| Sydney Festival '14 - Sacrilege |
On one of the last few days of SydFest, my sister from another mister, Mona and I decided to visit the Sacrilege attraction. This part of the festival was situated throughout the entire Hyde Park. There were food stalls set up and various cute activities that you could participate in. The main reason for our visit was to have our turn on the jumping castle shaped as the legendary Stonehenge!
Seeing as SydFest was on its last few days, as well as it being a free attraction during the school holidays, a long line had already formed when we arrived. The wait to get on ended up being around one hour. At first we were disappointed to find out that we would have to wait so long for only a 10 min turn, but once we started jumping around we realised that 10 mins was long enough! Our age (and fitness levels) definitely showed as we were puffed out and sweaty 5 mins into jumping. Regardless of how unfit we are, it was still a fun experience!
Here's a video of our time on the bouncy Stonehenge:
| Chinese Gardens |
Last week my uncle flew in from Indonesia and is staying in Sydney for the next few months. Since it's his first trip to Australia, we of course decide to take him around to the usual Sydney tourist sites. Mum has given me the responsibility of being his personal photographer during his stay here.
The past weekend Chinese New Year celebrations were spotted throughout the city. Showcases and parades were displayed exhibiting traditional Chinese dance and sharing stories of the importance of the symbolic Lion. My family decided to take my uncle to the Chinese Gardens as part of the celebrations.
The Chinese Gardens is located in Darling Harbour. It is a secluded area which attempts to recreate the serenity of how traditional China really is. You are able to walk along the stone footpaths and explore many routes which feature Bonsai trees, waterfalls, and lakes filled with Koi carps.
Since it was the weekend of Chinese New Year, visitors were able to hang red pockets and write messages to loved ones or inspirational quotes for good luck.
Various artworks were also displayed, these ranged from paintings to sculptures.
This structure here is slightly nostalgic to me. As I've grown up and visited the Chinese Gardens over the years my parents have always made me take a photo in this very position. It always feels strange coming back, seeing as every time I seem to be in a different stage of life. The first time I came I must have been around 4 years old and my parents made me hire and wear the traditional Chinese gown to take photos in. One of the last times I was here I came with two of my high school friends, who are now travelling across the other side of the world. It seems fitting for me to be here once again just as I'm about to start my Honours/4th year at uni.
The Chinese Gardens is a great place to visit when wanting to experience a different culture without actually flying overseas and spending ridiculous amounts of money. The entry fees into the gardens are actually quite reasonable;
Adults: $6
Children: $3 (under 12 years)
Famlily: $15 (2 x adults & 2 x children)
Concession: $3 (Australian pensioners and students only)
Opening hours are everyday between 9:30 and 5:00pm (5:30 during daylight savings), except for Good Friday and Christmas Day.
As previously mentioned, you are able to hire the traditional Chinese gowns where you can wear wherever within the gardens and take your own photos. I'm not quite sure how much this costs, but judging from the admissions price I don't think it'll break your budget too much. Guided tours are also provided or you can venture off on your own with your complimentary map.
OOTD:
Tied crop top: Valley Girl
Skater skirt: Chicabooti
White platform boots: Lipstyk
I love Sydney during this time of year! There is always some sort of new event or attraction where you can experience things slightly out of the ordinary. Sydney Festival this year was super interactive which allowed both kids and adults to have the same amount of fun. Even though it's February and everyone's getting back into school, uni and work, I hope we all still find time to just chill out and do the things we actually enjoy. Here's to sticking it out this year and I can't wait to see what next summer has planned for us!
Till next time,
Julia xx
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