Well Done

This is a significant day. I posted the final cheque that I started posting way back in mid 1999, non-stop for the last nine years.

Thank God, I have now crossed another threshold.

70 Storeys above Ground Zero

Malaysian in general were substantially affected by the recent petrol price increase. Well, is that the case in Singapore, I had wondered before going there. Probably not. This may be because majority of the people travel by public transport. The pinch was therefore not felt as there may not have been any fare hike sanctioned by the Government.

But, I did gauge some murmurs from at least one taxi driver who was unusually talkative about his heart-felt concerns knowing I am somebody not from within. Two things he mentioned:

• The Government is going to import Mainland Chinese to become taxi drivers. I doubt it is workable as they can't speak English which is prerequisite in a country like Singapore.
• Government's ministers are paid exorbitant salaries, why can they have a cut to benefit the less fortunate or the poorer sector ?

I was surprised that Singaporean taxi-drivers are a dying breed and that the country needs foreigners to keep this important trade going.

Well, on the exorbitant salaries of the ministers, he was not convinced that high pay is a deterrent against corruption among politicians.

While murmurs and complaints are unavoidable and remain daily routines, my lunch date fortunately was still on. This time at a staggering height of 70 storeys above ground zero. The food and the views were both spectacular and unforgettable!

Sleep - A Must.

What We Ate ..............

Red Bellies at The Pub, Nelson Bay Sidewalk Cafe, Nelson Bay

Super Bowl Chinese Restaurant, China Town, Sydney

Cableway Cafe, Blue Mountain Treasured Teapot Museum, Blue Mountain.

Zilder Restaurant, China Town, Sydney.

Blue Mountain, Sydney

Well, as a diligent tourist, we tried not to miss any of the key spots promoted by the tourism promotional materials. We faithfully visited these spots and have pictures taken. In our case, not mechanically but with passion and nostalgia.

 

Three Sisters Skyway Cable Car.

Scenic Railway.

Strolled through the bush land.

Three Sisters Giant Stairway.

Lindt at Circular Quay

As we strolled along the Circular Quay on 5 July, Paul got a call from Serene asking us not to miss the chocolate drinks in Lindt.

 

Sydney Opera House

My trip to Sydney would have been incomplete if I have not set foot to Sydney Opera House.

I did learn something new about its design when I came back from the trip.

Familiar Landmarks in Sydney

I told myself before visiting Sydney to revisit some of the familiar places again. Well after a lapse of 14 years, they are literally identical when compared with old photos.

In fact, I should not expect to find any change as these same old icons are there for keep to draw in millions and millions of foreign currencies for Australia.

Newcastle

I admire their tenacity to withstand cold in the winter.

Surfing in winter.

Iconic lighthouse landmark.

Hotel F1 where we stayed.

Obelisk.