  when I was still sleeping soundly,  my fiance woke me up from my dreams, and said,  "You've got to see this."

In the corner of my mind,  I was thinking,  "What's the big deal that you need to wake me up like this?"

But,  I got up and looked out of the window and...was stunned by the sight. It was phenomenal.

"Wow! Is that beautiful or what?" I finally uttered,  after getting hold of myself.

It was a magical morning.  The light, thin clouds (or was it smog?) was enveloping the entire city and I felt like I was on top of the world,  whisking me away from the real world.



(Note: All texts and photos are copyright reserved - Z)

SYDNEY - Take 2

Australia, Sydney Review  
 


By z_l3nG


Pancakes Rock!

Nah, we weren't on a gastronomical trip in Sydney, but an economical one.
Food in Sydney is costlier than in the US and the statement is based purely on my observation.

Nonetheless, we spoilt ourselves one evening by having this wonderful dinner at the 'Pancakes on the Rock' restaurant.

You don't have to guess what they serve 'cos it's so obvious - Pancakes.

We ordered one plate of pork ribs, a Thai chicken salad and a yummy-licious pancake for dessert.  We devoured everything (except the bones) and ended up with big bellies.

Now,  let the food be served.

(Top: The pancake is called the Devil for good reason! It's so delicious you'd be asking for more)

 

I can't remember all the names of the food we ordered, but does it matter?  

What matters most is that the food were absolutely scrumptious, every single bite of it. 

The huge piece of pork ribs was very well-marinated and the meat, Tender, which means you don't have to have razor-sharp teeth to tear the meat apart. 

Still, you need to have a good set of teeth.

The best is always saved for last, they say.  

Oh yes, the pancake was heaven-made. 

The ice-cream as the topping and melted chocolate spreading all over the pancake and fresh strawberries - Muah! A perfect combination.

(Note: A friend told me the Hurricane in Sydney serves to-die-for pork ribs. We found one at Darling Harbour, but the food is really pricey.)

On a Quest

To see koala bears!

I have this obsession for koala bears since I was very young.  The first time I saw it on TV, I told myself I Have to go to Australia one day. 

So, I was there. And my fiance brought me to Taronga Zoo! 

To get there,  we took a ferry ride from Wharf #2 at Circular Quay in Sydney.  

The ticket is priced at AUD49.50, which includes return ferry trip, entrance fee and sky safari (cable car ride).

 

(Top: Lady Northcott ferry took us to Taronga zoo)

The ride was an awesome one. We sailed passed some of the biggest landmarks in Sydney, such as the Sydney Opera House and the bridge. 

Oh, so cute!

Ta-Da! Adorable bears.

I had no luck with them that day for all three of them were taking a nap.
They slept in funny ways.

They looked like cute stuffed animals to me when they were sitting motionless. 

To see them, their captivity is on the immediate right at the entrance.

To see them upclose and even cuddle them, a fee of AUD20 is charged per person for 10 minutes.

Even cuter animal

The highlight of Taronga zoo, to me, is the Platypus.  

OMG, was that fella cute or what! 

It's small-sized and it looked like many animals combined.

Unfortunately, the place was dimly lit and there was only one platypus swimming in the tank, I didn't think it was possible to snap a photo of it.


Not-so-cute animals

For instance, penguins, sea lions, chimpanzees and gorillas, nocturnal species (some are really cuties, I must admit) and also the bird in the picture, plus so many more...which I can't recall.



On Taronga Zoo

One thing's for sure, none of the zoos in Malaysia can compete with Taronga zoo. Who are we kidding, right?

Taronga zoo was, I'd say OK, considering that the view was pretty amazing and, they house more variety of animals there.

Central Park Zoo in New York City, on the other hand, is rather small, but it was more fun!

 

(This is the view you can get from Taronga Zoo)

Do take note of this, the zoo's under construction when I was there, so you might want to delay your plan to go there.

I hope the zoo's going to have heaps of exotic animals after the expansion.

To get a map of the zoo, you can find it at the zoo entrance. 

Note that the ferry leaves every half an hour.

(Note: All texts and photos are copyright reserved - Z)

SYDNEY - Hyde Park

Australia, Sydney Review  
 


by z_l3nG


HYDE PARK 

(pronounced as Hide)

Australians don't mind sharing, for there's plenty of space for them to share.

Sydney's park (aka Hyde Park) is big, beautiful and very well-maintained.

The colours of the flowers are so vivid, it makes the whole environment so alive.
                                                                                                                                                                        
That's why, Aussies love spending their time at the park.


I saw them laying on the grass in bikini, office attires and casual wears.

Some were reading books, some were sunbathing while some were simply enjoying the nature.

They were so laid back!


A trip to the park will definitely transform your mood.

Breathe in the positive 'Qi' around you.






ANZAC Memorial 

After you're done running around the park, sniffing the sweet scents of flowers and sunbathing, head to the next destination.

A nice place to get shelter from the sun and heat.

Anzac Memorial Building, which nestles in Hyde Park South, is dedicated to all Australians who'd served their country in the war.

Anzac Memorial building's exterior is equally as beautiful as its interior design.

It's such a unique and simple structure.

Here's one thing you can only see from the inside, the dome of the Hall of Memory, which is covered with 120,000 golden stars, made from plaster and painted in gold.

Each star was purchased at 2 shillings (20 cents)  to fund the construction of this building during the Great Depression.


Rule:
You have to remain silent while you're in the building as a sign of respect.

Opening Hours:
Everyday from 9am to 5pm.

(Close on Good Friday and X'mas.)


Admission is FREE.

(Note: All texts and photos are copyright reserved - Z)

Dubai, not just another city

  

By z_l3nG

Nov, 2008


DUBAI - a metropolis, and a spanking one!


Day: Extremely hot
Night: Cool & Breezy


NOTE:
If there's one thing I couldn't live without in Dubai, it had to be my sunglasses.

The sky's always cloudless and the sun's always bright and glaring in Dubai during the day.



Me in Dubai

I still can't believe I was there.

Dubai was the name everyone talked about, all over the world.

All top-notch projects - the Palm, Burj Khalifa, Atlantis Hotel and Burj Al Arab -  are all in Dubai.

This fast-developing metropolis is a gallery on its own, displaying the best designs you can find in the world.




Far-fetched 

Common people can only dream of buying a house at the Palm or staying in one of the 7-star hotels here in Dubai.

Rich and famous people,  on the other hand,  had wrestled their way through to get a property in the much sought-after property development - The Palm.

But who cares?

You don't have to take a heli ride across Dubai to be able to admire these architectural designs by top-notch designers.  They are Everywhere.

The architectural designs in Dubai are a reflection of best brains put together.


The land of Monopoly

I wish Monopoly had a Dubai version.

Then, I could imagine myself owning stunningly wonderful buildings and just the thought of it makes me happy.

The buildings are tall, not to mention glittery, and one of them at a mind-blowing height - it's the renowned Burj Khalifa (was known as Burj Dubai).

This is the best picture to show you how tall Burj Khalifa was.

You know, when I looked up at the horizon and saw these jewels (the buildings, I mean),  I would think Dubai was the richest metropolis in the world!

Who would expect it to be in critical economic situation now?

It's probably the only city with the most skyscrapers in the world. And,  the only, which almost hit the point of banckruptcy.



Big boys with Big toys

Dubai - Beverly Hills of the UAE.

These cars are literally everywhere! It's like Proton in Malaysia. *Spanking!*

It's so common that you'd eventually stop WOWing after a while.

Hummers are the most common here in Dubai. Are these people rich or what?


Proton Wira on Sight


There are,  of course,  cars for the not-so-rich class, like the Proton Wira!  Oh boy,  was I lucky to have spotted it in Dubai!

Our home brand car in Dubai.  Malaysia memang Boleh!

Oh, wait...there's another homegrown brand in Dubai. It's in Australia too!

And, it's Vincci and Next.

Malaysia Double Boleh!


Air-Conditioned Bus Stop

Everything is well-planned here in Dubai, including its bus stop. It's air-conditioned! However, you still need to wait outside to hail a bus or cab.

Nonetheless, it's better than Malaysia.

I guess we haven't reached this stage yet, whereby infrastructure is top priority.

Even the roads are so poorly-planned and maintained in Malaysia. I wonder where all the contribution from tax payers have gone to.

There's a map too, inside this comfy, cosy bus stop for viewing.

Time factor got in the way, preventing me from getting close to Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab (what's the meaning of Burj, anyone?).

Sigh. And, I missed out the alleged thrilling desert safari ride too! How disappointing.



Mall with Tallest Aquarium

Dubai Mall houses the biggest aquarium in the world. The entrance fee is pretty costly indeed.

So, I didn't enter. Instead,  I joined the crowd, admiring the big tank from the outside.

To be con't

(Note: All texts and photos are copyright reserved - Z)