South Australian Culture

We went to Adelaide last year to visit family and had an enjoyable time visiting the gallery, museum and library. There were some moving exhibits and we loved the heritage buildings. Wouldn't mind visiting them again.

Cairns, Australia

We have recently returned home from a short holiday in Queensland where we visited family and friends. Our itinerary started with a relaxing break in Cairns. Unfortunately we were not able to visit all of the natural wonders on our list as some of the roads are still closed after Cyclone Yasi. However, we were able to visit the Crystal Cascades. A walk through the rainforest and along the water's edge at the freshwater swimming hole was medicine for the soul. 

 

 

We also visited one of Cairn's beaches - Holloways Beach. It was slightly overcast but this did not cloud the experience. We were particularly amused by the warning signs and stinger first aid stations - not something you see everyday.

Looking forward to returning to Cairns and exploring more of the northern parts of Queensland in the future. It is well worth a look!

New York, New York...

Image from Essential New York City Guide

Went to the travel agent today - thinking about holidays again. Would love to go to New York! Have you ever been?

My favourite two: Tash in Hong Kong

Image by Ames

Well now I ask you, what is there not to like about two tone bread slices wrapped around an inch of salmon sashimi and chased down by a gallon of fizz free lolly water?

Image by Tash

Could Victor Appleton ever have imagined the day his book Tom Swift and his Photo Telephone (published in 1914 and very popular at the time with kids in the good ole US of A), would be front and centre in a fake camera shop window in a fake Main Street USA in Hong Kong Disneyland nearly one hundred years later being photographed with mobile phones by kids from all over this great Earth?

Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland is located on Lantau Island and is easily reached by train or taxi. Allow at least a day to comfortably enjoy the theme parks and rides. We visited mid week and had to queue for most things so be mindful of long waiting times if travelling with small children. Disneyland has an array of attractions designed to appeal to the child in everyone. Be sure to make time to check out the immersive 3D cinema experience. The strangest ride of the entire Disneyland journey though was wandering through a world of kitsch Americana recreated in China.

(Images by Ames and Tash)

Hong Kong: the world is my book

(Images by Ames and Tash)

The Hong Kong Central Library overlooks Victoria Park and is twelve stories high. There are eight floors of reading rooms open to the public - including a newspaper browsing room and a space for children. Bibliophiles will enjoy browsing the collections in the open access areas and public library regulars will no doubt enjoy the silence!
There is wide range of material on offer for English speakers and the collection is catalogued using the Dewey Decimal Classification system. Octopus cards can be used for copying and there is a lovely little coffee shop on the ground floor. Be advised that photography is not permitted inside the building and that the closed access stack area on level seven is restricted access.

(Images by Ames and Tash)

Following our visit to the library, we journeyed through the streets on foot then used our Octopus cards to make our way to Times Square by double decker tram. Public transport in Hong Kong is quick, clean, cheap and easy to use. The trams are a great way to feel part of the city as the traffic, hustle and bustle surround you. The best seats in the house are in front up top - just be ready to make a quick exit or you might miss your stop!

Hong Kong Park

Hong Kong Park is located on Cotton Tree Drive in Admiralty. This park is filled with waterfalls, ponds and glorious gardens. It is also home to an aviary, conservatory and restaurants.

The Museum of Tea Ware is well worth a look and is located to one side of the Hong Kong Park. We visited the museum, which showcases an array of Chinese ceramics. It also highlights the history and art of tea making.

(Images by Ames and Tash)

Hong Kong: markets

 

 Images by Tash and Ames

The shopping is plentiful and fantastic in Hong Kong. Everything that you can imagine is available at the markets, shops or at the malls. 

Shop with the locals at markets including:

• Mong Kok's Ladies' Market (Tung Choi Street) which sells clothing, accessories and trinkets. We enjoyed the atmosphere of this market (even in the rain) and picked up some bargains.
• There are a number of wet markets and shops around Hong Kong. These provide the locals with live fish, animals and fruit/vegetables.
• Street markets where people sell food and souvenirs out of vans and trolleys in alleys and on the streets.
• Cat Street Market (Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan) is a laneway containing shops and stalls.  This is the place to go for ornaments, jewellery and artefacts.   
• Temple Street Night Market (Yau Ma Tei) is renowned for the shopping, food and nightlife. 

Hong Kong: urban landscapes

 

Images by Ames and Tash

Hong Kong: views from the top

The Peak Tram sign

The Peak Tram

View from the Peak Tram

You can find the Peak Tram's lower terminus at the north western corner of Hong Kong Park. This tram ride is a must for anyone visiting Hong Kong - a steep ride up to Hong Kong Island's highest point. The journey only takes about five minutes but is enjoyable - a 45 degree angle ride up to the top. There is also an interesting Peak Tram historical gallery at the terminus, with displays of peak memorabilia.  

View from The Peak

View from The Peak

The Peak is renowned for it's views across the city. There are a number of lookouts where you can enjoy the cityscape including a viewing platform in the Peak Tower (which is 396 meters above sea level). While you are up at the Peak, you can indulge in a meal or drink at one of the many restaurants. There are also a number of shops / markets and a playground for the kids. We visited Madame Tussauds while we were there. Madame Tussauds wax museum is located in the Peak Tower. Like it's counterparts, the museum houses a number of life-like wax replicas of movie and music stars, and historical figures.

Madame Tussaud

Madonna

Mozart

(Images by Tash and Ames)

A week in Hong Kong

Images by Ames and Tash

We have recently returned home after a wonderful week in Hong Kong. We had a fantastic time and would like to share some photos with you. Therefore, this week will be dedicated to the marvels of HK!