Sydney, Australia 2013 (Part III) | Days 5 - 7
Day 5 (Skydiving)
Bounce --> 810 George St (pick-up point) --> Skydive the Beach Dropzone
Being my first tandem skydiving, I think it deserves a post on its own because I have so much to say. Link to my skydiving experience here.
I was back at the drop-zone by 10.45am but I've got to wait for 45 minutes for my photos and till 3.45pm for the bus back to Sydney CBD. Of course, I could have taken the train back but the dropzone is very far from central Sydney and my pass does not cover that kind of distance.
It didn't feel like a 5 hours wait, though I was getting impatient by 2+pm. I didn't have anything in the cafe nearby because at this time, I really wanted to have Asian food more than anything else. I just thought I should have walked a little more around Wollongong!
I was basically soaking in the sun, sand and coolness around me.
We reached Central at about 5.15pm.
Central --> Mamak Malaysia Restaurant --> Central Railway Station --> Bounce
I was by now, very hungry. All I had was a Milo snack bar for breakfast. I walked over to Mamak Malaysian Restaurant but there was a long queue and I know I cannot afford to queue for that, despite the 15 minute walk. I was contemplating going to another branch of Chat Thai, but it closes at 6pm. Having made the walk to Mamak, I cannot afford to eat Chat Thai now.
I walked to Central Railway Station, ready to settle for Krispy Kreme's milkshake (recommended by Serene) and Hungry Jacks (their fast food chain). Sadly, Hungry Jacks only sells chicken and beef (even their McD focuses on chicken and beef with only 1 fillet-o-fish burger) and I wasn't too keen on that.
Along with the milkshake, I decided to get a Chocolate Cheesecake donut and when told that I can get a second piece at AUD0.95, I got another Triple Chocolate donut and that settles my dinner (AUD7.95). The former was good while after a few taste of the toppings for the latter, I threw it away. The milkshake wasn't remarkable as well (too milky for me) and I only drank half of it.
I was back at the hostel by 6.30pm.
Day 6
Bounce --> Bourke Street Bakery --> Bounce
It took me 30 minutes to look for this place because I keyed in the wrong address (632 Bourke Street instead of 633 Bourke Street) in my GPS. As I was looking for 632 Bourke Street, I walked past a bakery which gives out this really nice smell. But I have to look for Bourke Street Bakery so I told myself that I can come over to have a look on my way back. Turns out, that was the bakery that I was looking for!
I had a chocolate tart and a lemon curd tart (AUD4.50 each). I thought I could do away with croissants since I am not a fan of anything too "bread-y". Both tarts are so, so good. I knew I will be back to have their croissant. I decided that instead of trying out a cafe in Redfern area (which i didn't get to explore), I am coming back to this bakery instead. Google Maps brought me back to my hotel with a mere 10 minutes walk!
Bounce --> Paddy's Market --> Woolworths --> Bounce
Today is a day planned for shopping. Thursday is also a day where shopping malls open till a little later than usual (like 9pm instead of 6pm). As the mall only opens at 10am, I thought I would walk over to Paddy's Market in search of chocolate nougats that the sister wants. I guess as it was just a little past 9am, not many shops are open and I decided to leave.
I went to Woolworths again and this time I found so many things to buy (maybe because it's almost the end of the trip) and many more things are on sale (like, 50%). I don't eat Tim Tam, but since it was on 50% discount, I decided to bring some back as somehow it is symbolic of Australia as well. I regretted not bringing back more because my colleagues say that some stores in Singapore sell the Indonesia version but only the Made in Australia ones are the good ones. At 50% it is really a good deal! They have more flavours there too. Unknowingly, I bought too much and headed back to Bounce to put down the stuff.
Bounce --> Mamak Malaysian Restaurant
As it was about 11am when I returned to Central, I decided to have try my luck at Mamak Malaysian Restaurant, which opens at 11.30am. On the way, I saw these in the skies of Sydney!
So sweet!
I reached around 11.50am and managed to get a seat without queuing. However, there was a 15-minute wait for the food. I got their signature roti prata (AUD5.50) and surprisingly it tastes quite good! I finished everything; the first meal I managed to finish! Cheap and filling.
I was pretty satisfied with this meal because when I was missing Asian food so much, the prices of more than AUD10 for a simple 1 dish and rice meal puts me off. And I can't even be sure it tastes Asian.
Mamak Malaysian Restaurant --> Pitt Street Mall, Westfields, Meyers, David Jones and Strand Arcade (Town Hall station) --> Bounce
It is time to shop. I walked for 3 hours, throughout the places, but I can't really find anything to buy. Most things are too expensive. Managed to buy a pair of shoes from Steve Madden (I cannot control myself when it's shoes we're talking about), Tried the shoe on display (size 9.5; last pair) and immediately knew that it's made for me. Told the counter staff that I want to get that pair and she was being judgmental.
Counter staff: I'm sorry. Our smallest size is size 9.
Me: I am a size 9.5, I tried this pair and it fits.
Only then she went to get the shoes to let me try on. After I confirmed that I am buying it, her attitude improved. -_-
The only other thing I got was a laptop case which is not cheap but super cute (like my kind of favourite sweater)! By now, my legs are breaking (especially with nothing to shop). I wanted to try Chat Thai at The Galleries, but decided that I was still full. So I headed back to Bounce to take a rest. It's only 3.40pm.
Certainly, one does not have to allocate much time for shopping I guess!
Bounce --> Chat Thai --> Woolworths --> Bounce
I napped and my body refuse to get up until 5.30pm. Headed to Chat Thai at The Galleries (Town Hall station) to try out Phad Thai.
It was not too bad - but I didn't like the plethora of bean sprouts and chicken. As a result of that, I couldn't really have a fair tasting of the Phad Thai. Half my plate was untouched and I was actually not full. Nonetheless, it is apparent that at that timing, the only stall with a queue is Chat Thai.
I continued to shop a little more and painstakingly found a top which I eventually bought. It was just a simple top, and probably not cheaper than in Singapore, but I figured that I might not even shop in Singapore, so I bought it. I think most importantly I just want to feel better by buying more stuff (haha). There is also this Magnum pleasure store where you can customize your own Magnum. But this afternoon the queue was horrendous and I didn't want to wait 2 hours for an ice-cream. Even till late, the queue did not subside.
This day, I really see a lot more people in the malls shopping at night. This phenomenon is so weird - shopping till late only on Thursdays.
I dropped by Woolworths again to get my final dose of Coke Zero. Bought more Tim Tam too because people are buying it like crazy. I guess I am after all a Singaporean (lol). But then again, I regretted not buying more after knowing how much it costs in Singapore.
It was 7.45pm by the time I returned to Bounce and my legs were on the verge of death.
Day 7
Bounce --> Bourke Street Bakery
I'm here again! :)
Had their hot chocolate (very good, better than bill's) and ham and cheese croissant (also good!). Very satisfying meal. I cannot forget how awesome their chocolate tart is, so I packed 4 to bring back to Singapore. Just felt compelled to do so!
Bourke Street Bakery --> Magnum Pleasure Store, Westfields (Town Hall station) --> Bounce
Made a trip to Magnum Pleasure Store to try what I didn't get to try the day before. No queue early in the morning!
My creation (AUD7)
Rushed back to Bounce to collect my baggage as I've got to set off for the airport!
Bounce --> Kingsford Smith Airport T1 --> Singapore
The airport ain't too far away but I remember that I had to run for my flight because the immigration took some time to clear. I guess I reached the airport late too. :p Maybe that's why I got bumped to the seat with lots of legroom - super comfortable!
Came back with a baggage of 18kg!
--
On a final note, for the adventurous, it is pretty expensive to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. I heard that there is an alternative to climb (not as high though). It costs only AUD 11 and you can bring your own camera up there! If I have a chance to be back in Sydney, I might consider climbling! :)
Sydney, Australia 2013 (Part I) | General Info & Days 1 - 2
Sydney, Australia 2013 (Part II) | Days 3 - 4
Bounce --> 810 George St (pick-up point) --> Skydive the Beach Dropzone
Being my first tandem skydiving, I think it deserves a post on its own because I have so much to say. Link to my skydiving experience here.
I was back at the drop-zone by 10.45am but I've got to wait for 45 minutes for my photos and till 3.45pm for the bus back to Sydney CBD. Of course, I could have taken the train back but the dropzone is very far from central Sydney and my pass does not cover that kind of distance.
It didn't feel like a 5 hours wait, though I was getting impatient by 2+pm. I didn't have anything in the cafe nearby because at this time, I really wanted to have Asian food more than anything else. I just thought I should have walked a little more around Wollongong!
I was basically soaking in the sun, sand and coolness around me.
We reached Central at about 5.15pm.
Central --> Mamak Malaysia Restaurant --> Central Railway Station --> Bounce
I was by now, very hungry. All I had was a Milo snack bar for breakfast. I walked over to Mamak Malaysian Restaurant but there was a long queue and I know I cannot afford to queue for that, despite the 15 minute walk. I was contemplating going to another branch of Chat Thai, but it closes at 6pm. Having made the walk to Mamak, I cannot afford to eat Chat Thai now.
I walked to Central Railway Station, ready to settle for Krispy Kreme's milkshake (recommended by Serene) and Hungry Jacks (their fast food chain). Sadly, Hungry Jacks only sells chicken and beef (even their McD focuses on chicken and beef with only 1 fillet-o-fish burger) and I wasn't too keen on that.
Along with the milkshake, I decided to get a Chocolate Cheesecake donut and when told that I can get a second piece at AUD0.95, I got another Triple Chocolate donut and that settles my dinner (AUD7.95). The former was good while after a few taste of the toppings for the latter, I threw it away. The milkshake wasn't remarkable as well (too milky for me) and I only drank half of it.
I was back at the hostel by 6.30pm.
Day 6
Bounce --> Bourke Street Bakery --> Bounce
It took me 30 minutes to look for this place because I keyed in the wrong address (632 Bourke Street instead of 633 Bourke Street) in my GPS. As I was looking for 632 Bourke Street, I walked past a bakery which gives out this really nice smell. But I have to look for Bourke Street Bakery so I told myself that I can come over to have a look on my way back. Turns out, that was the bakery that I was looking for!
I had a chocolate tart and a lemon curd tart (AUD4.50 each). I thought I could do away with croissants since I am not a fan of anything too "bread-y". Both tarts are so, so good. I knew I will be back to have their croissant. I decided that instead of trying out a cafe in Redfern area (which i didn't get to explore), I am coming back to this bakery instead. Google Maps brought me back to my hotel with a mere 10 minutes walk!
Bounce --> Paddy's Market --> Woolworths --> Bounce
Today is a day planned for shopping. Thursday is also a day where shopping malls open till a little later than usual (like 9pm instead of 6pm). As the mall only opens at 10am, I thought I would walk over to Paddy's Market in search of chocolate nougats that the sister wants. I guess as it was just a little past 9am, not many shops are open and I decided to leave.
I went to Woolworths again and this time I found so many things to buy (maybe because it's almost the end of the trip) and many more things are on sale (like, 50%). I don't eat Tim Tam, but since it was on 50% discount, I decided to bring some back as somehow it is symbolic of Australia as well. I regretted not bringing back more because my colleagues say that some stores in Singapore sell the Indonesia version but only the Made in Australia ones are the good ones. At 50% it is really a good deal! They have more flavours there too. Unknowingly, I bought too much and headed back to Bounce to put down the stuff.
Bounce --> Mamak Malaysian Restaurant
As it was about 11am when I returned to Central, I decided to have try my luck at Mamak Malaysian Restaurant, which opens at 11.30am. On the way, I saw these in the skies of Sydney!
So sweet!
I reached around 11.50am and managed to get a seat without queuing. However, there was a 15-minute wait for the food. I got their signature roti prata (AUD5.50) and surprisingly it tastes quite good! I finished everything; the first meal I managed to finish! Cheap and filling.
I was pretty satisfied with this meal because when I was missing Asian food so much, the prices of more than AUD10 for a simple 1 dish and rice meal puts me off. And I can't even be sure it tastes Asian.
Mamak Malaysian Restaurant --> Pitt Street Mall, Westfields, Meyers, David Jones and Strand Arcade (Town Hall station) --> Bounce
It is time to shop. I walked for 3 hours, throughout the places, but I can't really find anything to buy. Most things are too expensive. Managed to buy a pair of shoes from Steve Madden (I cannot control myself when it's shoes we're talking about), Tried the shoe on display (size 9.5; last pair) and immediately knew that it's made for me. Told the counter staff that I want to get that pair and she was being judgmental.
Counter staff: I'm sorry. Our smallest size is size 9.
Me: I am a size 9.5, I tried this pair and it fits.
Only then she went to get the shoes to let me try on. After I confirmed that I am buying it, her attitude improved. -_-
The only other thing I got was a laptop case which is not cheap but super cute (like my kind of favourite sweater)! By now, my legs are breaking (especially with nothing to shop). I wanted to try Chat Thai at The Galleries, but decided that I was still full. So I headed back to Bounce to take a rest. It's only 3.40pm.
Certainly, one does not have to allocate much time for shopping I guess!
Bounce --> Chat Thai --> Woolworths --> Bounce
I napped and my body refuse to get up until 5.30pm. Headed to Chat Thai at The Galleries (Town Hall station) to try out Phad Thai.
It was not too bad - but I didn't like the plethora of bean sprouts and chicken. As a result of that, I couldn't really have a fair tasting of the Phad Thai. Half my plate was untouched and I was actually not full. Nonetheless, it is apparent that at that timing, the only stall with a queue is Chat Thai.
I continued to shop a little more and painstakingly found a top which I eventually bought. It was just a simple top, and probably not cheaper than in Singapore, but I figured that I might not even shop in Singapore, so I bought it. I think most importantly I just want to feel better by buying more stuff (haha). There is also this Magnum pleasure store where you can customize your own Magnum. But this afternoon the queue was horrendous and I didn't want to wait 2 hours for an ice-cream. Even till late, the queue did not subside.
This day, I really see a lot more people in the malls shopping at night. This phenomenon is so weird - shopping till late only on Thursdays.
I dropped by Woolworths again to get my final dose of Coke Zero. Bought more Tim Tam too because people are buying it like crazy. I guess I am after all a Singaporean (lol). But then again, I regretted not buying more after knowing how much it costs in Singapore.
It was 7.45pm by the time I returned to Bounce and my legs were on the verge of death.
Day 7
Bounce --> Bourke Street Bakery
I'm here again! :)
Had their hot chocolate (very good, better than bill's) and ham and cheese croissant (also good!). Very satisfying meal. I cannot forget how awesome their chocolate tart is, so I packed 4 to bring back to Singapore. Just felt compelled to do so!
Bourke Street Bakery --> Magnum Pleasure Store, Westfields (Town Hall station) --> Bounce
Made a trip to Magnum Pleasure Store to try what I didn't get to try the day before. No queue early in the morning!
My creation (AUD7)
Rushed back to Bounce to collect my baggage as I've got to set off for the airport!
Bounce --> Kingsford Smith Airport T1 --> Singapore
The airport ain't too far away but I remember that I had to run for my flight because the immigration took some time to clear. I guess I reached the airport late too. :p Maybe that's why I got bumped to the seat with lots of legroom - super comfortable!
Came back with a baggage of 18kg!
--
On a final note, for the adventurous, it is pretty expensive to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. I heard that there is an alternative to climb (not as high though). It costs only AUD 11 and you can bring your own camera up there! If I have a chance to be back in Sydney, I might consider climbling! :)
Sydney, Australia 2013 (Part I) | General Info & Days 1 - 2
Sydney, Australia 2013 (Part II) | Days 3 - 4