1. We woke up early today, around 5:30am to get ready for check out. We had a 20 minute breakfast, stuffing the pancakes, cereal, sausage, and curry cauliflower into our mouth. By the time we stepped out of the restaurant, the bus driver was in the lobby waiting for us.
3. It was another one hour trip back to Brisbane airport. We arrived at the airport around 8am. We were supposed to take a plane to Sydney and from there, we would take the plane to Manila. It was a long wait at the airport. Good thing there were a dozen duty free shops. I spent most of the time wandering around the small bookshops, browsing the latest novels.
4. Arrived at Sydney airport arnd 11am. We did more waiting and lining up. Boarded the plane around twelve noon and arrived in Manila around seven in the evening.
Side trip to Brisbane
1. On our last day at Australia, Jen and I decided to use the day to travel to another city. We decided to take a bus and train to Brisbane, thinking that Brisbane would offer a lot more exciting city sights as compared to Gold Coast. We ask the hotel receptionist for directions and figured our way to Brisbane city.
2. We spent an hour riding a bus down to the train station at Helensvale. The hotel receptionist instructed us to ride a certain bus that would take us to the train station. Unfortunately the bus drove around Gold Coast, from the various resorts, shopping malls, to the local university.
3. It was almost noon when we arrived at the train station. We then took a train to Southbank. From there we had to take another bus to Brisbane. Just as I was wondering if travelling to Brisbane was a good idea, the bus finally arrived at the city. We were thrilled to see the tall buidlings and the busy streets.
4. The bus station was under the Myers Mall. We got out of the bus and started malling. Jen began to window shop while I visited the local bookstores. We began touring downtown Brisbane. There was a certain bus that went around the city, carrying passengers for free. We rode in this bus and got a free tour of Brisbane. Judging from the sheer number of people and shops, this city was more lively than Sydney & Melbourne.
5. We stopped by the local bontanical park of Brisbane. The park was situated beside the shore and the local university. We continued walking (and window shopping) until seven o'clock. By dinnertime, we decide to eat at Subways, ordering 2 six inch sandwich with cookies & soda for 9.95 AUD.
8. After eating our sandwiches we went back to Myers to catch the train and bus heading back to surfers paradise. By then we were exhausted from all the walking. I bought a couple of local books, so I spent the train ride browsing through the stuff I bought.
9. We got back to Gold Coast around nine-thirty. There was still enough time for us to visit the night market along the beach (it closes around ten). So we got off the main street and began strolling through the night market. We saw some jewelry, handmade soap, chinese stuff, foam lizard, leather stuff, crocodile skin and shark tooth keychains. Jen was looking for street food, unfortunately there were no fishballs.
10. Before going back to the hotel, we decided to buy some food. We spent half an hour walking aroudn the beach's shopping plaza, looking for something to devour. Finally we bought a large blueberry muffin at 7-11 and two scoops of ice cream at Copenhagen.
11. We walked back to resort around eleven in the evening. There were no buses along the plaza so we decided to use our two feet. It was chilly cold but we were glad to get the exercise.
2. We spent an hour riding a bus down to the train station at Helensvale. The hotel receptionist instructed us to ride a certain bus that would take us to the train station. Unfortunately the bus drove around Gold Coast, from the various resorts, shopping malls, to the local university.
3. It was almost noon when we arrived at the train station. We then took a train to Southbank. From there we had to take another bus to Brisbane. Just as I was wondering if travelling to Brisbane was a good idea, the bus finally arrived at the city. We were thrilled to see the tall buidlings and the busy streets.
4. The bus station was under the Myers Mall. We got out of the bus and started malling. Jen began to window shop while I visited the local bookstores. We began touring downtown Brisbane. There was a certain bus that went around the city, carrying passengers for free. We rode in this bus and got a free tour of Brisbane. Judging from the sheer number of people and shops, this city was more lively than Sydney & Melbourne.
5. We stopped by the local bontanical park of Brisbane. The park was situated beside the shore and the local university. We continued walking (and window shopping) until seven o'clock. By dinnertime, we decide to eat at Subways, ordering 2 six inch sandwich with cookies & soda for 9.95 AUD.
8. After eating our sandwiches we went back to Myers to catch the train and bus heading back to surfers paradise. By then we were exhausted from all the walking. I bought a couple of local books, so I spent the train ride browsing through the stuff I bought.
9. We got back to Gold Coast around nine-thirty. There was still enough time for us to visit the night market along the beach (it closes around ten). So we got off the main street and began strolling through the night market. We saw some jewelry, handmade soap, chinese stuff, foam lizard, leather stuff, crocodile skin and shark tooth keychains. Jen was looking for street food, unfortunately there were no fishballs.
10. Before going back to the hotel, we decided to buy some food. We spent half an hour walking aroudn the beach's shopping plaza, looking for something to devour. Finally we bought a large blueberry muffin at 7-11 and two scoops of ice cream at Copenhagen.
11. We walked back to resort around eleven in the evening. There were no buses along the plaza so we decided to use our two feet. It was chilly cold but we were glad to get the exercise.
Malling and Drinking
1. Today we decided to explore the three main malls of Gold Coast. We decided to go back to Australia Fair, since we only had dinner in that mall last night at 6:30 (when all the shops were closing). We took a bus to the mall and bought grocery/souvenirs.
One thing I noticed about Australian goods is that most of the stuff they have there are readily available here in the Philippines, like chocolates, chips, junk food and other processed foods. The only things authentic there are native products like art works, boomerangs (we found a few boomerangs that were manufactured in China), and paintings.
So we bought food that were not available here in the Philippines, like some kit-kats (mint and caramel flavor) and Cadburry candies. Jen bought several kangaroo stuffed dolls for our relatives back home.
2. We got back to the hotel around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. I decided to take a dip in the pool. The hotel had several swimming pools - from kiddy ponds, olympic sized pools, and jacuzzis. I swam a few laps in the large pool, waiting for Jen to finish her packing. When she arrived, we both took a soak in the hot pool.
3. Around 6pm, we decided to take a stroll on the beach. There were small shops and restuarants along the beachside. We were glad that the stores were still open, since the area catered to tourists and visitors staying in the nearby hotels. There we found a nice restaurant and ordered some lamb steak.
4. After devouring our meal, we continued to wander around the beach plaza and decided to visit one of the fancier hotels. There we got the chance to relax in the hotel lobby and order a round of beer.
One thing I noticed about Australian goods is that most of the stuff they have there are readily available here in the Philippines, like chocolates, chips, junk food and other processed foods. The only things authentic there are native products like art works, boomerangs (we found a few boomerangs that were manufactured in China), and paintings.
So we bought food that were not available here in the Philippines, like some kit-kats (mint and caramel flavor) and Cadburry candies. Jen bought several kangaroo stuffed dolls for our relatives back home.
2. We got back to the hotel around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. I decided to take a dip in the pool. The hotel had several swimming pools - from kiddy ponds, olympic sized pools, and jacuzzis. I swam a few laps in the large pool, waiting for Jen to finish her packing. When she arrived, we both took a soak in the hot pool.
3. Around 6pm, we decided to take a stroll on the beach. There were small shops and restuarants along the beachside. We were glad that the stores were still open, since the area catered to tourists and visitors staying in the nearby hotels. There we found a nice restaurant and ordered some lamb steak.
4. After devouring our meal, we continued to wander around the beach plaza and decided to visit one of the fancier hotels. There we got the chance to relax in the hotel lobby and order a round of beer.
Visiting Warner Brothers Studio
1. Today we went to Warner Bros. studio. We took a bus from the hotel to the amusement park. Rode the Superman ride (caution do not ride again), Scooby Doo ride, Shrek 4D and the Batman ride. We also visited the Harry Potter Wizard story, as well as the Matrix exhibit, and the Loony toons show.
2. Jen and I left the amusement park pass 2pm. We wanted to visit one of the local malls so we took a bus to Australia Fair. It's a pretty standard mall, but I think our own SM malls are better. We spent the rest of the afternoon malling and shopping for gifts.
3. Mall closed at 6pm. We had chicken & hotdog at the Australia Fair foodcourt. We left the mall shortly and went back to the hotel.
2. Jen and I left the amusement park pass 2pm. We wanted to visit one of the local malls so we took a bus to Australia Fair. It's a pretty standard mall, but I think our own SM malls are better. We spent the rest of the afternoon malling and shopping for gifts.
3. Mall closed at 6pm. We had chicken & hotdog at the Australia Fair foodcourt. We left the mall shortly and went back to the hotel.
Night Safari at Gold Coast
1. Left Melbourne early in the morning. Our next stop is Gold Coast, the summer capital of Australia, as well as the home of three amusement parks. The plane didn't actually land at Gold Coast. We landed on Brisbane and then took a bus to Gold Coast. It was a two hour trip going from the city to the beach side paradise.
2. After checking in the hotel and settling down, we swam in the pool. This was the only hotel that had swimming pools available for their occupants.
3. Went to a night safari at Curumbin. Got the chance to explore the ecosystem of Asutralia at night, as well as meet more koalas and kangaroos.
4. At the end of the safari, we got the chance to witness an aboriginal/tribal welcoming ceremony. Too bad the "tribesmen" were not really genuine aboriginals.
2. After checking in the hotel and settling down, we swam in the pool. This was the only hotel that had swimming pools available for their occupants.
3. Went to a night safari at Curumbin. Got the chance to explore the ecosystem of Asutralia at night, as well as meet more koalas and kangaroos.
4. At the end of the safari, we got the chance to witness an aboriginal/tribal welcoming ceremony. Too bad the "tribesmen" were not really genuine aboriginals.
Touring Melbourne
1. We had breakfast at the hotel (as usual). Breakfast is the only time we get to eat for free (because that's part of the deal... we have to buy our own lunch and dinner). It's the usual eggs, cereals, sausages, and bacon. Honestly the food in Sydney was more delicious.
2. Had our city tour. We went sight seeing at outskrits of the city. We visited a botanial garden and a war memorial park.
3. We got back to Melbourne and had lunch at the central mall. We managed to stuff some breakfast food, so we had bacon and sausage sandwiches. Jen bought chicken & corn soup to make our meal more interesting.
4. After a quick lunch, we rode the APT bus to Philipp Island. We were supposed to go watch penguins. But we first made a quick stop to another petting zoo. Took more pictures of goats, kangaroos & koalas.
5. Watched the little penguins come back to beach. Too bad they prohibited the use of cameras (the flash scares the little birds). It was freezing cold.
6. We ended our tour with a dinner in an Italian restaurant. Jen and I ordered some pizza, pasta & potato-pumpkin soup.
2. Had our city tour. We went sight seeing at outskrits of the city. We visited a botanial garden and a war memorial park.
3. We got back to Melbourne and had lunch at the central mall. We managed to stuff some breakfast food, so we had bacon and sausage sandwiches. Jen bought chicken & corn soup to make our meal more interesting.
4. After a quick lunch, we rode the APT bus to Philipp Island. We were supposed to go watch penguins. But we first made a quick stop to another petting zoo. Took more pictures of goats, kangaroos & koalas.
5. Watched the little penguins come back to beach. Too bad they prohibited the use of cameras (the flash scares the little birds). It was freezing cold.
6. We ended our tour with a dinner in an Italian restaurant. Jen and I ordered some pizza, pasta & potato-pumpkin soup.
Coming to Melbourne
1. We Left Sydney around 8am. Spent an hour at the airport waiting for our flight. Nothing much to do, so we took some pictures of the airport.
2. Arrived at Melborne after lunch. Jen and I were much happier here because our hotel was right in the middle of the city. The streets were filled with people and tourists. There were a lot more restaurants, malls, and bookstores. Prices here are cheaper.
3. Around 3pm, we attended Sunday mass at St. Francis. It was a small church and there were only a handful of people inside (as compared to the crowds of people attending mass in the Philippines)
4. Its colder here than Sydney. I tried to invite Jen out for an "after-dinner-walk" but she found the cold unbearable.
2. Arrived at Melborne after lunch. Jen and I were much happier here because our hotel was right in the middle of the city. The streets were filled with people and tourists. There were a lot more restaurants, malls, and bookstores. Prices here are cheaper.
3. Around 3pm, we attended Sunday mass at St. Francis. It was a small church and there were only a handful of people inside (as compared to the crowds of people attending mass in the Philippines)
4. Its colder here than Sydney. I tried to invite Jen out for an "after-dinner-walk" but she found the cold unbearable.
Lost in Blue Mountain
Here's a brief run down of what happened to us on our second day at Australia:
1. Jen and I had our breakfast at the hotel. Packed some leftover sandwiches.
2. We missed our scheduled bus trip with Asia Pacific Tour. We were instructed to catch up with the tour, so the hotel clerks were nice enough to help us meet up with the bus at Blue Mountain. We went to Central Station (which was a couple of blocks away from the hotel) to get a train & bus ride to Catomba.
3. Riding in the train going to Catomba, we got to see the suburbs of Sydney - the scenery looks much like the houses along South Super Highway going to Alabang.
4. Arrived at Catomba - Blue Mountain at 11:45am. Looks like Tagaytay. Took a trolley up to Scenic World. We finally caught up with the APT bus.
5. We rode a cable car down to Scenic World and went for a hike in the rain forest. Saw the mountain range and ridges known as the 3 sisters. Had to walk back up the trail. We almost missed the APT bus again.
5. Went to a petting zoo. Touched a wombat & koala. Took some kangaroo pics.
6. Got back to Sydney. Went window shopping at Victoria building. Sadly all shops close at 5pm (even on a Saturday).
7. On our way back to the hotel, we got lost again. We took a wrong turn and walked back where we came from.
8. Ate at McDonalds. Had strawberry shake and McOz burger (it's an Australian version of the Quarter pounder with beet & tomato mixed in it)
1. Jen and I had our breakfast at the hotel. Packed some leftover sandwiches.
2. We missed our scheduled bus trip with Asia Pacific Tour. We were instructed to catch up with the tour, so the hotel clerks were nice enough to help us meet up with the bus at Blue Mountain. We went to Central Station (which was a couple of blocks away from the hotel) to get a train & bus ride to Catomba.
3. Riding in the train going to Catomba, we got to see the suburbs of Sydney - the scenery looks much like the houses along South Super Highway going to Alabang.
4. Arrived at Catomba - Blue Mountain at 11:45am. Looks like Tagaytay. Took a trolley up to Scenic World. We finally caught up with the APT bus.
5. We rode a cable car down to Scenic World and went for a hike in the rain forest. Saw the mountain range and ridges known as the 3 sisters. Had to walk back up the trail. We almost missed the APT bus again.
5. Went to a petting zoo. Touched a wombat & koala. Took some kangaroo pics.
6. Got back to Sydney. Went window shopping at Victoria building. Sadly all shops close at 5pm (even on a Saturday).
7. On our way back to the hotel, we got lost again. We took a wrong turn and walked back where we came from.
8. Ate at McDonalds. Had strawberry shake and McOz burger (it's an Australian version of the Quarter pounder with beet & tomato mixed in it)
Hello Sydney!
Here is what happened on our first day/arrival at Australia. Got off the Quantas airplane and got held up at the Sydney Airport customs. We had to report all food stuff we brought along (including the biscuits and instant cup noodles). These people are strict and paranoid about visitors bringing in stuff that would damage the local ecosystem. In the end, the custom officer took away our nissin seafood noodle cup (to think that was my favorite).
1. Bought a pair of day tour bus pass to go around the city
2. Stopped over at IMAX theater. Watched "walking in the moon" At the 3D theater. It is a documentary about space travel on the moon, narrated by Tom Hanks.
3. Went to Sydney Aquarium where we bought a coke zero for 3.50AUD. Got to pet baby sharks sea urchins and starfish.
4. Stopped at Queens building where we wallked along market street and to Sydney tower. Experienced Oz trek which was not that impressive.
5. Hopped back at tourbus. Went to Sydney Opera house. Missed the tour since it was past 5pm.
6. Walked along Circular Quay. Took a bus back to the Pacific International Hotel. Bought some fish & chips and salmon sandwich for dinner (aside from the Lucky Me noodles and biscuits). All the shops and malls were closing around seven in the evening. Where have all the people gone?
7. Got to walk around George Street at night. Stumbled upon Chinatown street with nightmarket and street restaurant.
1. Bought a pair of day tour bus pass to go around the city
2. Stopped over at IMAX theater. Watched "walking in the moon" At the 3D theater. It is a documentary about space travel on the moon, narrated by Tom Hanks.
3. Went to Sydney Aquarium where we bought a coke zero for 3.50AUD. Got to pet baby sharks sea urchins and starfish.
4. Stopped at Queens building where we wallked along market street and to Sydney tower. Experienced Oz trek which was not that impressive.
5. Hopped back at tourbus. Went to Sydney Opera house. Missed the tour since it was past 5pm.
6. Walked along Circular Quay. Took a bus back to the Pacific International Hotel. Bought some fish & chips and salmon sandwich for dinner (aside from the Lucky Me noodles and biscuits). All the shops and malls were closing around seven in the evening. Where have all the people gone?
7. Got to walk around George Street at night. Stumbled upon Chinatown street with nightmarket and street restaurant.
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