Pho An

So I finally went to Bankstown to try the well known Pho at Pho Anh that was recommended by so many of my friends and colleagues.

I ordered the Pho Special. For a medium bowl it was $12.50 - A little pricy compared to what I'm use to in Melbourne.

Overall Taste, it was definitely good. However, I think I prefer the Pho in Melbourne (Springvale). I don't know if its because I grew use to the taste of Melbourne or not, but I definitely do miss my usual Pho in Melbourne! I think the taste could be comparable to Pho Anh, although I do enjoy the noodles better in Melbourne. I find the noodles used at Pho Anh, a little slimmer than Melbourne.

Nonetheless, a good experience and another thing I can cross off my To-Do list =).

Review: http://grabyourfork.blogspot.com.au/2007/01/pho-anh-bankstown.html

Sydney Adventures

VIEW FROM BOTANICAL GARDENS

Wow, time sure flies! It's been just over 4 months since I've moved to Sydney to work at IBM. It's been an amazing journey so far with new encounters, new experiences and a new self awareness.  Over the months, I've met some really inspiring people, made some great friends, visited breath-taking places and have enjoyed a variety of exquisite Japanese cuisine!

Although I knew the day would come when I would need to venture out my independence, I never thought It would come so soon, not to mention that it would begin in Sydney!

Originally being so reluctant about adapting to this new environment, I have found myself growing attached to some things which I know I would miss upon my return back home. Here are just some of the things that I've grown to love about Sydney.   

Beaches. 

I remember my first beach visit was Manly Beach. I was amazed at the beauty of the clear blue water, soft yellow sand, It was love at first sight. I was never much of a beach person in Melbourne, despite living so close to Chelsea beach, I never had the urge to go unless I had a reason...until I came to Sydney. It is the best place to have a relaxing weekend! So far I have been to Manly, Bondi and Bronte beach. My next target is Coogee Beach! I hear the scenery walk from Coogee beach to Bondi is breath-taking and can not wait to witness it for myself!

MANLY BEACH -SURFERS

BONDI JUNCTION - TOURIST ATTRACTION

BRONTE BEACH - KIDS AND FAMILY

Sight Seeing

Some may know me as someone that loves to venture out and and of course, take photos of everything..or anything that I can =) haha. So here are some of the places that I've enjoyed visiting over the last few months.  

BOTANICAL GARDENS

WENTWORTH FALLS @ BLUE MOUNTAINS

DARLING HARBOUR @ NIGHT

DARLING HARBOUR DURING THE DAY

Other places that I recommend include: Hunter Valley for wine tasting/Cheese tasting/Chili Jam tasting haha, Blue Mountains to see the Three Sisters/Wentworth Waterfall, Walking along the Harbour Bridge, Taking the Ferry, Chinatown, Birkenhead Point DFO and Lunar Park @ Night. These are just a few that I have personally visited and can recommend (photos on FB). 

Japanese food

My passion for Japanese food has grown since moving to Sydney, because there is just so many good tasting and authentic Japanese restaurants to try out! So whenever an opportunity arises for me to try out Japanese food...I just have to go! These are just some of the Japanese restaurants I've tried so far, although It's hard to say which place would be my favourite as of far, because it really depends on what kind of Japanese food you want! For example, I really enjoyed the Ramen at Makanai because it was less salty compared to Ryo's Ramen, however Ramen Kan was pretty good too when comparing the soup base. One thing that is certain is that I haven't been let down by any of the Japanese food I have had yet!

Tempura Don @ Sushi Oh! - Despite being under Korean Management, it was really good~!

Lunch Set - Forgot the name of the restaurant, but is situated in Crows Nest

RYO's RAMEN - Well known for a long queue and good Ramen in Crows Nest

Makanai @ Chatswood

Lunch Set ($11.50!) @ DonTack

Ramen Kan @ Chinatown

Mizuya @ CBD

Mizuya @ CBD

Tempura Udon @ Goshu Ramen Tei - They give you blankets!

If I ever get the chance, I really want to try Testuya! (Although I hear...its quite expensive!)

Other Food Experiences

These are just a few of the other places that I have been which is worth trying. Others that I would recommend include: Fish Market, New Shanghai and Pepper Lunch 

Emperor's Puff in ChinaTown

Din Tai Fung - All time Favourite Dumpling place!

Chat Thai

Hurricanes - Delicious Ribs!

Tasty Macaroons! @ Zumbo (Balmaine East)

Devils Delight @ Pancakes on the rocks (Darling Harbour)

BARS

Unfortunately I haven't taken many photos regarding bars, however, my current favourite is Zeta Bar - located in the Hilton Hotel. It is a little overpriced for their cocktails, but It definitely left me with a great satisfaction! If you are a whiskey/Scotch type of person, I would recommend Baxtar Inn, which is located within this small alley way along Clarence Street. A Bonus at this place, is free refills of pretzels! Ivy Bar is also a popular place to visit =P who would want to miss the opportunity to take a dip at a pool? haha. I would also recommend Opera bar - only for it's scnery haha. Bar tenders there..aren't as accommodating unfortunately.

Passionfruit Cocktail @ Zeta Bar

Rainy Day In

Weather today is gloomy, cold and wet =(. This is the first weekend since Xmas I've had to myself =], can you guess what the first thing I did was? hehe I slept in =P haha woke up at about 10:30am, now having breaky and watching the Australian Open. Although I do like the sport of Tennis, I haven't really been keeping up to date with the Australian Open, or have any particular players that I Cheer for. But watching the occasional matches that are playing can be quite exciting! Maybe I will try and go and watch a live match next year =)

So What are my plans today? Thinking I will just have a lazy day home, catching up on my Japanese (which needs massive attention and practice >_<"), paint my nails, do some photo editing and mainly just relax. haha. I am hoping to hit the gym too, although this weather is really making me non-motivated to go! haha. What is everyone up to this weekend?

T.W.E.N.T.Y. .T.W.E.L.V.E.

Was flicking through old Blog Posts and came across my Resolutions from 2011:

New Years Resolution 2011:

1.Life: To live life with more Happiness and Joy, with less Regrets and Worries

2.Education: Graduate

3.Friends: To create more Memories and go on more Adventures

4.Career: Find a good earning Career

5.Love: To go with the flow

6.Health: Less Snacks, More Exercise.

Overall: To create more Awesomeness than 2010.

So I thought I'd reflect on these resolutions to see whether I achieved them in 2011. This is also a response to a blog my friend posted about his resolutions for 2011.

1. did I have a year with less regrets and worries? hmm to be honest I think 2010 was a more worry free year than it was in 2011. Reasons being I finished my last semester at Uni and was struggling to find a graduate job and failed at countless interviews. As for more Happiness and Joy? I think I had my fair share of laughter and happy moments, but the events in 2010 were definitely a highlight in my life. haha.So in summary, that Resolution was only half fulfilled.

2. To graduate. I did indeed graduate, although my ceremony isnt until April 2012, haha. But not only did I pass all my final subjects, I found out I did one too many! a DEFINITE Graduate =P

3. Adventures: Started off the Year with the best trip to Malaysia. Wow. can't believe it was only a year ago that we were all in Langkawi sipping on our drinks, eating Roti and playing drinking games! That was the best highlight of my life. My First trip with friends overseas. On top of this, I made new friends, had more random outings and definitely created more memories not only with friends, but also with Family

4. Working at IBM = Good earning Career? I would say so! who wouldve though I would get into a company like IBM! Sure I failed at getting into companies like Apple, Oracle and NAB, but I am grateful for landing a job in IBM. They gave me great benefits, a great beginning and I look forward to where it will lead me. It has also given me a new adventure, moving to Sydney. Living on my own and making more friends and building my networks =)

5. haha definitely went with the flow, and is now in a happy relationship, despite him being in Melbourne, but It's hitting our 1 year anniversary soon. Something must be going right? =) hehe.

6. Snack less, exercise more...hmm...in the middle of 2011 I hit the gym, did yoga, went to Zumba classes so definitely achieved that..although it died down. But the time that I went, I felt motivated, enjoyed it and achieved a better health. A shame it died after a few months. Snack wise. I think I have cut down, don't find myself munching on chips or lollies anymore. Only snack I did eat was my favourite chocolate fererro rocher =).

So Did I achieve my Resolutions? To a certain extent I believe I succeeded in them all =). So what resolutions should I head into 2012 with?

LIFE/HEALTH

1. Stay healthy - Continue to exercise on a regular basis (More than 6 months haha)

2. Enjoy life, live independently, learn to cook, look after myself =)

CAREER

3. Find a career path that I want. Although I am still getting use to my current role as a software support engineer, I feel it isn't something I want to continue to do down the track. Maybe a consulting role or PM role is something I want to go towards. Fingers crossed I can achieve that by the end of this year, ready for 2013.

4. Save money for holidays, house, etc. 

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

5. Spend as much time as I can with friends and family, whether it is in Melbourne, Sydney or overseas. =). To create cherishable memories to laugh about next year around this time =P

LOVE

6. To continue to grow and understand each other, create more memories, take more photos together and to be happy =)

How is everyone else's Resolutions going?

New Years Eve 2011

This year I had the finest view of the fireworks in Sydney! It was great that we had VIP seating with such a great view of all the fireworks over the harbour bridge! Although I head the one in Melbourne was great this year too! Here are just some of the pictures I took from the night.

M.A.C

Bought this cute Makeup Set from Strawberry.Net as a Christmas Sale.
It has a Plum colored Lipstick, lip pencil and shiny lip gloss. It's a cute little collection that has a bonus mini makeup bag to put the collection in.

The lipstick has been quite good to use and isn't overwhelming by the colour. However, the lipgloss stick is not the usual soft tip you would find on other branded lipgloss, it's the opposite! I Was surprised when trying it to find the tip was so hard to apply.

Overall it's a great product and I've always wanted to own some M.A.C Branded makeup, now thanks to Strawberry.net I do!