Monday, March 26, 2012

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