Last Day in the busy city centre.

It feels like the end of my trip for some reason... Not sure why, as this is only the beginning! Tomorrow evening I will be starting work as an au pair for 5 months.

I ended up spending the majority of my last day in the city centre trying to hunt down an acoustic guitar to purchase. Sadly, I came out unsuccessful. I will continue my search online for second hand guitars and hopefully come across a perfect fit soon.

I found some new shops wounding around today as well. This one looked rather fancy and reminded me of the block Arcade back in Melbourne. This one wasn't filled with as many intriguing shops compared to the famous block Arcade though.

Many floors!

Since it was Sunday and also a long weekend here, many musicians lined Pitt street singing their tunes. My favourite of the day were again a folk type duo called Winterbourne. I do believe they said they were from Perth, but don't hold me to that! I did feel a bit bad for them though. They looked like they were roasting in the afternoon sun. Temperatures were up around 30 degrees today. Not that nice when you're in busy city streets. Would have much rather been down on the beaches today I think. Anyways, luckily for the viewing audience we were all under a nice patch of cool shade.

After walking around in the heat all afternoon, I had the hankering for something sweet and cold. Off to yogurtland I went. My only complaint was the fast melting rate, other than that it hit the spot!

Bye for now.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Darling Harbour and Hyde Park

Back in the beautiful Sydney, NSW. I decided to stay in the YHA central location so I could explore the inner city a bit more. I must admit, I was a little sad not going back to the hostel near bondi beach because I think I'm more of a beach bum then city chic. Oh well, I'll have 5 more months of living a at the beach I guess!

After an awful sleepless overnight train trip from Melbourne, I wasn't feeling extremely energetic or in a good mood for that matter. So I decided to do what I seem to like best, wonder aimlessly down streets to see new sights. My first stop was Market City. A HUGE shop for everything from fresh produce to clothing to little nic nacks and souvenirs. I didn't feel like squeezing and pushing my way through the crowds of people buzzing all about so I continued my journey to Darling Harbour.

Darling Harbous was a nice little area. Very relaxing with all its gardens and water works. Unfortunately the cloudy weather followed me from Melbourne!

After going to bed around 6pm and sleeping until 7am I was in much better spirits. Started my Saturday morning off with a lovely run through Hyde Park to Circular Quay and back. Hyde park was such a nice green space in the centre of the city. Art and About is happening all around Sydney, so I believe those black tents that played music and lit up were part of that. If not, then I have no idea what they were! Lots of photographs sent in from kids under the age of 11. They were very cute as all the pictures included a description written by the child.

Anzac Memorial and Pool of Reflection

Colourful music playing tents

Kids pictures

Archibald Fountain

Late in the afternoon I went to the Circular Quay to check out the Chocolate Festival. Sounded very promising and tasty, but was slightly dissapointed in the few tents set up and lines that stretched quite far. Needless to say I didn't purchase any tasty treats... I also debated all day long about the very expensive purchase of a new guitar. I really want to buy a guitar, but failed to realize that yes they are pretty pricy... I've decided to sleep on it and head back in the morning if it's something that I really really really want!

Street performers at Circular Quay

 

Bye for now.

Maybe you'll see a picture of a new guitar soon :).

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

Last day in Melbourne...

Packed up from yet another hostel this morning. I'm glad I don't have a lot to unpack or pack back up! I left my hostel around 9am, so I was a little unsure of how I would occupy my time until 7pm, when I would board my train back to the beautiful beaches of Sydney.

After hearing some good reviews from others, I decided to fork up the money and pay for a visit to the Dreamworks Animation Exhibition playing at ACMI right at federation square. Megumi, my new friend travelling from Japan, came along as well. Although the exhibit only took around an hour to go through it was very interesting! I loved seeing all the sketches and the production behind all the animation films over the years. It definitely puts into perspective all the time and energy it takes well before anyone is witness to the final product on the big screen. They had numerous walls covered in original drawings, paintings, and even sculptures of some characters. All the main characters of Madagascar were made into sculptures so that the animation team could produce the best corners and shapes of the animals. They also had a few projector screens that showed the development of the characters, starting with outlines and progressively added in facial expressions and colours.

Had a visit with Megumi over a latte and cappuccino at Hairy Little Sista's Cafe. A rather odd name, but they did make a good latte! After the caffeine buzz, we walked back to federation square where there were some street performers out and about doing there thing. A hard way to make a living, trying to make people laugh, but I guess they must enjoy it.

After I said my goodbyes to Megumi, I walked around the city streets one more time. To my pleasant surprise, walking down Burke street, I got to listen to my favourite type of street performers, musicians! One group in particular, Amistat, was an amazing folk duo. I would have bought there CD had I been travelling with something more than my iPad, but yay for iTunes as I got to download it online. A very nice way to finish off my last few hours here in Melbourne.

 

Talk to you again when I'm back in Sydney.

bye for now.

 

 

Posted with Blogsy