A Memorable Weekend Getaway on a Luxurious Dinner Cruise in Sydney!

Hey there, friends! So, last weekend was one for the books! As a teenager, I was always eager to plan a refreshing activity with my family that would bring us all together and the previous weekend we ended up going on a cruise in Sydney. Not just any simple cruise, but luxurious and grand dinner cruises in Sydney topped my bucket list for a long time and guess what? it finally became a reality!

We’d been counting down the days until the weekend came around. I mean, who doesn’t love a good weekend, right? And this time, I was determined to plan something extra special. So, after some brainstorming, we all agreed that a perfect boat with dinner in Sydney sounded like a great plan! We wanted the whole package – delicious food, stunning views, and a fantastic atmosphere. Eventually, we found this awesome cruise company that seemed to tick all the boxes. They promised us a luxurious experience with top-notch grub and breathtaking sights. Score!

The weather couldn’t have been better. The sun was setting, painting the sky with a crazy mix of colours. We arrived at the dock, and boy, were we impressed! The boat looked classy as heck, and the crew welcomed us with huge smiles. We felt like VIPs! Once we got on board, the magic began. Soft music filled the air, creating a chill vibe. The boat gently rocked as we settled into our seats, and we couldn’t help but feel the excitement building up. The cruise started, and we slowly glided away from the busy city. The views were unreal! We had a front-row seat to Sydney’s iconic landmarks – the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, you name it! It was like we’d stepped into a postcard. We couldn’t believe our luck!

The dinner itself was a delectable 3-course affair, served with a beverage package that included wines, sparkling, mineral water, soft drinks, and juices. But the highlight of the evening I must say, was the live on board entertainment- ‘Voyage of Love’. Needless to say the 1-hour sensational cabaret show was a treat to our eyes. Glamorous follies and songstresses took our breath away with their spellbinding performances of song and dance routines.It was, without a doubt, the best entertainment a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise could offer. As the night went on, we laughed, talked, and made memories to last a lifetime. It was a rare moment of pure togetherness, away from the daily grind. We felt so lucky to have this experience and each other.

As the cruise came to an end, we didn’t want it to stop. We were having way too much fun! But alas, all good things must come to an end, right? It was a refreshing activity that not only brought us closer as a family but also allowed us to appreciate the beauty of our city from a unique perspective.

To be honest, the dinner cruise provided us with a delightful and unforgettable weekend activity. So, if you’re ever looking for a kickass adventure, I highly recommend checking out the dinner cruises in Sydney. It’s a chance to escape the ordinary, have a blast with your loved ones, and soak in the beauty of this amazing city. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Our cruise being the absolute highlight of our weekend, it is in these moments that we realise the importance of planning. From the scrumptious food to the stunning views and the incredible company, it had it all. So, grab your family or friends and hop on board for an adventure you’ll never forget. Cheers to having fun, making memories and taking a break from the mundane life schedule.

Exceptional New Year’s Eve Traditions Across The World

All of us are one when it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve and making resolutions. But around the world there are different ways of ringing in the New Year. They have traditions they believe will bring good luck and fortune to the coming year. You might call them superstitions, but it’s more part of their culture. Moreover it’s all part of ending the year on a high note. Let’s take a sneak peek into a few new year traditions followed across the globe.

Sydney – The Tradition of Watching The Fireworks

Sydney is one of the first major cities to welcome the New Year which is attended by millions around the world. It’s no doubt that the main event and tradition of the Emerald City is the breathtaking fireworks display on Sydney Harbour. There is a massive countdown at midnight, followed by a colourful array of fireworks set to music, accompanied by laser shows and pyrotechnic displays on the Harbour Bridge. There are many vantage points to view this centre point of attraction, including the New Year’s Eve cruises.

The New Year’s Eve dinner cruises on Sydney Harbour offers you a great waterfront dining experience – you can wine, dine and enjoy the fireworks show in a mesmerising setting.

New York – The Tradition of Watching The Ball Drop

New York is popular for its tradition of watching the ball drop at the stroke of midnight. And it’s no ordinary ball, my mates! This geodesic sphere ball of 12-foot, 11,875 pounds is covered with 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles and illuminated by 32,256 LEDs. It can display a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colours and billions of patterns, creating a kaleidoscope effect atop One Times Square. The musical performances, fireworks and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” are added highlights to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

The tradition began when the New York Times owner Adolph Ochs created this event to ring in the new year 1908, to attract attention to the Time’s news headquarters. Back then, the ball was merely made of iron and wood.

Spain – The Tradition of Eating Grapes

In Spain, for each chime of the clock, it’s a tradition to eat 12 grapes at midnight. Flashback to the 19th century, there was a huge grape harvest during the festive season when the King gave surplus of the produce to the people to consume on New Year’s Eve. It was believed to bring good fortune, health and luck throughout the year. Not easy as it sounds, you are supposed to eat all the grapes till the clock strikes 12.

This tradition is known as ‘las doce uvas de la suerte’ in Spanish. The series of 12 chimes represent the 12 months of the new year.

Denmark – The Tradition of Smashing Plates

Another unique tradition is found in Denmark. It’s the practice among the Danish to throw plates at their family, neighbour’s or friend’s door. Sounds fun? Better still. It’s believed that the more broken plates accumulated on their doorstep, the better off they are. So there’s no question of them being upset about your actions on New Year’s Eve.

There is a belief that this tradition also wards off evil spirits. People even climb on top of the chairs and jump off them at midnight in hope of good fortune.

Japan – The Tradition of Ringing Bells

There is a traditional yet interesting ceremony of bell-ringing in Japan. Bells are rung in the Buddhist temple 108 times to cleanse 108 desires, anxieties or sins leading up to the New Year. Each chime eradicates worldly passion like anger, suspicion etc. You must overcome all these worldly desires to reach nirvana. With the last bell at midnight, you can start the new year, on a fresh leaf, free of vices.

Another interesting tradition in Japan is eating “Toshikoshi soba”, a dish with long buckwheat noodles. The noodles symbolise longevity and the buckwheat plant, resilience. It is believed that eating these noodles breaks you free from the past year.

Didn’t you find these traditions exceptional? If you plan to visit any of these countries, do try being part of it as well.

All About Spending “Solo” Time in Sydney

They say, “The more the merrier.” It’s a shake of the head, an expression of pity for all those who enjoy spending some ‘solo’ time. Is there something wrong with enjoying your own company? To discover the answer, step outdoors and spend time with yourself. No doubt, you will enjoy every single minute of it. Let me share some interesting ways to spend some ‘solo’ time in Sydney.

Tour The Blue Mountains

For nature lovers who want to break free from the daily hustle and bustle of city life – this is the place to be. Enjoy the scenic cable car ride across the valley. Check out the Three Sisters rock formation, Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo from Echo Point Lookout at Katoomba. Go on board the steepest passenger railway and descend into an ancient rainforest. This is a popular tourist destination, so there may be people around you; but the emotions that well up within you are yours and yours alone.

Check Out The lunch cruises on Sydney Harbour

How about having an exceptional lunch out aboard a cruise? Hop aboard a day cruise on Sydney Harbour for the ultimate wine, dine and view experience. It is sure to create positive vibes around you. Feast on lavish buffet lunch and drinks. No worry of overcrowding, enjoy your privacy with a reserved table. Take in the harbour attractions especially the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. They make the perfect backdrops for your insta-worthy selfies.

Stroll Through The Rocks Weekend Market

Picture this in your mind. As music plays in the background, you stroll the market with a smile, a refreshment in hand and buy what catches the eye – it surely makes the most beautiful solo experience. Enjoy this vintage ambience as the Rocks Weekend Market in Sydney excites you with its shops, galleries and various eating options. Everything is up for sale – like curated artisan ware, beauty products, homeware and other stuff from local business owners. Explore food stalls and relish delectable eats by the harbourside. Participate in the free workshops to make things more interesting and walk away with a day full of unique memories.

Visit Taronga Zoo

One of the best solo activities is to experience the wild. Get up close and personal with animals and birds at the Taronga Zoo. Hop on Taronga’s very own cable car known as Sky Safari to enter the zoo and you get a bird’s eye view of Sydney Harbour. What’s more? Walk through an African safari and check out the elephants. The zoo has a lot more to offer like the Australian exhibit that includes native wildlife. The sea life exhibit features seals and sea turtles. Experience fun animal encounters, keeper for a day programs at Taronga. You can even stay overnight or hire a bike, electric cart or a pedal boat to explore the zoo for a real safari adventure.

Visit the Australian Museum

The oldest museum in the nation where you can experience science, culture and nature is right at the heart of Sydney. The Australian Museum offers you immersive exhibitions and interactive experiences. Be a part of workshops like Sketch the Collection that helps you discover the art of scientific illustration, interesting exhibitions like Erth’s Shark Dive (an event for children but also for the young at heart), tours like Warnara tours that give you an in-depth understanding of aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural objects from the Museum collections.

Spending some ‘solo’ time is actually a way of self-discovery. Go ahead and enjoy yourself, by yourself. There is so much to see and do out there mates! If you have liked my blog please do feel free to comment below…

What’s New & Happenin’ This Weekend In Sydney.

Experience the best of the Emerald City this weekend mates! Step out of the comfort of your homes to have some fun and frolic outdoors. 2023 is right here,with a list of places to be and things to do. So welcome the weekend with open arms by being a part of some thrilling activities and events.

Dine at a Cruising Restaurant

Looking for a place to dine this weekend, and no cliche will do? Then step onboard one of the Sydney Harbour dinner cruises. How about an authentic paddlewheeler? Before you are set to dine, saunter around the outer decks and wrap-around verandahs. Catch the best views of the marvellous Opera House and the iconic Harbour Bridge with drinks in your hand. Treat yourself to the seated and served dinner in the theatre-style dining saloon. Dine, wine & sightsee all aboard a boat cruise offering dinner in Sydney.

Get Starry-eyed with Moonlight Cinema

Cinema is either watched at home or at a theatre next to you. Why not experience something completely unique? An open-air cinema under the night sky that you can attend with your family, favourite group or date – that’s Moonlight Cinema for you! Create your own picnic spot in the midst of everyone as it’s a complete BYO event. Though you can also be a part of AAMI Gold Grass that allows prime viewing and waiter service. Moreover, you have an onsite food truck that offers delectable hot food and most of all, your favourite movies on screen.

Indulge in Moulin Rouge, The Musical

The most popular season of Moulin Rouge has arrived in Sydney. The world of splendour, romance, glitz and glamour extends to January 1, 2023 due to public demand. There’s excitement galore as the musical makes its extravagant debut in the Emerald city. Treat your eyes from everything to the glitzy costumes, staging, performances and performers. Get set to be entertained by Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary movie enacted live on stage in this musical extravaganza. As the dancers take centre stage, Capitol theatre transforms into Paris’ most happening night club, Moulin Rouge. Celebrate beauty, freedom, truth and love right here.

Be dazzled with Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular

Brighten up your Christmas right up till the new year. Stroll through the themed displays that feature a 14m Christmas tree, 8m tall present stack, 2.5m giant illuminated Santa, adorned with over 3 million lights. That’s not all! Take part in amazing amusement rides and entertainment and feast on scrumptious food and beverages. Don’t miss the 35-metre-long superslide, spinning teacups, a ferris wheel and a traditional Venetian carousel. This is also the perfect kids night out, where they can write letters to Santa, dance around a tall illuminated snowman and pose next to a tall Christmas tree. At 9pm, experience the breathtaking fireworks display.

See the Martin Place Christmas Tree and Fairy Lights

Discover the tallest Christmas tree adorned with more than 110,000 LED lights, 3.4 metre colour-changing star and 330 specially created glossy baubles right here in Sydney. What’s more? You will find 15,000 flowers that represent 9 different kinds of Australian flowers. About 4,104 warm white icicle fairy lights will expand across Martin Place with 6 strings of lights, each of them hosting a large star. Enter the magical world of awe-inspiring colours and decorative lights every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight.

Experience the best this weekend, please do comment if you liked my blog.

The Benefits of Getting Outdoorsy in Sydney

There are many who choose to spend time indoors. Reasons can be many–maybe because your personality is designed that way, you are too immersed in a digital-paced lifestyle or you are just too plain lazy. Have you ever wondered if being stuck indoors can actually have a negative impact on your health? No matter how much of an introvert you are, it would be good to unwind and step outside for a while. For all the lazy bones out there, I would say get onto your feet, open the door and feel the breeze out there. On another note, Sydneysiders should know how much it benefits to get outdoorsy in a city like Sydney.

Feel Happy and Be Positive

When you spend time outdoors, you bid ‘adieu’ to negative emotions like fear, stress and depression. There is a natural boost in the levels of serotonin in the brain. Treating your senses to good sights, sounds and smells affects your emotions to a great extent. Like magnificent views of the gorgeous Sydney Harbour and the sounds of the serene cruising waters can really boost your mood. How about spending time with your group of favourites on board one of the lunch cruises on Sydney Harbour?

Beautiful views of the city skyline and harbour icons like Opera House and Harbour Bridge is an awe-inspiring spectacle. Moreover, a water-front dining experience is one-of-a-kind. Good food from a buffet spread can always boost your appetite and mood. Plan a mesmerising lunch with your loved ones on board one of the Sydney Harbour lunch cruises. Spread cheer and share some good laughs and conversations with them by raising a toast.

Breathe better in the fresh air

As much as you like staying indoors, know that according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the indoor concentration of some air pollutants is two-to-five times(sometimes more than 100 times) higher than outdoor concentration. You are being exposed to matter from fireplaces, chemicals from household and furnishings, even dirt, dust etc. Moreover, breathing excessive indoor air results in symptoms like scratchy throat, burning eyes and headaches. Head out to places where you can find fresh air with high air circulation–like camping in Sydney would be a very good idea.

Camping spots like Cockatoo Island, located right at the waterfront and overlooks the harbour, offer deluxe tents where you can even bring your own camping gear. Not just that, there are cafes, barbecue facilities, kitchen and shower spaces as well.

Bouddi National Park is a place that is good for picnics, camping and hiking. Take in magnificent views of the ocean, enjoy a beach walk or even go for a thrilling bike ride in the forests.

Peaceful sleep at night

Sleeping well at night is an issue for many. It has a lot to do with your hormones like melatonin and your circadian rhythm. The fact is direct light is more effective than the lights of a closed room as a result sunlight affects your circadian rhythm more than electric light. Your sleep cycle suffers when you keep yourself indoors. So, it’s best to expose yourself to sunlight for an improved sleep–it helps you feel tired, speeds up the time to fall asleep and improves the quality of sleep as well. For your daily dose of sunlight, all you have to do is take the effort of spending some time outdoors. So picnicking at one of the popular beaches in Sydney would be a good idea.

Grassy areas, playground,BBQ and other facilities for a family are offered at The Little Manly Point. You can also enjoy some magnificent views of the city skyline as well.

Shelly Beach at Manly is another great destination for a picnic. Here you can enjoy snorkelling, diving and even spread a blanket to enjoy a meal. There are barbecue facilities available and you can enjoy views towards Manly Beach as well.

No doubt mates, chilling outdoors can surely do wonders for you and your health. For more blogs like these, please comment below.

Top 3 Classic Theatre Shows in Sydney this November

The stage is set. Actors are decked in flashy finery and make-up, ready to entertain… And finally, the giant curtains are about to rise… So fasten your seatbelts… and get ready for a dazzling night of music, action and style!

For, it’s November!

Australia’s adorable harbour city, ‘Sydney’ is ready to bewitch you with her cutting-edge showbiz. Cabarets, recitals, musicals, stage dramas, comedy shows and concerts – locals are spoilt for choice. Sydney takes pride in her vibrant arts and cultural scene. Right from epic Broadway shows, blockbuster musicals to humble indigenous gems, the city is a melting pot of theatrical entertainment.

We have rounded up the top three showstoppers that will sweep you off your feet this month!

1) Live Cabaret ‘Voyage of Love’ on a Harbour Cruise:

If you are fond of cabaret, you are in for a spectacular visual treat with this one.

Titled ‘Voyage of Love’, the live cabaret show onboard Showboat Sydney Harbour cruise enchants viewers like none other. It oozes the perfect oomph and glamour, intoxicating cruisers with seductive dance moves and brilliant song and dance routines from all across the world!

What’s more – the talented Australian cast sets the floor on fire. So, relax and enjoy the jaw-dropping performances seated at your dining table. To ensure a comfortable culinary experience, attentive waiters are at your beck and call.

The show commences with the mind blowing performance of a talented songstress – perfectly setting the evening mood. What continues next is a sensuous storm of music, song, dance, drama and recitation that leave viewers spellbound!

With costumes adorned with feathers, colours and attractive designs, Voyage of Love is a magical fusion of music, dance, song and dialogues. This one-hour cabaret show is the ultimate accompaniment to your dinner cruises on Sydney Harbour . In fact, it is Australia’s longest running cabaret since 1987!

Add to it, the joy of sailing past Sydney’s iconic landmarks on a paddlewheeler in a classic wine-dine-show experience simply takes the cake!

However, to soak in the stunning harbour views and its scenic attractions sans the show, cruisers can opt for a Sydney lunch cruise experience.

2) ‘Cinderella’ of the Broadway fame:

Not really attracted to cabarets?

Well, then, choose the award-winning Broadway production of ‘Cinderella’, by Rodgers and Hammersteins. The show comes with a unique timeless appeal. Young or old, Cinderella continues to charm every section of her audience. It is an ideal family entertainer, so make sure you invite your family members. And of course, your besties.

With dreamy costumes and a remarkable set design, the show almost ensures a time travel to your childhood! Don’t be surprised to find your inner child come alive with this one.

This classic Broadway version of Cinderella adds some funny twists to the original story. This only adds to the thrill element. Adored by many, it’s charisma and wit effortlessly beat intellectual plays!

3) ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’

Being a hotbed of classical theatre shows, Sydney has another exciting idea up her sleeve that will jazz up your evening.

Sydney’s Capitol Theatre brings you ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’, the hot favourite of the local audience! This venue is famous for hosting a lovely variety of renowned ballet, musicals and opera. But this time, Capitol Theatre has literally transformed into Paris – just to create the quintessential ambiance of Moulin Rouge, the most exciting club of Paris! Classy red velvet drapes, marvellous chandeliers, a red windmill and more, producers have left no stone unturned in their efforts to woo you!

The makers have successfully recreated the magic of the original movie by Baz Luhrmann.

The plot, as well as the presentation, will keep you hooked to your seats. The musical talks about a young poet who falls in love with a cabaret star and courtesan, the latter being the star performer of Moulin Rouge! Thanks to its dynamic dance numbers and flawless performance of every actor, your attention will be glued to the screen for a few hours.

Depending on your preferences, book the show of your liking right now. After all, you want to grab the much sought-after front row seats, don’t you? Hurry!

Top Restaurant Dining Trends in Sydney

Fresh trends like the return of retro food, lunch and dinner cruises are altering the scene of restaurant dining in Sydney.

Noted English writer Virginia Woolf had once stated, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

We couldn’t agree more. After all, good food equals a great mood! Since centuries, gastronomy has tempted food aficionados, in diverse ways.

Australia’s favourite harbour city ‘Sydney’ is renowned for her exotic beaches, wines, Harbour Bridge and the magnificent Opera House. However, Sydney has another interesting side – a melting pot of ‘cuisines’!

With Christmas just around the corner, the gorgeous city of Sydney will be teeming with people! And what better way to celebrate than exploring some lip-smacking local flavours?

Post-lockdown, Sydneysiders have been making a beeline for restaurants. The food scene in Sydney has been witnessing new trends. Right from fancy kebabs, classic retro dishes like prawn toasts to a boat cruise and dinner in Sydney – the local foodie will be spoilt for choice!

Let’s look at the top leading restaurant trends in Sydney this year.

#1. Prawn Toasts

Prawn toast is among Sydney’s popular food often found listed in Chinese menus. The good news is, this crunchy delicacy is back with a bang at the city’s best restaurants! And guests are more than happy to give in to the temptation of these yummy triangles of bread with rich prawn fillings.

Who can say no to a tempting prawn toast – crunchy and golden fried? It is made with white bread, and comes with a thick prawn topping. Served with herb salad and yuzu aioli, prawn toasts are a much-adored choice of culinary addicts in Sydney.

I bet you can’t wait to dip those triangular prawn toasts in sour sauce and grab a mouthful!

2. Cruising Restaurants on Sydney Harbour

Dining in Sydney is incomplete without a classic Sydney Harbour cruise dining experience!

Especially when it comes to Sydney Showboat…

Lunch cruise onboard the Sydney Showboat is elegance personified. In short, it adds a Midas touch to romantic dates as well as warm, family lunches. Imagine the pure bliss of cruising on an authentic paddlewheeler, sailing across the gentle waters of Sydney Harbour! The experience offers a fantastic buffet lunch that is freshly prepared by chefs onboard.

Be ready for a unique cruising experience in one of the finest Sydney Harbour vessels with theatre-styled interiors. Feel free to choose your favourite wine from our fully licensed bar onboard. Cruising past the harbour’s iconic attractions including Harbour Bridge and Opera House is something that you will remember for a lifetime!

If you want to indulge in an incredible Sydney Harbour lunch cruise, book a table for your group without second thoughts. So eat, drink and say cheers to a beautiful experience.

#3. Return of the French Onion Dip

Some things never go out of style. Retro food, for example ‘French Onion dip’ is making a splash at several cafes and restaurants in Sydney.

Back in the 90s, this delectable American dip used to rule the roost as party starters!

Local chefs are now exploring possibilities of renovating this humble dish. Eateries are cooking up a storm in the kitchen – modifying the traditional onion dip with added ingredients like chive oil, celery salt, confit onion and crème fraiche.

Fresh additions like fried shallots or fougasse, to conventional French onion dips further enhance its heavenly taste.

Traditional fancy foods are returning with the coolest makeovers. Go for the ones that appeal to your culinary preference. But then, if you really seek a unique dining experience, nothing is comparable to the Sydney lunch cruises! With breathtaking views and a diverse buffet, you shall never regret choosing this one.

Bon appetit, dear friends!

A Day in Sydney–Must-visit Places & Attractions

What if you have just one day to spend in Sydney? You’d prolly travel to the best places out there before you leave for good. For all the first-time visitors and budget-travelers, here’s a simple itinerary to guide you through. Being a Sydneysider, you can count on me to suggest to you the highlights of the city that will sweep you off your feet.

The Sydney Tower Eye

It is the city’s highest viewing point which offers great views and gives you a 360° panorama of Sydney. Treat your eyes to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge on the iconic Sydney Harbour. You can also indulge in a unique 1hr experience of a fully guided SKYWALK tour around the outside of the top of Sydney Tower.

The popular harbour cruises

If you go on board a boat cruise for dinner in Sydney, you can enjoy dazzling views of Luna Park, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kirribilli House along with Opera House, Harbour Bridge, all basking in the night’s glory. Experience Sydney at a glance as you cruise through the calm waters.

The Darling Harbour

This harbour is a bustling waterside precinct adjacent to the centre of the city that is home to major public attractions like Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Tumbalong Park, Madame Tussauds, Aboriginal Centre and more. Here, you’ll also find King Street Wharf where cruises and ferries arrive and depart. I would suggest going aboard a Sydney Harbour day cruise to get a sneak-peek into the daily ongoings in the area.

Bondi to Coogee Coast Walk

This is the most popular coastal walk in Australia. It extends over six kilometres in length and will take around three hours for you to complete. For the health-conscious fitness freaks, this could be the ideal route for a fitness walk while you’re in the city. Or if you simply wish to explore the route, you can start by chilling at Bondi Beach and finish by cooling off at Coogee Beach.

The Circular Quay

Circular Quay is the major transport hub of Sydney and its iconic harbour, where you’ll find many attractions including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House in Sydney Cove. All these landmarks also offer a glimpse into the eventful history of Sydney. If you are lucky, you can even be entertained by street performers here.

The Rocks

Next to Circular Quay is The Rocks. It is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Australia. The area has some of the oldest pubs and upscale restaurants overlooking harbour views. It has a number of heritage-listed buildings such as the Custom House, The Museum of Contemporary Art and plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars. If you’re here in this area during the weekend, don’t forget to check out The Rocks Market..

The Art Gallery of NSW

It is one of the best attractions and finest galleries in all of Australia. It was founded as the New South Wales Academy of Art in 1872 and was known as the National Gallery of NSW between 1883 and 1958 located in The Domain in Sydney. If you’re a culture-vulture, a visit to this gallery would be a transformative experience. The gallery is composed of five different levels, each of which presents a diverse range of art and artistic styles including pieces of Aboriginal Art, Colonial and European influenced Australian art of the 20th Century, and galleries featuring tributes to masters of European and Asian origin.

Sydney as a city has so much more to offer as attractions other than the ones mentioned. I have just specified the best of the lot. If you’re planning to go holidaying in Sydney in future, stay tuned to my blog for more helpful content. Bon voyage!

The Influence of Travel in Our Lives.

There was a time when I was merely living. Waking up in the morning, heading to work, returning and then hitting the bed for the night. The cycle went on with only a slight change in the weekends and holidays which I spent mostly indoors, doing nothing worthwhile. Sooner than later, I started feeling moody, irritated and tired of this rut. I just needed a change, I even felt like giving up my job. It was just too much for me. Living the same monotonous life with no meaning. That’s when I decided to take a break and travel. A life away from my life.

Well easier said than done, travelling surely is expensive. You can solve the problem to an extent if you make sure you choose your activities wisely–something that won’t burn a hole through your pocket. To start off, I travelled to Sydney and I did something that was on my mind for ages–a dinner cruise on Sydney Harbour. Viewing Sydney with lights and its wonders at night was extremely beautiful. I witnessed many groups of family, friends and colleagues as I was all alone. I didn’t mind, I wanted to do this all by myself. I loved the experience so much that I also went on a lunch cruise on Sydney harbour before I left the city. Cruising on the waters facing the Harbour Bridge and Opera House was indeed a dream come true. So, that’s how I began my travel escapades and I can’t tell how much this decision has changed and rejuvenated me as a person. Here’s a sneak-peek into how travel brought a positive change to my life.

Travel recharges you

Just like a cellphone needs to be charged after its battery drains, we need to charge ourselves too. Travelling is one way to do it and restore all that lost energy. Disconnecting yourself from your familiar surroundings and your usual activities is enough to help you get back to your routine life all refreshed, beginning each day with a new zeal.

Travel is a great stress-buster

With constant work and responsibilities follow stress and anxiety. All this tension can take a toll on your health. There’s where travel proves to be a great stress-buster. Take in the fresh air as you explore different places, it will only excite you and make you smile. That itself is a great medicine for the soul & the mind and opens way to inner peace.

Learning new cultures through travel

Rather than just reading and passively learning about different cultures, the active way is to go out there and learn about it personally and practically. You can communicate with people of different backgrounds and traditions and learn a lot about them and the place they live in. Varied perspectives help in self-development. It leads you to be liberal-minded, unprejudiced and adaptable to situations & people around you.

Travelling transforms you

Last of all, you will feel totally transformed after travelling to different places, meeting new people, knowing their cultures and tasting their delicacies. Breaking free from your boring routine life and immersing yourself into something as exciting as travelling, change will be an inevitable outcome.

Travelling has completely re-moulded and changed my life for the best. I believe that each day of my life now has a new meaning. If travelling can create such wonders for me, just think what impact it can create in your life. So go on a journey and see the world in a whole new perspective. Bon voyage!

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A Little Bit of Everything: Life in Australia

Don’t you just love it when life gives you a little bit of everything? Remember the song by Dawes which goes,

“…I want a little bit of everything,

The biscuits and the beans,

Whatever helps me to forget about

The things that brought me to my knees,…”

Until a few months ago, this was one song that I used to resonate the most with. Feels like hope. As an Indian born to a middle-class family, I never knew what I was missing out on. Ever since I moved to Australia, life has been sweet to me. Not that I don’t have bad days, but my circumstances have been better than they used to be. I have found my home far away from home in Australia, the place where you are free to enjoy a little bit of everything—from getting to meet people from different parts of the world to getting the chance to try all kinds of cuisines. I even got aboard a Sydney Harbour cruise offering lunch with a view of the famous harbour attractions the other day. It’s only my second month in the country, and it already feels like I’ve already made a lifetime of memories in such a short span of time. So many beautiful destinations, amazing food, and nary an uncomfortable moment around the people here; they truly make me feel at home.

So here’s what I’m gonna do folks! Here’s a list of things I wish to do while I’m here. (I swear my amma’s (my mom) gonna be pissed if she sees this list. But fingers crossed on that)

Go see a cabaret aboard a Sydney dinner cruise

I have flashbacks of my amma leering at me for that one time I went to a movie past the curfew. Back in my country, cabaret is only a secret pleasure, especially for the guys. But here in Sydney, I was quite surprised to see people going aboard the popular showboat dinner cruise with their families. It was a sensuous form of art and people appreciated it for just that and the last thing they did was sexualise the bodies of the artists on stage. So here I am, adding this to the top of my list.

Eat camel meat

I hail from a country that has an unending war going on between beef-eaters and non-beef eaters. And naturally, my family and I’ve been accustomed to eating just chicken meat, that too occasionally. Now that I’m on a different continent, I could lose that identity for a while. Although camel meat looks like a quirky meat option to me, I consider it ‘cause it’s one of the staple food items in the Land Down Under. So here goes nothing!

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Now that’s going to be an adventure for me! Although not so adventurous in the literal sense, It will be for me…only ‘cause I’m scared of heights. It stands some 134 metres above sea level and is said to offer the most stunning views of the harbour. I realise it will take a chunk out of my wallet, but I’m sure it will be worth it.

Take a selfie with a quokka

I can already tell my amma would approve this! She’s a great lover of animals and so am I. Quokkas, as I heard of, are the cutest, aren’t they? From the time I heard about these smiling marsupials on the Rottnest Island near Perth, I’ve been keenly waiting for a chance to meet them up close and perhaps, get a selfie. Waiting for my next holiday bonus at work to make this happen.

As much as I miss my home and my amma, most of all, I hope to experience every bit of this beautiful country, little by little. Perhaps, I could bring my mom here in future too and show her a new life, which I’m sure she’ll love! Vouch for my wish, won’t you? Ranting’s not over yet guys…be right back next week. Until then, byeeeeee!