My Australia trip.....Fun Fun Fun!!! Day 4

There are a few scenic spots at Warrnambool. A nice beach where horses took bathes was our first stop. A scenic place off the tourist information center.

Next up was the Logan Beach, otherwise known as the Whale watching beach. Too bad the whales dont arrive till June. Nonetheless, the beach is quite an awesome sight and definitely worth the trip with or without the whales.

As we leave Warrnambool, it is with feelings of excitment as we finally embark on the Great Ocean Road. Within 30 mins or so, we arrive at our first place of interest of the Cheese World that of course sell CHEESE!!! There is also some free cheese tasting session. Unfortunately, we miss it by a few minutes!
Our first view of the sea was granted by the Bay of Island. Not sure if it is becuase it is the first site seeing stop or is it really really so beautiful that we felt it is much more beautiful than the 12 Apostles. The scenary was really breath taking and the Mrs and I took a great deal of time to admire the work of nature over here.....

There are many stops along the great ocean road and many are really under-rated and though not as famous as the 12 Apostles, I think they can rival the beauty of it. Check out some of the photos here (though i think we might have to invest in a better camera or a photo taking lesson!)

After being overwhelmed by the sights along the way, we reached the famed 12 Apostles. Filled with tourists, we wiggled our way to the front and took in the sights. Somehow or another, we still cannot count 12. seems like some have fallen until not countable anymore! hahaha.... some tour guides were spinning tales that there are hidden Apostles so that is why we would never be able to count to 12. That is a nice try, mate!

We were seriously distracted and lost track of time indeed. As we rushed through the road, we finally arrive on our wonderful lodging at 6 plus. The wonderful Rayville Boat house offers a nice mansion for us to stay with a fireplace, jacuzzi, balcony and double story comfort.

The Mrs managed to whip up a superb dinner from our quick purchase of groceries. Best meal i had in Australia!!! :)

My Australia trip.....Fun Fun Fun!!! Day 3

We were too early on the Sunday morning as we made our way to the shopping streets of Richmond. So, we had to walk around and window shop for a while. Luckily, the shops started opening from 1030 onwards. The Mrs had a great time at Country Road though. Check out the shopping bags......

We had lunch at the nearby Degraves street before making our way to Hertz. Check out the huge bowl of soup they served!!!

A little surprise awaits me at HertZ as i was upgraded from a Camry to a Audrion. Never driven one of those baby so was looking forward to testing it along the Great Ocean Road. We got a GPS (her name is Susan! ) and was gamely assured that we will Never get Lost with it! hahahaha...

Anyway, armed with Susan and a very nice and stable car, we embarked on our road trip! First stop is to drive all the way to Warrnambool, 263 km away from Melbourne. Then, we will make our way back along the famous Great Ocean Road.

Nothing much happened along the way, just a smooth drive and constantly trying to keep myself from pressing too hard on the accelerator. Australia is famous for keeping a close lid on the speed demons. well, some things are better left unsaid..... At least i had my Red Rock Deli to keep the hunger away... ....

We reached Warrnambool at around 5 plus. It may seem early for some of you but with the Autumn weather upon us, we were fast losing light. Advised by our nice receptionist at the Comfort Inn, she told us we MUST see the laser light show of Shipwrecked at Flagstaffhill.

We hesitated at first as we thought she was trying to make some commission. Anyway, as there was nothing much to do after dark, we decided to give it a shot. Overall, its a lovely experience and we were glad we did it. Because the famous shipwrecked story is told and re-told along the Great Ocean Road... luckily, we watched it. Or else we wont know how the hero saves the damsel in distress on the dark and stormy night.... Well, as least it was worth the money. :)

My Australia trip.....Fun Fun Fun!!! Day 2

We woke up early on Day 2 and bought a full day pass (tram, bus and train) in anticipation of our packed itinery.

As we walked through the grounds of RMIT, we reached our first point of interest: The OldMelbourne Gaol (voted best Heritage and Culture Tourism Attraction in Australia in 2008)

The gloomy jail and the story of Ned Kelly certainly was interesting but was hardly exciting to say and we thought it was a bit overrated. Then...... we went on their facinating holding area tour. The tour guide was a policewoman in uniform and she was a sure small loud woman that held our attention. We were 'treated' as would be prisoners and it was all quite real and fun play acting. We were told to 'toe' the line and be straight while she check us, especially under the tongue.

It was quite funny and fun and we were also 'locked up for one night" and the lights switched off with great effect. All in great fun and laughter......

After which, we went to the Italian street of Melbourne, Lygon Street where there are many italian restaurants and shops for us to check out. Of course, we cannot miss the MUST try IL Dolce Freddo for their ice-cream. HUGELY recommended by our friend, Baoling. It did not disappoint at all. GREAT GREAT taste... i can still imagine the taste in my mouth now!

After a hearty lunch, we made our way to St. Kilda beach. We made a short stop at the South Melbourne market to try the famous Dim Sim. At first, i thgt Dim sim is Dim Sum and the Ang mohs spelt it wrongly. Well, when i reach there, i saw the shop name is Dim Sim! hahhahaa...

They serve some meaty Dim Sim. More cater to the Ang moh taste anyway.. I will not say it is good or bad... just quite interesting...

St Kilda was nice.. There are many shops and drinking spots. In addition, there was also a wholesale Birkenstock shop there too. We spend a good 45 mins in there but were unable to get the smaller sizes as the Mrs feet are relatively small. But a good selection was indeed available.

The beach was nice but dont expect Langkawi or Tioman standard. Good place to sit down, unwind and have a beer and talk about life. Luna park to me is truly over-rated. Maybe its something to look forward for small town enjoyment but after Disneyland or even Genting's amusement park, its definitely a small molehill in comparison.

A fun filled day and we were totally exhausted when we return from the beach.....
Somehow or another, we found the strength to go to our pre-booked appointment with the Sharkfin House in China town. Famed for their dim sum and also sharkfin, we did not have a chance to taste the dim sum as they are not served during dinner. Nonetheless, dinner was sumptuous to say at least with a bowl of nice shark fin, Mei cai kou rou and nice big prawns! The only pity was as we are only 2, we could not order more dishes to eat. After dinner, we like gained 3 kg over the day! hahahaa.....

My Australia trip.....Fun Fun Fun!!! Day 1

The Mrs and I went on a delightful 11 day trip to Australia from 30th April to 11th May, covering Melbourne and Sydney in particular. The trip was fun and easy and the drive along the Great Ocean Road has been memorable to say at least.

We landed in Melbourne via an SQ flight admist all the nonsense\scare of the Swine Flu. Timing could not have been better as the alert was on Orange when we embark on our adventure. Well, hack care lah! just go..... :)

Check out our first meal (breakfast as we flew overnight from singapore) and my sleepy face! Bread (We did not know that MORE and MORE bread is to come... hahaha)

As we walk around the vicinity of our citigate hotel, we inevidently stroll onto Federation Square. Very Unique designs, i must say.....

Well. the weather was cooling. Like an aircon on full blast (a welcome change for me although a tat cold for the Mrs.) After a short, refreshing nap in the hotel room (yes, we were that stone after the flight), we set up for the famous Victoria Market. Food food and more FOOD!! Glorious food, especially SEAFOOD!! yummy yummmy!!!

Oysters Galore!!

joy of Seafood!

After we burst our stomach with the seafood, we went for some shopping around and some free tram ride (great idea to induce tourism) around the beautiful city of Melbourne.

Soon, it was dinner time, and we made our way to the famous casino of Crown Casino. Blood suckers as they are, I still managed a respectable AUS30 win on the rolette table. Many thanks to our lucky number 14 and 17. hahahaa...

A great start to our trip.....

What happened?

Well, i was away for 2 weeks for a nice long-awaited holiday.....

What a shocker i was in for when i return to see our season disintegrated.... What can i say? Another empty season. Another disappointing performance....

Too tired with catching up with life to comment further.. let me catch my breath before more comments...

Disappointing result....

i think we are all disappointed at what happened in the game against manure last night.... In the 2nd half, we seemed to be happy trying the odd ball upfront to Adebayor. The team seems more pre-occupied in preventing another manure goal. at the end, we seemed to be really happy just dragging out to a 1-0 loss... really no passion shown at all...

Walcott needs more of the ball. The CM have to get the ball to him. Playing Nasri in the center of the park is not smart to me. He could have cause more problem on the left flank against O'Shea.
Its a shame that we conceded the goal as the players were just not paying attention to mark the opposition.
Only 2 players that did well last night were Almunia and Gibbs. In fact, i think either one of them should have been Man of the Match.

For now, we can only wait for a HUGE response in the 2nd leg. Hopefully, the Emirates crowd can be our 12th man....

Good news off the personal front as I go for my 11 days holiday in Australia!!!
:)

Quote of the week

Those who enter the gate of heaven are not beings who have no passions, or who have curbed the passions, but those who have cultivated an understanding of them.
~William Blake

Dedicated to a few of my troubled friends.... Think about it... If there are no problems in life, then there is no meaning to life. Learn to understand and move on with life....