Budget Travel Sydney - day 4

I did not do much on my 3^rd day in Sydney. I just walked the whole day exploring the areas near the Harbour Bridge, The Rocks Weekend Market and Opera House. I was planning to visit the Blue Mountains on my 4^th day but I did not want to join the usual tours. I have read online that it can be done by yourself. Thankfully I found a roommate in the backpackers dorm who was interested to do this too. By the way, the cheapest group tour we can find was around $85 and was beyond our budget.

The next day, we went out to Sydney Central Railway Station and caught the 7:21 train to Blue Mountains. The station was huge and there was a lot of people for the morning rush, so we had to run to get to the platform and we caught it just in time.  The travel time was 2 hours but it did not really feel tedious because of the smooth train ride. We even fell asleep and finally arrived at Katoomba Station at 9:23.

Upon exiting Katoomba station, we found that there were booths selling the Blue Mountain Tours. We chose the Blue Mountain Explorer which was just across the street because it was cheaper. We each paid 30 AUD and was given our ticket and and guide book. We then waited in front of a hotel which was about a minute walk from the store. At 9:45, our bus came to pick us up. I was particularly awed with the trees that were turning red. It was autumn when I went and it was so lovely for me.

There were only 4 of us for the first bus ride so the driver took his time to talk while driving us through the stops. This was my first time ever to ride a hop on hop off bus but I knew about it from my friends. The driver would stop at bus stop points and we can get off, explore the place  and wait for the bus to come back which probably was an hour later. Bus drop off and pick up points were not hard to find and looked like this.

Here's my friend, Connie, on the first stop that we hopped off the bus. We only spent a few minutes on this lookout because we were worried that there'd be a lot of people on Echo Point by the time we get there.

We went down from the bus again at Echo Point. It has the panoramic views of the Jamison Valley and the iconic Three Sisters.

It was especially freezing that day but it did not stop us from enjoying the view of the Three Sisters. According to Aboriginal legend they were sisters who were turned to stone. It was a bit early during the day, possibly around 11am and that is why a shadow has quite hidden the magnificence of the stone. But either way, I am happy to be there and see it for myself. 

It was also majestic to just look around and take in the entire view of the valley. I liked that there is a map to inform which particular mountain you are looking at. 

The place has 2 viewing  platforms and tourists can go to the lower one easily. There is also a clear sign that says Prince Henry Cliff Walk. This details how to go to Katoomba Falls or to Scenic World. 

Just a few feet from the Visitor Center is an archway where we saw people were either heading in or out. 

It led us to a walkway with a lot of trees and views of the Jamison Valley. 

Then we saw a short set of stairs which were very steep and only 1-2 persons at a time can pass by. We were very careful not to fall and definitely going down was easier by just holding on the railings and looking at where your foot lands. I didn't expect to hike but maybe because I did not do much research before coming. Either way, I am happy to get a bit of exercise. 

The stairs was connected to Honeymoon Bridge which then allowed us to be up close with the first sister. 

We stayed for a few minutes to take in the view and retraced our steps back to Echo Point. Since our bus was not scheduled to come yet, we decided to walk to the next bus stop which was only a few meters ahead. The next stop was near the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company.

Lots of chocolate options, cake and a coffee were available there. It is a quaint place to relax and fill yourself up after the hike and freezing temperature outside. 

We weren't able to catch the bus so what we did was have a bit of an adventure. We studied and followed the map to Scenic World. We did not plan to ride any rides of the Scenic World because we did not budget for it. So we just walked and walked until we saw a part of the Katoomba Falls. 

We were satisfied of how our day went and finally decided to run to the next bus stop. We caught the bus just in time! Connie and I decided to end our gallivanting in Katoomba by filling up our tummy with Fish and Chips at a local shop. 

It was a fun short time that we had in Katoomba. I found out that there is a local bus 686 that stops at Echo Point and other sites in Katoomba. Fares are paid thru Opal cards just like the one used to ride the train from the city. Nevertheless, me and Connie were happy with what we chose and did. 

It's been more than a month since I've been there. I've been pretty lazy at home and just found the strength to finish all this so that my friend, Mel, whose planning to come to Blue Mountains can get an idea of what I did there :)

Thank you for reading and 'til next blog :)

Sunday Roadtrip

Last Sunday, 16 July, I was woken up early to an unexpected road trip with my aunt and cousins. I happily got up from bed and prepared myself. I was not given enough details on where we are going so I considered it as a surprise.

Halfway to our destination, we stopped by at a servo to do something and I saw these beautiful cars parked near McDonalds. I've only seen these in movies before! I just had to take a quick photo and I ran back inside our car because it was freezing.

Finally arrived in our destination. This is the Sunday Market in Daylesford. Much like the markets in Thailand, there were a lot of things for sale here. Some are second hand things, fresh produce or winter essentials. There were also food stalls around. I chose to eat some hotdog in a bun and the wife of the stall owner was a Filipina who happily chatted with us. Sadly, I didn't really feel satisfied with the hotdog I bought. Anyway, we also went around to buy some apples, oranges and avocados which were way cheaper than those sold at the department stores.

We then went to another store called The Amazing Mill Markets. It was a huge and wide building full of vintage items ranging from clothes, home decoratives, glass, coins, jewelry and books to name a few. My aunt really loved it. It was fun going around the different stalls and looking at interesting items. I found this sign which amused me.

It was already way over lunch time when we went out of the market. We were not very hungry but can still take in food. Me and my cousins didn't know where we were heading next. With my aunt behind the wheel, we were all surprised to be taken in the Chocolate Mill. It was in an out of the way road and pretty hidden from the highway except for a sign. The parking lot had quite a number of cars and walking towards the little cottage restaurant, there are signs like this.

Coming inside, it did not surprise me that there were a lot of people in a line towards the counter. The scent of hot chocolate filled the place. The line was long but people were happy to wait. Who would be grumpy if you have these chocolate options to choose from?

Each of us chose our chocolate bars and they were placed in a cute carton box like this. No, they were not weighed. I actually am confused why this is a clock instead of a weighing scale. 

Aside from the chocolates, we went into the cafe to sit down and have hot chocolates and cakes. We were full and had to take some cakes home. To burn off those calories, we drove a few kilometers to the Hanging Rock Reserve to have a bit of a hike.

It was freezing cold and we were going to an elevated place so it was coldER. My aunt and cousin is used to hiking because they do it most of the weekends. I wasn't but I won't complain because it has been a while since I went out to hike. Its also my first time in the place and it made me curious. The walkway was paved so there wasn't so much difficulty walking. I can see rocks beyond those trees and wondered how it was called hanging rock.

Halfway up, there is an option for people to choose from. We chose the stairs to see what the hanging rock was about.

These were the rocks up close and before we walked into the stairs.

I forgot to count the number of steps but finally, we arrived! This is the Hanging Rock. It's basically being suspended on both sides by other rocks which made it appear as hanging. 

It was only a short walk to the summit wherein there were more rocks and this view. 

It's a nice feeling to be out and about especially on weekends. I am grateful for the chance to be with my relatives and explore places in countryside Victoria. I feel very cold from the weather but warm inside because of this experience. Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!

Jax Jones - Don't Act Like You Know Me

This is quite an old song but I can't help but smile when I listen to it. It will always bring me back to that good time on the road in the wee hours of the morning after some binge watching. I know I can't have too much of a good thing but I'm just happy we had that moment :)

Enjoy :)

Ooh, na na yeah
Don't act like you know me, like you know me, na na yeah
I am not your homie, not your, hoo, na na yeah
Don't act like you know me, like you know me, na na yeah
You don't know me

Oh yeah, time is money so don't fuck with mine
See I'm out with my girls, I'ma have a good time
Step back with your chit-chat, killin' my vibe

See, I can't get too much of a good thing
S'why me a dressed up in the finest things
Well, please hold your tongue, oh, don't say a damn thing
See your iPhone camera flashin'
Please step back, it's my style you're crampin'
"You here for long?" Oh no, I'm just passin'
"Do you wanna drink?" No, thanks for askin'

Ooh, na na yeah
Don't act like you know me, like you know me, na na yeah
I am… Full lyrics on Google Play Music

Budget Travel Sydney - Day 2

I started my second day in Sydney quite late. I had no itinerary for the day so I just decided to go wherever the map can lead me to. It was a Saturday and most of the free entry museums were closed. I decided to go to Paddy's market to get some brunch.

Just a 5 minute walk from the backpackers where I am staying is Sydney's Paddy's market. Much like the markets that I saw in Thailand, this place sells souvenirs of Australia from tshirts to keychains or ref magnets. I was happy to see a Filipino food stall and ordered my meal for 10 AUD. It also had a fruits and vegetables market wherein I bought some bananas for my snacks for the day's journey.

image courtesy of wikimedia.org

I hung out at the market for a bit and decided to look for something that was recommended by Jun - the emperor puff. Google says it is somewhere in Chinatown which is near the market. It was easy to look for as a lot of people were queuing to buy it. I did so too and decided to try. It is best to eat it while hot but I did not find it very appealing. Still it was a satisfying snack on my afternoon journey. 

I looked at my map again and found that one gallery I can go to which is free and open is the Art Gallery of New South Wales. It is said that it is the most important public gallery in Sydney and one of the largest in Australia, I walked for about 30 minutes to reach the gallery which was not that tedious because I am able to explore a part of Sydney, too. The place was huge and there were a lot of people appreciating the artworks.

Next on my list of free things to do in Sydney was  Mrs Macquarie's chair.  I walked about 30 minutes again and just followed the signs. This is actually a rock that was shaped into a bench. It was said to have been hand carved by convicts for the Governor's wife. She used to sit on the rock and watch for ships sailing into the harbour.

I explored other parts of Mrs Macquarie's Point and found an amazing view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. I saw a number of families and lovers having a lovely time talking and having picnic on these grounds. They were nice to look at which also reminded me that I am alone and almost threw me to a moment of self pity. I shrugged the thought off, enjoyed the moment and thanked the Lord that I was safe and successfully located the area. 

Just a few minutes walk was the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. With sprawling lawns full of greens, towering trees, benches and a few ducks, the place was full of people enjoying the lovely sunny afternoon. It was a perfect place to hang out. It seemed near yet kind of far from the city's bustling life. 

Since it was still early, I decided to retrace my steps and attend an anticipated mass. I found there was one scheduled at St. Mary's Cathedral. On the way to the church, I found this at the side of the street. This is Il Porcelino and he is a boar. Legend says that if one drops coins for donation and rubs the nose, you will be endowed with good fortune. Since I had a spare change, I did so. No harm in trying and I'm donating even if its just a little bit.

Found this on the ground too. 

I was amazed at the structure of St Mary's Cathedral. Old churches always mesmerize me. The place was huge. I went inside and waited for the service to start. For me, it was a very nice way to end the day.

I am proud to say I did not spend anything for transportation on this day. Tiring but I consider it as an exercise and a way to explore roads and corners of the city. My expense was only food. The places I went to did not have any fees, which was great! 

This ends my second day in Sydney. Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!

Wonthaggi's Miss Saigon

Last 3 June, my cousins and I watched a local play of Miss Saigon. We had to drive 2 hours from our suburb to be at Wonthaggi, Western Australia. This was my first time to watch a play and its Miss Saigon at that. I didn't read anything about the play so I had no expectations and didn't know the story line. We arrived at about 12:30 in the afternoon, had lunch and waited for the theatre play to start at 1:30 pm at Wonthaggi Union Cinema. I was fortunate that there was one extra ticket for me because one of my aunt's friend decided not to watch the show. The ticket costs 39 AUD. 

There were a lot of promotional posters for the show outside the venue. I believe almost all seats were booked when we were there.

Program souvenirs was at a cost of 8 AUD each and were available in the foyer. 

It contained the names of the cast and a bit about their background as well as the Director, Ensemble and whole production team. This souvenir has their signatures because we waited for them to come out to the foyer after the show. 

The show was amazing. The actors were good and my Aunt even shed a tear when Kim shot herself. We sat at the center of the third row and the facial expressions, singing, dancing and acting of the cast was so good and convincing. Their hours of rehearsals turned into a wonderful production. Most of the audience did a standing ovation when they had the finale. 

The pretty lady in the middle played Kim and the theater play's director is on the far right. Lucky to have met them, praised them and had a photo with them.

photo courtesy of L.M. Ungab-Ty

They are now also promoting another upcoming play. The folks I was with were excited and planned to come back to Wonthaggi to support this project.

I am now inspired to watch more theater plays in the future. Hopefully I can do this soon when I find a job and get a salary. But it was such a great first time for me. 

Thank you for reading and 'til next blog! :)

Sydney Getaway - Day 1

I had a planned Sydney trip with a friend who, at the last minute, cancelled on me. I was hesitant to have my ticket refunded because it was a good deal that I got from Qantas (I booked via a third party). It was supposed to be a reward for myself after the 9 week course I took. I wasn't so much excited about it but I had to suck it up and be a solo traveler.

My cousin had vouchers for a backpacker hotel in Sydney so she booked me at 790 on George Street which is located near Sydney Central. Perth to Sydney is a 4 hour flight but with Qantas, it didn't feel terrible. There was entertainment and food which was exactly the service I paid for. 

Upon arrival at Sydney, I bought an Opal Card and had it topped up. This was what I used to ride the train to Central and the cost was around 13.80 AUD. I arrived in the city at around 9 in the evening and got quite lost on where my backpacker hotel was. After dragging my luggage and calling the hotel, I finally found it and was asked for a 10 AUD deposit. 

The dorm room I was in is good for 6 girls. It was full and I was assigned to the top bunk which was kind of hard to climb. But with the exhaustion of travel and a bit of diarrhea (must be from all the food I ate lol), I slept good.

The next day, a friend of my sister (who later on became my friend) Yan and her husband: Jun, and I met. Despite of their busy schedule for their upcoming church wedding, they took me around to the farther Sydney sites which means the beaches. 

Our first stop was the famous Bondi Beach. 

It was a Friday morning and the beach wasn't as busy as expected yet. Though there are a few tourists and sunbathers around, it is amazing to see how wide the shoreline is with a little less crowd.

Had to have my photo taken where the lifeguards are stationed. Every year, lifeguards here rescue an average of 2,500 people. 

Our next stop was on the other side of the Sydney Harbor where views of the Opera House and Harbor Bridge can be seen. 

We were so happy that the weather was fine on that day. It was not too cold and just a bit cloudy. It was the first time I have caught a glimpse of the Opera House. 

Luna Park is one of the free things to do in Sydney. Yes, coming in was free but the rides were not. It was most entertaining for the kids so we just looked around and see what it can offer.

This is the amazing Sydney Harbor Bridge or the Coathanger (it's nicknamed as the coathanger because of how it is designed). This bridge together with the Opera House are the the iconic images of Sydney and of Australia. It is made of steel and connects the Sydney CBD to the Northshore. I have read about the Harbor Bridge Climb and was greatly recommended. I'm making sure to have this on my bucketlist when I come back to Sydney in the future. 

Our next stop was at Manly Beach. The photo is actually from the other side of the beach but it was fun to stop by, sit down, people watch while altogether taking in the view of Manly. 

The last and not the least stop was at another beach which I think was called Balmoral. It was a beach very close to a park and was perfect for chill afternoon for family and friends. 

We had different appointments for dinner so we had to separate ways afterwards. I really enjoyed my first day in Sydney with them, in addition to having new Filipino friends in a different country. I was worried to be on my own for the next few days but I guess I survived. Coming up soon, is day 2!

Thank you for reading and 'til next blog!