Sydney, Darling Harbour (A Novel by Yunisa)

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Slide Show: Blue Mountain Day 1

Day 3: The Edge Cinema & York Fairmont Resort

The Edge Cinema

225 Great Western Highway, Katoomba
http://www.edgecinema.com.au/

The Edge Movie - adventure and discovery in the Blue Mountains Wilderness on a Giant Six Storey High Cinema Screen. This documentary film explores raging waters, early colonial settlement, underground caves, aboriginal history and the world's oldest living trees species, the Wollemi Pine. Students will gain an insight into the geographical evolution of this World Heritage Area and the management practices that have been put in place to protect the flora and fauna on the Blue Mountains for future generations to enjoy.

Actually the cinema was under renovation (till mid Dec 08) since it's quite old (since 1996). Not as big as the one in Singapore Science Centre, IMO. The movie was OK, you see what the nature has to offer. Wilderness. Before the movie started, I sipped a cup of hot choc. It tasted so good due to the cold weather plus the styrofoam??? LOL.

York Fairmont Resort
1 Sublime Point Road, Leura NSW 2780
www.fairmontresort.com.au
2 nights accommodation including Breakfast

York Fairmont Resort is a 4 1/2 star Resort located in the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains. The location is perfect, only minutes from all the attractions of the Blue Mountains and five minutes from Katoomba’s sightseeing including the world famous Three Sisters and Scenic World. York Fairmont Resort is a comfortable 90 minutes drive from the Sydney’s CBD and airport and is easily accessed by rail and car.

-- Actually the one way journey took 3 hours, not 90 minutes!!! Greg is correct! It is in the middle of "nowhere"... without a car, you can't reach this place. Even the bus is only once a day...

Well, in my personal standard, I don't classify this as 4*, the building is quite old, the dinner menu is so limited... but because of the tiring activity, I didn't really bother. I just feel -- I enjoy Indonesia mountains more because of the food! HAHAHA plus, no physical activities that will tire me so muchhh...

Day 3: Jenolan Cave

Jenolan Caves – The Orient Cave tour
http://www.jenolancaves.org.au/

Average inspection time: 1½ hour
Length: 470 metres
Number of stair steps: 358
Fitness level: average

'Fun!' 'Awesome!' 'Unbelievable!' 'Magical!' These are words you will use to describe Jenolan Caves to your friends. On any visit to Australia (the Blue Mountains of New South Wales), Jenolan Caves is an experience you should not miss. Regarded as Australia’s most outstanding cave system – with 11 spectacular show caves, pure underground rivers and amazing formations – Jenolan Caves is among the finest and oldest cave systems in the world.

The temperature was humid, around 15 degrees. Dunno why, my face got so oily... I will remember this as the orange cave - oxydized limestone (batu kapur terkena oksidasi jutaan tahun).

Initially, nobody was interested in posing with the stone. But near the end of the tour, some started to pose, so I followed :P

Entrance. Phew, hiking 15-mins steep steps to reach this door!

Stalagmit /Stalagmite

Stalagtit / Stalagtite

Hidden Beauty for million years

I feel very small... I am nothing compared to this awesomeness...

Day 3: Detour by the driver

After the morning high tea, before the Jenolan Cave, the driver needed to pick up something from his house, so there is a detour to see Aussie farm

Nah, this is the farm

The Lookout Point for 3 Sisters

Eucalyptus tree? So tall, so majestic...

some famous valley

Day 3: Bygone Beautys Tea

First, I got a private transfer to the Blue Mountains with Fantastic Aussie Tours
Blue Mountains from Four Season
http://fantastic-aussie-tours.com.au/

Heading to Leura, Blue Mountains area to have high tea, a courtesy from Bygone Beautys
Address: 20–22 Grose Street, Leura NSW 2780
www.bygonebeautys.com.au

Bygone Beautys is an Antique Emporium and Tearoom located in the picturesque village of Leura. It houses the World’s largest Private Collection of Teapots. They span three centuries and there are over 3,000 on display.

Teapots collection -- how if there is an earthquake like in my hometown, Yogyakarta, Indonesia? Thankfully, Australia is safe from tectonic geologically

Being served with tea and cakes

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Slide Show: Sydney Opera House & dinner

Slide Show: Sydney Wildlife World

Sydney Wildlife World

Slide Show: Sydney Aquarium

Day 2: Australia the movie

Australia the movie
http://www.australiamovie.com/

Greater Union Gold Class, 4 George Street, Sydney
http://www.greaterunion.com.au/

It was the first time I caught a movie in Gold class (and in January 10, 2009, I caught The Dutchess - Gold class for free again in GV Vivocity, Singapore - a courtesy of Twining tea)

I love the business class seat! In Sydney, there was no blanket. In Singapore, they provide a blanket for each seat!

I got Gold Class Bar Vouchers AUD 150 to spend... after a full dinner??? Too bad both of us don't drink... We share a plate of seafood platter, banana smoothies for me and Coke for him. I pass the rest of the voucher to him ^_^

Greg was asleep most of the time (he was very tired after the BridgeClimb and clients meeting in the afternoon), he was awake when the food came LOL. The smell of the seafood -- kayak adikku aja hehe, bangun kalau bau makanan!

It was dark and I would like to savour the calamari (not as good as my expectation -- too salty and overdone). Greg lit his cell phone every time I wanted to grab the food so that I could see which one is calamari, which one is prawn, which one is fish... It was so nice of him -- actually I don't mind munching in the dark though LOL.

Well, although we have no relationship at all, I enjoyed his accompany throughout the packed itinerary! Except for one thing: on the way to the cinema, Greg left me outside a convenience store... I thought he was going to buy some sweets for his sore throat... but he bought something else that I hate *sorry, Greg! I have complained to your aunt about this* It would be better if he restrained himself for that particular thing.

The movie was not bad, I laughed few times -- and commented some in Bahasa Indonesia -- sometimes Greg replied my comments haha *chatterbox - saya ceriwis*

The movie finished at 12:20am; both of us were darn tired. I almost could not walk anymore. So Greg hailed a cab for me -- cross finger that the cab driver would not mind the short distance, while he was walking home -- it is nearer for him rather than he sent me first to the hotel. I just don't want to trouble him.
-------------------------------
starters | SET THE SCENE

BRUSCHETTA $ 11.00
Lightly toasted Turkish bread, one with basil pesto & Roma tomato, the other with olive tapenade & Danish feta.
Garnished with a balsamic reduction. (Vegetarian)
(Product contains nuts)

CRISPY SALT & PEPPER SQUID $ 13.50
Tender squid pieces tossed in salt & lemon pepper batter,lightly fried s/w salad greens, spicy plum dipping sauce& fresh lemon.

ROCKET & PARMESAN SALAD $ 10.00
Baby rocket leaves dressed with basil infused olive oil & balsamic reduction. S/w feta filled red peppers and shaved Parmesan cheese.

CHICKEN TENDERS $ 10.00
Crumbed chicken tenders s/w pickled ginger mayonnaise dip.

ASIAN BEEF SKEWERS $ 12.50
Minced beef fillet seasoned with kaffir lime & sesame seeds, wrapped around a sugarcane skewer. Oven grilled and s/w soy fusion dipping sauce.

CHICKEN SATAY SKEWERS $ 13.50
Chicken thigh skewers marinated in satay spices, oven grilled and s/w satay dipping sauce. (Products contain nuts)

HAND CUT POTATO BATON CHIPS $ 11.50
Hand cut potato baton chips fried until crisp then seasoned with rosemary salt. S/w tamari & pickled ginger mayonnaise dips.

mains FOR ONE
TANDOORI CHICKEN TRAMAZZINI $15.50
Italian sandwich of Tandoori chicken, tomato, salad greens, guacamole & mozzarella cheese between 2 soy linseed flat breads. Lightly toasted and then cut into quarters.

NACHOS EL GRANDE (BEEF) $15.50
(VEG) $13.50
Crispy corn chips topped with chilli beef OR re-fried bean sauce and grated cheese s/w sour cream and guacamole.

CHICKEN TENDERS $15.50
Crumbed chicken tenders s/w pickled ginger mayonnaise
dip and a side of hand cut baton chips.

CHEESE & PROSCIUTTO BOARD $18.50
Selection of two fine Australian cheeses, lavosh, dried cranberries and quince paste s/w thinly sliced air-cured Prosciutto.

SALMON GRAVALAX $16.00
Thin slices of traditional Salmon Gravalax cured with dill & spices accompanied by baby rocket leaves, chive sour cream and toasted linseed bread.

platters TO SHARE

MIXED SKEWER PLATTERS $37.00
Please select one of the following combinations all s/w salad greens & hand cut baton chips:
• Satay Chicken & Asian sesame beef combination s/w soy fusion and Satay dipping sauces.
• Satay chicken platter s/w Satay dipping sauce.
• Asian sesame beef platter s/w soy fusion dipping sauce.
(Products contain nuts)

FISHERMAN’S PLATTER $40.00
Selection of battered Barramundi fillet, butterfly garlic prawns and salt & pepper squid s/w tartare sauce. Accompanied by a side of hand cut baton chips and fresh lemon.

(Please note that prawns may be served in their shells)

CHEESE & PROSCIUTTO PLATTER $32.00
Selection of three fine Australian cheeses, lavosh, dried cranberries and quince paste s/w thinly sliced air-cured Prosciutto.

CHEESE & OLIVE PLATTER $28.00
Italian marinated olives & baby onions finished with basil oil & smoked sea salt s/w Australian cheese selection and garlic toasted Turkish bread. (Vegetarian)

GOURMET PIZZA $21.00
Classic 13” thin crust pizza oven baked to order and garnished with fresh rocket leaves. Your choice of:
• Meat Lovers
• Tandoori Chicken
• Lamb, Fetta & Roasted Pumpkin

desserts TREAT YOURSELF

GOLD CLASS SUPREME SUNDAE

(SINGLE) $ 9.00
(DOUBLE) $ 15.00
Our signature dish……vanilla bean ice cream s/w crushed Maltesers, dark chocolate sauce, burnt caramel sauce and wafers.

CHOCOLATE MUD CAKE $ 10.00
Rich dark chocolate mud cake s/w cream.

APPLE & BERRY CRUMBLE $ 12.00
A country classic of baked apples & berries topped with biscuit crumble. Served cold or warm with vanilla bean ice cream.

SLOW BAKED LEMON/LIME TART $ 9.00
Traditional slow baked tart with lemon & lime.

BAKED NY CHEESECAKE $ 9.00
Baked lime cheesecake with an espresso swirl s/w fresh cream.

FRESH BAKED SCONES $ 7.90
The perfect morning tea…..2 Buttermilk scones s/w butter, potted jam and fresh cream.

CHEESE BOARD $ 16.00
Just in case you are not a sweet tooth…a selection of three fine Australian cheeses, crackers, Lavosh, dried fruit, cranberries and quince paste.

drinks NON ALCOHOLIC

COLD BEVERAGES
Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Lift
Mount Franklin Water
Mount Franklin Sparkling
Orange Juice
(Prices on order)

HOT BEVERAGES
Coffee beans supplied by Piazza D’oro
Short Black 3.5
Long Black 3.5
Cappuccino 3.5
Latte 3.5
Flat White 3.5
Hot Chocolate 3.5
Liqueur Coffees 12.5
Mug 4
Tea 3.5

BLENDED DRINKS
Smoothies
Banana OR mango fruit and dairy based smoothies. 8.5

Frappiato
Coffee, ice and milk/ice cream blended drink.
Plain or Malteser. 8.5

Day 2: Dinner @ Summit

Well, I was so tired after Day 1: BridgeClimb, Day 2: my own adventure (Opera House, Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife @ Darling Harbour, then back to Opera House around 4.15pm).
I texted Greg that I needed to shower after such hectic activities -- he kept calling me (gak suka nih diteror sampai di mana kamu - as I have to read the map and count the blocks from Four Season Hotel). I made him wait for me at the lobby of Australia Square as it is nearer to his office. He was still in his work attire, black suit, white long-sleeve shirt and tie. Hoho. I was in my black dress (Madonna for H&M, bought in New York) and red coat (Esprit, belongs to my sister, bought in Hong Kong).

Summit Restaurant
Level 47, Australia Square, 264 George Street, Sydney
http://www.summitrestaurant.com.au/

Note: Lift access street level - Direct lift access to the Summit Restaurant opposite Australia Square security reception. Dresscode - Smart dress code applies - no running shoes, thongs, singlets, shorts, dress jeans only.

Greg was very informative and explained a lot of things about Sydney in general. I enjoyed dining with him, the same feeling with other friends and Papa di KoKi - Ki Ageng Similikithi aka Dr Budiono Santoso. Well, well, I think my communication skills work well with a lot of people.

Personal Note: this is not the first time I dine in a romantic setting with a guy... Plenty have tried and I have given them chances... but no guy has managed to charm me so far. Well, it is so unfortunate that I am not romantic at all by default!

The Bridge from Summit Restaurant (revolving)

Sydney Tower (AMP Tower) from The Summit

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Menu

starters

hot grilled black fig “salad”
pomegranate molasses, unwaxed talegio, almond praline, roasted apple fig jam

cold smoked “petuna” ocean trout served warm signature dish
black pepper oil, poached eggs, brioche butter toast, champagne cream broth

jamon pata negra-serrano (spain)
shaved “black leg pig” air dried ham, poached white balsamic pears, spanish olive oil bread
& crushed pear paste

hiramasa kingfish & salmon “toro”
”wet lemon cure”, fleur de sel, green oil emulsion, three citrus salad, crème fraiche,
seeded pencil bread

prawn “minestrone salad”
borlotti beans, scorched red chilli, roasted zucchini, pressed roma tomato,
caramelised garlic, tomato basil & herb tea

sweet corn “martini”
double cream soup, maple toffee, mozzarella di bufala, baked butter sticks, green herb paint

pacific oysters (tasmania)
six oysters freshly opened
served with cucumber jelly, salad and dressing or
natural with lemon or
hot glazed with spinach and sauce maltaise

main courses

flash seared hiramasa kingfish
lemon salt, tapenade de provence, cannellini bean paste, nicoise style salad, tarragon mustard

crisp fried scallops & roasted garlic prawns
bread crust, preserved lemon, smoked eggplant, red pepper jam, organic yoghurt,
za’atar spice dressing

homemade pasta “rotolo” (v)
hand rolled semolina pasta, caramelised roasted pumpkin, candied orange & black cabbage,
three cheeses, pepitas, sage nut butter

twice cooked pork belly signature dish
glass crackling, royal gala apple & madagascan vanilla marmalade, apple balsamic toffee

riverina lamb “two ways”
claypot lamb shoulder “ravioli ”, roasted short “rack”, poached then roasted cherries, black
cherry treacle, sweet onion paste

organic chicken “prima vera style”
milk poached breast, crisp milk polenta, herb brine, “confit” leg, crushed garden peas, ribollita,
chianti pan juices

aged beef fillet “medallions”
grain fed black angus, spanish spiced pepper and pink salt rub, salsa rosso, bel l peppers,
sweet onions, pedro ximenes

all desserts 20
hot mango souffle
toasted coconut & mango salad, mango soup, confectioners cream

warm poached strawberry “crunch crumble”
candied buderim ginger syrup, walnut ginger spice cookies, French vanilla custard

spanish style “crème catalonia”
almond brittle crust, pedro ximenes, grilled stonefruits, frozen organic yoghurt

frozen peach melba “frappe”
champagne raspberry jelly, iced double cream, vanilla poached peach, charged with french champagne

macadamia “parfait”
roasted macadamia ice cream, toffee ripple, milk chocolate ribbon, burnt sugar biscuit

Chocolate 24
chocolate is indulgent, rich and comforting
we select only the very best premium special chocolate for each of these desserts, making
sure your life is improved for that moment that you eat them

hot chocolate soufflé - valrhona (france)
66% caraibe grand cru chocolate sauce, almond praline cream

flourless chocolate cake with molten chocolate- valrhona (france)
scorched orange dust, hot chilli sugar, 70% very dark, 33% sweet milk velvet

white chocolate “black fig trifle” - valrhona ivoire (france)
housemade candied fruits, sugar figs, toasted almonds, lemoncello, 70% guanaja

cheese
we work closely with our “affineur” who ages and selects fine ripe “world” cheeses for us.
we are happy and proud to offer the following:
brie: j i n d i triple cream(vic) blue: cropwell bishop stilton(uk) washed rind: taleggio (italy)
cheddar: quick’s cheddar (uk) semi hard: hiedi gruyere(tas) hard: manchego (spain)

one cheese 20
select one cheese from above served with marinated fruits, toasted organic nut and seed bread

the “affineur” 26
a tasting plate of four cheeses served with marinated fruits, toasted organic nut and seed bread

blue: Greg's choice
red: my choice

hot grilled black fig “salad”

pomegranate molasses, unwaxed talegio, almond praline, roasted apple fig jam

flash seared hiramasa kingfish

lemon salt, tapenade de provence, cannellini bean paste, nicoise style salad, tarragon mustard

warm poached strawberry “crunch crumble”
candied buderim ginger syrup, walnut ginger spice cookies, French vanilla custard

cold smoked “petuna” ocean trout served warm (signature dish)
black pepper oil, poached eggs, brioche butter toast, champagne cream broth

(Appetizer Yunisa - tampak atas^)

Appetizer Yunisa - tampak samping

riverina lamb “two ways”
claypot lamb shoulder “ravioli ” , roasted short “rack”, poached then roasted cherries, blackcherry treacle, sweet onion paste

hot chocolate soufflé - valrhona (france)

66% caraibe grand cru chocolate sauce, almond praline cream

Day 2: Sydney Opera House (inside): The Architecture

You can only go inside the Opera House if you buy the tour or ticket to the show.

Shell effect inside the ceiling

See the joint concrete above

Can't take the picture inside the concert hall, so I bought the post card. The ceiling to floor distance is 25 metres, and accoustics standard

Tiles positioning to create the colorful illusion. Imported tiles.

Day 2: Sydney Opera House Inside Tour

It was a tiring day. Hailing a cab is difficult in Sydney. I spent too much time in Darling Harbour (Sydney Aquarium + Wildlife), and had to rush back to Opera House for the tour at 4.30 pm. The tour lasted about an hour.

Peserta tour, semua bule dan India item dari Malaysia, hanya aku yang Indonesia / Singapore

sekitar 200 anak tangga, gak secapek manjat jembatan kemarin

Difotoin sama bule cewek Amerika, udah tua, tapi baik hati ^_^

CBD kelihatan dari Opera House

Jembatan juga kelihatan dari dalam Opera House

Day 2: Sydney Aquarium (2) - Underwater

Posing while moving (ban berjalan)

My shoes - Nike sneakers that get praises from Hong Kong, Singapore to Sydney!

Plenty sharks

Muka ikan parinya ramah ^_^ Friendly but still deadly stingray

Crowded - giant shark

Scarry shark - Shark's Tale is happening in Sydney Aquarium
This is definitely better than Sentosa's Underwater World because the sharks are well-fed!

Day 2: Sydney Aquarium (1): Miniatures & Small Fish

There are a lot of miniatures of Great Barrier Reef, sea from Sydney Bridge and Opera House... plus colorful fish. I like Sydney Aquarium better than the Sydney Wildlife World ^_^