PRODUCT: The 3 Items You Never Pack on Holiday, But Should!

1.  Come Under My Umbrella

The word ‘holiday’ shouldn’t really follow with ‘rain’ or ‘brolly’ – so when I arrived in Sydney wearing boots and a thermal coat, I wondered who the hell advertised Australia as one of the most desired climates on earth. Was this really it?

It soon became apparent that parts of the world other than Britain receive rain. Shocking, I know.  As any Brit will tell you, we’re prepared for any kind of weather. And complaining about it is something we’re rather good at, too. But… when I leave the UK I refuse to acknowledge that rain will fall. Save yourself the ordeal of looking like a soaking tourist: pack a light weight brolly.

2. Take A Look

A mirror: small and compact. If you find yourself camping this small essential could be your greatest wing-(wo)man.

3. Be On Time For That Trip

 Don’t always rely on your phone or it having power, pack a pocket size alarm clock. Truly one of the most essential travel products you could pack.

Take Me There: 5 Steps to Meeting New People in the City

“Someone once told to me the loneliest of people

are those that live in the city.”

How could this be so? Surrounded by bars, cafe’s and every other social sphere you could dream of.

When I moved to Sydney I truly believed networking and meeting new people would be a breeze. 2 months in and I was getting worried. Moving to a new city without a knowledge of geography or contacts?  Not so easy.

Luckily travelling has made me aware of the simplicity in approaching new people, but that doesn’t make it easy when you live and work in a new city. Routine kicks in and dynamics change.

Here are 5 steps to ensure you get out, meet new people and get your dose of social gratification!

1. Meet Up

Meet Up is a  site accessible to any city you’ve just moved to. You’ll soon realise that the people attending these events are in the same situation as you.

Pluck up the courage to meet some like minded people, whatever your hobby or interest you’ll find a group here. Highly recommended and it helped me out a lot.

2. Organised Trips & Events

Remember that long list of places and events you wanted to see when you moved to the city? Start ticking them off – book yourself a weekend trip or even a group tour. All you have to do is turn up and get talking!

3. Learn a Language / Join a Class

I soon signed up to an evening Spanish class as a way to meet people that shared an interest in the Spanish culture. There’s always an interesting reason to why people are studying a new language: holidays coming up, boyfriend speaks a different language, moving to Spain, one day I’d like to retire to Argentina…

It was also at this evening class that I met some very dear people to me. There’s more to class than making notes. Plus, a new language can take you down many new avenues.

4. Join a Sport / Join the Gym

I’ll admit, this wasn’t my first channel of meeting people. Who wants to make conversation to a sweaty stranger? (Unless they’re an athletic male, of course). But you’d be surprised, 20 women getting together for a Pilates class every week soon transforms into a gossip fest about those squidgy bits and a beautiful friendship is formed.

You can also tick off that new years resolution.

5. Work

OK so you’ve just spent the entire week working together and the last thing you want to do is spend your weekend socialising, too. Get past this awkward moment and you might just find that Office Clerk has something interesting to say. Maybe not, but it’s worth investigating. People have lives that you don’t talk about in the office.  A bottle of wine always helps.

A Friday night drink could be the ticket.

6. Housing

Viewing an open house sounds like an odd way to meet new people,  but at an open day  is a great way to meet others in the same situation. You could even become housemates in the near future. Funny how things work out if you just make a bit of effort to stay in touch.

Do you have any tricks to meeting new people in a new city?

GAME: Don’t talk to me. I’m on the train and I’ve forgotten how to function as a human being.

I’m not afraid to tell you that moving to Sydney gave me a social shock. In a city that moves fast – and stylishly I might add – it wasn’t long before I noticed everyone  on the train totally ignoring each other.

English: Alarm clock Polski: Budzik

We were all huddled into this train carriage, sleepy and hatefulto our alarm clocks.  Now we were forced to stand together, trying desperately to avoid eye contact. Most people were on their I-phones talking to other, far more attractive people, miles away. The whole situation seemed utterly stupid. The worst thing is, when a woman showed the courage one day to break this social fix and speak to me – I wasn’t really sure how to respond.

Polite – Of course.

Short – Yes.

Awkward? Absolutely.

It was as though I had forgotten how to function as a human being and …talk.

I  confess, there are mornings when I’d prefer not to be bothered and cut off with my headphones.

At first Sydney was a city to explore and communicate in. It was easy, too. Being a tourist allows this sort of conversational fling with people – you have grounds to talk and leave. Now though, Sydney is a city I live in and the task of communicating with other Sydneysiders is one of speculation. It’s not that people won’t talk, it’s just  seems to be a case of social timing, social etiquette and of course location. Why would I talk to a stranger just because we’re heading in the same direction? Because otherwise the journey is really bloody boring. That’s why. Plus the stranger happens to be tall athletic and handsome.

A friend of mine has a dear Mum who commutes to work in the UK. After doing this for a decade she’s found a small group of ladies that catch the same train every morning and these people have become friends. They even meet outside the train stop, wining and dining in the small sphere of Hampshire. Isn’t that lovely? And here I am, digitally able to communicate to you all and I can’t even roll up a decent conversation on the train with a mere mortal.

If I’m brave enough, I might just change this. Care to join me? Maybe we could start with a smile?

EAT: The Ivy Bar, Sydney

“…When you tell a Brit there’s a rooftop pool with a cocktail bar attached to it…you can guarantee attendance …”

Locate me: The Ivy is tucked down the alley of 330 George Street, 
2 minutes from Martin Place Station.
Arrive before 10 and avoid the $20 charge

You can choose between two entrances. Which ever one you choose, you’re going to be blown away.

Stairway One…

Leads you to the Main Bar. The space is huge and caters to any manner of taste:

The big sofa’s to chill out on

The dance floor

The outside/inside courts

Eat some Thai or simply take a seat on one of the balconies

You can relax or move in a variety of comforts. Yah, it’s cool, but it’s also very corporate. If you go between 7 and 9  the atmosphere is buzzing. The suits are looking good and the evening has that happy Friday feeling. Past 10 it takes on a club vibe and a different style of dressed attitude to accompany the scene.

I prefer the early hours when the nights just kicking off, whatever your mood or taste – come and have a look. Dress a little nice, too, its that kind of place.

Stairway Two…

You’re now in the pool.

Need I say more?

More you say? There’s a regular happy hour kicking off at 5-7pm.

For further details please see: http://merivale.com.au/ivy
READ ON: Cocktail bar Sydney (australia123business.wordpress.com)

MASCOT: You do know there’s a bear in your bag?

A good friend of mine stopped, quiet concerned,  to ask:

“you do know there’s a bear in your bag?”

Oh the silly Germans.

Paddington Bear gave her a little fright. Why would a grown woman be carrying a bear to the beach and then take photo’s of him?

Erm…

This serious question only became more confusing when Germany saw other people at the beach, with their bears, taking photos. Somewhere in the UK someone decided it was hilarious, and acceptable, to do this. I’ve never  questioned having Paddy with me on the road. In fact I think he rather enjoys it.

Here he is at Cronulla about to pop in the sea!

Related Articles You Can Read On… 

Where Paddington came from (papaminx.wordpress.com)

Maybe he thought it was Paddington: Brown bear caught on camera as it tries to break into Russian railway station (thisismoney.co.uk)

Marmalade and Rain (vexulious.wordpress.com)

 

EAT: ONE DOLLAR FOOD SHOP IN SYDNEY

This has been a hot topic over the last few months, aside from everything else that’s expensive in Sydney, food shopping is an important one. Why? By the end of it all you have to eat and no amount of thrifty budgeting will excuse this fact.

You can be a little more smart about it though, as long as you know where to go. Here are a few areas I have sussed out to make my weekly shop for lunch, dinner and snacks a little more friendly to my dear old friend: bank account.

The weekly shop starts on Sunday in preparation for whats to come.

Ever Safe… Coles: Bulky Bits

For bulk items: jars, milk, bread, meat. Go to Coles, find one near you whether its on your lunch break or going home from work – pop in and grab the bits you need. Only use a basket – remember you have to carry this stuff home. Take a backpack, too. Heavy loading sucks. I’ve found the other stores are samey but more pricey. Frankton is near me and their range isn’t as good or as nicely priced!

Slightly in love with… Paddy’s Market: Fruit & Veg

Utterly in love with this place. The market is stuffed with colour and that super fresh feel. Don’t get me wrong, there are some bruised, yucky sections but the place is so massive just keep walking round until you find the quality you want. It won’t take long.

They tend to do deals of: 3 bags of veg for $5. You can grab courgettes, mushrooms, carrots, peppers, corn on the cob, green beans….This is better earlier in the day as its fresher.

At the end of the day stop in -  the market is flogging everything, screaming: “ONEEEEEEE DOLLLAARRRRRR!” the crowds are massive, the old women ram you with their buggies and the experience is hectic and I LOVED IT!

There’s also this incredible herb and spice section, I sigh every time I see it. There’s something you shouldn’t admit! Colour -  colour – colour. Its just authentic and a bit more exciting than buying a jar. More practical? Probably not.

Any other recommendations very welcome!

Also Read Up On…

What I do in Sydney? (meganchiew.wordpress.com)

Courgette, Sundried Tomato and Feta Cheese Muffins (storminakteacup.wordpress.com)

Recipe: Chorizo Cauliflower Rice (citytosticks.com)

GAME: The things you notice far far away

It has come to be that the further I  go from home the more I notice those nick-knacks I actually really adore; things I had no idea to appreciate. One of the best things about travel is to get out of your ordinary comfort zone and take a look from the outside, ’cause you might just find your missing what’s right in front of you.

Here are a few pieces I miss from the UK, things I never really cared about in fact! Do you miss any bizarre things from home?

1. Castles

I stayed with an Australian farmer who is now approaching his 70′s and he has never seen or been in a castle. This is on his wish list. How strange to hear, as my family holidays often evolved around old haggled history and what a luxury this experience is (surprised me I can tell you!).

2. Cobbled Streets

This is a strange one, but there is something about the uneven, rocky road that gives so much character to a place. Here in Sydney its all plain tarmac and easy walks. Oh to be stuck in the stones again!

3. Snow

Although I would wish for this treat just for one day, there have been endless photo’s of snowball fights and mayhem in the UK and I do secretly wish to be with my family making a snowman. But then I look at the warm, blue skies here and its a sort of flip-sided wish!

EAT: Did you go to Doyle’s? The famous chippy on Watsons Bay!

It has come highly recommended and seems some how illegal to visit Watsons Bay without grabbing a box of fish and chips from Doyle’s restaurant. 

 

Sydneysiders rave about this eatery, but why?

Because, darling, its all about location. Situated on the edge of Watsons Bay, offering you something rather magical before you depart back to Sydney’s busy city. You see, when the sun sets in the distance – beyond the great ocean -  dipping behind the arching harbour bridge you can snuggle into some messy dinner and a beer with the sea salt still in your hair and a cosy cardigan wrapped around you. Choosing to sit in the restaurant or the beach beside the dock. 

It’s one of those things you do that makes the evening finish on a corny but very beautiful note, as you nuzzle down your fishy and chippy. It doesn’t come cheap, as nothing does in Watson Bay, setting you back $13. Do ask for salt and vinegar on your chips. Lemon and (oddly) a sachet of hot plum sauce is provided, otherwise this meal is rather bland and no view can make up for poopie food.

If there isn’t enough reason to visit this stunning coastal gem, its Doyle’s. A restaurant that has been open since 1885… when Australia itself just opened for business!

For More Info. See: http://www.doyles.com.au/ 

*All images are from Google. I forgot to snap this one!

EAT: Dunbar House – Pomp and Circumstance. Its very British.

As you may have read from the recent review, “Take me there: Watsons Bay” , there’s a cluster of over -priced eateries in this beautiful bay just 20 minutes from Sydney’s city.

One of these delightful jaunts is called:  “The Dunbar House.” 

Think wicker chairs, freshly mopped chequered flooring, pillars upon entry and classic old china tea pots. It screams British pomp and circumstance but its Australian and the view to boot is a far cry from England.

Personally I would get the ferry over from Circular Quay and brunch here. Make a reservation though, it gets pretty jam packed.

For more information please see:

http://www.dunbarhouse.com.au/#home
Brunch = $10 – $20 Lunch = $20- $30

It reeks of grandeur and if you like that ‘lardy dar’ feel (as we all do on occasion!) then this is the place to go. You won’t be disappointed with the vibe or the service.  Alternatively if you’d like the same grub and a matching view at a more low key establishment, try The Tea Gardens Cafe.

Also Read On…

• Watson’s Bay Wedding at Dunbar House from Rosalie Sweeney Photography (stylemepretty.com)
• Take Me There: Watsons Bay, Sydney (nataliereviews.wordpress.com)
• Graduation Gift Ideas: Let the Pomp & Circumstance Begin! (jewelrygalblog.com)

EAT: Flying Fajita Sistas, Sydney

Situated in Sydney’s bohemian suburb, Glebe, this hot Mexican joint came recommended:

Flying Fajita Sistas.

Grubs up!

The food was scrumptious.

 If you do visit may I recommend ordering the Chingachunga (spelling?) or fajitas. The fajitas though aren’t big man size portions, so all those with BIG appetites be warned. 

Prices are around $22 – $30

BYO or have a jug of Sangria for $15+ (they make white wine Sangria as well!)

Service? 

The staff were attentive, polite, excellent. The girls were also wearing these frumpy dresses…  is this because its hot in there? Who knows why all their female staff should wear these hideous uniforms, but that’s irrelevant. I suppose. Majorly disappointing note – the food took an hour to arrive after ordering.

Lets talk about decor, ambiance…

Basic and comfortable – there were crosses hanging at every available space, but then again Mexico is a religious country so that kind of makes sense and kind-of creeped me out. There’s a bookcase of spicy sauces, better known as the Wall of Pain that you must try at your peril, I suppose its one way to shake up an evening. If you care to accept the challenge.

Full Rating?

5 / 10

Its a little expensive for the portion sizes and the food took a decade to arrive. The place was full, so they must be doing something right. Also note: you can’t split the bill, so make sure someone can pay the full blow and pay them back.

Also read on…

• The History of the Mouth-Watering Fajita (hotpechugas.wordpress.com)
• Low Cost Dinner Ideas (everydayfamily.com)
• Mexico Lindo-translation – Pretty Mexico, Beautiful Mexico, the choice is yours. (smallchickbigdeals.com)