World Cup Fever

It's time for me to find my Oliver Kahn tshirt from the last World Cup and see if I can fit into it *laughs* It's been four years and it was already tight in certain areas the last time so I dunno if it will fit. Yes, was rooting for Germany the last time. And for this time round? A bit too early but yes, Germany is still ONE of the teams me rooting for.

Just came back from Sydney and amazing how many people were on the same flight with me. Only difference I was heading back home and getting ready to start work in a few days but they were headed to Germany to watch the many matches! Arrrggghhh!!! It's good to see how the Aussies are getting all excited about soccer considering that rugby and cricket have been the main games played there but thanks to the Socceroos, soccer is becoming very popular there. A friend did mention that half of the players on the Aussie team are made up of Europeans but who cares right? As long as they can play why not :o)

They are getting alot of support from home with many people waving the flag. The flag was given out by the Sydney Morning Herald and you can spot many car owners fixing these cute flags on their cars to show support for the Socceroos. Good on them! :o)


The Australian team is also another newbie like the Americans. Didn't think very much of how the Americans play at the last world cup but hey, they put up a brave fight and that's a good start. Am hoping that the Aussie team will move ahead and have some good matches. As to which other teams I'm rooting for...well it's a bit too early to take sides for now *laughs*

Sydney Taronga Zoo

It was drizzling some and the cold winds were blowing. Not the perfect weather to spend the day at the zoo but the day before was raining heavily and the winds were even colder so it was a tough decision but we decided to go ahead and prepared a picnic basket and paid AUS$30 per person to enter the Taronga Zoo. Unfortunately, no discount for the bad weather :o( And no refund that many of the animals were in hiding because of the rain either. Well, that's life ya.

We did manage to take some shots of some of the animals that we saw.


It was feeding time and you could take pictures of the keeper with the koala. But I guess these cuddly creatures had other things in mind and they went ahead and did what they do best - sleep. Don't blame them actually. With the drizzling rain, I would want to cuddle up and sleep too!

We also saw some wallabies who were busy cleaning themselves and were not very bothered by us. It was part of the walkabout and we were really close to them. And yes, there were some fellow Asian tourists who were trying to 'shoo' them *sighs* Why? Why do we do such embarassing things when we are on foreign land?


Almost didn't see these prickly creatures (see below) cuz they blended very nicely with their environment. They were busily eating, I think. What else could they possibly be doing? Any ideas anyone?


Giraffes. I like these long neck animals. They are cute and they are such a curious bunch! Unfortunately, the rain made them less curious. And they are obviously smart enough to pick to hide in the shelters with the zebras (look closely and you might spot them zebras in the picture). But guess the slight rain couldn't keep them away for long cuz soon, their necks were sticking out and they were busy looking at us :o)


Chimps are amazing. They look and behave so human like and I can just watch them for hours. Them and orangutans. But the later were in hiding from the rain and we couldn't find their hiding place so I spent a few minutes watching this fella. Check out the expression on his face. He sure didn't like the rain very much either. Pictures aren't so clear cuz of the thick glass that was between us.



I love this last picture the best. Makes me want to just go up and give the chimp a cuddle :o)

We managed to eat what we packed under a shelter, away from the rain. We tried to make the best use of our AUS$30 per person by staying at the zoo as long as we could. So it wasn't too bad a day. I can now say that I have been to the zoo in Sydney :o)

Spot me!

Going out to the movies can be very expensive in Australia. On Tuesday when the prices go down, for two people it would cost about AUS$17. On other days, it came to about AUS$30, if I got it right. Makes me appreciate that during peak period, it only costs me S$17 for two people to catch a show here over the weekend and cheaper on weekdays or off peak hours. Totally can understand why families choose to stay at home and get a VCD/DVD and watch with the family because it can be really pricey for families to go out...tickets, drinks, popcorn! Anyways, picture taken of me on a Tuesday and the guy had to stick his head out to see if there was anyone. He was probably grumbling that he had to screen the movie just for us.

Another interesting fact that I am not used to. You purchase tickets but it's free seating. First time I learnt about that, the kiasu person in me started panicking and was thinking 'hurry hurry, must be first there to pick the best seats'. And when I walked in and there were a few people scattered about, I thought to myself 'Oh!'. Guess no need to allocate seats when the cinema never gets full? Or people will just nicely move in and leave no seats empty so that others can have seat?

I am sorry but coming from Singapore, even with allocated seats we have meanies who occupy other people's seat and pretend it's their own until confronted. They will just continue to sit and watch the true owners of the seat panic and look around frantically for the seats. I have seen it happen twice and had to tell the people off once cuz the poor kids were too scared to say anything to the grownups. Shame on you seat snatchers!!!

Anyways, it was quite difficult choosing the best seats when the whole place was empty *laughs* Yes am totally useless. Am so used to how things are allocated or assigned and when I'm actually spoilt for choice...I don't know which choice to go for :o)

Little things I noticed in Sydney

The Australian society in general is made up of people who are very trusting I think. Coming from Singapore, I find this totally amazing. For example, if you are genuinely ill, you don't have to see a doctor if all you need is a day rest at home. In Singapore, you need to produce and medical certificate from a doctor if you are not going to work. And from driving out during my short stay, I was very interested in the parking system in Sydney along the streets. They do have the usual meter that you put in some coins depending on how long you are staying. But I find the other system alot more interesting. You look out for signs which dictates how long you can park at that spot. It can be as short as 5 minutes or as long as 1 hour or 2 hours or 4 hours.


And there are no meters for you to put coins in to pay. So I was told that you can park there and after the time limit, you will come back and move your car. Like ya right! As if I am going to do that!!! But see, that's the difference. This is a Singaporean thinking. There is no meter, there is no one watching. Who is going to know right? Right! So I spent the next 20 minutes going on about what a flawed system this was to an Australian who patiently listened to me as I go on and on.

I was told that the new system actually uses a camera to capture the cars and when the parking authories come by again and if the cars are there, they get booked. I didn't see that happen during my short stay there. And the old system is the parking people come around and randomly pick cars and indicate the time that they were there. And when they come by again, and if the car is still there, you get a ticket. So I had a mission. I had to find out how effective this system was.

So I kept my eyes wide open and I did spot a car with a ticket!!! Yay!!! Though not so yay for the driver :o)

And I went around to look for the marking and the system didn't fail. I found the markings! This photograph was taken at about 3 plus in the afternoon and it was an hour limit parking. And if you can make out the marking, it was for 11.45am. So that car owner was really taking the risk thinking that s/he could get away with it. Either that or s/he was just damn unlucky to be the selected car for this :o)

Yeah, this rambling may sound really silly but this really tickled me pink. And I guess it takes very little to amuse me. Another thing is this funny sign that I saw when on the road. First time I saw it was on the highway. If you see this sign, you should be very worried cuz you are going the wrong way and you should be seeing cars heading towards you.

It got me thinking. If I was the driver, driving on the wrong road..which would I see first. Loads of car coming my way or this sign *grins* And I thought it would be more appropriate if the sign said 'Oooops' or 'Oh boy, you are SO in trouble!' or 'Good luck you!' Oh well, that's in my warp world where road signs are made by people with a great sense of humour.

Alrighty, enough ramblings from me. For now at least :o)

Weekend Markets in Sydney (with updates)

Whenever I'm in Australia, I try to make sure that I am there at least over one weekend so that I can check out the wonderful weekend markets that can be found there. Lots of creative people with their awesome wares and it's a way for me to recharge on some creativity cuz the things that I see there are so inspiring. Best time for these markets would be in summer when the sun is out and people out enjoying themselves.

Pictures I have this time round aren't so great cuz the weather has been rather unkind and there were not as many vendors and people out. And for Surry Hill Market which only happens on the 1st Saturday of each month, the vendors packed up earlier than closing time cuz of the strong winds that were creating havoc on their displays so no pictures of that. And if you're doing to market hop, have a car as it's alot easier if you want to cover these markets. Will have more details like the addresses and their timings a little later. For now, here are some snapshots of some of my fave markets in Sydney.

Start Saturday morning at the Balmain Market (St Andrew's Church, corner of Darling Street & Curtis Road, Balmain. Opens 8am-4pm on Saturdays) which is at the compound of the local church. Infact, have breakfast there. Go into the hall and try the pide there. The ladies (they could be Turkish I think) can be found all the way inside the hall. Cannot miss them at all. It's awesome and when it's cold, something nice and warm is just perfect to start the morning. You can get Indian food, Chinese/Vietnamese food and also cakes there. And on a quiet day like this, you can even sit in the hall while you eat.

Above: Look for the ladies making the pide!

Here are two more pictures from the Balmain Market.

Below: Vendors selling fresh flowers, hats, bags and jewellery.
Above: Was cold at Balmain but some of us braved the weather!

After Balmain Market, I love heading down to Glebe Market (Glebe Public School, Glebe Point Road between Mitchell Street & Parramatta Road, Glebe. Opens 9am to 4pm on Saturdays). Mind you, these are just the markets I'm referring to. But at these areas itself, there are other wonderful shops along the street so it's really hard if you want to try and do everything. For me it's the markets that I was aiming for this weekend so I simply went to the markets. It was hard but if I wanted to cover all the markets I had on my list, I had to be alot more focussed *grins* Glebe Market is held at the compound of a public school. Lots of clothes here, some by local artists/designers and some are second hand clothings so know what you are getting. Food is available here too but the roasted madacamia nuts coated with caramel ... awesome.

Above: Lots of goodies at Glebe. Bring lots of cash to shop!

Next stop, another great market is Paddington Market (Paddington Uniting Church, 395 Oxford Street at Newcombe Street, Paddington. Opens 10am to 5pm in summer on Saturdays and 10am to 4pm in winter on Saturdays). Not to be mistaken with Paddy's (Market City, corner of Hay & Thomas Streets, Haymarket. Opens 9am to 5pm from Thursdays to Sundays) please. The latter is a good touristy market to go to if you want to get loads of cheap souveniors for people back home. But this Paddington Market is really great with lots of local handicraft, clothings and many other neat things. I even managed to buy a skirt by a local designer and it's really awesome. Things are a little bit pricer here but you'll be spoilt for choice of things to buy.

Above: One of the many wonderful stalls at Paddington.

On Sunday, I went to two different markets. First one was the Bondi Beach Market (Bondi Beach Public School, corner of Campbell Parade & Warners Avenue, Bondi Beach. Opens 9am to 5pm in summer on Sundays and 9am to 4pm in winter) that I discovered this trip thanks to my TimeOut guide book. Got that as there was a sale at Kinokunya and I was itching to get something. I thought it was going to be like the Manly Market but glad it turned out different. Infact it was a great market and I liked it. So that market has gone onto my MUST visit markets when in Sydney. It's located at the compounds of a public school and lots of stalls inside too. Nice walk around to check out the many things for sale there.

Above: Look out for this huge mural when looking for the market.

Above: Stalls outside the school area.

Above: More stalls inside the school compound.

After Bondi, our last stop was The Rocks (George Street, at Playfair Street, The Rocks. Opens Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm). A famous market that all tourists would know about, this market is in the city and opens on weekends. Things are of course understandably a lot more expensive but there are lots of stalls to look at and thus alot of things to buy home for yourself or gifts. I did my fair share of shopping there and will pay the price when I head home. But till then, am enjoying admiring the things I have purchased from these markets.

Below: The famous market in Sydney for tourists and locals alike - The Rocks

There are many other markets in Sydney but these are the ones that I went to for this trip. There is the Fox Studio Market if you have not been there, should pay that a visit at least once. The very first time I went there it was awesome. But things have slowed down a bit when I checked it out last time I was here so gave it a miss this time round.

Another one that I have yet to check out cuz the timing wasn't right. It's the Kirribilli Market (Bradfield Park, Alfred Street at Burton Street, Milsons Point. Opens 7am to 3pm on the 4th Saturday of the month) and this market specialises in 'upmarket' bric-a-brac and antiques according to my guide book.

As I come across more markets, I'll keep adding them here. A shame I can't find the notes I had for when I checked out the other markets in other part of Australia :o( Guess I will just have to visit them again :o) And if you know of any awesome markets, do share.

Cheers from Sydney Australia! Will be updating on the Sydney Fish Market when I head there on Saturday!

Updates from the Fish Market: Got some scallops for Mom and went around to check out the amazing things they have. Was hungry so got the seafood platter for two which we shared. Had scallops, calamari, oysters, fish, octopus and chips. I added the lobster and the whole thing costs AUS$50 with drinks. Expensive but the portions were huge!! This is a good way to try a little bit of everything. Wanted to try the white bait too but was too full :o( I can be such a pig at times yes!

Sorry for the fuzzy picture. Was too hungry. It was a snap-phot-and-dig-in moment. I didn't even bother checking if it turned out okay. Big mistake.

More updates:
Here are some sites to check out what markets are available around Australia and some are specific to Sydney.

Markets and Fairs Magazine
Craft Markets
Sydney Markets on UrbanBoheme

MIA for a week...

Still have lots to do but am going to be MIA for a week. Am heading to Sydney for a short break before coming back to lots more packing to do with the akan datang shift of workplace. I hate packing and I hate shifting!

So what am I going to do in Sydney.

1. Am going to do the usual visits to the markets, namely, Balmain, Glebe and Paddington Markets. Unfortunately, the Kirribili will not be open and that is one that I have not been too. The other three are MUST visits for me so looking forward to checking them out again to recharge on creativity!

2. Shopping for clothes. Unfortunately it's winter in Australia so probably lots of thicker clothings but let's see. Am a HUGE fan of TARGET so that is a must visit.

3. Hmmm, I would love to try the Diva Tour around Sydney which I have not been on. The last time I was there we went on the Bridge Walk and it was great cuz it was just the two of us and the tour guide! There was a huge group infront of me and a huge group behind us. Am surprised they didn't tell us to join either groups (as they would have in Singapore). So we had a personal tour up on the bridge and it was EXCELLENT.

4. Makan at the Sydney Fish Market. They have the yummiest seafood cooked there but just have to elbow the many other asian tourists like myself who are 'competing' to get the best seafood *laughs* Yes we are a kiasu bunch.

5. Yarn and glass sheet hunting. Yarn for them pouches me trying to make. And glass for my mosaic. Let's hope that I can find some places that have them materials that I need.

Alrighty, can't think of anymore things at the moment. Leaving in an hours time and have yet to finish packing. Better go and do that now! :o)