Sydney - Autumn

It's the first of December and I can't quite keep my excitement towards the coming holidays or as I've been referring to it since 2010, the holidaze. 

This will have been my 3rd Christmas away from Davao. Though it still holds true that no other place does Christmas like home, having spent two white ones in a row was a welcome adjustment. Holidaze 2010 was shamefully reduced to this while Holidaze 2011 was not worth writing about as none of us took any photos apart from the ones that already surfaced online via the iPhone's share settings. Plus I was horribly f*t (tears) then so it's one I had already shoved in a box, locked and incinerated (because I'm segurista lyk datt). 

Only 18 days away until I get out of this icebox and onto the sizzling plate that is Sydney in summer. Pardon the lame idioms. I've been warned about Aussie summers and though it all seems daunting especially having heard of 40 degree stories, I say "bring it". I've survived summers in Japan (Davao/Manila got no shit to show for against Nagoya/Kyoto). And really, my epidermis could use a little moisture. 

This excitement just compels me to share, albeit through shared-before photos, my first trip to Sydney last spring (autumn then in SYD) with my family.

So glad I had bought my J1 before the trip. But it's probably got nothing to do with the camera. I've said it once before but lest I lack emphasis, it's hard to take a bad photo in Sydney. It may be the sun, the surroundings or the people but to put it in a nutshell, everything was just so beautiful.  

We arrived early in the morning from Nagoya and after having driven through McDonald's or Maccas as the Aussies would say, our bridesmaid duties were on. I had my hands full with my gown and my McGriddle of course, but that could not stop me from snapping away.

You'll find erections symbolic of the British empire around the city quite commonly.

Early sightings of Sydney's autumn foliage

And after having taken care of the necessities, some shopping of course. They drove us to Sydney's Pitt St. Mall where I had my eyes feast on a smorgasbord of the Aussie lifestyle. 

See Sportsgirl in the photo? That's where I blew some of my holiday fund right away. I know where I'm headed as soon as I step foot in Oz again.

I didn't feel so much of a tourist being there, and on my first day at that. I felt like I could blend in among the many Asian locals. Made me wish my parents had thought of Australia and not Japan. 

I'm really thankful that my sister Ivy and her husband Rich clocked in their already crammed schedule an itinerary to show us around. Though it's a bit of a shame we didn't get to see or do much of the touristy things when we were there, the wedding was absolutely beautiful. I'd love to write about it next time. The photos that follow are mostly captures from the CBD (Central Business District).

Luna Park at Milsons Point

Pizza parlour at Darling Harbour. How could I not take a picture of this? I would eat there. I would. 

With zero hesitation, I was taken to some of Sydney's tourist traps. This was at Watsons Bay where I had the famous fish and chips from a local institution, Doyle's.

then followed it with some beers at Bondi beach.

passing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge

A landmark you cannot miss. You can take photos of the Opera House from different points. This one's from when we took the ferry from Milsons Point to the Rocks.

Brunched on something sweet and savoury at one of the most famous pancake joints among tourists, Pancakes on the Rocks. What I like about Australia is that people speak Bacon and Pancakes very fluently.

So much had happened in between. There was my sister's bachelorette, or hens night as they say, the Ivy, the wedding and then my weekend trip down to Melbourne. The 10 days we spent came and went.

My parents and my brother flew out a few days ahead of Leah and I. Luckily, we were catching an evening flight back to Japan so we had enough time on our last day to shop, eat some more delicious Asian food and of course, soak up the glorious Sydney sun.

Ivy, Rich and I feasted on what was probably the closest authentic Thai food I've had since my summer internship back in 2010.  This was at a restaurant called Home.
And my stomach was.

Darling Harbour, where locals and tourists alike flock to whether it be for sightseeing or simply just reading.

St. Mary's Cathedral (giving Melbourne's St. Patrick's a run for its money)

Another reason on top of the already crowded list about my excitement is to take more and better pictures of Sydney. I've already somehow-sort-of-a-little-bit-kinda planned my itinerary. Apart from spending Christmas with Rich's family in Cowra, I'll also be going on a road trip from Sydney all the way up to Brisbane after New Years with many interesting stops in between like Byron Bay and Hunter Valley. It's all good things from here on now. :)

Gonna hit the sack. Can't wait to wake up to a day closer to the 19th! x