This has got to be one of the most relaxed vacations we’ve had as we have late afternoon walks by the beach, get on buses to in order to explore other beaches, enjoy our cup of coffee as we enjoy the view in our balcony and be kids for a day at Movie World.
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| First time at Coogee Beach |
A friend on mine based in Singapore visited Sydney two weeks ago. She was vacationing in Gold Coast with friends then so I invited her to wander around Sydney even for just a day. Her schedule was pretty tight so we had to make the most of her stay.
Sydney is a big city so that it’s impossible to see all the beautiful places here in just one day. I had to choose well on where to take her, taking into consideration time, location and things she would like to do. It was already a given that we will hang out in the city but other than that, I wanted to take her somewhere she haven’t been to before (she already vacationed in Sydney four years ago).
Our first and major itinerary for the day was a trip to Manly Beach. It is one of Sydney’s beautiful beaches only 30 minutes away from the CBD. In order to get to Manly, one has to take the ferry in Circular Quay.
When in Circular Quay, one will get to see the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. So while we wait to get on a ferry, my friend and I were able to take lots of photos.
While on the ferry, one will also get to view the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. My friend enjoyed the short ride and sights while we were on board the ferry.
Personally, I love Manly Beach that’s why I like bringing family and friends to this place. On the way to the beach, one will walk along an avenue of shops and restaurants.
When you see an abundance of pine trees (yes, pine trees by the beach), you know that the beach is just nearby.
We hung out by the beach for about two hours. I was so grateful that the weather that day was sunny and windy. It was such a lovely day to be at the beach.
Before we headed back to the City, we had a very late lunch at Bavarian Bier Cafe (will share on another post). Manly Wharf has numerous restaurants with a good view and Bavarian Bier Cafe was one of them.
How to Get to Manly:
Sydney Ferries’ famous Manly Ferry is a “must do” for visitors and makes the 30 minute trip regularly, day and night. Manly Ferry timetables and information about fares, passes and attractions are available from www.sydneyferries.info
Situated in the heart of Myeongdong, this cafe is one that can’t be missed.
Cafe Pascucci is a local cafe in Seoul that serves Italian Coffee. The cafe also serves cakes, pastries, sandwiches and gelato.
We visited Cafe Pascucci for afternoon tea on our final day and had our usual Cafe Mocha (for the husband) and Cafe Americano (for me). Their coffee was rich, a little on the strong side but smooth nonetheless.
We weren’t really hungry due to a heavy lunch at a Japanese restaurant that day. How I wish we could have some Gelato Honey Toast but we instead opted to share a slice of their creamy, smooth Cheesecake.
The cafe was located on the second floor of a building so we had a good view of Myeongdong beneath us.
The Husband took photos from downstairs while I checked messages online and enjoyed my cuppa.
Cafe Pascucci is located at Rodeo Street, Myeongdong (near SC Bank)
Seoul has many shopping havens, one of which is in Myeongdong.
Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s main shopping districts featuring mid-to-high priced retail stores and international brand outlets, including Lacoste, Polo Ralph Lauren, Forever 21, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton and Nature Republic. It is a particularly popular area for young people and tourists as a center for fashion and sight-seeing.
Several large shopping centers and department stores are in the district including Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Migliore, M Plaza, and Noon Square. The floating population of Myeongdong is estimated to be around 2 million a day and in terms of floorspace rents, Myeongdong is one of the most expensive shopping districts in the world. Many hotels, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, and historical sites complete the diverse mixture of the area. {source}
As the sun sets, the streets of Myeongdong becomes more alive as each avenue transforms into one big market of dry goods and food carts. The crowd becomes thicker but security is tight.
We explored the streets while it was still a bit light outside.
But when it grew darker and colder (it was Spring time when we were there), we walked into the shops. My best shopping experience was at my favourite store: H&M.
I can live inside H&M! That’s how much I love this shop. It took me about two hours to finish shopping and about 30 minutes just paying for our purchases. I made sure I bought all the clothes I will need from winter to summer. One thing I love about shopping in Asia is that the clothes fit me perfectly. I’m petite and it’s so hard to find clothes in Sydney that fits me but in Seoul, it was sooooo easy. After our 2.5 hour stint in H&M, I left with a happy heart and a big heavy bag.
It was late when we went out but the streets were so alive even on a weekday. We were a bit hungry but we opted to hung out in the streets and eat from the food carts.
This hotdog waffle with potatoes were a favourite of mine. It was so yummy!
Other than the waffles, we also had a bit of their Pork BBQ. Another delightful treat fresh from the grill.
We loved Myeongdong so much that on the last day, instead of going to the Korean Village, we decided to just have relaxing day there…and to shop some more hehe.
We went inside different department stores. We spent time at Muji because I wanted to buy another pair of the boots I bought in Manila (that’s how much I love it) but they didn’t have it.
The Husband loved shopping at SPAO as he was able to find shirts and jackets he liked. SPAO is similar to Giordano and Uniqlo.
We also went underground and looked at camera shops.
We found this store for fans of KPOP and Korean dramas.
My Husband and I laughed when we saw this jacket and pants ensemble from the Korean Drama “Secret Garden”. We actually saw kids wearing these.
Before we went home for Manila (our flight was scheduled that night), we had coffee at an Italian cafe. Can you see me in this photo?
To go to Myeongdong, take Subway Line 4 (Light Blue) and get off Myeongdong station.
