Sydney Opera House

Day 11
January 18, 2012

So the time has finally come to start the next leg of our journey. It's my last day in Sydney and in the evening will be Cairns bound.

During the day, we spent time packing up and took a tour of the Opera House.
Was really interesting hearing the history of such an iconic building and taking tons of pictures. I never realized that the Opera House design stemmed from a Design Competition and then later into an iconic structure.

If you are interested, I found this page that explains the history of the Opera house: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/about/house_history_landing.aspx

I was fascinated with the architecture and how even the slightest details were considered. From the shape of the windows, to the tiles themselves (which reflect light in just a way that it doesnt get too hot).

 The rooms themselves are phenomenal and are considerate of the acoustics of the operas and performances that take place. I was very impressed with how all these details were considered to make the Opera House a world renowned architectural structure and sought after venue for performances.

We did the tour and if you are interested in seeing the inside of the Opera House and what its all about, I recommend you checking it out.


After a memory card full of photos and a couple hours, we were ready to head back to my friends house to get ready for our next journey to head to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef!

The Winter Blues...

The winter blues...its February, it's cold, dark by 6pm and you are in a down mood. If that sounds like you, you're not alone. Lately I have been feeling unmotivated and been trying to think of ways to get out of it. So came up with a couple ways to keep busy and turnaround my mood so as not to fall victim to the winter blues.

Here are a few thought starters, but would like this to be an expanding list so please add your thoughts and ideas on how you try and cope with the winter blues.

1. Expand your mind
Take a course or class in something that interests you. Having a regular commitment keeps you out and about and off the couch.

2. Take a vacation, mini or major.
Whether its a weekend in Niagara or a week in Cuba, get away for a change of scenary.

3. Get up and do something...around the house!
If you have been meaning to paint that room or check something off your reno to do list, get it done. nothing like the sense of accomplishment from completing tasks.

4. Have some friends over.
Have a game or movie at your house. serve some appetizers or do a potluck.

How do you get through the winter? Share your ideas and lets get through this winter in a good mood.

Manly, Australia

Day 10
January 17, 2012

The last day of my stretch in Sydney is quickly approaching. It's weird how it snuck up so fast. We decided to spend the day over in Manly and take the ferry across. You can grab the ferry from Circular Quay over to Manly and its not too expensive at all (it was under $8). The ferry runs pretty regularly, which was great because we were really looking forward to heading over. 

Down at the Sydney Harbour, there are tons of different places to see and visit. It really is a spectacular harbour. On the way to Manly, we got a beautiful view of the Harbour and went on a few stops along the way.

Once we got to Manly, I was definitely impressed. Was such a nice place and really had that laid back, beach feel. We checked out the shops, and there were tons of nice things to get I dont think we could get enough of it... and good deals too! I got a pair of shoes for $20 so I was happy. The beach is beautiful! Wasn't as packed as Bondi, which I really liked (although Bondi is beautiful as well), but just felt a bit more relaxed. After enjoying the beach, we headed to the beachfront restaurants and cafes for a drink and a bite to eat. There were so many nice places we just loved it, and the view was magnificant. Definitely one of the highlights of the week.

PADI Scuba Diving Certification in Sydney

January 16, 2012
Day 10 

So after taking a break for a few days, I was ready to try Scuba diving again. When I first got to Sydney, I went for my first open water dive and was having a lot of troubles with my ears. I think it must of had something to do with the pressure from the plane and then the pressure underwater. I just got off a plane and then within a couple hours, right into dive training. Although they had said it was ok to have it so close together, my ears felt another way. I still had trouble with my ears the day after. The ears, as well as the long wait and weather conditions made my first experience not the greatest. However rather then give up, I decided to give it another shot...and here I am.

This experience proved to be a lot better. The weather was nice, the water calm and I had the pleasure of one-on-one training with a dive master...very cool and a vast improvement from my first day.

The training went well. The first very smooth, the second ok and then on the third I think I was getting too much water and pressure on my ears and was ready to call it a day. Was a bit unfortunate because I was doing so well at all the skills and everything, was just having trouble with equalization on my ears. However, at the end of it all... I am now a Certified PADI Scuba Diver. Course complete and i'm ready for the Great Barrier Reef...

Longrain Restaurant & Bar in Sydney

January 15, 2012
Day 8  - Longrains in Sydney

After yesterday, today was going to be a chillaxing day. Which consisted of a bit of shopping and a bit of sightseeing. Today the highlight for me would definitely be dinner. We dressed up and went for dinner at this place called Longrains. I have to say the food was incredible.

It was a fancy Thai fusion and since I'm not much of a foodie (I just eat the food not critic it) the only way I can explain it is that it was extremely flavorful and delicious. Our starter was a mint leaf with some veggies and suchin it,which apparently opened up the palette. So good! And then for the food itself... Wow! We ordered a dish that had egg net, beansproats, and shrimp...as well as a curry dish. Was so delicious and flavourful it's hard to explain unless you taste it. A bit pricey, but we would definitely recommend it.

http://longrain.com/

Hunter Valley, Australia

January 14, 2012
Day 7  - Hunter Valley, Australia

So today we woke up early to go on a hunter valley wine tour. Had received numerous recommendations to check it out and definitely had to add it to itinerary. Although we had to wake up early, it was definitely worth it. The wine tour we went on took us to several places, and the servings were VERY generous. All the wineries we visited were great and the hosts very knowledgeable. We visited several wineries and the view and wine was absolutely magnificent. Took tons of pictures and enjoyed several glasses of wine... Think I learned a thing or two about wine as well. Imagine that! My friend and I bought a few bottles to take home for enjoyment which will hopefully tie us over for the remaining of the trip. At the end of the excursion, we also got to go for cheese and chocolate tasting. A great way to end a beautiful day!

 Once I got home, I was exhausted! I think a day of sun and wine really tires one out. Although the thought of getting in my yoga pants and curling up on the couch sounded appealing, I knew I had to get up and enjoy a Saturday night in Sydney. We had a blast checking out some of the local pubs and clubs, and once we got home I can safely say I was done for the night.

Valentines Day in Niagara Falls

This Valentines Day, my boyfriend and I along with some friends headed out to Niagara Falls for a romantic night on the day of love and romance. We had got a deal on a room/dinner package so thought it would be a great idea and an excuse to get away for the night.

We had a great night with great company, a wonderful dinner at the Keg overlooking the falls, a falls view hotel room... very nice! However, I was a bit disappointed with the lack of things going on in Niagara Falls on Valentines Day. Niagara is often known as a romantic place for couples, however on a day that is "supposed" to be one of the most romantic ones of the year, there really wasn't much going on there. The falls weren't lit up (would of been great to light them up red), none of the nightclubs were open (I called in advance and they said they wouldnt be open). We ended up having a great night together, was just a bit surprised the city doesnt take advantage of the day, especailly when all the hotels were marketing and giving deals. Theres so many things they could of done to take advantage of the day (chocolate workshops, the falls lit up, theme night at the nightclubs/bars, etc)  Just feels like a missed opportunity. We still had a wonderful time regardless and will be back soon enough... maybe just on another day :-)