Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Syndey - warm winter magic
Sunday June 20, 2012
Sydney, Australia, no matter the time of year is a great city for travellers to wander around. Even the old haunts, such as the the Sydney Opera house with its clean timeless architecture, the Circular Quay for people, busker and boat activity watching, the ferries come and go, the Rocks historical precinct, and Darling Harbour with its soothing water gardens and walkways.
It is an ideal place to stop off on the way to ones oversea’s trip, to transfer one’s mind from work and, packing and ‘I am sure I have missed packing something!!’ mode into a relaxing and ‘sniffing the air’ one.
Sydney turned on a warm, blue skied day for us on this winter Sunday. So balmy it was, that a lovestruck person wrote a “I’m Sorry, I love you’ message in the sky.
OWe immediately booked to trip out to see the Humpback Whales just outside the Syndey Harbour heads. It was so easy to book online, and instead of printing off a booking form, all we had to do is show the booking form on our iphone. NOTE - if you are planning on going - make sure you book on http://www.whalewatchingsydney.net/ - a large and very comfortable vessel with plenty or viewing platforms.
Every year from about June to November about 1200 humpback whales make an over 5000 mile trek from their breeding grounds in the north following the EAC current down Australia south to Antarctica to feed. As the current passes about 2 - 3 miles from the coast at the Sydney heads so it is very easy to find the whales.
Within an hour of crusing through the many yachts Sunday racing on the Harbour we were out on open waters and our knowledgeable captain had us within the precint of three small pods of whales.
Almost as soon as we arrived at the 100 metre allowable distance the whales started performing. Two whales swam close together, breathing simultaneously, like a chorus, while the third frequently breached, launching itself straitght up and completely out of the water at times so that we could see its whole white underside. it rolled around, waving its long flippers then breached, again and again.
Atfer this awe inspiring adventure we slowly came back to earth by strolling around to the hstorical Rocks shops, bars and cafes - a must, we believe, for all travellers to Sydney.
Monday, October 18, 2010
An Adventure in Sydney, Australia
It is always a pleasure to visit Australia and other English speaking countries as one does not feel aboliged to speak slowly and clearly - but I had to stop myself at Paddy’s Market, near Darling Harbour, Sydney, as many of the stall holders were of European descent!
From our hotel room we could see the elegant chinese garden, and the hotel, squeezed in between Darling Habour, Chinatown and the Powerhouse Museum was ideal for satisfying a wide variety of holiday interests.
On the first day of our arrival in Sydney, it was extremely hot, ideal for strolling along the sculptued waterways along the beautiful Darling Harbour precinct and select a reasonably priced cafe to enjoy a light luncheon and a local beer.
Later in the day it was time to explore the stalls and factory shops of Paddy’s market before plunging, again, into the array of Darliing Harbour Restaurants to find a place for dinner. Often the places slightly off the main walkway are the ones to go for and we located an excellent place to enjoy a seafood meal.
When in Sydney a visit ot the Rocks area is a ‘must visit’ so next day, which was a little cooler we enjoyed devourig the delicious aromas from the food market before adjourning to our favourite Cafe at the Rocks for Lunch. Our other favourite place at the Rocks to visit, is a Nautical shop, full of a huge variety of maritime paraphahalia. Sadly, it was no longer there, so it was on to our favourite bookshop at the Rocks. Not big ebough to get lost in, the shop has an eclectic variety or Australian fiction, non fiction, classical, popular and books to satisfy most book lover’s tastes.
To live up to our reputation of going on ‘a busman’s holiday’ we embarked on a Coffee Cruise on the Sydney harbour in the afternoon. As we neared the heads, past the affluent home hill suburbs, the wind rose quite substantially and we were well entertained watching some drawn out and hairy spinnaker lowering from some of the yachts racing on the harbour. The wind was also enough to prevent our visiting the habours near the heads so we trundled under the bridge, to the extensive inland waterways, surrounded by homes, boat repair and naval years. And yes, like us in Auckland, there was a derelict steam driven ferry huddling the shore, waiting patiently for people (and funding) to restore her.
Later in the day we strolled back to our hotel after visiting the QVB Centre. The street level has gone upmarket since our last visit and the most interesting Acccories shop that I loved to visit, had gone. To reach our hotel we passed through Chinatown, with its specialist shops, restaurants and crowds of Friday night wanderers. The busy outdoor market offered a huge variety of oriental food, with deliscious flavours wafting into the night air.
It was very cold on Saturday morning. We walked quickly towards the Australian Classic Wooden Boat Show, stopping by a most impressive array of classic vehicles from the American Muscle Car Club. Its interesing how many of us love to admire and reminisque upon the era when Dodges, Fairlaines and similar cars were commonplace - I wonder if it is something to do with age??
Classic Boats in Sydney, according to what we saw at the show, appeared to be beamier than ones in New Zealand, and the launches seemed to be designed for boating in sheltered in waters. But no matter where a classic boat lover is, the boats look as if they have been lovingly maintined, and it is hard not to caress one’s hand across the varnished woodwork. And the talk is all the same.... Oh and does anyone wish to purchase classic racing yacht? Very reasonably priced, we thought, and the woodwork was sanded all ready for varnishing. And Gretel was on display too, looking very smart and ready to go racing. I remember seeing her when she was being refurbished in Auckland, New Zealand, The Square Riggers on display included the Soren Larsen and Endeavour the replica of Captain Cooks vessel.
After inspecting the antique wooden racing boats, marine models and art (not as interestng as in our Squadron Art Exhibition, I felt), we quickly made our way to a warm cafe for lunch before getting ready for our Big Train Adventure.
From our hotel room we could see the elegant chinese garden, and the hotel, squeezed in between Darling Habour, Chinatown and the Powerhouse Museum was ideal for satisfying a wide variety of holiday interests.
On the first day of our arrival in Sydney, it was extremely hot, ideal for strolling along the sculptued waterways along the beautiful Darling Harbour precinct and select a reasonably priced cafe to enjoy a light luncheon and a local beer.
Later in the day it was time to explore the stalls and factory shops of Paddy’s market before plunging, again, into the array of Darliing Harbour Restaurants to find a place for dinner. Often the places slightly off the main walkway are the ones to go for and we located an excellent place to enjoy a seafood meal.
When in Sydney a visit ot the Rocks area is a ‘must visit’ so next day, which was a little cooler we enjoyed devourig the delicious aromas from the food market before adjourning to our favourite Cafe at the Rocks for Lunch. Our other favourite place at the Rocks to visit, is a Nautical shop, full of a huge variety of maritime paraphahalia. Sadly, it was no longer there, so it was on to our favourite bookshop at the Rocks. Not big ebough to get lost in, the shop has an eclectic variety or Australian fiction, non fiction, classical, popular and books to satisfy most book lover’s tastes.
To live up to our reputation of going on ‘a busman’s holiday’ we embarked on a Coffee Cruise on the Sydney harbour in the afternoon. As we neared the heads, past the affluent home hill suburbs, the wind rose quite substantially and we were well entertained watching some drawn out and hairy spinnaker lowering from some of the yachts racing on the harbour. The wind was also enough to prevent our visiting the habours near the heads so we trundled under the bridge, to the extensive inland waterways, surrounded by homes, boat repair and naval years. And yes, like us in Auckland, there was a derelict steam driven ferry huddling the shore, waiting patiently for people (and funding) to restore her.
Later in the day we strolled back to our hotel after visiting the QVB Centre. The street level has gone upmarket since our last visit and the most interesting Acccories shop that I loved to visit, had gone. To reach our hotel we passed through Chinatown, with its specialist shops, restaurants and crowds of Friday night wanderers. The busy outdoor market offered a huge variety of oriental food, with deliscious flavours wafting into the night air.
It was very cold on Saturday morning. We walked quickly towards the Australian Classic Wooden Boat Show, stopping by a most impressive array of classic vehicles from the American Muscle Car Club. Its interesing how many of us love to admire and reminisque upon the era when Dodges, Fairlaines and similar cars were commonplace - I wonder if it is something to do with age??
Classic Boats in Sydney, according to what we saw at the show, appeared to be beamier than ones in New Zealand, and the launches seemed to be designed for boating in sheltered in waters. But no matter where a classic boat lover is, the boats look as if they have been lovingly maintined, and it is hard not to caress one’s hand across the varnished woodwork. And the talk is all the same.... Oh and does anyone wish to purchase classic racing yacht? Very reasonably priced, we thought, and the woodwork was sanded all ready for varnishing. And Gretel was on display too, looking very smart and ready to go racing. I remember seeing her when she was being refurbished in Auckland, New Zealand, The Square Riggers on display included the Soren Larsen and Endeavour the replica of Captain Cooks vessel.
After inspecting the antique wooden racing boats, marine models and art (not as interestng as in our Squadron Art Exhibition, I felt), we quickly made our way to a warm cafe for lunch before getting ready for our Big Train Adventure.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
A flying visit and adventure to London and York, England
Hello everyone,
This was a very quick visit to London - the purpose of which was to attend a surprise stag do for Son in law to be, a girls night out for the gals, and to meet incoming family members.
it is always exciting landing in London - and especially so this time as we landed at daybreak - with the sky lightening up in the distance and the many planes landing and leaving the dark Heathrow with all lights flashing - it made us feel as if we were in a star wars movie!
A very busy week it was. We were pleased we that we booked a day trip York, by train which was very pleasant day. The 2 hour trip through green rural land under grey skies passed quickly and we arrived to a cool sometimes rainy day. Our research suggested we visit the York Minster (cathedral) which is the largest Gothic cathedral of its type in England. However you did have to pay to go to various areas which turned out to be rather expensive, so we opted to pay to negotiate the 275 narrow winding stairs to the top of the tower, which gave us an expansive view of York and its surrounds. The old city with its "Shambles" streets was pretty, quaint, and small. The area featured lots of shops, eating places and a market. Great to wander around, Unfortunately we missed the cat shop but we did not miss the Mulberry Lane Porcelain and Crystal shop. Some amazing displays by world renowned companies and artists were here. An ideal place to have a wedding registry if one was well heeled. Probably the most interesting place was the National Railway Museum which nobody told us about. it is so much more than rows of trains! One of the most interesting features was the 'working warehouse' - shelves and shelves of paraphanalia to do with trains (and boats) walls of signs, all either, being, or about to be restored. Furniture, signals, chamber pots, fabrics, photos and paintings, signal boards, significant pieces of timber and metal, model trains and boats, many items to oooh and ah about.
The other 'must visit' when visiting York, England is the JORVIK Viking Centre. As well as featuring an authentic recreated (including the smells) which one travels though gondola, the centre explores the migrations around England from the geneological point of view. This technology is still very new and confirms or refutes original beliefs about the travels and habits of the vikings and other races.
Mid September was an ideal time to visit London, I felt - the days were balmy to cold (if you are from New Zealand or that part of the world), there were not too many tourists around, so not many queues, and the leaves on the trees had not yet turned, so it was like a cool summer's week.
I did discover some 'do nots' while in London;
- don't eat baked beans with a British Big Breakfast
- don't get on the wrong bus
- dont dont dont mix jet lag with cold tablets and alcohol..................
it was awesome catching up with family members, as well as new and old friends! And to have a quick glimpse at the Victoria and Albert Musuem (must check out and book for any special exhibitions before we go, next time) and to duck into the most interesting shop at the Science Museum. Well - that 'quick' visit lasted over 2 hours.... We did enjoy seeing the steam engine in operation! The National Geographic Shop in Regent Street had some interesting displays on too. Pity they have gone into selling heaps of clothes. But the hot chocolate and coffees in their shop next door is well worth the visit.
So now we are back home and looking forward to our next adventure to Australia and to my son's wedding in a couple of weeks......
This was a very quick visit to London - the purpose of which was to attend a surprise stag do for Son in law to be, a girls night out for the gals, and to meet incoming family members.
it is always exciting landing in London - and especially so this time as we landed at daybreak - with the sky lightening up in the distance and the many planes landing and leaving the dark Heathrow with all lights flashing - it made us feel as if we were in a star wars movie!
A very busy week it was. We were pleased we that we booked a day trip York, by train which was very pleasant day. The 2 hour trip through green rural land under grey skies passed quickly and we arrived to a cool sometimes rainy day. Our research suggested we visit the York Minster (cathedral) which is the largest Gothic cathedral of its type in England. However you did have to pay to go to various areas which turned out to be rather expensive, so we opted to pay to negotiate the 275 narrow winding stairs to the top of the tower, which gave us an expansive view of York and its surrounds. The old city with its "Shambles" streets was pretty, quaint, and small. The area featured lots of shops, eating places and a market. Great to wander around, Unfortunately we missed the cat shop but we did not miss the Mulberry Lane Porcelain and Crystal shop. Some amazing displays by world renowned companies and artists were here. An ideal place to have a wedding registry if one was well heeled. Probably the most interesting place was the National Railway Museum which nobody told us about. it is so much more than rows of trains! One of the most interesting features was the 'working warehouse' - shelves and shelves of paraphanalia to do with trains (and boats) walls of signs, all either, being, or about to be restored. Furniture, signals, chamber pots, fabrics, photos and paintings, signal boards, significant pieces of timber and metal, model trains and boats, many items to oooh and ah about.
The other 'must visit' when visiting York, England is the JORVIK Viking Centre. As well as featuring an authentic recreated (including the smells) which one travels though gondola, the centre explores the migrations around England from the geneological point of view. This technology is still very new and confirms or refutes original beliefs about the travels and habits of the vikings and other races.
Mid September was an ideal time to visit London, I felt - the days were balmy to cold (if you are from New Zealand or that part of the world), there were not too many tourists around, so not many queues, and the leaves on the trees had not yet turned, so it was like a cool summer's week.
I did discover some 'do nots' while in London;
- don't eat baked beans with a British Big Breakfast
- don't get on the wrong bus
- dont dont dont mix jet lag with cold tablets and alcohol..................
it was awesome catching up with family members, as well as new and old friends! And to have a quick glimpse at the Victoria and Albert Musuem (must check out and book for any special exhibitions before we go, next time) and to duck into the most interesting shop at the Science Museum. Well - that 'quick' visit lasted over 2 hours.... We did enjoy seeing the steam engine in operation! The National Geographic Shop in Regent Street had some interesting displays on too. Pity they have gone into selling heaps of clothes. But the hot chocolate and coffees in their shop next door is well worth the visit.
So now we are back home and looking forward to our next adventure to Australia and to my son's wedding in a couple of weeks......
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Cannes on a Wintery Sunday
We travelled by train to Cannes, past towns, seaside resorts, a huge luxury apartment block, more resorts, and as we arrived, so did the rain. Ever been to a tourist town in the wintery off season, in the rain? And being a Sunday, with no shops open? We quickly walked from the train station to the seaside, and walked more quickly towards the old town, past the famous Congress Centre where many events including the Cannes Film Festival is held every May. So we missed the hand prints of famous movies stars and various sculptures. But we did wander - very quickly - through the quaint picturesque outdoor Christmas Market - where stall holders outnumbered visitors and over to the old town and up the hill to get a view of the place. Fortunately the rain let up for a but for us to enjoy the view. A beautiful place, even in the gloom!
By now it was lunch time, but no cafes or pubs in sight. The day was So Gloomy we decided to travel back to Nice. Then we discovered a huge french food market - indoors, then fishmongers and many chocolate shops. One had many religious items for christmas, including something for each of the 12 days of Christmas - all in chocolate! Have a look at the pics to see more.
So that was Cannes! I'd love to return in summer! Back in Nice the day was even more gloomy and we set off in the rain to find a place to have a late lunch as there was nothing else to do - everything was closed. No crowds or tourists anywhere.
Al last, after walking for hours, it seemed, in the rain, and feeling very cold and wet, we finally found a street of restaurants, and some were open! Now, which one..
Hey, look at that! A Le Maori Restaurant! I wonder if it does hangi food. No? Well French fare will do! Look at the menu! All Black and Barvarian items. Someone obviously likes rugby here. I wonder if we should mention that our team the All Blacks one against the French at Marseilles last night?? Well, everyone agrees it was a great game. Look at the cutlery! Handles shaped like the Koru. Dessert? Yes please! Gosh, look at the size of our plates! No small arty servings here. And decent sized Stella glasses too. This seems just the place to stay on a wintery afternoon.
And then back to the hotel to pack for our next adventure!
By now it was lunch time, but no cafes or pubs in sight. The day was So Gloomy we decided to travel back to Nice. Then we discovered a huge french food market - indoors, then fishmongers and many chocolate shops. One had many religious items for christmas, including something for each of the 12 days of Christmas - all in chocolate! Have a look at the pics to see more.
So that was Cannes! I'd love to return in summer! Back in Nice the day was even more gloomy and we set off in the rain to find a place to have a late lunch as there was nothing else to do - everything was closed. No crowds or tourists anywhere.
Al last, after walking for hours, it seemed, in the rain, and feeling very cold and wet, we finally found a street of restaurants, and some were open! Now, which one..
Hey, look at that! A Le Maori Restaurant! I wonder if it does hangi food. No? Well French fare will do! Look at the menu! All Black and Barvarian items. Someone obviously likes rugby here. I wonder if we should mention that our team the All Blacks one against the French at Marseilles last night?? Well, everyone agrees it was a great game. Look at the cutlery! Handles shaped like the Koru. Dessert? Yes please! Gosh, look at the size of our plates! No small arty servings here. And decent sized Stella glasses too. This seems just the place to stay on a wintery afternoon.
And then back to the hotel to pack for our next adventure!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Monaco - boating paradise in the sun
We travelled by rail from Nice to Monaco. We emerged from the railway station, which is modern, marble paved and set in the middle of the mountain into sunshine, warmth, to a scene crowded with wall to wall boats on the blue waters and wall to wall hotels and apartments piled up against the mountains. After strolling along the waterfront admiring all the yachts we moved on to inspect the Monaco Yacht Club's Racing Mark Laying boat. Instead of using anchors to secure the marks on the ocean floor, we noted that concrete blocks on the end of twine are used. Presumably the twine is cut and the blocks remain on the ocean floor! I wonder what the archeologists in the year 5000 will make of these when researching it for clues of human activities in the year 2009! After retiring to the very modern, classy Monaco Yacht Club for refreshments, we walked to the top of the old town and visited the Aquarium. Built by Prince Albert of Monaco, a passionate ocean and wildlife exporer in the late 1800's, the building hosts many acquariums of unusual and endangered fish and sealife. While inspecting the exhbition, and finding out about the research techniques carried out by Prince Albert and his team, one wonders if these practices would be acceptable today. However the sealife exhibits talk a lot about conservation, preservation and of the aquarium's most successful breeding programme for overseas aquariums. If you ever venture to this neck of the woods, the Aquarium is well worth a visit.
Out into the sunshine again we strolled, and relaxed at one of the cafes near the palace, where royalty still live, to enjoy Monaco's award winning beer. Then, somewhat reluctantly, we wended our way to the beautiful Monaco railway station back to Nice.
Oh, that's right - it is Saturday! Time to watch the New Zealand All Blacks play the French!! And to enjoy the conviviality of the Hotel bar where there is a wide screen TV!
And then, tomorrow, to sunny, exciting Cannes....... uh oh - don't like the look of the clouds - surely that cannot be correct????
Out into the sunshine again we strolled, and relaxed at one of the cafes near the palace, where royalty still live, to enjoy Monaco's award winning beer. Then, somewhat reluctantly, we wended our way to the beautiful Monaco railway station back to Nice.
Oh, that's right - it is Saturday! Time to watch the New Zealand All Blacks play the French!! And to enjoy the conviviality of the Hotel bar where there is a wide screen TV!
And then, tomorrow, to sunny, exciting Cannes....... uh oh - don't like the look of the clouds - surely that cannot be correct????
Friday, December 4, 2009
The French Riviera
Ah - the South of France - isn't this everyone's neck of the woods dream to visit, lie in the warm sun and mingle with celebrities? We purchased a 'Le Tan' package at a hotel in Nice and arrived on a cool overcast day all set to relax after our cruise. As well as a very good rate which included an excellent breakfast, robes, slippers and products to make our bathroom activities more relaxing, free visits to the hotel solaruim was promoted. That sounds like me! Where are the relaxing products in the bathroom? Oh - there they are - shampoo and bath gel. Oh well, I will just zip up to the solarium and work on my tan. Up on the 12th floor the swimming pool was empty - well it was no longer the summer season. But where is the solarium? Down to Reception to enquire. That area around the pool is the solarium, I was told. What? How can I get a suntan up there? There is no sun!!!!
There was a pause as the folks at Reception gave me a funny look. What did I expect at this time of year? Do you have an indoor solaruim? In the sunny South of France?? You must be kidding....
There was a pause as the folks at Reception gave me a funny look. What did I expect at this time of year? Do you have an indoor solaruim? In the sunny South of France?? You must be kidding....
Ah - Naples, Pompei and Sorrento
Our cruise ship the Costa Serena's last port of call was Naples. Anxious to view Mt Vesuvious we were up early an high up on deck, however mist shrouded this famous mountain and instead we were reduced to viewing the many superyachts lounging about -ready to hibernate for winter. Soon we were on a bus travelling to Sorrento, a quaint seaside tourist town. We left the port, passing many very shabby apartment buildings in the Naples city centre, boarded a train and travelled for about an hour through the Naples suburbs and surrounds. The land is very fertile, our guide informed us and it was interesting to see gardens, lemon tree plantations and glass houses dotted everywhere throughout the suburbs. Upon our arrival at Sorrento, we were directed to a place to have a 'technical' stop, which meant a toilet and coffee break. The local coffee is excellent here. I think it is Neopolitan. It has a unique taste and I have to say that coffee has never tasted the same since - it was so delicious! Off we went on our walking tour. Sorrento is old historic, quaint and very tourist orientated. The streets are narrow - many are just walkways and the whole place is geared for local and upmarket shopping. As it was near Xmas the town was decorated - Christmas trees, leafy bowers under windows and Xmas lights everywhere! It must look so picturesque at night!
Eventually we arrived at the water's edge. Er - not exactly - we were about 50 metres above the water on top of a rocky cliff. In Sorrento it is difficult to get to the sea. And there is no beach! Instead people have to pay to sunbathe on piers stretching over the beautiful, clear, blue waters. At last our walking tour ended -not surprisingly, at a pre arranged shop from where we could purchase almost anything made of and to do with lemons - from a huge array of sweets to lemoncellos presented in most decorative bottles, handcrafts and ornaments.
Thankfully we did not have much time to contribute to the local economy and shop - the prices were Definately for the Well Heeled Traveller, and soon we were back on the train. Oh, look! There are the ruins of Pompei! Why didn't we visit them? other Cruise Ship visitors confirmed what we suspected - one needed a whole day to inspect the genuine and replica ruins on display. I would like to come back to Naples and visit the Pompei ruins, and also inspect the city centre - a group of very tall newish glass buildings soaring like a sore tooth out of the eyesores of apartments in the suburbs by the port's edge.
And now it is back to the Costa Serena and get ready to finish our Italiabn cruise ship adventure at Slovena.
Eventually we arrived at the water's edge. Er - not exactly - we were about 50 metres above the water on top of a rocky cliff. In Sorrento it is difficult to get to the sea. And there is no beach! Instead people have to pay to sunbathe on piers stretching over the beautiful, clear, blue waters. At last our walking tour ended -not surprisingly, at a pre arranged shop from where we could purchase almost anything made of and to do with lemons - from a huge array of sweets to lemoncellos presented in most decorative bottles, handcrafts and ornaments.
Thankfully we did not have much time to contribute to the local economy and shop - the prices were Definately for the Well Heeled Traveller, and soon we were back on the train. Oh, look! There are the ruins of Pompei! Why didn't we visit them? other Cruise Ship visitors confirmed what we suspected - one needed a whole day to inspect the genuine and replica ruins on display. I would like to come back to Naples and visit the Pompei ruins, and also inspect the city centre - a group of very tall newish glass buildings soaring like a sore tooth out of the eyesores of apartments in the suburbs by the port's edge.
And now it is back to the Costa Serena and get ready to finish our Italiabn cruise ship adventure at Slovena.
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