Sunday 23 December 2012

Christmas Lights and Fireworks

Eager to begin new family traditions, we thought we would visit downtown Sydney to view some of the festive seasons attractions. The city was spectacular and did not disappoint.

We opted for the train into the city as Carols In The Domain were on (Australia's largest concert held in The Royal Botanic Gardens) and parking was already at capacity. We started at Saint Mary's Cathedral which was beautifully lit with coloured lights. We walked through the church where the girls lit some candles and payed their respects.







We didn't stay for the full display as we didn't want to miss the fireworks at Darling Harbour but we were there long enough to see the statue procession and receive medallions and rosary bracelets handed out by the acolytes. You can view more about the "Lights of Christmas" here.


I was surprised to see the shops still throbbing with activity at 9pm.


Our plan to watch the fireworks from the bridge was obviously leaked to the rest of the visiting population but we managed to find a decent viewing spot and even a bench for us to all sit on, and me to stand!






This failed but I like it for some reason!


This was all very hot work and were all desperate for water so we stopped for ice cream!! (and water)...



On the way home, we stopped by Town Hall to another spectacular display of lighting. I love our city and so glad that we now this family tradition to look forward to each year.


Wednesday 31 October 2012

Patrick Turns 15!


 Patrick wanted a quiet dinner with his immediate family for his birthday so we went to Via Napoli Pizzeria in Lane Cove. The Calamari and Pizzas were devoured and Kevin said it was the best pizza he had ever tasted!




Can you believe our table number? The number of Patrick's birthday. It's going to be a lucky year my boy!


The kids loved their little soda bottles.

Happy Birthday Patrick!

Saturday 13 October 2012

Shopping In Melbourne

Firstly, we wanted to try the boutique shopping in Degraves Street before heading to the mainstream shops. A gratifying adventure, we found lots of lovely little things as well as enjoying the colourful surroundings.





  





Caitie's big score - sparkly boots!

Lygon Street

A hard day of culture and shopping requires refueling on fresh pasta, pizza and a Carafe of Chianti at an authentic Italian restaurant followed by a gelato.

Also compulsory is a visit to The Original Lolly Store. Here Caitie found her Grape Fanta and Hersheys bars as well as loads of other delectable treats.

A few stores were still open so we managed a little more shopping before heading back to our rooms, snuggling into our comfies and sipping a little more champagne before bed.






St Kilda
Another cool Melbourne spot, we found markets by the beach, a street full of cakes and pastries, siphoned coffee and the best Chai Latte ever! The girls found the 100 year old Luna Park, where they bravely rode the rickety old roller coaster.






Chai to die for!

And that was our lovely girl weekend in Melbourne!

You can read the previous part of our visit right here.

Our Victorian Adventure

Visit with my Nana
Despite her recent pacemaker implant and colon cancer diagnosis, my Nana has more energy and drive than a solar flare. She did seem to fade a little in the afternoon more than on previous occasions but then she is 81!





Nana is a master gardener so I was sure to pick up some tips. We dug up Daisy's, painted pots, planted vegetables and Caitie helped by painting the Flamingo (as well as Nana's shoes which she was not pleased about!).


Season Heritage Melbourne

After lots of cleaning and gardening we decided to treat ourselves with a stop in town for a few days of culture and shopping.


We stayed on St Kilda Road in the lovely Seasons Heritage which turned out to be an ideal location, central to everything. The modern facilities and two free bottles of Sparkling wine were pretty nice too!












Vintage at The MCEC
Furs, top hats and champagne. That's my kind of shopping! 







Bonaparte Conquers Melbourne
What a fabulous exhibit. Normally only seen in London, New York or Paris we were so lucky to catch this on its second last day at The National Gallery of Victoria.






Exhausted by the conquers of Monsieur Bonaparte, the tinkerings of his Josephine and the adventures of comte de LapĂ©rouse we decided we needed a break. We partook in a scrumptious morning tea in the Gallery's Tea Room.

Here we noted the large number of over 50's drinking wine and champagne and it wasn't even lunchtime!

We had a quick look at The Beilby glass before heading off for some Melbourne shopping.

Find out about our shopping adventure and visit to St Kilda here...