Sydney Scrap Book: Day Two

21 October 2012

Finally my Vodafone has been activated. Should only be an hour from purchase of the Sim + prepaid cap, but they had some technical issues on prepaid sim activation. You can get the SIM for free at the airport if you buy any of their prepaid cap. When you buy outside, the SIM costs 2AUD plus your prepaid cap.

Okay moving on… Eric arrived and breakfast was served. Muesli Flakes with Apricots, Sultanas, Apples and Coconuts and fresh milk, coffee and bread with cream cheese stars of our breakfast table. We took lazy time to finish our morning rituals, watching a couple of episodes of Big Bang Theory (Soooo funny this series!) before hitting the showers.

Breakfast of Champs

We are taking the BUS today and so we purchased our MyMulti-Tickets (1 ticket is equal to unlimited ride for 1 week at all public transpo- Bus, train, ferries). But we were late for our bus so we got to wait another 30 minutes for the next bus to the city. It was a blessing that we were late because a kababayan was the one who drove the bus that we took. Guided us which stop to alight next.

Kababayan drove this bus.. Mabuhay ka!

Reminds me of Speed the Movie with Keanu Reeves

Reached  Surrey Hills in about 30 minutes and had late lunch at Lemon Café, where hubby and his colleagues are regular patrons the last time they were here. Finally I met Richard, the supervisor and Hubby gave him the postcards from the Philippines (I bought the mascara festival and the el nido resort) and he placed them right at the counter (he posts all the postcards that his patrons sends him.. how nice it that?!) I had Salmon Sandwich and English Breakfast Tea, Hubby had, I think its lamb again – this time topped in a salad, while Eric had the Sausage Trio. It was a delish meal and we have fresh fruits in yogurt and honey which is a must to order as a dessert :-)

Brunch @ Lemon Cafe ; That's our friend  Erick (Hubby's colleague)

The very friendly and funny and so happy to see us, Richard of Lemon Cafe

And so my city tour starts with the long walk from Surry Hills to the Central Rail Station, It’s like the Grand Central but smaller J We took the train to Circular Quay, and took some mandatory tourist shot at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

taking a short cut to Central Rail Station

@ Central Rail Station

The Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Opera House

Then we took the Ferry going to Manly. There was some kind of sail boat race going on that there were a few times that we were afraid we’ll collide with some of them. Thank God for horns! Once docked, we headed to THE CORSO, the long stretch of shops and restos before you reach the end of the street where you are welcomed by pine trees and Manly Beach. We stayed for  picture taking not really wanting to go and swim since it’s too crowded. I did took several shots that I’m pleased with… But then my battery is dying on me so I had to keep it shut.

Manly Beach

Random kid playing with water

Sailboat blocking the ferry's way... one of many.

Lighthouse

We headed back to Circular Quay and took the train to go to St. Mary’s Cathedral to hear mass with some 15 minutes to spare. Alight at St. James Station, we were just in time for the 6pm mass. I love churches, how they are designed with such height and intricate detail in and out of this beautiful architectural design. Just sad that its prohibited to take pictures inside the cathedral, just take my word for it that its magnificent inside as much as it is our side.

St. Mary's Cathedral  (view from the side street)

St. Mary's Cathedral , view from the front gate

Walking back to the Train Station, Hyde Park (Anzac War Memorial) where our friend Eric (who is into the Gangnam style dance craze) asked  for a photo op in his Gangnam Style Pose. Happy to oblige! 

Our Next Stop is the Town Hall Station where we walked several meters to our destination… my happy place Pepper Lunch! Had dinner here which is my first Wagyu Beef.. but I think I overcooked it because it was like hard as our local Tapas. Bummer!

Gangnam goes to Sydney

Seriously Gangnam

Gangnam on St. James Station 

Gangnam at Pepper Lunch

To burn down those calories, we walked to Darling Harbour, where hubby just showed me where I’ll be doing my solo tour  (Sydney Wild Life,  Sydney Aquarium and Paddy’s market) while they are working during weekday…  We took the Light Train from Sydney Convention Center back to Central Train Station to take the bus back to Coogee.

Darling Harbour at night

That’s just half a day tour and I am spent! But it’s time to go to bed and I’ll be having my solo walking tour in the city tomorrow :) wish me luck not to get lost – so help me google maps!

xoxo.

S