Tag Archive: Sydney

And Just Like That, Here’s 2025

Filed under: art, Chile, cruising, Europe, Italy, lima, Musings & Ramblings, New Zealand, Patagonia, Peru, South America, Travel, travels, United Kingdom — Leave a comment

December 10, 2024

Same time last year, I was only too happy to welcome the new year. It was a very challenging 2023 then and by God’s grace, we breezed through 2024 with many pleasant surprises and happy developments. And just like that, here we are on the last few weeks of 2024, looking forward to a very Merry Christmas and an even happier 2024.

The first quarter of 2024 was nearly uneventful until my visit to our OZ branch in Sydney. The visit was actually a prelude to an even longer trip crossing 3 time zones. Sydney was our takeoff point for our South American adventure. I waited to join my travel buddies on a flight to Santiago, Chile on April 2. The “barkada trip” covering Chile and Peru spanned over 2 weeks but I left earlier than the rest to join my 2 “apos” in the beautiful city of Venezia for the biennale exhibition. But that’s getting ahead of my story. Patagonia on Chile’s side is magnificent — the kind of adventure you should have planned for when you were younger. Seriously. But visiting it now still stirs that adventurous juice within you. The vista was so dreamy it casts a magical spell. We’ve had some mishaps and coming into Peru, experienced altitude sickness of sorts. Yet, we all cherish the memories and weeks after the trip, found it a chore to move on. We’ve traveled to many beautiful spots together but this South American journey is one for the books. Santiago, Patagonia, Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Lake Titicaca and all the places in between comprise one magical holiday, compelling us to rethink our future travel plans.

It was agonizing to leave this happy group to take that last seat on a flight from Lima, Peru to Madrid, Spain for a connecting flight to Venice, Italy. By the time I landed in Venice, I felt brain-fogged and nearly deaf after all those flight hours and anxieties over missing my connecting flight. My 2 elves were waiting for me by then as I managed to join them on the exhibit opening day. Without change of clothes, we didn’t miss a beat and went straight to the gallery where my grandma pride took over as I stared at apo’s lone entry hanging on a wall at Palazzo Mora. Grateful. Proud. Beyond Happy. We celebrated the day I arrived with a sumptuous Italian dinner before I hit the sack and snored the night away. Just one night. The following morning, we took the train for Florence where we spent 6 nights and then to Rome for 3 more nights before flying home. It was an Italian holiday that went better than planned.

London

Some friends ask me where I get the energy. By September, we got ready for yet another art exhibition in London. Before the London exhibit, we took side trips to Liverpool and Edinburgh in Scotland. A most rewarding trip in 3 cities in the United Kingdom. Apo and her mom enjoyed these detours and prepped us good for the exhibit of Filipino artists in D Contemporary in the Mayfair area of London. Took all of nearly 3 weeks for this UK journey. Stayed home less than 2 weeks before flying back to Sydney — a second visit this year, and this time as a prelude to a New Zealand cruise aboard the Celebrity Edge. Not my first cruise but my first trip to further Down Under! Twelve nights on this big boat, half of which spent at sea. Our big group of 29 made it across those unpredictable waters and found the NZ spots under the tourist radar quite interesting, if not charming.

Marina in Auckland, New Zealand

I am home now. Happy to have bonded with my OZ family before and after my NZ cruise. Happy to be back to attend a reunion with college friends and of course, to spend Christmas and New Year with my family. No trips outside the country nor out-of-town. We are staying home to spend time with balikbayan kin and friends. The Yuletide calendar is full, marking a couple of birthdays and a wedding anniversary as well. We have made some Yuletide traditions simpler over the years. Simpler, but more “present”. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. May 2025 bring us peace, prosperity, harmony and many treasured moments with our loved ones ❤️

Tags: art, Australia, cruising, England, Family Travel, Grandchildren, London, Museums, Musings and Ramblings, New South Wales, New Zealand, South America, Sydney, Travel, Travels, United Kingdom

Comment

Ready To Sail

Filed under: Australia, cruising, New Zealand, Travel, travels — Leave a comment

November 9, 2024

This is my 6th cruise, but my first to sail with toddlers as young as 2 years old. Likewise my longest cruise (12 nights with 5 sea days) with as many friends and their families comprising a group of 29 pax. You may think of all the complications of traveling as a big group and with toddlers, but we got it down pat. This is my travel group and we’ve grown to include all of 6 children and grandchildren. Somehow, we’ve worked out a system and it helps that Celebrity Edge is very efficient with check-ins and luggage drop-offs. We had our bags almost as soon as we reached our cabins and our dinner reservations booked even before we boarded our boat. As we got ready to sail, we have nearly filled up our personal calendars in the Celebrity app with activities ranging from Zumba and Tai-Chi sessions, and entertainment programs. Anything to keep us off the casino and the shops! And yeah, the buffet restaurants too. Seriously.

We avoided the spa and the specialty dining outlets like the plague. No way we’re spending extra for such. We’re good with the gourmet dinners that came with the cruise package as we savored the Mediterranean, French, Italian and Cosmopolitan meals. Missed my own family as I know they would have enjoyed the pulpo, escargots, prime ribs, French onion soup, gravlax, guanciale pasta and salmon tartare. And the desserts? You better resolve to stick to the sorbet and low-fat yogurt lest you get off the boat rolling with extra pounds. So it’s important to join those fitness sessions.

Internet is spotty but there’s a choice to pay $30-50 a day for the connection. No way I’m paying extra for that. So bear with me as I can only make connection once we’ve docked at some port. Rushing to write this too just to keep my family updated , and err just so I don’t forget . The day we boarded the ship was Day 1 , had 2 whole sea days and it is only Day 4 out of the 12. Thus far, the waters are calm , the food is good, the company superb, but the entertainment has room for improvement. I’m not so much into games and the evening programs are mostly acoustic guitar renditions of different artists.

Watch this page as I update whenever I get wifi connection! Ciao for now.

Tags: celebrity, celebrity edge, cruising, New Zealand, Sydney

Comment

Oh, That Lavender Haze!

Filed under: Australia, Musings & Ramblings, Travel, travels — Leave a comment

November 1, 2024

By late October to around mid November, the jacaranda trees in Sydney are in full bloom. This trip to the harbour city is quite perfectly timed to enjoy the city turning purplish as spring easily transitions to summer. Like it’s a reward for enduring the rise in temperature as the summer heat breezes through. The nights are still cool and it’s a good idea to bring a shawl or light jacket, but you can now put your coats and fleece-lined jackets to storage.

We drove towards Ashmore Street where there were not as many visitors. It’s just a short stretch but that lavender haze somehow puts you in a cheery mood. McDougall Street in Kirribilli is quite a sight with the jacaranda trees lining both sides of the street , and the nearby park offering a respite from walking the middle of the street with way too many camwhores like us, eager for a shot. Cars honking, to remind the visitors to stay on the side of the street.

Around Circular Quay, you’d spot many jacaranda trees too, more at the botanical gardens. Some trees more lush than the others, many wilted petals blanketing the footpaths. Quite honestly, I do not like the smell of the pretty lavender flowers. But you’d forgive her for that because of how it looks in all its purple or lavender glory. Welcome to Sydney!

Tags: Ashmore Street, Australia, Circular Quay, Jacaranda, Kirribilli, McDougall Street, Musings and Ramblings, Sydney, Travels

Comment

Around Circular Quay

Filed under: Australia, Musings & Ramblings, Travel, travels — Leave a comment

March 25, 2024

A stopover in Sydney demands at least one visit to the Circular Quay. Whether or not you’re riding the ferry, it’s mandatory to enjoy that view of the harbour, the bridge and the grand dame — the Sydney Opera House. Trust me, the joy of seeing this view never ever fades regardless how many times you’ve been here. Beats all Harbor views, in my book. And if all you have to do in Sydney is take ferry rides, you’d never run out of things to do. There are many spots around Sydney from where you can enjoy a view of the bridge and Opera House. Always a delight! And from the Quay, there are many walking paths — towards The Rocks, The Royal Botanical Garden, Museum of Contemporary Art ( Sydney Biennale ongoing), and Sydney Conservatorium of Music where I enjoyed a Lunch Break jazz concert.

From the suburbs, I took the nearly hour’s ride to Circular Quay and on my second visit, I was delighted to encounter this mega-city of a boat called the Celebrity Edge. Many passengers starting to board for the nearly 2 week cruise to New Zealand. I was thrilled to see the boat as my friends and I have just booked a 12-night cruise in November this year. Huge! And I tried to imagine where our cabins would be. Exciting!

The Customs House. This is one spot I won’t miss during the Vivid Sydney season.

Meanwhile, there’s the Sydney Biennale in the Museum of Contemporary Art right around the quay. And on the other end, the Opera House, Conservatory and the Gardens. The latter offers truly blissful walks. And if you care to break the walk to enjoy some coffee and a pies or wraps, you’d easily spot a Café within the gardens.

A View of the Opera House from Cremorne Point

Easily, one can spend a whole day here without even taking a ferry ride. However, should you wish to take the ferry towards Manly, Watson’s or Mosman Bay, or just do the quick ride to Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Cremorne Point or wherever else, I’d advise you leave early enough to beat the crowds. We enjoyed our lunch in one of the restaurants in Gateway just behind the Quay Station Building, and witnessed the long lines at the wharves past noon. Enjoy!

Tags: art, Australia, Musings and Ramblings, New South Wales, Sydney, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Travel, Travels

Comment

Let It Be An Even Better Year

Filed under: Asian Holidays, Australia, Food Trip, Japan, Musings & Ramblings, Philippine Travels, Travel, travels, Travels Around USA — 2 Comments

December 12, 2022

This 2022 is a better year judging by how the pandemic woes have eased and how international borders have opened up. Soon after we returned from our Nile cruise early in 2020, we survived a lockdown which saw us cancelling as many as 3 international trips in 2020 and staying in for much of the time throughout 2020-21. Sad news from family and friends we haven’t, couldn’t visit reached us and all we could do was pray and try to stay healthy. My annual visits to my family in Sydney was put on hold until OZ borders opened up in February 2022. I wasted no time and secured a visa to visit Sydney last May 2022. Stayed a good 6 weeks and felt gratitude seeping in that our family is well and in good health.

Check out these blog links:

https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2022/06/07/sydney-fish-market-finds/

https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2022/06/10/my-vivid-sydney-2022/

https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2022/07/03/anna-bay-in-port-stephens/

It was winter that mid year in Sydney. Lovely to bond with family again, especially since there are just 2 of us sisters in the original branch of the family.

Soon after, it was time to visit a niece now based in Guam. Renewed my US visa to visit this territory in the Northern Pacific and spent a month, thinking there isn’t much to do in this tiny island. I was prepared to get bored and promised not to whinge. Well, I must have done whatever there is to do in Guam from hotel staycations, duty-free shopping, watching a musical, binging on movies in the nearby cinema, trying Chamorro meals, driving and touring around the island, swimming and other water adventures. There were a number of family friends to meet up so there’s aplenty to do and catch up on. Besides, there was a birthday to celebrate!

Check out these blog links:

https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2022/08/21/a-chamorro-sunday-in-guam/

https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2022/08/25/wednesdays-in-chamorro-village-guam-2022/

https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2022/08/27/checking-in-at-the-tsubaki/

https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2022/08/31/driving-around-guam/

https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2022/09/04/the-beach-scene-dusit-thani/

https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2022/09/06/bikini-sandbar-or-island/

In between these visits, I made 2 domestic trips. One to holiday in Boracay with dear friends who are my extended family, and another to Cagayan de Oro in Southern Philippines to celebrate a friend’s retirement and birthday. My relationship with these extended families makes me feel so very thankful for their friendship and the bond that ties us forever. Their children are all my godchildren — from baptism to wedding — and our friendship counts decades with the younger members forging an equally strong bond among themselves. This relationship will last beyond our lifetimes!

https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2022/04/10/that-corner-of-paradise-boracay/

And then there’s our Fukuoka trip this last month of the year. Not our first time to Kyushu Island in the southern part of Japan, but we were just too eager to travel again as a group. Who cared who was guiding us or where we were going? Destinations hardly mattered. There were just 3 major sights: a garden in autumn foliage, an active volcano and a gorge, and a canal cruise. And onsens and kaiseki in between. Enough. In the company of these travel buddies, we’re good. Fun as always. More fond memories. We are blessed.

Check out these blog links:

https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2022/12/02/japan-is-always-a-good-idea/

https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2022/12/04/gorges-volcanoes-porsches/

https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2022/12/05/a-canal-cruise-in-yanagawa/

https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2022/12/09/an-onsen-zen-state-of-mind/

https://lifeisacelebration.blog/2022/12/10/kaiseki-anyone/

Feeling grateful.
Wishing for an even better 2023.

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year, everyone! May this Season bring us peace and joy in our minds and hearts.

Tags: Asia, asian holidays, Australia, food porn, Food Trip, fukuoka, Guam, Japan, New South Wales, Philippine Travels, Philippines, Sydney, Travel, Travels

Comment

My Vivid Sydney 2022

Filed under: Australia, Travel, travels — 1 Comment

June 10, 2022

Finally, I found the chance to experience my Vivid Sydney after countless visits to Sydney. Running till June 18, this festival is truly a must-see. The Opera House looks majestic on any ordinary day, but its splendour is all the more amplified with all the lighting and well-curated designs. Viewed up close by the steps, or from across the harbour, one can only gasp appreciating its beauty.

The festival in the Circular Quay area is not limited to the Sydney Opera House. That iconic bridge looks real grand too, along with the buildings lining the quay. A real standout is the Customs House which has quite a story to tell.

The only drawback is the low temps. I’ve always experienced mild winters here but certainly NOT this time. The wind factor adds to the chill so you can imagine how briskly we walked from Darling Harbor through Barangaroo towards Circular Quay. All spots by the water edge so yeah, cold. Really cold. And windy. When the Hare Krishna band paraded through the crowds, dancing to a beat and with the slightest clothing, I can only sigh with awe over their high tolerance for the cold.

We managed to check out only a few, but the more significant displays of this Festival of Lights, music and creative ideas. But for those who are eager to cover the entire spectacle, have a good walk around 11 Sydney CBD locations: Circular Quay, Sydney CBD, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Darling Square, Darling Quarter, The Goods Line, Central Station, Luna Park and Taronga Zoo. Not sure if there’d be more fireworks after the grand festival opening on May 27, which I missed. But hey, this Sydney event shouldn’t be missed!

Tags: Australia, New South Wales, Sydney, Travel, Travels, Vivid Sydney 2022

Comment

Sydney Fish Market Finds

Filed under: Australia, Exotic Cuisine, Food Trip, Musings & Ramblings, Travel, travels — 3 Comments

June 7, 2022

This Fish Market smelt soooo good. I was adamant to put oysters on the bed of my tongue as soon as I landed in Sydney and those cravings just had to be satisfied. I didn’t expect there were so many oyster choices! Good thing our food guru friend’s instructions were simple enough. Get the smallest oysters. Have the Balmain Bugs cooked with Singapore Chili. Then throw in a piece of lobster, calamari, grilled salmon and octopus on skewers, and some sashimi and Kani salad to start with.

Frankly, I couldn’t tell rock oysters from Coffin Bay oysters (yeah, what a name for a bay that yields really good oysters). Nor whether they were sourced from Sydney or Merimbula. I can only tell the Pacific Oysters are the largest, yet nowhere as large as those served to us in San Francisco, California. Enjoyed these appetizers way too much, along with the freshest tuna, salmon, scallops and other fish sashimi. I could have stopped there and gone home real happy but those bugs are still a-cooking! And the salmon and octopus a-grilling!

Grilled Salmon and Octopus with Lobster Mornay

Heaven landed in Nicholas Seafood Bar in Sydney Fish Market in Pyrmont. Next to our table is a band of athletic men feasting on scampi and bottles of wine. They were happy to down their alcoholic delights and the scampi was just an excuse to keep their stomach linings warm and not empty. In fact, they hardly touched them as they got busy with their spirits. Not so with us 3 Oriental ladies who feasted on all these lovely seafood finds like there’s no tomorrow.

An hour and a half passed and we were bursting at the seams. Even before we capped our lunch with a cup of our favourite brew, I was already planning on setting this gastronomic treat as a Sydney tradition. Unforgettable. Each morsel a culinary delight. All that for 3 ladies with discerning tastes. Please don’t judge us 🙄

Tags: Australia, Food Trip, Musings and Ramblings, New South Wales, Sydney, Travel, Travels

Comment

Road Trip to Lake Conjola

Filed under: Australia, Food Trip, Travel, travels — Leave a comment

November 2, 2018

We’re on a road trip towards the South Coast. First off is Kangaroo Valley which I’ve visited some years back. (Go check the link) The Hampden Bridge is one of its attractions here, being one of only a few suspension bridges around Australia. I remember a lunch in this landmark pub and hotel called the Friendly Inn with 2 grandchildren who have since grown up. What 5 years can do!

We drove towards Lake Conjola which is really one of my favourite destinations whenever I’m in Sydney. Our family would always spend family time here but we only managed 3 of us on this trip as everyone else was busy. The resident kangaroos were too lazy to welcome us, unlike the last time I was here when we found around 30 of them Roos!

The lakeside house bears many happy memories and our stay here adds another. Revisiting the house, the lake, the nearby beach, the boardwalk, or simply walking aimlessly are favourite pastimes here. If one is into fishing, paddle boating, kayaking or swimming, there’s much to do. As for me, I’m quite happy dropping in in this heritage bakery in Milton and taking out some pies to eat in the cottage while having coffee and reading a book.

From Lake Conjola, we had the chance to drop in on nearby beaches and lakes to feed some birds and sea creatures. Upon leaving, we made our way back to Sydney with stops in Berry for a relaxing Oriental lunch at LEAF. Wish the rest of the family was with us but there would be other times, for sure.

Feel free to click on the highlighted links for more photos and details on Lake Conjola and The Heritage Bakery in Milton. Watch this site for blogs on feeding adventures with stingrays, pelicans, Lorikeets and seagulls.

Tags: Australia, Berry, Food Trip, lake conjola, Milton, New South Wales, Road trip, South Coast, Sydney, Travel, Travels

Comment

Bondi, Watson’s Bay and Darling Harbour in a Day

Filed under: Australia, Travel, travels — Leave a comment

October 28, 2018

We made good time. Who wouldn’t if you’re up by 6am? Took the 333 bus to Bondi where a dip in the waters was planned no matter how cold it gets. Taking the bus directly to North Bondi beats the crowd waiting for the connecting bus at the train station in Bondi Junction. It helps too that we were way too early at 6:30am. Going early was a good decision as we nearly had the entire beach to ourselves but for a few joggers, swimmers and a couple of surfers. The sun was up but the wind factor gave the chills but some of us cannot be held back from taking a brave dip in Bondi Beach.

Our trip to Bondi was timed with the annual art event “Sculptures by the Sea” where 100 artworks were on display along the coastal walk from Bondi to Tamarama. Amazing artworks but for the strong winds that compelled us to sit it out at the spot overlooking the Pacific. “Fatso” sat right where the wind went wild pushing us down to our knees. I honestly wanted to crawl away from Fatso while holding down my hat.

From Bondi, we took the 380 bus to Watson’s Bay. Feasted on Doyle’s seafood combo, fish and chips. I was so looking forward to this lunch as Doyle’s never disappoints. Except that we’ve had a similar lunch in Manly Fish Cafe the day before and had a truly remarkable lunch. Stiff competition I’d say. But I’m not complaining having both on 2 consecutive days 😊 What likely tilted the scorecard in favor of Manly Fish and Chips was the mussels cooked in fresh cream a la Moules Frites and the sweet potato fries. Next time I visit Manly, I’d likely go back to this place. On the other hand, Doyle’s Resto offers a perfect view of Watson’s Bay. Lunch here by the wharf guarantees watching several ferries loading and unloading passengers along with views of yachts bobbing up and down. For good measure, the many seagulls and pelicans lend more charm to this area.

We were happy to board the ferry from Watson’s Bay bound for Pyrmont Bay to reach Darling Harbour. It’s nearly an hour’s ride passing Rose Bay, Luna Park, Circular Quay, Barangaroo and finally Pyrmont Bay. On this ferry ride, it is easier to take shots of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Luna Park and the approach to Darling Harbour. Not as many tourists as one finds on ferry rides to Manly Beach. Doing these 3 sites — Bondi, Watson’s Bay and Darling Harbour– via bus and ferry is a breeze, never mind that one has to make an early start.

I have always liked Darling Harbour. I do like it better at night though. Cocklebay Wharf Area is my favourite spot where many bistros and bars sit side by side gelaterias like Lindt’s. We made our mandatory stop here for some frozen delights. Six different ice cream flavours in ceramic cups passed clockwise amongst us. We couldn’t agree which flavour is best though. From Cocklebay Wharf, we took the escalators to get on street level and found ourselves walking towards Town Hall and Queen Victoria Building (QVB). Day almost over, we were a bit tired but felt we’ve spent the day very well and covered much from 6:30am to 5pm.

Tags: Australia, bondi, Darling Harbour, Food Trip, Sydney, Travel, Travels, Watsons Bay

Comment

Another Coastal Walk in La Perouse (Botany Bay)

Filed under: Australia, Travel, travels — Leave a comment

April 26, 2017

It was a clear, sunny morning for walking. But a rainy afternoon. We made good. Set out early enough, had a good lunch in the area near the Museum, and got promptly back in the car, heading home, when it started raining.

Too bad the Museum was closed when we visited. But it was quite a sight , both from a distance and from its porch. Housed in a former cable station building, you can view the La Perouse Monument and the coast from the Museum porch. This commanding view is a fitting tribute to the French explorer Comte de Lapérouse who allegedly arrived in Botany Bay in 1787-1788 before his expedition mysteriously vanished. The Atlas of the Voyage of La Perouse is housed in this Museum. Right outside of this Museum area, you can spot a row of restaurants and cafe bars including Danny’s where many chose to lunch on its famous fish and chips.

We first rounded up the tower and crossed the bridge before a piccolo break and the walk along the coast. Being ANZAC DAY, there were many who had the same idea as ours. Young families with strollers, a group of scuba divers, a pair doing their pre-nuptial pictorial in the rocky coast, some fishermen-hobbyists, a crowd of tourists, hikers and a few nudists in a quiet corner of the beach. (Oooops…. )

There is a sign that 4 people have died in this rocky coast, a prompt reminder never to turn your back against the waters. Then again, I thought of the peril of bringing young children to play among the rocks. But this morning, the water was calm and unthreatening. Still….. I thought the water must be cold for swimming but you’d never know that watching how these folks take to water.

These Australians are extremely lucky to be blessed with such a natural landscape and seascape. I can only envy those with easy access to the beach, maybe sharing lunch with seagulls, playing beach ball by the shore, and to a few (nudies), having a complete and even body tan! Congwong Bay Beach, Little Congwong Beach, and the beach at Frenchman’s Bay —– these swimming areas in Botany Bay are only 14 kilometers southeast of the Sydney CBD.

A delight to walk around this area. Lots of activities going on, fine sand, a Museum (!), a nudist corner (!!), rock formations, pockets of scuba diving and fishing spots, an old bridge, a row of cafe bars and dining options. Your day’s complete!