The great way to fly to Sydney

Thanks to the contest "100 Things that make Sydney so ... Sydney" organised by Tourism New South Wales in partnership with Singapore Airlines, I had the great opportunity to take my mother to Sydney for a Mother's Day vacation. We flew by Singapore Airlines.

Singapore Airlines is a choice airline to fly to Sydney in.

Service was wonderful and the members of the crew were very thoughtful. For example, on one occasion, I decided against taking drinking water when it was offered to me. However, I later regretted my decision. The air-stewardess must have some wonderful sixth sense, she graciously asked "Would you like to change your mind on the drinking water?", and that gave me a nice avenue to ask for drinking water with a sense of pleasure that it was perfectly alright to change my mind.

The food that was served was also delicious. I like the ham with cream potato salad that was served on my flight back to Singapore. The roasted chicken served with mushrooms sauce, assorted vegetables and Lyonnaise potato pleased my palate. The cheese and cracker was also a delightful treat.

The Kris World in-flight entertainment was excellent. I watched Toy Story 3 while I was on the way back to Singapore. I also watched a few documentaries.

More importantly, the seats on the A380 were comfortable, roomy and spacious. I have had a sweet slumber on the flight on my way to Sydney from Singapore.

The next time whenever my budget permits, Singapore Airlines will be the choice airline!

Please also see: My visit to Sydney, May 2011
All the photos on this post were taken using a Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera.

11 May 2011: Sydney Airport looking brand new

Sydney Airport has undergone a series of transformation. When I last visited it in Nov 2010, much of airport was under renovation. When I was back in Sydney in May 2011, I felt that it was a friendly and more interesting looking airport greeting me.

All the transformations are part of the Sydney Airport's efforts to upgrade the International Terminal so as to provide passengers with a better travel experience. I was pretty delighted with the new food and beverage outlets and the increased number of waiting areas at the Sydney Airport. Go and experience it for yourself.

Here's a sneak preview of parts of the Sydney Airport. I was playing a bit around with the fish-eye effect program on the Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera.

I feel thankful I was back again in Sydney to witness the transformation of the Sydney Airport.


Please also see: My visit to Sydney, May 2011

All the photos on this post were taken using a Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera. 

11 May 2011: Mamak Delight

The long queues!

One evening, when my mother and I were walking about Sydney's Chinatown, we saw a restaurant that had a long queue waiting for their turn to enjoy dinner. This food establishment was Mamak.

Curiosity led me to check out Mamak with my mother on the last day of my trip to Sydney. I suggested having lunch at Mamak and sensitively ensured that my suggestions were acted upon.

At Mamak, we ordered the following:
- egg roti (AUS$5.50 per serving)
- murtabak - lamb (AUS$11.50)
- chicken satay, (half a dozen) (AUS$9.00)

The egg roti was not crispy and did not quite taste like the roti prata with egg that I have had in Singapore. However, I must have been too biased to compare the food here with those in Singapore since Mamak is technically a food establishment that specialises in serving Malaysian cuisine. When we gave our feedback to one of the members of the staff, he gladly told us that if we prefer our roti to be crispy, we could state our requests when we order our food.

The curry sauce that came with the egg roti was wonderful. It has a nice taste of spices and was spicy with a fiery punch. The dhal was good too.

The murtabak was way better than the egg roti. I strongly recommend the murtabak. It was a dish that was worth waiting for. We waited for about 15 minutes for the murtabak to be served. It was simply delicious.

The peanut sauce meant to go along with the satay was a wonderful delight. I love the fact that there was chunks of cruncy peanut bits in the peanut sauce. My mother said that the satay meat was marinated in a different way from the satay meat that were served in Singapore. Obviously, you could tell that I seldom eat satay meat in Singapore to tell the difference. I was by default, a vegetable lover.

Overall, Mamak is a great place for a delightful meal with good service, nice ambience, and food that is served with pride and love.

One way to beat the crowds is to visit Mamak for lunch on a weekday.

Mamak
15 Goulburn Street
Haymarket/ Chinatown
Sydney
Tel: (+61) 2 9211 1668


Some reviews on Mamak:
- Trip advisor's review
- Citrus and Candy's review
- The Food Pornographer's review

Please also see: My visit to Sydney, May 2011

All the photos on this post were taken using a Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera. 

The free 555 shuttle bus

I would say that the New South Wales government is very thoughtful and wise. It operates free shuttle bus services around various parts of the state of New South Wales to make it easy for people to get from one location to another.  These buses have high frequency. In addition, the buses are clean and comfortable to travel on.

When travelling about the Sydney Central Business District, one can use the free 555 shuttle bus service. This is one bus service that makes travelling about the Sydney Central Business District a breeze!

Route 555 - Free CBD Shuttle
http://www.131500.com.au/tickets/fares/cbd-shuttle

Please also see: My visit to Sydney, May 2011

All the photos on this post were taken using a Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera. 

11 May 2011: The Hyde Park fantasy

11 May 2011 (Wed):

Anyone who is familiar with London will know about Hyde Park. What about Hyde Park in Sydney? 

Right on the eastern side of the Sydney Central Business District sits Hyde Park. It was named after the original Hyde Park in London. It is bordered by Elizabeth Street, College Street, St. James Road, Prince Albert Road and Liverpool Street.

I took this photograph using the colour swap program.

There were a number of interesting monuments and buildings in the vicinity of Hyde Park. Somehow at Hyde Park, I felt I was being transported to a fantasy world right inside a busy and modern Sydney Central Business District.

One of the most convenient ways to travel to Hyde Park is to take a train to St. James Station. The beautiful St. Mary's Cathedral is within walking distance from the St. James Station. St Mary's Cathedral is a English-style Gothic church envisioned by the architect, William Wilkinson Wardell. Like many cathedrals, the building was completed 100 years after the architect's death. The vibes from this cathedral had a positive effect on me when I was passing by. Somehow, I felt a pleasant sense of serenity and peace.

Hyde Park Barracks was nearby. I had to give it a miss due to time constraints. The best that I could do is to take a photograph of it. I somehow like its simple and hardy structure. 

One particular monument that caught my eyes was the J.F. Archibald Memorial Fountain created by the artist, Francois Sicard. This fountain was unveiled on 14 Mar 1932 by Lord Mayor of Sydney, Samuel Walder, to commemorate the association of Australia and France in the Great World War 1914-1918.

J.F. Archibald Memorial Fountain.

As we left Hyde Park to head for lunch, we noticed a group of gentlemen enjoying a leisure game of chess. Their chess set was rather monumental in size!

I like Hyde Park in London better because of its sheer size and beauty. Then again, Hyde Park in Sydney has its own lovely charm.

Please also see: My visit to Sydney, May 2011

All the photos on this post were taken using a Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera. 

Sketching Sydney

Compared to my previous trip to Sydney in Nov 2010, I did lesser sketches during my recent trip to Sydney this May. Anyway, please find a compilation of my humble sketches. Which one is your favourite?

I noticed that I have an inclination to sketch structures and landscapes with interesting textures and shapes.

Before I conclude this post, here is a photograph of the tools that I use for my sketching exercises in Sydney this May. My lesson learnt whenever I sketch is simply: Good practice makes perfect. So please make time to practise.

Please also see: My visit to Sydney, May 2011

All the photos on this post were taken using a Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera. 

My many servings of breakfast

I love breakfast. At the very least, it is my favourite meal of the day.

While I do not think anyone would run short of ideas for breakfast when he/she is in Sydney, I shall attempt to share some of the food that I have had for breakfast when I was in Sydney this May. Perhaps you may then realise what a joy it is to enjoy our breakfast!

Fresh milk and cereals.

d'ough Espresso, at World Square.

Pineapple, ham, tomato and Cheese Crostini from an eatery along Pyrmont Street.

Tasty toasted banana bread.

Grilled seafood platter for two persons at AUS$36.50 from the Sydney Fish Market.

Bourke Street Bakery.

Breakfast at Bills.

Please also see: My visit to Sydney, May 2011

All the photos on this post were taken using a Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera. 

10 May 2011: Magistic Cruisesmart

10 May 2011 (Tue): At 2.45 p.m., the Magistic Cruisesmart parked at the Jetty 6 of Circular Quay, ready to set sail. I was excited at the thoughts of travelling about the Sydney Harbour.

The Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera's battery was running low. I saw this as an indicator to enjoy the cruise by simply being present, rather than taking too much photographs. I did take a number of photographs on another camera.

The description for the Magistic Cruisesmart is worth a read. Here it goes:

See the splendor of the world's most beautiful harbour, aboard our multi-million dollar Australian owned and built catamarans. This one hour cruise glides by the harbour's main attractions with GPS commentary to keep you informed along the way. This is your best option and best value cruise on the harbour, without compromise. In the true tradition of Australian hospitality, you will receive a complimentary beer or soft drink whilst on board. (Source: http://seesydneypass.iventurecard.com/attraction/magistic-cruisesmart/)

My mother and I received a complimentary can of carbonated soft-drink each. On hind-sight, we could have ordered a non-carbonated drink because in the end, none of us drank our drink. I was too happy enjoying the cruise and the marvellous views on board.

Our See Sydney Attractions Pass came in handy once again. The usual price of an adult ticket to board the Magistic Cruisesmart is AUS$25. See Sydney Attractions Pass holders get to enjoy the cruise for free! By the way, the departure time was different from the published ones so please check the schedule in advance.

It was an excellent way to enjoy Sydney's harbour on Magistic Cruisesmart. I highly recommend this tour to everyone who has a love for scenic sights while taking a cruise.

While I was onboard Magistic Cruisesmart, I was inspired and did a very quick sketch.

Magistic Cruisesmart
Cruise departs from Jetty 6, Circular Quay
Cost: AUS$25 per adult
Tel: (+61) 2 8296 7222
http://www.magisticcruises.com.au/

Please also see: My visit to Sydney, May 2011

All the photos on this post were taken using a Canon Digital IXUS 1000HS camera.