I'll be spending the whole week in Brisbane for work. It's rather humid, so much like Manila, that it's not funny. Thank God the office is airconditioned properly or I would have to resort to murder!
I have been so lax with my postings lately and I apologize. Life has gotten in the way, as usual.
I will try to post pictures of my trip here. I have uploaded all my pictures of my last trip to Sydney and I just haven't found the time to post it yet. Sorry...
Showing posts with label About Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label About Australia. Show all posts
Monday, March 05, 2007
Monday, November 27, 2006
The voters' choice...
State elections happened last Saturday and once again, Labour Premier Steve Bracks is in power which I am very happy about. Steve Bracks is now in history as the longest serving Labour Premier in the state of Victoria. Hah! He kicked Ted Bailleau's (so-called "Hunk from Hawthorn" - puh-lease!!!) arse from here to Carrum! Bwahahaha!
*****
Last night, the new Australian Idol was crowned and it was no other than Irishman Damien Leith. I am also happy about this. Jess is a wonderful singer but there are far too many belters out there for my liking. Irish crooners aside from Bono? Nuh-uh.
I downloaded Damien's new single and it is fantastic! I can't wait to get his CD when it comes out!
Whoopee!!! Go the Irish!
*****
Last night, the new Australian Idol was crowned and it was no other than Irishman Damien Leith. I am also happy about this. Jess is a wonderful singer but there are far too many belters out there for my liking. Irish crooners aside from Bono? Nuh-uh.
I downloaded Damien's new single and it is fantastic! I can't wait to get his CD when it comes out!
Whoopee!!! Go the Irish!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Go the Irish!!!
To all Australians, please vote for Damien Leith so that he can be this year's Australian Idol.
I have never been a big follower or fan of Australian Idol but this Irish cutie just blew my socks off with his lovely, angelic voice. OMG, that falsetto is to die for!
Have a listen and let me know what you think...
Best of luck to Damien!!!
Damien Leith singing "Crying" by Roy Orbison (with judges' comments)
Damien Leith singing "Wicked Games" Chris Isaak... it'll make every woman swoon!
Damien Leith singing "Nessun Dorma" by Pavarotti... wow, that voice!!!
GO, DAMIEN!!!
I have never been a big follower or fan of Australian Idol but this Irish cutie just blew my socks off with his lovely, angelic voice. OMG, that falsetto is to die for!
Have a listen and let me know what you think...
Best of luck to Damien!!!
Damien Leith singing "Crying" by Roy Orbison (with judges' comments)
Damien Leith singing "Wicked Games" Chris Isaak... it'll make every woman swoon!
Damien Leith singing "Nessun Dorma" by Pavarotti... wow, that voice!!!
GO, DAMIEN!!!
Friday, November 10, 2006
Of Holidays and Horses
It's been a short but very busy week. Last Tuesday, Melbourne had a holiday because of a horse race that was visited by the Queen a long time ago.
Go figure.
But what the heck, we all need a break anyway.
Considering that Australia has far lesser holidays compared to other countries, like the Philippines.
We only have 10 Australian holidays and 2 Victoria-specific holidays.
How many does the Philippines have?
13!!!
Okay, it's just one more than Oz but take a look at some of these countries:
Indonesia: 16
Thailand: 15
Japan: 19
Taiwan: 14
South Korea: 15
How come Asian countries have so many holidays? Western countries, on the average, have 12. Weird...
*****
Speaking of the races, the horse that won was owned by a Japanese man and had a Japanese jockey. For the first time ever, the Melbourne Cup will be travelling to Asia. Fantastic stuff. This just proves that the Melbourne Cup is not only a "race that stops the nation" but a race recognised world wide!
Too bad I didn't bet. Turns out that the horses that won are 2 -12... My birthday! Frig! If I bet $10, I could easily get $500 back! Shucks!
Go figure.
But what the heck, we all need a break anyway.
Considering that Australia has far lesser holidays compared to other countries, like the Philippines.
We only have 10 Australian holidays and 2 Victoria-specific holidays.
How many does the Philippines have?
13!!!
Okay, it's just one more than Oz but take a look at some of these countries:
Indonesia: 16
Thailand: 15
Japan: 19
Taiwan: 14
South Korea: 15
How come Asian countries have so many holidays? Western countries, on the average, have 12. Weird...
*****
Speaking of the races, the horse that won was owned by a Japanese man and had a Japanese jockey. For the first time ever, the Melbourne Cup will be travelling to Asia. Fantastic stuff. This just proves that the Melbourne Cup is not only a "race that stops the nation" but a race recognised world wide!
Too bad I didn't bet. Turns out that the horses that won are 2 -12... My birthday! Frig! If I bet $10, I could easily get $500 back! Shucks!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Another reason why the Howard government sucks...
It's just one of those days when I think, "Why, oh why, did I stop my law studies?"
My mum just heard back from the union and told her that she does not have a strong case. WTF? Any simple-minded bogan can see that she definitely has a strong case! Argh! If I finished my law degree, I could represent my mother in court and take that blasted company to the cleaners!!!
The union is nowhere near as strong since bloody John Howard introduced the Industrial Relations Law which basically gave employers a lot more power and employees far lesser rights. It is so unfair!
Gone were the days when Bob Hawke was the Union President and represented the workers to the best of their ability. Now, they just take the union fees and not do anything! Sissy little f*cks!
I told my mum to withdraw her membership. They are so freaking useless anyway... Grrrrr!!!
My mum just heard back from the union and told her that she does not have a strong case. WTF? Any simple-minded bogan can see that she definitely has a strong case! Argh! If I finished my law degree, I could represent my mother in court and take that blasted company to the cleaners!!!
The union is nowhere near as strong since bloody John Howard introduced the Industrial Relations Law which basically gave employers a lot more power and employees far lesser rights. It is so unfair!
Gone were the days when Bob Hawke was the Union President and represented the workers to the best of their ability. Now, they just take the union fees and not do anything! Sissy little f*cks!
I told my mum to withdraw her membership. They are so freaking useless anyway... Grrrrr!!!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Taboo
Religion and politics have always been considered as two of the worst conversation topics between acquaintances. Not only is it pointless but you are sure to offend regardless of how P-C (politically correct) you try to be. I always steer clear of talking about the current state of government in this country to just anyone, unless it's Arnie or my mum whom I share the same sentiments with.
So, imagine my surprise the other day when a work colleague from Sydney came down for a meeting with myself. We were having sandwiches for lunch and for some reason, the topic diverted to whether I follow politics or not. I said that as much as I don't like it, I can't help but follow it - my background, having a father who is a solicitor/consultant and very much involved in the Philippine senate when I was growing up, has been steeped in political awareness.
We started talking about politics - about, as a British national living in Australia, he's become so disappointed with how our government is being run, how Britian itself is being led by a PM who is well-known for American arse-kissing, and that the war on Iraq is just wrong. Then, he started talking about religion. His sentiments were exactly like mine. People just use religion nowadays to justify the evil they do and attribute it to the cause of glorifying their god.
What god would want this? What god would want people killing each other off for the sake of Allah or freedom or revenge It's just hogwash. Pure baloney.
Whatever happened to just getting along and embracing each other's differences? The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard and Federal Treasurer, Peter Costello, have made a faux pas for making statements regarding Australian Muslims, that they should embrace the "Australian way of life" - whatever that means - and not just be loyal to their belief as Muslims, but be loyal to Australia. I don't know what they were thinking when they made this pronouncement. Singling-out Muslims or any minority for that matter just screams sheer prejudice and ignorance, doesn't it? The fact that it is just the very loud and ignorant minority that's creating the problem(e.g. Cronulla riots) does not merit this kind of statement. This country for some reason always had a problem with integrating with other races/cultures .Before, it was the Aborigines during the colonial period. Then, it was the Europeans during the 60's and 70's. Then, it was the Asians' turn in the 80's. Now, the Muslims. When will it stop?
I don't want to think of Australia as a racist country. In fact, I believe it not to be. The fact that I am living in a multi-cultural city (not just in terms of food but also of how different cultures are embraced) and have never experienced a racial attack, I have every reason to believe that Australia, specifically Melbourne, is the place to be. However, if you've got the nation's so-called "leader" spouting very irresponsible comments, it does not reflect well to the rest of the world 'innit? For a country who prides itself for being "multicultural", the statement just reeks of prejudice. We are no better than the red-neck southern states of America.
I expect a lynching next...
So, imagine my surprise the other day when a work colleague from Sydney came down for a meeting with myself. We were having sandwiches for lunch and for some reason, the topic diverted to whether I follow politics or not. I said that as much as I don't like it, I can't help but follow it - my background, having a father who is a solicitor/consultant and very much involved in the Philippine senate when I was growing up, has been steeped in political awareness.
We started talking about politics - about, as a British national living in Australia, he's become so disappointed with how our government is being run, how Britian itself is being led by a PM who is well-known for American arse-kissing, and that the war on Iraq is just wrong. Then, he started talking about religion. His sentiments were exactly like mine. People just use religion nowadays to justify the evil they do and attribute it to the cause of glorifying their god.
What god would want this? What god would want people killing each other off for the sake of Allah or freedom or revenge It's just hogwash. Pure baloney.
Whatever happened to just getting along and embracing each other's differences? The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard and Federal Treasurer, Peter Costello, have made a faux pas for making statements regarding Australian Muslims, that they should embrace the "Australian way of life" - whatever that means - and not just be loyal to their belief as Muslims, but be loyal to Australia. I don't know what they were thinking when they made this pronouncement. Singling-out Muslims or any minority for that matter just screams sheer prejudice and ignorance, doesn't it? The fact that it is just the very loud and ignorant minority that's creating the problem(e.g. Cronulla riots) does not merit this kind of statement. This country for some reason always had a problem with integrating with other races/cultures .Before, it was the Aborigines during the colonial period. Then, it was the Europeans during the 60's and 70's. Then, it was the Asians' turn in the 80's. Now, the Muslims. When will it stop?
I don't want to think of Australia as a racist country. In fact, I believe it not to be. The fact that I am living in a multi-cultural city (not just in terms of food but also of how different cultures are embraced) and have never experienced a racial attack, I have every reason to believe that Australia, specifically Melbourne, is the place to be. However, if you've got the nation's so-called "leader" spouting very irresponsible comments, it does not reflect well to the rest of the world 'innit? For a country who prides itself for being "multicultural", the statement just reeks of prejudice. We are no better than the red-neck southern states of America.
I expect a lynching next...
Friday, August 11, 2006
Australia, 'racist, sexist, deeply flawed'
An article of the same title was published in The Age today. The columnist is a woman whom, stemming from Mel Gibson's drunken raving and Dean Jones' terrorist gaffe, made a weak argument on how Sydney is a city where you can "forget about popping out to the corner shop and coming back with a feast of Polish bread, Turkish cheese and Indian vegetables."
Hmmm... It makes me wonder how a person can make a strong statement like that considering that in her own admission, she had only been to Sydney once five years ago with an ex-boyfriend on a business. After a few days, she began to formulate her opinions.
I don't know. I mean, I myself do not like Sydney so much. Being a Melbournite, I guess that comes with the territory. Sure, the Cronulla riots were a clear indication that racism is still alive in some way. But, Miss Pool (the columnist who wrote the article) fails to acknowledge that every country has its own type of prejudice. The Philippines has prejudice against the destitute, South Africa has prejudice against Caucasian South Africans, Japan has prejudice against non-Japanese, and North Korea has prejudice against the West. Germaine Greer, writer and feminist extraordinaire, said "Australian racism derives from the same bottomless source as British racism - from universal ignorance and working-class frustration, reinforced by an unshakeable conviction of British superiority over all other nations on earth, especially the swarthy ones."
Do I think Australia is racist? In my personal opinion, not as much as people believe it to be. I mean, I live in a city where multiculturalism is encouraged and embraced so I may not feel it as much as people who live in remote areas or the like. Segregation is not practised, there is a massive amount of migrants who come into the country every year, and equal opportunity exists for everyone.
I guess Sydney is not so bad. Like every other big city, it has its flaws. But, Miss Pool cannot be viewed as a reliable writer if she bases her opinions from staying in the city inside a hotel for a few days. Don't you have to live or explore the city to have a real taste of what it has to off? Her opinions are nothing more than uneducate, ignorant dribble.
Hmmm... It makes me wonder how a person can make a strong statement like that considering that in her own admission, she had only been to Sydney once five years ago with an ex-boyfriend on a business. After a few days, she began to formulate her opinions.
I don't know. I mean, I myself do not like Sydney so much. Being a Melbournite, I guess that comes with the territory. Sure, the Cronulla riots were a clear indication that racism is still alive in some way. But, Miss Pool (the columnist who wrote the article) fails to acknowledge that every country has its own type of prejudice. The Philippines has prejudice against the destitute, South Africa has prejudice against Caucasian South Africans, Japan has prejudice against non-Japanese, and North Korea has prejudice against the West. Germaine Greer, writer and feminist extraordinaire, said "Australian racism derives from the same bottomless source as British racism - from universal ignorance and working-class frustration, reinforced by an unshakeable conviction of British superiority over all other nations on earth, especially the swarthy ones."
Do I think Australia is racist? In my personal opinion, not as much as people believe it to be. I mean, I live in a city where multiculturalism is encouraged and embraced so I may not feel it as much as people who live in remote areas or the like. Segregation is not practised, there is a massive amount of migrants who come into the country every year, and equal opportunity exists for everyone.
I guess Sydney is not so bad. Like every other big city, it has its flaws. But, Miss Pool cannot be viewed as a reliable writer if she bases her opinions from staying in the city inside a hotel for a few days. Don't you have to live or explore the city to have a real taste of what it has to off? Her opinions are nothing more than uneducate, ignorant dribble.
Monday, March 06, 2006
My Gold Coast holiday part 3
The last day of my holiday was by far the most exciting and the most fun I have had. Arnie and I started the day off again with a hearty breakfast. This time, he was the only one who went for a swim before breakfast since I wanted to sleep in a bit.
We dressed quite lightly. I had my bathers underneath my clothes while Arnie brought his in a light carry bag. We were both quite looking forward to swimming later in the afternoon. So, off we went on the bus and headed off to Seaworld.
It was surprisingly close to Surfers Paradise. It was right along the water, next to the famed Palazzo Versace, close to the Mirage Marina, and the famous Sea World Nara Resort.
Check out the pictures below and enjoy.
Outside Seaworld
Checking out the penguins
A real life "Sirenia" otherwise known as a Dugong
At Shark Bay
Arnie at awe with the huge Bull Shark
Cool but icky looking Manta Rays lazing about under the sun
Cute polar bear enjoying some chicken
Outside Dolphin Cove
Arnie and I waiting for the Dolphin show to start
Cutie!
"We're flippin' little dolphins!"
Taken at the seal show titled "Quest for the Golden Seal"
Cute and smart creatures, seals...
After all the attractions, it's time to cool off :)
Fell in love with the Dugong that I had to get me one of these :)
The whole trip was fun. Arnie and I enjoyed it so much. We can't wait to go back. As a matter of fact, we have plans of going back for our 6th year anniversary in September! Can't wait!
Next: back to our regular programme...
We dressed quite lightly. I had my bathers underneath my clothes while Arnie brought his in a light carry bag. We were both quite looking forward to swimming later in the afternoon. So, off we went on the bus and headed off to Seaworld.
It was surprisingly close to Surfers Paradise. It was right along the water, next to the famed Palazzo Versace, close to the Mirage Marina, and the famous Sea World Nara Resort.
Check out the pictures below and enjoy.
Outside Seaworld
Checking out the penguins
A real life "Sirenia" otherwise known as a Dugong
At Shark Bay
Arnie at awe with the huge Bull Shark
Cool but icky looking Manta Rays lazing about under the sun
Cute polar bear enjoying some chicken
Outside Dolphin Cove
Arnie and I waiting for the Dolphin show to start
Cutie!
"We're flippin' little dolphins!"
Taken at the seal show titled "Quest for the Golden Seal"
Cute and smart creatures, seals...
After all the attractions, it's time to cool off :)
Fell in love with the Dugong that I had to get me one of these :)
The whole trip was fun. Arnie and I enjoyed it so much. We can't wait to go back. As a matter of fact, we have plans of going back for our 6th year anniversary in September! Can't wait!
Next: back to our regular programme...
Thursday, February 23, 2006
My Gold Coast holiday part 2
February 8, 2006
Woke up from a rather non-relaxing sleep. My head was still bothering me from the flight the day before (I know, pathetic to have jetlag considering it was only about a 2 hour flight) and it was so humid.
Arnie was already up and about by 7:00. The curtains didn't block out the sunlight much. I woke up to the smell of bacon, toast, eggs, and English Breakfast tea (my fave).
Still wanted to sleep, but Arnie kept on bugging me to get up!
I don't have a habit of eating breakfast, unless someone else cooked it :p
The day was still hot, but much more tolerable. The sky was nice and blue compared to the day before. After breakfast, we headed to the pool and spa for a quick dip.
Nice sunny day.
Nice bubbles!
Arnie and I had a very busy itinerary for the day. After cleaning up, showering, and changing to decent clothes, we took a bus and headed to Dreamworld. We spent close to 5 hours in the place and had an absolute blast. We went to the rides, took heaps of pictures, played with some of the animals, and checked out Nickelodeon town as well (the child in me was just screaming). Here are some pictures.
Outside Dreamworld.
Heading off to the Big Brother house.
Outside Miner Ride.
Wanted for being a Horse Thief!
Strapped for being too cute :p
Furry, cuddly, and cute! (not Arnie :p)
Can't get enough of this cutie!!!
Check out the white Bengal Tiger!
First time I have ever touched a kangaroo!
Sponge Bob! Sponge Bob! Squarepants!!!
It was a fantastic yet tiring trip. We went back to our apartment around 3 pm and headed off to the supermarket to shop for dinner. We ended up having steak, salad, and potato wedges. After resting and watching the news, I talked Arnie into taking me to this place that we spotted the night before and have been dying to go since I first laid my eyes on it.
Whoever thought the Restaurant at the End of the Universe was just a short plane trip away from home?
In front of the teleportation pad that will take us to the Restaurant.
The most famous drink in the universe. The Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster!
Arnie and I didn't try the drink. For one thing, the mix was feral - it is a three layer drink composing of Ouzo, Southern Comfort, Contreau, and other things. I wasn't feeling particularly keen to get plastered on alcohol. The Restaurant's theme was, obviously, space. It adjoins a space themed attraction Spacewalker. There were humanoid aliens (hah!), entertaining us with their scripted lines when they serve us like referring to the drink menu as "human re-hydration menus". It was a corker. Arnie and I ended up ordering coffee - too be specific, I had a Meteor Mocha and Arnie had a Lunar Latte. We also shared a Delta Wing Cruiser Crepe. Arnie and I made a mental note that we will have a full meal there and visit Spacewalker next time we're in town.
Next: Seaworld!
Woke up from a rather non-relaxing sleep. My head was still bothering me from the flight the day before (I know, pathetic to have jetlag considering it was only about a 2 hour flight) and it was so humid.
Arnie was already up and about by 7:00. The curtains didn't block out the sunlight much. I woke up to the smell of bacon, toast, eggs, and English Breakfast tea (my fave).
Still wanted to sleep, but Arnie kept on bugging me to get up!
I don't have a habit of eating breakfast, unless someone else cooked it :p
The day was still hot, but much more tolerable. The sky was nice and blue compared to the day before. After breakfast, we headed to the pool and spa for a quick dip.
Nice sunny day.
Nice bubbles!
Arnie and I had a very busy itinerary for the day. After cleaning up, showering, and changing to decent clothes, we took a bus and headed to Dreamworld. We spent close to 5 hours in the place and had an absolute blast. We went to the rides, took heaps of pictures, played with some of the animals, and checked out Nickelodeon town as well (the child in me was just screaming). Here are some pictures.
Outside Dreamworld.
Heading off to the Big Brother house.
Outside Miner Ride.
Wanted for being a Horse Thief!
Strapped for being too cute :p
Furry, cuddly, and cute! (not Arnie :p)
Can't get enough of this cutie!!!
Check out the white Bengal Tiger!
First time I have ever touched a kangaroo!
Sponge Bob! Sponge Bob! Squarepants!!!
It was a fantastic yet tiring trip. We went back to our apartment around 3 pm and headed off to the supermarket to shop for dinner. We ended up having steak, salad, and potato wedges. After resting and watching the news, I talked Arnie into taking me to this place that we spotted the night before and have been dying to go since I first laid my eyes on it.
Whoever thought the Restaurant at the End of the Universe was just a short plane trip away from home?
In front of the teleportation pad that will take us to the Restaurant.
The most famous drink in the universe. The Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster!
Arnie and I didn't try the drink. For one thing, the mix was feral - it is a three layer drink composing of Ouzo, Southern Comfort, Contreau, and other things. I wasn't feeling particularly keen to get plastered on alcohol. The Restaurant's theme was, obviously, space. It adjoins a space themed attraction Spacewalker. There were humanoid aliens (hah!), entertaining us with their scripted lines when they serve us like referring to the drink menu as "human re-hydration menus". It was a corker. Arnie and I ended up ordering coffee - too be specific, I had a Meteor Mocha and Arnie had a Lunar Latte. We also shared a Delta Wing Cruiser Crepe. Arnie and I made a mental note that we will have a full meal there and visit Spacewalker next time we're in town.
Next: Seaworld!
Friday, February 17, 2006
My Gold Coast holiday part 1
It has been 5 years since I was last strolling along the malls and the beaches of the Gold Coast, Queensland. Back then, I have just arrived in the country - barely 3 months - and tried to look for a job that had something to do with my Japanese language credentials. That whole month ended up like a holiday for me since I didn't find anything, work wise, but I did do a lot exploring and of course, shopping!
So, when Arnie and I planned our holiday back in October right after our engagement party, I was very excited. I was actually going with someone this time. What also makes this extra special is the fact that this is our first holiday together. We booked our flights with Virgin Blue, a cheaper alternative to Qantas but with excellent service. It only cost us $222.00 per person instead of what Qantas was asking for which was $410 per person. I first booked a hotel room at the Islander Resort Hotel for a measly $90.00 a night, but changed my mind only a couple of weeks before our flight. I found a self-contained apartment for $92.00 a night at the Cosmopolitan Apartments which is situated right in the heart of Surfers Paradise, one of the more popular destinations within the Gold Coast.
February 7, Tuesday
We were on our merry way. The flight was only an hour and 50 minutes long, and Queensland was not on daylight savings time so we virtually gained an extra hour when we got there around 12:40 pm. The flight was uneventful to say the least, except for my usual motion sickness. I had to purchase some anti-nausea tablets the day before! I have booked our airport transfer shuttle bus in advance ($54 return) and we arrived at our apartment around 1:30 pm. This annoyed me a bit since Surfers Paradise is only 20 kilometers from Coolangatta airport but since we had to drop every Tom, Dick, and Harry in front of their hotels, it took much longer than expected.
We finally got to our apartment, all hot, sweaty, and hungry - bad combination. As soon as we landed in the airport and stepped out into the tarmac, Arnie and I felt the huge difference weather-wise. It was so humid and muggy in Queensland. We were both not happy with the weather (reminded us very much of Manila) and we both hoped that it wouldn't be the same the next day when we go to Dreamworld, one of the few theme parks situated in the Gold Coast.
Before heading off to grab some eats, we took a few photos of the view out in the balcony of the apartment. We were pretty lucky to get an apartment on the 10th floor, with ocean viewws, and airconditioning. Apparently only half of the apartments in the building have airconditioning, which is a total disaster if it gets too hot!
Out in the balcony of our apartment before heading off to grab some eats and explore
The view outside our apartment. It just rained so it was cloudy and humid.
Our apartment is right across from the Hard Rock Cafe. I have hunted down a few vouchers available on the internet which entitled us to a free main meal for every one purchased. We rushed down, crossed the street, and was welcomed by the cool interior of Hard Rock cafe.
Taken from our balcony - "Love All Serve All"
Pigging out on burgers, onion rings, and chips. Yummy, greasy food!
After our very late lunch, the shops beckoned (of course, it's not a holiday without shopping!) and we went to the shops along Caville, Orchid, and Elkhorn Avenue.
Welcome to Surfers Paradise! Along the beach.
Surfers at night.
So many shops, so little time!
The great thing about staying in a self-contained apartment is that we had the freedom ofshopping for food we wanted to cook and eat and not limit ourselves to the not-so-great restaurants surrounding Surfers Paradise. Unfortunately, most of the good restaurants are situated in other suburbs and since we didn't hire a car we were stuck. So anyway, we went to the local supermarket (Woolworths) and shopped for breakfast items, sandwiches, meat, and Baskin Robbins Macadamia nut ice cream. Summer just isn't complete if one is not pigging out on a tub of scrumptious ice cream.
Ice cream, you scream, we all scream... Agrh!!!
View at night. Just beautiful!
Thus ends our first day in the coast. What fun!
Next: Our visit to Dreamworld.
So, when Arnie and I planned our holiday back in October right after our engagement party, I was very excited. I was actually going with someone this time. What also makes this extra special is the fact that this is our first holiday together. We booked our flights with Virgin Blue, a cheaper alternative to Qantas but with excellent service. It only cost us $222.00 per person instead of what Qantas was asking for which was $410 per person. I first booked a hotel room at the Islander Resort Hotel for a measly $90.00 a night, but changed my mind only a couple of weeks before our flight. I found a self-contained apartment for $92.00 a night at the Cosmopolitan Apartments which is situated right in the heart of Surfers Paradise, one of the more popular destinations within the Gold Coast.
February 7, Tuesday
We were on our merry way. The flight was only an hour and 50 minutes long, and Queensland was not on daylight savings time so we virtually gained an extra hour when we got there around 12:40 pm. The flight was uneventful to say the least, except for my usual motion sickness. I had to purchase some anti-nausea tablets the day before! I have booked our airport transfer shuttle bus in advance ($54 return) and we arrived at our apartment around 1:30 pm. This annoyed me a bit since Surfers Paradise is only 20 kilometers from Coolangatta airport but since we had to drop every Tom, Dick, and Harry in front of their hotels, it took much longer than expected.
We finally got to our apartment, all hot, sweaty, and hungry - bad combination. As soon as we landed in the airport and stepped out into the tarmac, Arnie and I felt the huge difference weather-wise. It was so humid and muggy in Queensland. We were both not happy with the weather (reminded us very much of Manila) and we both hoped that it wouldn't be the same the next day when we go to Dreamworld, one of the few theme parks situated in the Gold Coast.
Before heading off to grab some eats, we took a few photos of the view out in the balcony of the apartment. We were pretty lucky to get an apartment on the 10th floor, with ocean viewws, and airconditioning. Apparently only half of the apartments in the building have airconditioning, which is a total disaster if it gets too hot!
Out in the balcony of our apartment before heading off to grab some eats and explore
The view outside our apartment. It just rained so it was cloudy and humid.
Our apartment is right across from the Hard Rock Cafe. I have hunted down a few vouchers available on the internet which entitled us to a free main meal for every one purchased. We rushed down, crossed the street, and was welcomed by the cool interior of Hard Rock cafe.
Taken from our balcony - "Love All Serve All"
Pigging out on burgers, onion rings, and chips. Yummy, greasy food!
After our very late lunch, the shops beckoned (of course, it's not a holiday without shopping!) and we went to the shops along Caville, Orchid, and Elkhorn Avenue.
Welcome to Surfers Paradise! Along the beach.
Surfers at night.
So many shops, so little time!
The great thing about staying in a self-contained apartment is that we had the freedom ofshopping for food we wanted to cook and eat and not limit ourselves to the not-so-great restaurants surrounding Surfers Paradise. Unfortunately, most of the good restaurants are situated in other suburbs and since we didn't hire a car we were stuck. So anyway, we went to the local supermarket (Woolworths) and shopped for breakfast items, sandwiches, meat, and Baskin Robbins Macadamia nut ice cream. Summer just isn't complete if one is not pigging out on a tub of scrumptious ice cream.
Ice cream, you scream, we all scream... Agrh!!!
View at night. Just beautiful!
Thus ends our first day in the coast. What fun!
Next: Our visit to Dreamworld.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
G'day mate!
How I love Google! On January 26, they decorated their homepage with a couple of kangaroos holding the Australian Flag. Today is Australia Day - a fabulous holiday wherein us Aussies celebrate the birth of the country lovingly known as the Land Down Under.
The temperature averaged around the 35 degree mark - too hot to spend the day in the house doing nothing, too hot to arrange a barbeque party with friends and family. So, in true Aussie style, Arnie and I spent Australia Day the best way we know how.
We went to the beach.
The fantastic thing about living in a city like Melbourne is that you are not short of beaches. The particular beach we went to , Black Rock, is about 15 minutes away from my work. The water was so refreshing, the heat suddenly became tolerable. A lot of people had the same idea and around 11 am, the beach was packed. Armed with sunscreen, towels, and heaps of drink, the beach was such an enjoyable experience.
So to everyone, let me extend a "G'day" and hope you're having a great Thursday!
The temperature averaged around the 35 degree mark - too hot to spend the day in the house doing nothing, too hot to arrange a barbeque party with friends and family. So, in true Aussie style, Arnie and I spent Australia Day the best way we know how.
We went to the beach.
The fantastic thing about living in a city like Melbourne is that you are not short of beaches. The particular beach we went to , Black Rock, is about 15 minutes away from my work. The water was so refreshing, the heat suddenly became tolerable. A lot of people had the same idea and around 11 am, the beach was packed. Armed with sunscreen, towels, and heaps of drink, the beach was such an enjoyable experience.
So to everyone, let me extend a "G'day" and hope you're having a great Thursday!
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