Holidays + End of Annual Leave
It's a sad concept - Holidays always whizz by so hurriedly that I have hardly even get to enjoy it before it's all gone and life is back to normal again.
10 days has came, and gone. Today is my so-called 'last day' of annual leave since I have to work at night tomorrow. Amelia has already came to Melbourne and she's already on the flight on the way back to Singapore. It was fun with her here, and it was good to give myself a little break from work too!
Despite our differences, and not being perfectly on track with my planned itinerary (a few hiccups), I think the entire holiday went quite well. Even though Amelia did not feel Melbourne is somewhere she feels she can adjust to (now or ever), but I think we appreciate spending time with each other, which is indeed precious given that I am not based in Singapore now and we have no clue when next we will be able to see each other again. Overall it was a good experience.
There are heaps of photos I have taken throughout this trip and honestly it is impossible to edit them all and post them here. I will probably just post a couple of interesting ones and leave the rest on Facebook.
Day 1: Friday 25.09.09 Amelia's arrival
Amelia arrived in Melbourne at around 9am, and I have gone down to Tullamarine Airport to receive her. I have already rented a car the day before, but unfortunately it got smacked the day before I drove it therefore I got to pay the damage as the driver sped off after that. How 'suay' of me!! I've decided to return the car so as to avoid spending even more. Moreover, I'd rather not drive because of me being so direction-stupid. I'll probably waste more time spinning around and not finding my destination. Public transport is always a better option!
After Amelia has left her luggages at my place and I've returned my car, the rest of the day was simply cruising around the city. Lots of walking around therefore our feet were sore and tired. Lunch was at Singapore Chom Chom. Coffee/tea was at Max Brenner (QV), and dinner was at Grill'd (QV). Majority of our time was at Melbourne Aquarium which was really interesting. I haven't been to the aquarium for a long time! I love the penguins best!
Day 2: Saturday 26.09.09 AFL Finals
Received Roland and Chiria's invitation for BBQ at their place to celebrate AFL finals, therefore I went with Amelia. It was also an eye-opener for Amelia to watch Australian football. Australian football is indeed a big part of the culture here and Aussies go crazy over their 'rowdy' national sport. The finals was between Geelong Cats and St. Kilda Saints. Geelong Cats won.
Roland made really good BBQ. Chiria made yummy nachos and salad (which I didn't eat). Ai-lin contributed really good pavlova and some of Roland's friends also made little cakes and munchies which were good too.
At night, I brought Amelia to Sozai for dinner. We shared a gyoza, and I had gyu-tataki and she had agedashi tofu. For mains, Amelia ordered tempura udon soup, and I got a platter of spicy salmon, unagi nigiri, nasu nigiri and sashimi. Very bloated after that. However, old habits kick in. I was observing my friends/colleagues work more and finding faults more than anything else. I was supposed to be on holidays....!
Day 3: Sunday 27.09.09 Dandenong Ranges
It was a horrible weather to go to the Dandenong Ranges, but it is the only day Ai-Lin is free to drive us up. We did not expect the weather to be THAT BAD, but it rained practically the entire day! Plus, it was really cold! Ai-lin really wanted to let us feed the rosellas but because of the weather the birds have all gone seeking their shelters therefore we didn't get to do anything. The day was spent trailing from one interesting shop to another, and then had Devonshire tea and scones at Miss Marples.
There were me, Amelia, Ai-lin and May...
At night, Amelia cooked dinner. She cooked macaroni soup and stir-fried green beans and carrots. All very delicious! And finally, after so long, my housemates and I re-bonded and talked like before. We all had dinner together.
Day 4: Monday 28.09.09 The Beaches
Due to my carelessness, we missed the tour to Phillip Island. Got to change it to the next day and bring forward Tuesday's plans. So I brought Amelia to St. Kilda Beach and Luna Park, as well as to Brighton Beach. Both beaches are pretty and would be perfect spot to hang out if the weather had been warmer. After a really yummy dinner at Middle Brighton Baths, we walked for an hour from Brighton Beach back to St. Kilda Beach, passing Elwood beach. I knew all the beaches are linked, but never knew they have a walking track that links the beaches. I enjoyed the walk and the sea, though I know Amelia must be worn-out from it.
I love this little sheep at the tiny cattle farm in Luna Park.
Colourful houses at Brighton
Left: St. Kilda beach. Right: Sunset at Brighton
The sunset was so pretty.... It is a picture that I can never describe and unable to catch the full beauty of it on pictures... You have to be there to see it.
Day 5: Tuesday 29.09.09 Phillip Island
Being extra careful of the time, we made it on the tour to Phillip Island this time. First stop was Warook Cattle Farm, where we saw kangaroos, wallabies, sheeps, ducks, cows, emus and wombats. Love these animals...
Next stop was the Koala Sanctuary. Spotted a few koalas hanging on top of tree branches, sleeping. Cute!
The Nobbies was next. Pretty scenery there and it was sunset again. Stopped for 15 minutes before going on to the Penguin Parade.
The Penguin Parade starts approximately 6.45pm so when we reached there we grabbed a bite first. At the parade, we are not allowed to take photos as flash photography can blind the little penguins, and you will see nothing without flash anyway (since it's so dark). Between 7-7.30pm we saw groups of little penguins wadding up from the sea and back to their holes. It wasn't a clear view but as we walked back up the trail, we saw the little penguins making their way up to where they have burrowed their holes, and that was when we got a good view of the world's smallest penguins! They were extremely cute! I want to bring one home!
By the time we reached back in Melbourne it was already after 10pm. Grabbed a bite at Ten Ren teahouse before going back.
Day 6: Wednesday 30.09.09 Rialto Observation Deck
Started the day strolling down the little shops at Greville Street at Prahran. Greville Street then links to Chapel Street and we sat down at The Coffee Club to have brunch. All thanks to my direction-stupidness, I've led the wrong way resulting Amelia to miss many of the interesting boutiques on Chapel Street... However it will be too troublesome to turn back and Amelia has to meet her friend for lunch in the city so we left. I am just hopeless!
Whilst Amelia and her friend had lunch, I went to the bank and did some exploring myself. After Amelia's finished her brief catch-up, we went to have a drink at Hairy Canary before proceeding to Rialto 360degrees Observation deck, where we can view the entire Melbourne city up til the Dandenong mountains. Very interesting. Had different views from day to dusk to dark. And it was 2 for the price of 1 special offer! :)
After that we went to Saunte at Crown Casino for dinner. The buffet there wasn't as good as before. Service and food quality standards have dropped as compared to previous years. Doubt I will ever go there again.
Day 7: Thursday 01.10.09 Great Ocean Road
Joined the tour again to get to Great Ocean Road. One of my favorite places. This is my 5th time if I am not mistaken, but I still love it.
First stop was Bell Beach, a local's favorite. There wasn't anything much except for a surfing competition that was going on there. After which we stopped at Anglesea and had a little break there. Cape Patton lookout was next. We officially entered Great Ocean Road at the entrance where every tourist will snap a photo at.
At Apollo Bay we stopped for an hour for lunch. We had fish and chips, and went down to the beach for a while. I loved Apollo Bay. Peaceful and beautiful.
Took the helicopter ride at the 12 Apostles (now 7). I took it last time and this time I still found it as pretty. Not much time was left to really snap pictures after the ride though.
Lord Ard Gorge was next. We took the middle walk down and got our shoees and feet wet trying to go into a 'cave'. After that, I took the other path by myself and had another magnificent view of the Lord Ard Gorge.
Port Campbell was a quick stop for photos (and the loo). After that we drove to London Bridge, which would be the last stop for the day.
Dinner was at Tica Tesca at Lygon Street. The place serves average Italian food, and it was the least crowded one as compared to its neighbours. Our mushroom cheddar soup tasted weird at first but we eventually got used to the taste though it filled us up quite a bit.
Day 8: Friday 02.10.09 Victoria Market and Melbourne Zoo
Queen Victoria Market is one the iconic markets in Melbourne that is more accessible. And the market here is very much different from the ones you see in Singapore therefore it is worth a look. After that I stopped by Priscilla's cafe to have a coffee. I haven't been to her cafe yet ever since she has opened. Her cafe has an interesting concept. Half the space is used as a hair salon that her brother manages. The other half is a cafe that Priscilla manages. I had a play with the coffee machine but I am still very bad at coffee art.
Melbourne Zoo was next. Honestly I didn't really like the zoo that much. Firstly most of the animals are either asleep or hiding. Secondly, the layout of the zoo was so confusing that it seems very much like a maze to me. I cannot even find my elephants! Thirdly, they do not have variety, except that they do have the Australian animals such as koala, kangaroos and the platypus. There wasn't really much to offer. But I really loved the animals I managed to see, especially the little penguins, elephants and giraffes.
After that I brought Amelia to the Docklands/Waterfront City, but I was appalled by how quiet the place is! It was a FRIDAY night and usually everywhere is crowded as shops open late only on this day. However at Docklands, there wasn't anyone around! We sat down at Coffee Club and had our dinner. It was weird to be so quiet!
The day ended with some sweet treats from Brunetti's. And some chit-chatting before going to bed.
Day 9: Saturday 03.10.09 Farewell Amelia
Amelia's last day in Melbourne. Set off for the airport at 12.15pm. Had lunch at the airport before Amelia goes through the boarding gates at 2.30pm.
The airport is always a mixture of happy and sad, the latter being stronger. At the airport, it seems like we are either going off, leaving family and friends behind; or you are seeing your family and friends off. At the airport, I witness other people going on holidays, yet I am still stuck at one spot with no time or money for a journey. Yet, I love going to the airport because I can see many different interesting things. How contradicting!
03.10.09 is also Mid-Autumn Festival. Initially, I wanted to go back home after sending Amelia off and have pushed off supper invites and a tour of Melbourne bars. However, I hung around Melbourne Central for a while and bumped into Yongshan and Shu Yea. They asked me to celebrate Mid-Autumn with them since I have nothing planned either. We have been intending to meet before my annual leave anyway, but Shu Yea has been busy with her assignments. We went to Meiji for dinner, and then back to their place for some mooncakes and tea. I didn't stay too long though cuz I was so sleepy that I can seem to fall asleep anywhere at any time!
In another half an hour (it is now 1.30am) we will be turning our clocks forward an hour since daylight savings will then commence. We lose an hour, and will be 3 hours ahead of Singapore. I am feeling lethargic because I am dreading work, but I need to work (I've been spending too much lately!). How sad to be so miserable when you are finally feeling recharged! :-\
10 days has came, and gone. Today is my so-called 'last day' of annual leave since I have to work at night tomorrow. Amelia has already came to Melbourne and she's already on the flight on the way back to Singapore. It was fun with her here, and it was good to give myself a little break from work too!
Despite our differences, and not being perfectly on track with my planned itinerary (a few hiccups), I think the entire holiday went quite well. Even though Amelia did not feel Melbourne is somewhere she feels she can adjust to (now or ever), but I think we appreciate spending time with each other, which is indeed precious given that I am not based in Singapore now and we have no clue when next we will be able to see each other again. Overall it was a good experience.
There are heaps of photos I have taken throughout this trip and honestly it is impossible to edit them all and post them here. I will probably just post a couple of interesting ones and leave the rest on Facebook.
Day 1: Friday 25.09.09 Amelia's arrival
Amelia arrived in Melbourne at around 9am, and I have gone down to Tullamarine Airport to receive her. I have already rented a car the day before, but unfortunately it got smacked the day before I drove it therefore I got to pay the damage as the driver sped off after that. How 'suay' of me!! I've decided to return the car so as to avoid spending even more. Moreover, I'd rather not drive because of me being so direction-stupid. I'll probably waste more time spinning around and not finding my destination. Public transport is always a better option!
After Amelia has left her luggages at my place and I've returned my car, the rest of the day was simply cruising around the city. Lots of walking around therefore our feet were sore and tired. Lunch was at Singapore Chom Chom. Coffee/tea was at Max Brenner (QV), and dinner was at Grill'd (QV). Majority of our time was at Melbourne Aquarium which was really interesting. I haven't been to the aquarium for a long time! I love the penguins best!
Day 2: Saturday 26.09.09 AFL Finals
Received Roland and Chiria's invitation for BBQ at their place to celebrate AFL finals, therefore I went with Amelia. It was also an eye-opener for Amelia to watch Australian football. Australian football is indeed a big part of the culture here and Aussies go crazy over their 'rowdy' national sport. The finals was between Geelong Cats and St. Kilda Saints. Geelong Cats won.
Roland made really good BBQ. Chiria made yummy nachos and salad (which I didn't eat). Ai-lin contributed really good pavlova and some of Roland's friends also made little cakes and munchies which were good too.
At night, I brought Amelia to Sozai for dinner. We shared a gyoza, and I had gyu-tataki and she had agedashi tofu. For mains, Amelia ordered tempura udon soup, and I got a platter of spicy salmon, unagi nigiri, nasu nigiri and sashimi. Very bloated after that. However, old habits kick in. I was observing my friends/colleagues work more and finding faults more than anything else. I was supposed to be on holidays....!
Day 3: Sunday 27.09.09 Dandenong Ranges
It was a horrible weather to go to the Dandenong Ranges, but it is the only day Ai-Lin is free to drive us up. We did not expect the weather to be THAT BAD, but it rained practically the entire day! Plus, it was really cold! Ai-lin really wanted to let us feed the rosellas but because of the weather the birds have all gone seeking their shelters therefore we didn't get to do anything. The day was spent trailing from one interesting shop to another, and then had Devonshire tea and scones at Miss Marples.
There were me, Amelia, Ai-lin and May...
At night, Amelia cooked dinner. She cooked macaroni soup and stir-fried green beans and carrots. All very delicious! And finally, after so long, my housemates and I re-bonded and talked like before. We all had dinner together.
Day 4: Monday 28.09.09 The Beaches
Due to my carelessness, we missed the tour to Phillip Island. Got to change it to the next day and bring forward Tuesday's plans. So I brought Amelia to St. Kilda Beach and Luna Park, as well as to Brighton Beach. Both beaches are pretty and would be perfect spot to hang out if the weather had been warmer. After a really yummy dinner at Middle Brighton Baths, we walked for an hour from Brighton Beach back to St. Kilda Beach, passing Elwood beach. I knew all the beaches are linked, but never knew they have a walking track that links the beaches. I enjoyed the walk and the sea, though I know Amelia must be worn-out from it.
I love this little sheep at the tiny cattle farm in Luna Park.
Colourful houses at Brighton
Left: St. Kilda beach. Right: Sunset at Brighton
The sunset was so pretty.... It is a picture that I can never describe and unable to catch the full beauty of it on pictures... You have to be there to see it.
Day 5: Tuesday 29.09.09 Phillip Island
Being extra careful of the time, we made it on the tour to Phillip Island this time. First stop was Warook Cattle Farm, where we saw kangaroos, wallabies, sheeps, ducks, cows, emus and wombats. Love these animals...
Next stop was the Koala Sanctuary. Spotted a few koalas hanging on top of tree branches, sleeping. Cute!
The Nobbies was next. Pretty scenery there and it was sunset again. Stopped for 15 minutes before going on to the Penguin Parade.
The Penguin Parade starts approximately 6.45pm so when we reached there we grabbed a bite first. At the parade, we are not allowed to take photos as flash photography can blind the little penguins, and you will see nothing without flash anyway (since it's so dark). Between 7-7.30pm we saw groups of little penguins wadding up from the sea and back to their holes. It wasn't a clear view but as we walked back up the trail, we saw the little penguins making their way up to where they have burrowed their holes, and that was when we got a good view of the world's smallest penguins! They were extremely cute! I want to bring one home!
By the time we reached back in Melbourne it was already after 10pm. Grabbed a bite at Ten Ren teahouse before going back.
Day 6: Wednesday 30.09.09 Rialto Observation Deck
Started the day strolling down the little shops at Greville Street at Prahran. Greville Street then links to Chapel Street and we sat down at The Coffee Club to have brunch. All thanks to my direction-stupidness, I've led the wrong way resulting Amelia to miss many of the interesting boutiques on Chapel Street... However it will be too troublesome to turn back and Amelia has to meet her friend for lunch in the city so we left. I am just hopeless!
Whilst Amelia and her friend had lunch, I went to the bank and did some exploring myself. After Amelia's finished her brief catch-up, we went to have a drink at Hairy Canary before proceeding to Rialto 360degrees Observation deck, where we can view the entire Melbourne city up til the Dandenong mountains. Very interesting. Had different views from day to dusk to dark. And it was 2 for the price of 1 special offer! :)
After that we went to Saunte at Crown Casino for dinner. The buffet there wasn't as good as before. Service and food quality standards have dropped as compared to previous years. Doubt I will ever go there again.
Day 7: Thursday 01.10.09 Great Ocean Road
Joined the tour again to get to Great Ocean Road. One of my favorite places. This is my 5th time if I am not mistaken, but I still love it.
First stop was Bell Beach, a local's favorite. There wasn't anything much except for a surfing competition that was going on there. After which we stopped at Anglesea and had a little break there. Cape Patton lookout was next. We officially entered Great Ocean Road at the entrance where every tourist will snap a photo at.
At Apollo Bay we stopped for an hour for lunch. We had fish and chips, and went down to the beach for a while. I loved Apollo Bay. Peaceful and beautiful.
Took the helicopter ride at the 12 Apostles (now 7). I took it last time and this time I still found it as pretty. Not much time was left to really snap pictures after the ride though.
Lord Ard Gorge was next. We took the middle walk down and got our shoees and feet wet trying to go into a 'cave'. After that, I took the other path by myself and had another magnificent view of the Lord Ard Gorge.
Port Campbell was a quick stop for photos (and the loo). After that we drove to London Bridge, which would be the last stop for the day.
Dinner was at Tica Tesca at Lygon Street. The place serves average Italian food, and it was the least crowded one as compared to its neighbours. Our mushroom cheddar soup tasted weird at first but we eventually got used to the taste though it filled us up quite a bit.
Day 8: Friday 02.10.09 Victoria Market and Melbourne Zoo
Queen Victoria Market is one the iconic markets in Melbourne that is more accessible. And the market here is very much different from the ones you see in Singapore therefore it is worth a look. After that I stopped by Priscilla's cafe to have a coffee. I haven't been to her cafe yet ever since she has opened. Her cafe has an interesting concept. Half the space is used as a hair salon that her brother manages. The other half is a cafe that Priscilla manages. I had a play with the coffee machine but I am still very bad at coffee art.
Melbourne Zoo was next. Honestly I didn't really like the zoo that much. Firstly most of the animals are either asleep or hiding. Secondly, the layout of the zoo was so confusing that it seems very much like a maze to me. I cannot even find my elephants! Thirdly, they do not have variety, except that they do have the Australian animals such as koala, kangaroos and the platypus. There wasn't really much to offer. But I really loved the animals I managed to see, especially the little penguins, elephants and giraffes.
After that I brought Amelia to the Docklands/Waterfront City, but I was appalled by how quiet the place is! It was a FRIDAY night and usually everywhere is crowded as shops open late only on this day. However at Docklands, there wasn't anyone around! We sat down at Coffee Club and had our dinner. It was weird to be so quiet!
The day ended with some sweet treats from Brunetti's. And some chit-chatting before going to bed.
Day 9: Saturday 03.10.09 Farewell Amelia
Amelia's last day in Melbourne. Set off for the airport at 12.15pm. Had lunch at the airport before Amelia goes through the boarding gates at 2.30pm.
The airport is always a mixture of happy and sad, the latter being stronger. At the airport, it seems like we are either going off, leaving family and friends behind; or you are seeing your family and friends off. At the airport, I witness other people going on holidays, yet I am still stuck at one spot with no time or money for a journey. Yet, I love going to the airport because I can see many different interesting things. How contradicting!
03.10.09 is also Mid-Autumn Festival. Initially, I wanted to go back home after sending Amelia off and have pushed off supper invites and a tour of Melbourne bars. However, I hung around Melbourne Central for a while and bumped into Yongshan and Shu Yea. They asked me to celebrate Mid-Autumn with them since I have nothing planned either. We have been intending to meet before my annual leave anyway, but Shu Yea has been busy with her assignments. We went to Meiji for dinner, and then back to their place for some mooncakes and tea. I didn't stay too long though cuz I was so sleepy that I can seem to fall asleep anywhere at any time!
In another half an hour (it is now 1.30am) we will be turning our clocks forward an hour since daylight savings will then commence. We lose an hour, and will be 3 hours ahead of Singapore. I am feeling lethargic because I am dreading work, but I need to work (I've been spending too much lately!). How sad to be so miserable when you are finally feeling recharged! :-\
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