Florence Snapshots

Night stroll around the Duomo

Bikers in Piazza Repubblica

Via del Calzaioli

Duomo

Via Tornabouni

More photos here.

The Gaudi Details

More Barcelona photos here.

Valley of the Winds, Kata Tjuta

Uluru may be the most popular rock in the Australian outback, but don't discard the Kata Tjuta (Mt Olgas) just yet. In fact, I actually found it a lot more interesting. 

We decided to do the Valley of the Winds hike in Kata Tjuta on our second day in Uluru. It's a 7.4km circuit that takes you through the domes of the Olgas. We were up by 6:00AM hoping to avoid the scorching heat but it turns out, it was completely unnecessary. We woke up to a pounding rain, which was reminiscent of the day we were supposed to head out to Tongariro. Who would have thought that the rain would follow me all the way to desert?! But we weren't discouraged and it actually turned out to be a blessing. It stopped eventually, and the temperature hovered around low 20's (celcuis) all through out our hike. So much better than the 36 degree heat the previous day! 

 The walk started in the carpark (which is 50km from the resort), with the Karingana lookout 2.7km ahead. The track was moderately difficult as some parts were on loose rocks. Because of the rain, there were some water where the path should have been, which made it more difficult since the track wasn't clearly marked in the first place.  We got off track a few times and we had to do a lot of manoeuvring just to stay on the path!

 

 

 There was a bit of uphill climb just before the lookout and just when i was starting to think hiking was not for me, I was faced with a beautiful view of the valley, and the majestic domes of Kata Tjuta behind me. I felt like I was right in the middle of Jurassic Park. It truly was amazing, and worth all the effort.

 

 

The rest of the walk was mostly downhill, and easy. We finished it around 2 hours or so, leaving us with plenty of time to relax and explore the park :)

More photos here.

Uluru: From Dusk til Dawn

It's a big flat rock in the middle of nowhere. You'd think after 3 days, I'd get tired of seeing it, and I think I did, but then I continued to wake up early to see it on sunrise, and went back again for the sunset. Go figure. I guess there really is something about this monolith that keeps you coming back for more. Every sunrise, or sunset is different, and I didn't want to risk missing out. Especially since I've travelled thousands of miles for it. And you know what, it didn't disappoint.

Sunrise

Early morning

Midday

Sunset

Dusk

At night

More photos here.

The Sun is Out!

I couldn't help but love Sydney, especially when the sun is out, and everyone just seem to be grateful, and happy about it. It's not hard to appreciate the beautiful weather when we've been soaked in rain all summer long. My iPhone has been hard at work for the past two days since I couldn't help but take snapshots of the city in this glorious light. Who knew when we'll have another weekend like this?

What better way to start such a lovely day than by having brunch, al fresco. It's definitely our most favourite meal of the day. It's not often that the husband and I get to have breakfast together, and we just savour these moments whenever we get the chance.

We made the drive to the city to try out Four Ate Five,  a top weekend brunch spot according to the Eating and Drinking Sydney guide. It's one of those popular boutique cafes in Surry Hills and we had to wait a few minutes to get a table. We were lucky it wasn't too long though, coz we were starved!

Four Ate Five @ 485 Crown Street

Waiting for food. Huungrryy!

Happy it's sunny :)

The menu isn't that extensive, but the food and service were great! 

Homemade creamed corn with poached eggs, bacon and sourdough

Skim Latte

Since we're in the area, we decided to check out the much hyped Bourke Street Bakery, which was just a couple of blocks away. The line wasn't too bad, since it moves pretty fast. I got myself a flourless chocolate cake, and a carrot cake, which are now sitting in the fridge. I'm still stuffed from brunch!

Bourke Street Bakery, Surry Hills

This city definitely knows how to redeem herself. And like the sucker that i was, i was willing to forgive her for stealing away my summer.

Winter is coming

While the northern hemisphere is celebrating the beginning of spring, autumn is starting in my part of the world. I usually dread the end of summer, but weirdly enough, not this year. After the deluge of rain we've been getting the past several months, I would actually rather prefer it's cold and wet, than wet and humid. At least then I could start wearing coats, and boots, and scarves! :) Though give me a few months and I might change my mind.

The last few months have gone by so quickly, and I feel like the year would pretty soon again be over (and it only just started!) I guess having something to plan, and look forward to, does that to you. Uluru in April, possibly US in July, and Manila in December! I absolutely cannot wait. Hopefully we could squeeze in a few short trips here and there. Or maybe I'll take the chance to explore other Sydney suburbs. I hear the restaurant/cafe scene is thriving.

One thing's for sure, no hibernation for me this year!

Travel Pinboard

I may have been the only one using it, but I miss having Google Wave as my pin board. I really found it useful when I was planning for trips. I can just put links, images, notes, even maps, and share it to my travel companions.

Why, why did they have to take away my wave???

Hmm...I wonder if there are better alternatives out there.