Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Mount Buller

Everyone worked hard for July's month end closing. We worked even on a Saturday. The Finance Manager promised to take us to Mount Buller if we were able to 'close July' without any issues and WE DID!

It was a long drive from Melbourne. Finally, after 3 hours of driving, we reached Mount Buller. We rented a ski jacket and a toboggan. I regretted not renting boots. It was freezing cold and my shoes & socks got all wet.

It was raining and windy. We had no choice but to take the chairlift up to the peak instead of the gondola due to the bad weather.
Midway up, we saw people skiing down the slope. Nice! How I wish I can ski just like them. :D

It was all white up at the peak. Too bad it wasn't snowing. Stayed outdoor for a while, took some pictures before heading in to the cafeteria to 'defrost' and enjoy a cup of Hot Chocolate!

Some photo session :-
After that, we headed to another area to play the toboggan ride. It was fun!



Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Melbourne - City of lights

I was in Melbourne for 1.5 weeks but only managed to visit the city only once at night. So if you ask me to describe Melbourne, I'll say it's a City of lights.

I parked near the Crown casino and we walked along the Southbank to the Federation square and back.

Desc : The crown casino building

Took many pictures along the way as it was a beautiful night. Enjoy the pictures below! :)

Desc : The view along southbank heading towards Federation Square


Desc : The view opposite southbank. On the other side of the riverbank.

There were many street performers that night. It was very different as compared to Sydney. The mood, the feel.. It gives me a feeling that the city is aliveee even after 7pm....... :)

Desc : A lady Juggling fire torches

Desc : These 2 guys are good and cute too. *ehem* They should join Australian Idol.
Desc : Romanticc..... The Australian version of "Kenny G" :)

Desc : The Australian version of Eiffel tower. I think it's the arts centre below it.

Desc : The bridge to Federation Square

Desc : Lurvee this pic. My masterpiece. :) Picture taken from the Bridge. Southgate is on the left side.

Desc : Welcome to Federation Square!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Sydney - One day sightseeing (Part 2)

Queen Victoria Building


Some history of the QVB Building

The Queen Victoria Building, now affectionately known as the QVB, was designed by George McRae and completed in 1898, replacing the original Sydney markets on the site. Built as a monument to the long reigning monarch, construction took place in dire times, as Sydney was in a severe recession. The elaborate Romanesque architecture was specially planned for the grand building so the Government could employ many out-of-work craftsmen – stonemasons, plasterers, and stained window artists - in a worthwhile project. Originally, a concert hall, coffee shops, offices, showrooms, warehouses and a wide variety of tradespeople, such as tailors, mercers, hairdressers and florists, were accommodated.

Over many decades, change saw the concert hall become the city library, offices proliferate and more tenants move in, including piano tuners, palmists and clairvoyants. Drastic 'remodelling' occurred during the austere 1930s and the main occupant was the Sydney City Council. As recently as 1959 the Queen Victoria Building was threatened with demolition. As it stands now, in all its glory, it is testimony to the original vision for the building and the superb craftsmanship of the artisans who put it all back together again


Impressive dome at the center of the building (above). Inside the mall (Below).



Darling Harbour

After visiting the QVB, I just walked like 10 minutes to Darling Harbour. It's a nice place to take pictures, relax and chill out. There are many cafes and restaurants nearby. Many kids will be playing with water at the area below. From the picture, you can see Sydney tower at the far end too.



Saturday, March 14, 2009

Sydney - One day sightseeing (Part 1)

I'm at Sydney now. It's only 5:30pm on Sunday and I have no idea what to do.. Guess it's the best time to update my blog. I have lots of entries to catch up but I'll just leave those later. I'll talk about Sydney first.

This is my 2nd trip to Sydney. I came here before when I was 13. That was along time ago huh.. So I think I'll have to do the sightseeing once again. My initial plan was to cover the city in 2 days but I managed to do all of that just in 1 day.

Harbour Bridge

This is one of the iconic place in sydney. Many people just take pictures of the bridge from afar. What you should do is to actually walk across the bridge. I did not drive down to the city but took the train instead. I got out at Milson Point's station and walk across this bridge towards the Opera house following the walking path called ' Cahill Walk'.


Along the walk, you'll be able to see the bridge up-close and of course the opera house from afar. It's good to take this walk in the evening. I did this in the afternoon at about 12. It's so hot and the sun is burning.. Can get dark easily..




The Rocks @ Weekend market


After completing the bridge walk, you'll reach The Rocks. It's in between the bridge and the Opera house. During weekends, you'll find a weekend market there. Lotsa interesting items for sale. Got some souvenirs here.



Sydney Opera House

After walking around the market, next stop. The opera house. Along the way to the opera house, you will pass by Circular Quay. The interchange station for buses, trains & ferries.


From Circular Quay, you'll be able to catch a good view of the harbour bridge. So time for some camwhoring.