Take A Walk With Me

When I moved here in Sydney and was nursing my broken heart from all the homesickness one migrant is plagued with, some Fridays I would go to some touristy place in the city to remind myself how lucky I am to be living here. I'd usually walk the streets of Circular Quay for a view of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge (para todo na sa pagka-touristy!) and whenever I'd see those amazing structures, my homesickness fades away. The lonely feelings turn into feelings of blessedness. As much as I love and miss my first home, I can never deny that this city, this country, is a beautiful place. And lonely or not, I will always be grateful for being here.

Nowadays, it is very seldom that bouts of homesickness strikes me. Nowadays, I walk along the streets of this city with just the need to explore and relax.

Today being a Friday is another one of those days when I walk around the metro. I started walking in the streets of George Street. First stop, St. Peter Julian's Church.

First time to be here. I forgot to make three wishes. My mom always reminds me to make three wishes whenever it was our first time to visit a church. But then I realized, my prayer consisted of a lot of wishes, so I guess, I did more than three wishes.

From George Street, I made my way to Chinatown. I entered a building full of clothing boutiques that sells funky dresses, the ones we see actors and actresses wear in Asianovelas. Looked at the prices and some of them were a bit expensive.


When I got out of the building, I made my way to Darling Park. Great weather this afternoon. Thank goodness the sun came out as it was cloudy when we woke up this morning.

They've got a few rides for kids. The thing about places here in this country is that they make sure that there's something for everyone. 

They even have these mini-trains around the Harbour for those who would like a tour or who are too tired to walk. I've never tried riding these trains. Since I live here, there are some things that I take for granted.

 This country has the bluest skies I've ever seen.

On days when it's so hot, men take off their shirts. The women, they wear their bikinis. In public places, not just the beach. Very laidback and carefree.

Blue on blue. So beautiful, isn't it? I just used my point and shoot Sony camera today and the photos turned out lovely. No tweaking done here, just resizing.

Since it was hot, I didn't stay in the sun too long. I went inside Harbourside Mall to have a little bit of "me" time while waiting for the Husband to finish work.

I went around looking at bags, clothes, sunnies, shoes...stuff that a girl fancies. I almost bought a new pair of sunnies but can't decide between two pairs I liked. Which one--the white or black?

Since I can't decide, I didn't buy any. But I was lucky enough to find boots on sale. It's the best time to buy winter stuff these days because everything's on sale. I bought two pairs (black and brown) because it was half the price each. I know it's the same style but I don't really care much for boots anyway. For me, the simpler, the better. As long as I've got boots to keep my feet warm during winter that's fine with me. Plus, I need boots for our sweet November trip to *toooot*. Secret muna for now. :P

When Husband arrived, we hung out at the Glue store because he needed a new pair of pants. All the pants there were on sale, 20% off. He was able to buy a new pair of Levi's for a hundred dollars.


Ambushed photography while Chris was trying pants on hehe.

After that, we decided to go home. On our way out, we stopped by Movenpick Ice Cream because I wanted to try them. I had Hazelnut Ice Cream. It was delish.

HHWWEII = Holding hands while walking and eating ice cream. :) Such a relaxing and peaceful afternoon at the Darling Harbour today. Love it!

Sunset today was 8:10PM so when we arrived home, the sun was still shining, the skies blue as these flowers welcomed us home.

Thanks for walking with me...happy weekend!

Desperadas

...as in desperada magkita (desperate to see each other).

Went back to work on Monday and although my body is still adjusting to traveling to and from work and moving a lot, I'm just glad to be working again.

My kumare, Jackie, and I have been looking forward to having a coffee date--we've missed hanging out after work coz I've been onleave. Now that I'm back, we vowed to have coffee ASAP. The funny thing is we're both "disabled", as in I'm on the last stages of my recuperation and she on the other hand is very pregnant and could be in labor any moment now. So basically, after work, we should go straight home and rest. But no, we finally had our coffee date yesterday, just the two of us. We looked so funny walking in the city, holding on to each other for support (can you just imagine us?). I kept on asking her in the morning, "Are you sure you're good for a meet up?" And I also kept on saying, "Please don't go on labor with me". Haha. Just a joke of course. Honestly, we can't wait to see baby boy number 2.

We met up at Starbucks, York Street.

Just because I wanted to have Toffee Nut Latte Frapuccino. In a few weeks, this favorite drink of mine will be taken out of the menu. Sad.

As usual, we had a great time. Other than catch up on what happened during our holidays, we also talked about our plans/goals for 2010 (will share mine soon). Good coffee, great conversations. I love it.

I loved her outfit too! It's so 60's--i love 60's and 70's fashion. I told her to keep her dress for me so when I get pregnant, she can lend it to me.

The Moon on New Year's

...was breathtakingly beautiful.

The great thing about staying home during the new year fireworks was that I got a chance to photograph the full moon.

This was a first time for me to capture the moon at its fullest form. Due to the location of our building, it is very seldom that we get to see the moon. I never really expected to see it on the 1st of January, I only knew of it. So when I took some alone time in our balcony after cleaning up our little new year's party, I was surprised and amused to see the moon looking down on me. It was mesmerizing. Too bad, it was a very cloudy night. In a few seconds, the full moon was covered by dark clouds.

They say that a full moon on the first day of the year is good luck. I'd really like to believe that. After a challenging 2009 for everyone, so challenging that it seemed everyone was too eager for 2009 to be over, we need all the good luck we can get.

However, the universe may have given us a sign but it's always up to us to make 2010 a great year. So let's do it! Let's make things happen in 2010.

Photos by Ibyang Sanchez, Copyright 2010.

Awaken the Spirit : Sydney New Year 2010

A 13-minute show worth millions. 15 months of detailed and meticulous planning. More than 40 parks and public spaces around the harbour available for the 1.5 million people from all over the world. Everyone requested to wear a touch of blue to represent Australia's bluest sky. A beaming Yin and Yang symbol that calls for global unity--a call to Awaken the Spirit for 2010. Sydney has done it again and has done it better and greater! No wonder, we are known as the New Year's Eve capital of the world.

{image source}

-o0o0-

On 31 December 2009, more than 1.5 million people from all around the world gathered together at the Sydney Harbour to welcome the new year.

This year's theme "Awaken the Spirit" is an Aboriginal belief that tells us that we need to awaken the spirit each year, to stir up that spirit within our land, water, sky and people. The City of Sydney requested everyone to wear a touch of blue on new year's eve to represent Sydney's stunning blue harbour and blue summer sky (if you'v ever been to Australia, you will know that this country has the bluest skies ever).

Along with the theme, the City of Sydney calls everyone to think about what each one of us can do to make a significant change in our lifestyle in order to help the environment.   As we start the year (and a new decade too), everyone's encouraged to turn over new green leaf.

 

The show consisted of pyrotechnic fireworks that allowed specific shapes to be created.  More than 45,000 kilograms of explosive devices, including 11,000 shells, 25,000 shooting comets and 100,000 individual pyrotechnic effects were fired from barges in the Harbour, buildings in the CBD and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The spectators also witnessed the 9pm Family Fireworks that lit up the harbour for 8 minutes.  This is for the benefit of those who brought their kids with them and for those who want to go home early.  After the 9pm fireworks, the Harbour of Light Parade illuminated the harbour with 50 chosen vessels.

Fireworks photos #4, 5 and 6 are courtesy of our friend, photographer Iori Avellana.  For more of his photos, please check out his flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/purpleflames

-o0o-

Since the City of Sydney has taken the initiative to take action against climate change, they planned to take a more environment-friendly event.

A green Sydney New Year’s Eve is achieved by:

• Purchasing carbon credits to offset all emissions from the event.
• Purchasing 100% GreenPower accredited renewable energy to match our electricity use.
• Recycling 80% of all rubbish collected (approximately 20% is non recyclable waste).
• Using recycled water to clean the streets.  
• Distributing personal ashtrays on the night to help reduce cigarette butt littering.
• Encouraging everyone to take public transport or walk to events and leave the car at home.  
• Partnering with the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), the official charity of 2009 Sydney New Year's Eve. ACF is encouraging everyone to turn over a new green leaf by making a simple but significant lifestyle change to reduce their impact on the environment. Click here to find out more.

They also made a list on how everyone can do their share during the event:

• Catch public transport or walk to and from the event.
• Fill a reusable drink container with water and carry this with you to avoid buying bottled water.
• If you're having a picnic, take reusable cutlery, plates, cups, containers, and bags, and take them home again instead of using disposable items. 
• Take any recyclable containers home to place in your recycle bin.
• Put any unavoidable rubbish in public bins, 80 per cent of it will be recovered and recycled.
• Bin your butts by using a personal ashtray – free ones will be distributed on the night - or find a bin. Cigarettes cause environmental harm when they go down the drain and into Sydney Harbour.
• Live Green to help make Sydney a more liveable and sustainable city

-o0o-

 

Personal Note:  The Husband and I did not celebrate NYE in the city and so I would like to thank our friend Iori Avellana for letting me share his photos here in my blog.  My Husband and I decided to spend New Year's Eve dinner with relatives and by midnight we were at home watching the fireworks on the telly as we toast to a happy and blessed 2010.  We hope all of you had a fun-filled and safe New Year.