Trip to Sydney (Week 2)

25/4/2011 - Day 8
A drizzly day. In the morning, we took the kids to a park where they fed the ducks. Simple activity like this can make their day and I am happy with their new experience.
In the afternoon, Nana took me (Yup! Me alone) to Parramatta Shopping Centre, leaving the kids and Daddy at home while grandpa visited his sister. I spent and spend I did. More clothes for everyone, books, toys and easter egg chocs. Purchasing power here is quite high. You can get wearable clothes for the price as low as AUD10/pc. A large Mocha at Gloria Jeans only cost less than AUD6.

26/4/2011 - Day 9
Another drizzly day. We had to change our plan from going to the city to Westfield Shopping Centre. Although Parramatta looks more exclusive than Westfield, its prices are more affordable than Westfield's. No wonder there are more shoppers at Parramatta. Didn't buy much but it wasn't all lost and no gain. Jerilyn saw Ben 10 mascot today. She heard of Ben 10 but never a fan. All of a sudden, she is a fan of Ben 10. Haha...

27/4/2011 - Day 10
When we left the apartment, it was already drizzling. However, by hook or by crook, we had to compete our itinerary. We took a train down to the city to the Aquarium and Wildlife. From outside, they were nothing to desire about but once you are in, you get some pretty surprises. Here are some photos:



28/4/2011 - Final Day
Being the final day, we relaxed at home and did some final shopping. I don't know how cheap are vitamins in Australia but Dad bought kilos of them. My luggage was packed with chocolates (>10kg) and cosmetics. Overall, our luggage was more than 90kg.

Trip to Sydney (Week 1)

Sis Juliana had always pestered me to visit her but I had my doubts and worries. They include the high exchange rate (1:3) and the inconveniences of travelling with two young toddlers. So, what changed my mind? I can still recall goggling AirAsia's website and was pressured by the cheap fares and the seats were taken up so quickly day-by-day as if it's market sales. At the spur of the moment, I click on the purchase button and booked 5 tickets to GC. I didn't even discuss with anyone before deciding. I called my hubby a minute before confirming the booking just to ask him if he can take 2 weeks leave from work and I only told my dad about the trip the next day. The return tickets for 5 persons (child above 2y is charged full price) is +RM3000.

After planning and preparing for 2 months, we were pretty much prepared to fly. Hubs however, only packed his clothes the night before flying.

16/4/2011-DEPARTURE
We took the 1.30 bus from Ipoh to LCCT. It stopped at KLIA and finally reached LCCT at 5pm+. Took a simple, yet extremely spicy dinner. Boarded the plane at 9.30pm. The kids didn't give any problems except when they were awaken in the middle of their sleep. Jesslyn woke up at 2am when most of the passengers were also snoozing. Imagine a scene when the sleeping draculas come alive one by one, putting their heads up. She quietened down after a long 5minutes. About an hour later, it was Jerilyn's turn. My biggest worry was if Jesslyn pee in her pants. You see. her last pee was at 7pm in LCCT. Thank God she did not have any urge until we landed at Coolangatta Airport, Gold Coast at 7am. Phew!

17/4/2011-ARRIVAL
To cut the story short (I have 8 days to update), we arrived at Sydney International Airport after dusk. Talking about it, I wish our journey starts now as I am blogging. Ahhh.....

18/4/2011 - Day 1
After travelling for 2 days, Nana planned a relaxing, easy-going itinerary for us. We shopped at DFO shopping mall. Being the 'must buy' type, I bought 2 books and 4 sets of clothes for the kids. I was surprised how cheap the books are over here. Mind you, the books are made of good quality papers ie hard cover or glossy, which is exactly what my naughty kids need. The content is also commendable.

19/4/2011 - Day 2
The highlight of the day was Easter Show. We were there from 11am to 2pm. The 4 of us cost > AUD90. My dad didn't go. He would not enjoy such programme. Initially, we were undecided whether to get the whole day tickets or after 5pm tickets. A carnival normally takes only a few hours to cover every part. However, this is different. Its such a major event that you need a map so that you don't miss anything. In the end, I decided to get the whole day tickets as I wanted the kids to watch some Australia's farm animals. Some of the animals we saw were dogs, sheep, cows. Hmm... not many huh? My main purpose(my sis's too) was the showbags. There are so many to choose from. I was an excited little girl again. Nana too. In the end, we settled for Sesame Street and Dora the Explorer showbags. Each bag cost AUD22.
What do you get for RM75? ONE Disney Princess trolley bag itself may cost RM75. Here, I get 4 bags!! However, we did not get it because the actual colours are dull and used as compared to what you see here.

20/4/2011 - Day 3
Good weather. We took a train from here to the city. Upon reaching the Central Station, we walked a distance in the city to our first station which was Peppers Lunch. I am no food critic so, I won't write about it. After that, we walked and snapped some photos of the city. Pity Daddy had to carry exhausted Jesslyn. After It seemed like forever, we reached Sydney Tower. We spent maybe about 45 mins before we headed towards the Central Station direction. Before leaving, we watched a short movie, sitting on a motion chair. Jerilyn was emotionless while Jesslyn was crying from time to time while sitting on my lap. On crucial moments, she lowered my hands to cover her eyes. After that, we stopped at the Paddy's Market and Chinatown. We spent on key-chains, bookmarks and tea towels for souvenirs to colleagues and relatives. Hubby and I are happy that our 'job' is done.

21/4/2011 - Day 4
By Day 4, sis had sore throat and a slight fever. It was a quiet day for us to recharge. The kids too, did not want to go out.

22/4/2011 - Day 5
WE went to Sydney's Fish Market. As it's Good Friday, which means it's a public holiday, the market was super crowded(according to BIL). The sellers are mostly Chinese. There was a variety of seafood, the size 3-4times bigger than the ones we can get in Malaysia.

23/4/2011 - Day 6
Shopping day which is also my favourite day. Nana took us to Parramatta Shopping Centre. I didnt buy much as the kids were not very cooperative that day. I bought some children's clothes from Target and some books. However, sis Nana marked a few shops that I must visit the next time I go.
In the evening, we gathered at a relative's house. I was looking forward to this gathering as the last time I met cousin Susan, both of us were not married yet. Now, she has a girl and a boy who coincidentally were born in the same years as my kids.

24/4/2011 - Day 7
So far, the weather has been extremely good to us. Sis Nana said it had been raining almost every day the week before we came. Today, we took 2 ferries to Manly Beach mainly because we bought a Explore 4 in 1 package that includes Manly Oceanworld. The package cost AUD50/person. The other 3 items are Sydney Tower (done), Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife. The Manly Oceanworld was a letdown. There were not variety of sea creatures. Its main attractions are the sharks and turtles. One particular turtle swims 2 times faster than the sharks. Those sharks must be as old as the aquarium.
The beach is welcoming. Jerilyn especially, loves it. It was the 2nd time Jerilyn had been to a beach and played with sand. As we are not frequent beach goers, Jerilyn and Jesslyn only sat and filled their bucket with sand. Simple as it is, the kids did not seem to mind the
'game'. I must compliment its fine, smooth, sandy sand.

The 1st was taken in Lumut, Perak. I was worried as I walked on the littered beach. The stones were edgy. The 2nd was taken at Manly Beach.
I was guilty I only allowed the kids to enjoy the beautiful sand for less than half an hour. We had no choice as we had to cover the Opera House as well. I was not very keen about seeing the Opera House as to me, it's just a building but as the saying goes 'Not visiting [this landmark] means not visiting Sydney.' There are some cool pics of the kids as shown below: