Sydney: SCG and Bondi Beach.

It's 11PM and I'm sat in Starbucks using their free wifi, looking out to Darling Harbour having just watched the free fireworks show! I've been pretty busy the last couple of days, meaning I've seen parts of the city I hadn't seen yet. It has been scorching here, at least 30c everyday. Singapore felt hotter but that was a more humid climate, whereas this is pure heat. I am developing a tan rather nicely though. Shame there was no one to put suncream on my back, however. Ouch.



So yesterday was a great day out at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). This wasn't something I had planned on doing as I didn't realise there was a match on whilst I was in Syndey. I apologise for anyone who hates cricket and finds it tedious as hell...! You may want to skip this part! It was Australia v W.Indies and it was a one day match meaning there would definately be a result on the day. Australia had already won the series so it wasn't a huge match in terms of importance, but still very competitive. After a couple of hours, I thought I would be going home early; with the two guys I went with from the hostel. West Indies who elected to bat having once the toss were 110-8 I believe (This is the part where some people reading might as well be reading chinese), or something close to that... Thankfully Pollard made amends with a great century to reach 220. I won't bore you with a match report but Australia cruised to victory...

It was really cool to see top class players, but mostly to take in the atmosphere of the ground. Cricket is the national game and sport of Australia. They adore it. The atmosphere was brilliant, and all the fans were joining in and having a good laugh. You get loads of freebies on the way in too which I happily took! My favourite being the 'Howzat' sign which doubled up as a clapper! The interesting thing about cricket fans is, above all they want a good match. They want to see a contest. A football team's fans want a mauling. They would be happy to see there team win 5-0 every week. Here, all the fans would clap and cheer no matter who hit a 6 or took a wicket. They want to be entertained first and foremost. Totally different type of atmosphere, but really enjoyable. Of course the Aussie fans still cheered Australia on more... But everyone in the ground gave Pollard a standing obvation when he hit his 100. It was a day I won't forget. To have the chance to watch two top teams in an international match was really, really worth it. Plus, seeing a Security guard get hit on the head from a 6 was rather amusing. Poor guy went home...

So today, I made my way to the very famous Bondi Beach. One of the many beaches in Sydney, this one is popular with visitors and locals as it is quite close to the city centre. After getting off the bus, I looked out into the sea to see a sea of surfers (had to, sorry). The waves were very big again. I found a place of sand along with my friend from the hostel and sunbathed for a while. It was very hot but being by the see, there was a lovely breeze meaning it wasn't too unbearable!  The sea was cold, but the sun was still beating on down on you so it didn't matter! Something the UK lacks! The sea stretches for quite a way before disappearing behind a cliff to another beach. It's probably the cleanest beach I have seen along with the ones in Cornwall. The sand is pure white and there is no rubbish/litter or seaweed etc. It's very much a way of life to come here at the weekends for the locals. They take pride in their beaches and you can tell they look after them...

 

The fireworks tonight were impressive, but after seeing the Singapore laser show and the Dubai Fountain water and fire show, it doesn't compete. I sound like such a snob :/ Oh dear... Australians are also adamant to put a 'O' or 'E' on the end of everything. Palm Beach is Palmie. The cricketer Shane Watson is Watto. I overheard a Dad shout to his son Tommo. They seem to love it! I am yet to see an Australian annoyed, unhappy or angry. It's starting to get on wick (as a brit) that they are always happy. I like being mierable sometimes and so should they... It's my mission before I go :)

 

Lack of photos as Wifi is to expire any second, and it so slow to upload!

Sydney: First few days!

Let me set the scene... I am sat on the floor, back against the wall to the Sydney Opera House overlooking the gorgeous harbour and the harbour bridge. The sun is setting slowly in front of me and I am getting blown to pieces. Australia is a windy country I am told! Wifi is scarce in my local area and the hostel doesn't provide it, hence the delayed blog. I know my thousands of readers were starting to panic!

So I arrived in Sydney on tuesday after a good 12 hours of flying. Hong Kong to Singapore, then on to Sydney. The flights were long and boring and I had a crazy man from Nepal telling me his life story. I really didn't care and he still didn't get the message when despite him talking to me, my eyes were closed.

I stayed in a hotel the first night to try and get a good night sleep. I was located in the roughest part of Sydney... King's Cross is the red light district and general home for tramps and drug addicts it seems. On a bench I was asked if I wanted drugs and also if I had a cigarette. Welcome to Australia! However, since moving into 'Base Sydney' (where i will be for the rest of my stay), it's been totally different. I am situated right in the heart of the CBD (Central Business District), which basically houses the main harbours and city centre. The first thing I did was check out the famous Darling Harbour which is a 5 minutes walk from the hostel. Sydney is renowned for being a 'Harbour City' and this one is really lovely. It's very peaceful but exciting at the same time... The bay is lined with restaurants, a shopping mall, bars and even the world's biggest IMAX cinema! I sat and ate some food taking in the views before walking into the nearby parks. They do a firework show here on Saturdays, so I'm sure to come back :)

I then checked in at the hostel, meeting 2 other travelers staying in my room. One was Canadian, one was from Brighton! We wandered down to the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, but from the other side to the usual route. Seeing the bridge was fascinating, but to see the Opera House was really surreal for me. I have always wanted to come and see it in it's glory and it didn't disappoint. The building itself is really intriguing with it's quirky roof. It really is the iconic image of Australia/Sydney. It sticks out from the Harbour making it impossible not to look at. Again, the area 'Circular Quay' is lined with bars, restaurants and shops making it a busy attraction. I've enjoyed just relaxing here with a drink... A great way to pass the time. Also, two huge cruise liners were docked in the bay... there are loads of ships coming and going...

After meeting the rest of my room mates (all from the UK! 6 guys, 1 girl!) We all went out the bar next door to the Hostel for some drinks which was nice. The hostel I am at is far more sociable than the Singapore one...Or perhaps that was because I had 5 Chinese girls and they didn't fancy inviting me a long...Hmmm. So today, I went to the National Gardens which is a beautiful green area full of plants and trees, right next to the harbour. It's extremely well kept and once again, it's a great place to relax and take it easy. I then reached the Opera House again and this time got up close to it. I had a drink in the official bar which boasts great views once again. I then took the ferry to Manly. Manly is part of Sydney, but a little further out. The main beaches in Sydney are a short distance away, with the city hosting the majority of the hotels etc. The ferry ride was an unforgettable experience in itself. The views I can't describe, they are stunning. Again, so relaxing.   It's great just to sit back and enjoy the view. After 30 minutes, I arrived at Manly which again was a bustling, vibrant area. But people are on the whole there for one reason. The beach. I wandered down to the beach to see the biggest waves I have ever seen! As I arrived, a man over the speaker recommended people not to swim today as a type of Jellyfish was blowing into shore because of the wind! He said there is no cure for the sting and it will be very painful! "Remove the tentacles with your fingers and wash with fresh water if you are stung" was his advice. OH DEAR. To my left about 10 meters away, I have witnessed the next victim to the Seagull. Seagulls here will take anything and swoop things from your hands! This woman's food has partially disappeared. She is not happy. Restaurants even have signs telling customers there are no refunds for Seagull related problems! Crazy! I will definitely return to Manly next week to go to the beach and have a swim... Well, if those Jellyfish bugger off!

That brings me to right now! I am about to have a meal at the Harbour and relax further. Sydney really is the perfect place to relax. The people are very laid back as you would expect... It's very easy to just unwind here and relax without much effort. The accent is still a huge attraction of mine. I love it! The phrases such as 'Sweet as, Dude' = Nice one... or my favourite 'Too easy = Thank You, are hilarious. They are happy people on the whole...

Tomorrow (fingers crossed), I may be going to Sydney Cricket Ground to watch Australia v W.Indies in a one day match with 2 other guys from the hostel! Then for the weekend, I plan to finally get to the beach. Then the spectacular Blue Mountains early next week! With internet pretty limited, not sure when next blog will be but I shall try and do one soon! Apologies for spelling errors, in a rush this evening because of no power supply for laptop!

Hong Kong: Macau Tower Skyjump & Hong Kong History Museum.

This picture isn't mine!

So after a fun filled few days, yesterday was my eagerly awaited trip to Macau. For anyone not familiar with Macau, it is (along with Hong Kong) a special state of China. It is west of Hong Kong and takes about an hour on the ferry. It is one of the biggest growing cities in the world especially when it comes to gambling/casino's. It's expected to topple Las Vegas as the gambling country/city (whatever it is!) of the world! Unfortunately, they upped the legal gambling age to 21 last year so I couldn't enter one and have a look :(

So after getting off the Ferry, I soon learnt that whilst Macau is growing; some of it looks like Bristol (Shit Hole). Also, English isn't quite as well spoken here (Portuguese is more frequently used as it was under the rule of Portugal years ago). This made catching the right bus a bit tricky. I made a guess that 'Torre de Macau' was infact the Macau Tower and I was luckily correct. Having said that, the bus took me completely the wrong way for half an hour and I realised I had taken the one going in the opposite direction... Oops! After a very long detour I arrived at my destination. I was at the amazing Macau Tower to do something like I've never done before. You probably all know now... But I was there to jump off it!

       

After paying for your jump and collecting your boarding pass (bit different to a flight one), you head into the lift to level 61! This is also the observation deck, so tourists are packed in, taking in the views and gasping as people fall off the top! Once at the top, you register your details and sign a sheet of paper giving the terms and conditions of jumping. Amazingly, you have to give consent that any injury or damage is at your own risk and that you give the medical staff the right to assist you if needed. I was thinking there isn't much chance of injury from this.. Surely just death?! |(sorry Mum) Don't think you'd bounce... This freaked me out for about 30 seconds before remembering how fun it would be! I then collected my official T shirt and got changed, emptying pockets etc... The harness was then strapped and fastened to me, before being weighed. Different weights means different cords according to the staff. I sat down in the waiting area, which is right next door to the outside jumping area for 5 minutes, before being called to stand outside on the top deck. It was absolutely freezing this high up and the wind was pretty strong too. The time in between jumps is longer than you would think... so I stood waiting for a good hour! After all, the cable has to be pulled back up and all the checks have to be made again and again. So after waiting and seeing others fly down, it came to my turn! You sit in the chair whilst they wait for the cable and equipment to come back, and they brief you on what happens and how it works. Here they also take pictures of you sitting nervously! I was told to hold onto my harness at the beginning, step out and then let go and put my arms out once I was falling. 5 minutes later it was time! So... They lowered the door, strapped a microphone to me, told me to wave to the three cameras (one to my side, one above me, and one at the bottom!). 

5,4,3,2,1 Jump! I took a huge step forward and flew pretty bloody fast down and threw my arms out! I had never experienced anything like it. I was plummeting towards the ground but my head was up, looking out to the city seeing the bright lights of the Casino strip. I made some very strange noises on the way down as I found out later when watching my video back, but who can blame me?! About 70% of the way down, they slow you down and you then land comfortably on a huge inflatable mat at the bottom. They undo your harness and direct you back up the tower. You can purchase official pictures and videos but the prices were extortionate, so I didn't bother! Like I said before, I received an official T shirt, a membership card and also (by email) a certificate! It was truly a great experience. Won't ever be forgotten. It took so long however, I had no real time to explore Macau further :( So I got a ferry to another country, found a tall building, jumped off the building and then left the country. Strange really...!

After the adrenaline of yesterday, today was far more relaxed. I went to the very highly recommended Hong Kong Museum of History. If you hate history or you couldn't care less about Hong Kong, or it's past, skip this paragraph! Sorry if it's boring, but I found it fascinating. It takes you from the very, very beginning (400,000,000 years ago)! Here it shows you the ecosystems of the land back then, as well as the formation of the differing landscapes Hong Kong experienced. The change of climate meant it went from a river, to a desert, to a tropical lake, housing many forms of animals and vegetation. It then takes you on a journey through the first forms of life on Hong Kong, showing the different tribes that settled along the coasts. As you continued it showed the growth of traditional people that came to live in Hong Kong and it's surrounding islands, before the British came to power in 1842, when they famously invaded. Part of me felt guilty for waltzing around the Museum being a Brit! That was until of course, I got to the section showing the invasion of the Japanese Military. The Japanese battered Hong Kong, and for 3 years whilst they ruled, almost destroyed everything it was and stood for. They rationed food causing many to die of famine, sent citizens to Japan to be slaves, taught Japanese in schools (to those that were still able to attend), abolished the Hong Kong dollar and replaced it when the Yen. They were trying to build another Japan. But the British fought back and took control again, forcing the Japanese military to surrender it's power, 3 years after claiming the land. At this point, it was clear that Britain actually did many great things for Hong Kong despite ruling it. It helped the starving, got education numbers back up again, abolished the Yen for the traditional currency. It helped Hong Kong find it's feet again, after a few years of distress and sadness for the masses. I was astounded to find out at the very end... that Hong Kong only returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. Quite amazing really considering what a developed place it has become. The museum was probably one of the best I have been too. It took me a good couple of hours to soak it up. You have to read everything! It baffles me when people just wander through... 

I know this entry was a dossier of sorts but I had a lot to share! Hong Kong is over for me now and I fly to Sydney Tuesday morning. Asia is officially over! From now on, English isn't a problem! Australia is +11 hours to UK time, so good luck to anyone trying to contact me! I will post again once I have ridden a Kangaroo and had a Barbecue.

Hong Kong: Peak Tram, Soho and Ocean Park Theme Park.

So I am well and truly into my stay of Hong Kong :) I've seen a fair bit now, both in Kowloon and the main Hong Kong Island... Yesterday morning I visited Causeway bay and Victoria Park. The latter of these was a very lovely green area, right in the middle of the city's shopping area. Whilst walking through the park I saw loads of people practising tai-chi! Even women in there 60/70's! Certainly different to King George... A bit later on I made my way to the famous peak tram on the bus. The tram here was a very old form of transport that was used in Hong Kong from the 1920's. It has obviously been re-built and refurbished since then making it accessible to the thousands of tourists it serves everyday. It takes you up to the high points of Hong Kong Island giving you spectacular views of the city and small surrounding islands. Here are some pictures including a couple of Hong Kong Park which I stumbled across:

Yesterday evening after walking streets and streets of markets I noticed some really odd things... Down one narrow street was the food stalls with tanks of live fish everywhere. Cooked rats and snakes hanging from metal poles. One man was slicing up some kind of mammal with the biggest knife I've ever seen... I also saw a man spraying his dead pig with soy sauce, letting it drip onto the floor. What baffles me is that it doesn't look safe or hygienic; yet Hong Kong has the second highest life expectancy in the world. That is partly down to choice of diet. It's strange that something that looks so unhealthy and unclean is infact the polar opposite, and helps maintain a good lifestyle.

Next stop was Soho. Like London/New York this is a district of Hong Kong. It's high up on the main island with an escalator you can catch to save your legs. It took a good 20 minutes! When I got there I went into 'Yorkshire Pudding', a British bar playing British music and having a London Underground design to it. It was really cool. It was mostly British in there which was refreshing! I sat and had a few beers before heading back home.

Today was something I've bee looking forward to. Ocean Park! This is the best theme park in the area and boasts some pretty decent rides. I'm a huge thrill seeker so Disneyland Hong Kong and Universal Singapore wouldn't have cut it for me! The best rides were 'Hair Raiser' and 'Flash'! Still got nothing on Alton Towers...

Hong Kong has some beautiful parts and is a very intriguing and different place to anywhere I have been. There isn't as much to see here as my two previous places and some of it is quite similar i.e markets, busy streets, family fun shops. In a way, once you've seen one, you have almost seen them all... Compared to Dubai/Singapore, this is very much a busy, traditional city of everyday working people. It's not as pristine and pretty as Singapore and not as 'Wow' as Dubai... Having said that, the way of life fascinates me, and the feel and vibe of the streets is something I will never forget...

Hong Kong: First day!

So I have now settled in Hong Kong! I arrived at 5pm yesterday local time and caught the bus to my accommodation, which is in Mong Kok; right in the heart of Kowloon (bustling, populated living/working area of Hong Kong). For those who don't know, Hong Kong is separated into different parts. Kowloon, which then extends northwards into outer Hong Kong territories and then Mainland China. Lantau Island, which is mountainous mostly and holds the airport and Disneyland. Hong Kong island, is south of Kowloon and holds the most touristy attractions of Hong Kong and is far more affluent and wealthy.

The temperature was noticeably cooler which I was pleased about. Singapore tired me out very quickly with the humidity. I met the host, who helped me up to my room...I went to bed almost straight away as I was absolutely shattered! First thing this morning, my host and the other two English guests staying in the apartment went for Dim Sum. Dim Sum is small bite sized authentic dishes served in steamer baskets. For example, I ate shrimp dumplings, barbecue pork bun, sticky rice with chinese sausage and deep fried chicken. It was like nothing I have ever experienced before, it was amazing! The place was packed with locals which is always a good sign! On the down side though, my chopstick skills really need work haha! Nic my host even paid for us all! Very generous :)

I then made my way down to the Tsim Sha Tsiu promenade which boasts amazing views of Hong Kong Island... I wondered along the harbour and stumbled across the 'Avenue of Stars', which celebrates the Chinese film industry and it's actors/actresses' and directors. Like the Hollywood walk of fame, the floor is plastered with the names of the famous...As a little extra though, it also has the handprints of the stars imprinted into the concrete! The one everyone was taking snaps of was Jackie Chan..He was born in Hong Kong, but I didn't realise he was so loved! Whilst walking along, I saw the national art museum was hosting a special exhibition of Andy Warhol's pop art. I've never been an artist (those who know me well will know exactly what I mean), but I have become slightly more appreciative of it in the last few weeks having gone to some museums. Pop art is a fairly easy medium to enjoy as it isn't as sophisticated as other forms of art. I couldn't take pictures inside but it featured his early drawings, his classic Campbell's soup pieces, his iconic portraits e.g Marilyn Monroe and also a room completely transformed to represent the Silver Factory. I learnt a lot, and his character and work really does interest me, much to my surprise!

This evening I spent the evening walking the local streets and checking out the 'Ladies Market', which sells mainly sportswear, electronics and clothing. Hong Kong is one of the most populated places per space in the world. It was absolutely packed. It's like Oxford Street in London, but everywhere! The bright lights and the vibe of 'Nathan Road' and it's smaller side roads, is something I have never seen anything like. It is a completely different world to that back home, but also to that of Singapore or Dubai. The markets are full of people trying to flog stuff, all armed with calculators to bargain prices with. One man was even being pulled back by the arm in order to get the sale! They won't take no for an answer! I grabbed some street food from a stall which was selling fried chicken. It was really nice... It's common that the locals here eat the street food as it is extremely cheap and accessible. I have never seen so many places serving food as here...

Tomorrow, I am going to Hong Kong Island to see what that side of the river has to offer :) Should be a good day!

Singapore: The Art of the Brick at the ArtScience Museum.

Right, so I know I only posted a blog last night but what I did this morning was so brilliant I had to share it!  Now despite being 20 years old, I do have a slight thing for Lego... Some of you are probably aware, some definitely won't be! I know that sounds ridiculous but it does kind of fascinate me. I used to spend hours playing with it when I was a kid and I still today can't resist if I see a set hanging about. It's hugely iconic. I enjoy experimentation with it, especially when it is sculpted and presented in ways like I saw today. The exhibition follows American born Nathan Sawaya who uses Lego to create art. He builds a range of models such as Human bodies, Household items, Logo's and even portraits (which are exceptionally clever)!  As the pictures show below he has made some truly amazing things out of standard Lego bricks...

The exhibition shows you his journey from a small set of bricks and how he transforms them into a work of art. It reveals his influences for his work and it discusses whether his work should even be considered art. After all, without Lego he wouldn't have been able to produce his work. You then get to have your photo transformed into Lego Bricks! I found this rather fun and messed about for a while :) After seeing the final piece (A huge 80,000 piece dinosaur which was stunning; and took months to complete!), you were lead into the creativity area where you could step on a huge lego floor, try the finger maze which was impossible, or just have a go at building something.

I was truly blown away by it. If I was a child I don't know what I would have done! It was definitely one of my favourite experiences of my trip so far. That might seem barmy to a lot of people but what can I say, I like Lego ha! I ended up buying the limited edition official book as well because I was so impressed!

To get the general gist of his stuff, have a look at me with the Lego man in the chair:

Here are quite a few pieces of his work...