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My plan was to leave from Rouse Hill as early as possible, the Bullet bus first trip was 6:15am to CBD York St. I was ready to leave at 6am but when I looked outside it was still dark and when I checked the temperature on my phone, it was 4 Degree Celsius. So I waited til 6:55 for the second trip to the city.
It was my second time to take the bus, first was with my boss during day 1 of the conference. So I gave the driver card/ticket, he asked me if I was sure it was mine, I remember it was my boss and I told him I was staying at my aunts LOL. I saw in front as before, however the driver had asked me to move as the first four rows are for women’s.
Arriving in the city, the first thing that caught my eyes are the “scavengers” birds, those big birds my boss call “scavengers” because they like to steal your foods.
My boss has outlined the places and spots I should go to. So I had the map, and started my way to the Sydney cove area.
I walked towards The Rocks area as I follow the view of the Harbour Bridge.
I reached the Park Hyatt and took pictures for the Bridge on the left, and the Opera house on the right.
From The Rocks, I started walking towards the Circular Quay.
The map’s orientation and the right hand drive and streets are confusing me a bit, but I wasn’t worried. I wanted to get lost and look around. Live a little of the city.
When I finally got to the Circular Quay station, I saw the Hop On- Hop Off Sydney Tour bus and decided to take it. The best way to get around the city is to take a ride, Id like to keep my feet when I get back to Manila. Its a 90 minutes tour but it has 26 stops/station, I can go down and wait about 15-20 minuets for the next tour bus and hop on!
First turn to George St., if Hong Kong has Nathan Rd, and Makati has Ayala, Sydney CBD has Georgie.
The famous QVB (Queen Victoria Bulding), housing top designer clothes and other shops.
The Town Hall.
As the bus makes a turn to Goulburn St heading to William St. where you can see the view of the Australian Museum and the St. Catherine’s Cathedral.
The iconic Coca Cola billboard on the corner of William St and Kings Cross (also known as the red light district).
First stop on the Woolloomooloo!
The needle (Sydney Tower) from the Cowper Wharf st. view.
State Library of NSW.
Conservatorium of Music.
Entrance to the Royal Botanical Garden.
After reaching the Sydney Opera House, I decided to hop off the tour and have some lunch with my former project manager Tatjana. I walked a little 6 blocks to George st, and we had some Japanese food.
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On our (planed) way to the Blue Mountains, we had a stop over at Hog’s Breath cafe for lunch. Its a famous aussie restaurant that started in Queensland, their specialty are Prime Rib Steaks.
It took a little while before they’ve assisted us to our table. So I took pictures of the place.
During our wait, my boss encouraged me to try an Aussie beer. So I ordered a Bulmer. Reminded me of the the San Miguel Lemon flavored beer.
Meet the lovely couple - my bosses.
And silly Sophie - their daughter - playing and coloring.
Our orders:
Hog-etiser - Boss Hog Mushies. Mushrooms coated with tartare sauce.
Pan-fried salmon Lemon Myrtle Salmon.
My boss’ order of some slabs.
With chips!
And my ordered of the yummy Hoggies Fish & Chips.
It was a unique dining experience. Experiencing lunch as how aussies do. I dream of bringing Eric here one day. Im sure he’ll enjoy this restaurant experience. He screams for Steaks and Salmons!
Ay Sus!
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Its impossible to squeeze the ten days adventure I had in Sydney into one post. I have to segregate.
I thought it’ll never push through, my visa hasn’t arrived and I was about to leave in two days. But then we received a call from the Australian Embassy.
I left Manila around 9am. The experience of going to a first world country had me feeling ecstatic but nerve racking at the same time. I had this scenario running in my mind where I called my boss and told him the immigration did not let me through.
Can you imagine how silly it is that the custom had to check our bags twice before getting inside the plane, they had us quarantine on the boarding / waiting area. I had to take off my shoes twice because I went to the toilets. Also they had my doe/gel thrown away. :(
I arrived at Smithy’s airport around 7pm. There was a long queue at the immigration. I was worried and anxious. Till this chinese lady farted and everyone looked at her.
Nearing the the counter, the two guy in front of me had the line “the immigration wants to have a little chat with you, go into that room” said to them. Got me really sweaty but I was transferred to another counter and I did not receive any question.
My boss Patricia picked me up and wondered what took me so long. I told her it was because of the long line in the immigration. She drove me around the city a little and then we head to dinner. Upon stepping out of the car, thats when I felt the chill. It was really cold.
We had dinner at Nandos, I had a flamed grilled chicken and some chips. My first food in Australia. It was yummeh!
The next day, my other boss Jomuel drove around Rouse hill. We went to Schofields train station and dropped Pat off for her meeting in the city.
Then we went to Woolworths. I finally saw a familiar logo. We did some few works for their website.
After Woolworths, we went to the Rouse Hill town center. My boss got me a Voda sim so I can call in the Philippines cheaper. My boss got me a 30 aud credit which loaded my account with a 450 aud, unlike in the Philippines, 1 Php is to 1 txt.
During lunch break, we ate at Red Roosters. Its just a few walk from where the house of my boss is. I had another grilled chicken and chips. :)
After work, we went to the Castle Hill towers and had dinner at Mad Mex. Its a fresh Mexican Grill Resto, I had some tacos.
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