Hornsby Lighthouse

Hornby Lighthouse at Watson Bay. I have post-processed the photo just to bring down the color a little and increased the contrast.

The above image is post processed using OnOne Perfect Effect Free 9.

To jump or not to jump.

I know, it's a difficult question. :D

I went for a walk with a couple of friends at Watson Bay. We came to this cliff and found this guy standing there watching others jump off the cliff. We didn't wait long enough to find out whether he jump off in the end.

The scene reminds me about that we all somehow in life come to a stage where we ask ourself whether making that leap, jump or move is right. I'll say just go for what your heart tells you and you'll be alright.

Giogio's general store in Watson Bay

I was walking down the street of Watson Bay, the yellow building and the striking red car caught my attention to take this picture. On the outlook, the owner managed to keep the building in good condition except the crack at the top. I like the red mini car that matches the building's age as it was like the time has stopped.

The shot above was taken 18-55mm kit lens attached with polarizing filter.

Woman and her dog at Putty Beach

Last Sunday, I joined my friends on a bush walking trip from Putty Beach to Bouddi National Park and back. 

At the beach, I saw a woman sitting there with a camera attached with a long zoom lens taking photos of people on a surfing board in the sea. Her dog dug a hole not far away from the Green Surfing board and got back to her when it saw us coming.

Snowy Moutain - Perisher

A 2 day trip to snowy mountain, Perisher. 

From the Sydney City to there is about 6 hours. We stayed a night in Jidabyne and traveled to Perisher Ski Tube station by car on the next day. The sightseeing ticket is AUD $49 per person and that's including ski clothing, tube ride, toboggan/sled for family fun and one ride up to the mountain top.

In the ski tube.

 

 The tube station on top.

 The weather is good and the sun is bright. Luckily I got my sunscreen on.

A long queue at the ski lift, but it was quick when it gets to us.

 Here we go...

We met up a guy while riding the ski lift and he was paying AUD $120 for the unlimited ride to the mountain top. He told us he is not going to have lunch or break because he going to keep riding ski lift and ski for the whole day. If I would pay the same money for the ride, I will be doing the same too.

On a ski lift, reaching to the next station.

Further up again to the top. 

 A view from top of the mountain, everything seems so small.

 Then, there was this bunch of school kids we met on top and they all went amok.

 On my way down.

I promised myself that I will take the ski lesson if I come back again next year. ;)

Beware of con artist while travelling

This was about a conversation that I have with my colleague the other day. On one his travel experience, he talked how the con artist try to con him.

The trick is simple. There is a local guy walks in front of them. Suddenly, he dropped a big roll of money without notice. Meanwhile, the victims (my colleague and his local friend) was walking right behind has noticed that money. While my colleague's friend trying to pick up the money, he smelled trouble. Nevertheless, he shouted the guy in front and returned the money. The con artist thank gratefully to them and left.

Now is the trick. Later the same guy come back with a con policeman. He showed his badge that identified himself as policeman and asked where the "other" roll of money which has been missing (Now you see). Argument broke out between my colleague and them. The con policeman asked my colleague to show all their money to prove the money was not taken and my colleague refused to do so.

In the end, due to a lot of crowd passing by, both con men just let my colleague go (not sure how long the argument broke out in the street) and it all happened in one of the common street in a city, under day light.

In short, if this happened in one of your traveling, just pretend you didn't see the money and walk the opposite direction. Do not do anything suspicious, even bending your body, that gives the con artist a chance to search your wallet or body.

PS: I didn't mention the city as this might happened any of the country.

UK - Leeds

Something that remind me of Leeds is shopping. I'm not sure what the name street but I think it Queens Victoria street. Besides that, it has great city museum and town hall.


Queen Victoria street, for shopping.


The library and the town hall.


Inside town hall.


The seats.


The city museum. Anything you need to know about Leeds.

UK - York

This article is rather late because I was busy on my wedding for the past couple of weeks. Anyway, I'll post my wedding photos later but now here are the photos when I was in UK (on business trip) and on day trip to the famous York Minster.


Walking on the wall where it leads to the gate.


One of the gate to enter.


The outer view of the cathedral.


A closer look.


Inside the cathedral.


One of my favorite, the celling.

I'm coming home

I've been to UK for 8 weeks on business trip and now is my last day. I'm writing this using my phone to connect to the internet.

I have went to a lot of places in UK and I will upload them after I have reach Malaysia. So stay tuned.

Below is the photo taken on morning just outside my hotel. One of my favorite.

From Harrogate - 20081031

Brisbane trip - South Bank

South Bank has a park that's worth visiting because it has an artificial beach. There also some event has been held here, which I believe there is a convention center nearby. A circular stage that is also located just nearby the beach, where we found there are people practicing their performance.


There is where we are.


Artificial beach comes with real coconut trees


Walk pass the beach and there is the city.

Brisbane trip - Tamborine and O'Reilly

My wife likes to go natural trip or jungle tracking. So, we booked a trip from the information center to Tamborine Town and O'Reilly trip. The package costed about AUD80 and we think it's really worth it (after the trip).

On that day, we have to wake up in early in the morning to Roma Street Train Station because the a coach will pick us up there at 8:45am. There were other tourist as well and that made us around 7 passengers per coach.

The first stop was the Opal shed, where you can find all the opal in different size and color. We were regrouped as people have their own different package, we were join to a the O'Reilly group and headed to Tamborine Town.

The itenery for the whole trip: Tamborine Town, O'Reilly, Alpaca Farm, Wineyard. Check out the photo below.


One of the shop house in Tamborine town.


In O'Reilly, there is tree where you can climb up and it's really high up there.


The alpaca farm


The wineyard.

Brisbane trip - Roma Street Parkland

This day, we planned to go to the Beer factoury tour at Milton. It was a famous Queensland Beer called XXXX or 4X. We went there without reservation and to only find out that the next tour was 2 hours away. Therefore, we skipped the tour and went to Roma Street Parkland. (By the way, our trip so far are travel by train or bus. As you can see, it was easy to get around in the city with their efficient public transport system. Don't forget the offpeak ticket which costs cheaper to get it.)

The parkland is just a cross the street after got down at Roma Street Train Station and it's easy to find it. I got flu that day, so we didn't take much photos and it was starting to rain around 3 p.m. After the short tour, we head home early and took really good afternoon nap (to better prepare for next day plan).


The first thing that took our sight.


No idea what's the flower name but sure looked interesting.


No, those flowers are real.

Brisbane trip - Lone Pine Tour

After the city tour on the day before, we finally found out how to go to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. I believe people won't consider me went to Australia without visiting the Koala and Kangaroo. So, we hopped in a bus and reached the park around noon. The entrance fee is AUD22 and trust me, it's really worth it.

At night, we went to the La Dolce Vita for dinner. It's a Italian restaurant and they served very good pasta and spaghetti.


Just in case you don't know where is it, there is a big billboard on the outside.


Yup, I finally saw it.


Not to forget them also


Me and my wife in the park.


La Dolce Vita restaurant