Christmas & New Year's Trip Part III

Oz trip is almost over. Last destination, Sydney. It's 29 Dec and we flew to Sydney. Once we reached Sydney, we met Angelis' friend. He came to the airport and fetched us. We didn't know what to take to Meriton. Finally, we walked to the counter and asked if there's a bus go downtown to Meriton @ Kent St.


The counter person recommended us to take a van (taxi) instead of bus. Suddenly a man came toward us and asked if we need a ride to the hotel. It's quite cheap, AUD10 per person. Bus cost AUD14. Well, we didn't feel secure also, but then there were 2 other people waited. So, we decided to take the chance.

Later, otw to the apartment. We asked the driver if we could book the van to blue mountain. The person said yes, it costs AUD50 per hour. Very cheap. 1 person only AUD5 for every hour and there were 10 of us.

Once we checked in to the apartment. We were given an apartment which is on the 7 floor. It's not that high, so we can't really see Sydney view from our apartment.

After put our luggages into the room, we took Sydney explorer bus. We bought 2 days ticket (AUD67 per person), which we shouldn't do this. We should have hired the van and went around Sydney. Well, our first destination was fish market. The food there was amazing; and that half lobster cost AUD19.50 (Rp 7.500 for 1 AUD). Man, expensive. Didn't give it a try, even though would like to try so much... :(



Later, we went for the Rocks. We didn't climb as again I had Dave with me and the rest complained the price, expensive. After that we went to Luna Park, circular quay, and then back to the apartment. We the youngster went for our own supper and Dave stayed with his aunts, which was good. I've got the evening to enjoy in Sydney.


We went to the Casino, Star City, but didn't get inside as we didn't wear shoes. Sydney's casino has totally strict regulation compare to Melb's casino. Later, we ended our day at one of the Korean restaurant in China Town.


Again, in Sydney, didn't have chance to meet friends. We have limited times. Only stay for 3 nights in Sydney. First Night cost AUD 299, and on 30 and 31 Dec the price up to AUD729 for each night.

30 Dec was the blue mountain's day. On the way to Blue mountain, we stopped by the Sydney 2000 Olympic stadium, just to take some pictures. Later, on the way back, we stopped by Bondi Beach. It's totally beautiful... We didn't have time to enjoy the beach. Just took some pictures. It's really tiring to carry Dave all the way down to the beach.

@Sydney 2000 Olympic Stadium
@ Blue Mountain; Three Sisters

@Bondi Beach

Last Night in Sydney, 31 Dec. We stayed home in the morning and went for Matilda Captain Cook Seafood buffet lunch at noon. It's departed from Circular Quay. After the lunch, we met brother-in-law (bil) at wharf 6. We didn't have chance to talk a lot also as my group decided to stay at the opera house to watch for the fireworks. It's already 3 something. So, we only talked from the wharf 6 to the opera house. Bil treated me gelato, which is good. As I love gelato compare to ice-cream... Yummy...

We couldn't go anywhere else as at certain times, we were unable to go inside the opera house anymore. It's so hot and we waited till 12 just to see the fireworks. It's worth waiting though... Amazingly gorgeous...

Christmas & New Year's Trip Part II

From Melb we flew to GC. Our original destination was from Melb to Syd and then Syd to GC. However, they decided to spend new year's eve in Sydney. Thus, we changed the route.

Gosh, missed the Boxing Day. We had an early flight to Gold Cost today, 26 Dec. Once we reached GC, we checked in to the apartment at broadbeach. Christmas was packed. Would like to stay in Q1 at surfers paradise, but all are fully booked. Thus, in GC just simply booked an apartment and stayed in for 3 nights. After that we went to Sea world. We bought an escape pass, Sea World, Movie World, and Wet n Wild. However we didn't have time to go to Wet n Wild.





27 Dec, we spent a day in Movie world. In the beginning, it looked like it's going to rain. Scared Dave is going to get wet. Thus, bought the rainy coat. Cost me AUD 5. Damn expensive man; and it wasn't raining.



In the queue to get into the train....

Finally, after the long queue....

Last day in Gold Coast, 28 Dec, we went to Dream World. It's not that great in Dream World. We went to this theme as the tour from Medan always recommended people to come here. Then, we had 3 nights in GC and we decided to go for these theme parks.

At about 5.30 pm, it was raining cats and dogs. We couldn't go to the bus stop as no umbrella or rain coats. We waited till 6 pm, and it's still raining. We have no choice as we need to run to the bus stop with no umbrella or rain coats. It's the last bus. Luckily, Dave has the rain coat. So, it's all good. Yesterday, I swear for the damn expensive rain plastic coat. Today, I thank God.

I am arranging chairs...

Dora hugs me...


It's waterfall...

Christmas & New Year's Trip Part I

Traveling...??? Who hate traveling? Who can't stand to sit for long hours flight? Pity those people. I love to travel. I love to experience new places that I never been yet. Well, developed countries are better.

Last year tripped started from 21 Dec '08 - 5 Jan '09. Almost two weeks, but then we only spent about 10 days in Australia. We (my three aunts, cousin, and Dave) took morning flight to Singapore. We reached Singapore about 10 am. Then, we went to vivoCity, as our flight to OZ was at 11 plus at night. VivoCity is a good place to shop and hang out.

Dave is excited "Christmas Tree" ...


@ VivoCity Park


We reached Melb on 22 Dec at noon. We took skybus (return fare AUD26) to city and walk to Atlantis (Best Western) Hotel at Spencer St. We stayed there for 3 Nights. It's quite comfy and the room is not as small as what I read in the review. We booked 2 rooms, and in 1 of the rooms we have 2 rooms. It's pretty much like an apartment except that we don't have the kitchen in there. *sigh This is the only trip that I didn't have time to take the hotels pictures.

Once we reached the hotel, we went for Yarra river cruise. It's not that good. We supposed to join the Williamstown cruise. But, the last cruise left at 2.30. We were too late. The cruise wasn't that fun, as the view wasn't that great. We took harbor view. After the cruise, we went for a walk in the city. Walk to Crowne Casino. Take pictures here and there....


Crown Casino @ SouthBank


23 Dec went to QVM (Queen Victoria Market). It's pretty much like China town at Petaling Street in KL, Malaysia. The difference is, I am bored with KL and Oz still very new to me. So, we went there to explore and we bought some souvenirs and we apparently we didn't have time to explore other sections. The reason was we have to rushed back to the hotel for City tour to Phillip Island.



It's daylight saving in Oz. That's why 8 am still very bright. In order to see the penguins, we had to wait till 9.05 pm. The penguins weren't that much on that day. They are quite small also. But, one thing for sure. They are cute. Especially when they walk. I kinda feel that when Dave walks, he's pretty much like penguin. About to fall down and unbalance. ^^

On the way to Phillip Island, we stopped by to see some Kangaroos n Koala. We couldn't hug Victoria Koala as it's poisoning? I am not sure what is the reason as I forgot what did the guide told us. ^^ I kinda feel that Kangaroos are similar to dogs...?? Lol...

24 Dec was the trip to Ballarat. It's a nice place, but the elders don't like it here. Well, Dave didn't like it also as it's too hot. He got grumpy :(
Thus, I didn't have chance to enjoy it. However, I love it there. Especially the scenes in making gold bar and how people found gold. It's a gold mining place.

I love this day the best, 25 Dec. It's Christmas and we had out Great Ocean Road trip. Gosh. I love the town; I love the view. Speechless...
Merry Christmas everyone...

My baby-sitter in Melb... Thanks Bro... (A cousin of mine)


Otw to GOR ~ Is that a pigeon there..??




GOR






Love this scene the best...

13.5 Months & Tickets confirmed

Lol... Finally Dave can walk already. It's kinda cute to see him walk. I recorded his activity for 5 minutes, and he just walked here and there non-stop. I always wonder when he will be able to walk, as he's quite slow compare to other kids (from crawling, etc.). Hm, it's not all great, since he fell down for quite a while also. Wonder if this can damage his brain cells.... The elder always said that kids need to fall down in order to grow... Me.. not agree at all.. ^_^

Christmas is around the corner. Tickets are issued and Melbourne trip has been prepared well. Left Gold Coast (GC) and Sydney. Wonder if we should rent cars or take bus in GC. Since we are a group of 10 and it will be a lot cheaper if we drive. Kinda excited as this is my first trip to Australia. It means my desire to travel all around the world is getting closer. Lol.... Well... still so many places to go...