Sydney Vlog!

Hey all, we hope you have been enjoying our blogs!

As a follow up to our previous post, as a group we went around Sydney to show you all the beautiful place it is and some of the most iconic sights it has to offer. 

In the video we go and visit the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour. We also show you our shopping malls, cuisines and some of its diverse culture through various street performers. 

We filmed the video and took pictures using an iPhone6+. As a group we all contributed towards the video though most of the editing was done by Brendan.

We hope you enjoy the video and visit Sydney soon!

GROUP MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS

Hey, its Jess here! In this group assignment we worked cohesively as a team to create a successful travel blog. My main roles were to blog about each country's main attractions and must see places to visit, the blog post on Paris, and the additional personal favourite post on Amsterdam. In charge of the blog's design, specifically the background image/wallpaper, the rest was a joint effort. Continuously monitoring our Wikispaces and twitter pages, I was also one of the most active members responding on these pages along with the others.  

I, Nelson Sing, have been exploring the different cultures and languages of certain destinations and after completing these blogs, there is a huge amount of diversity around the world. It is often interesting how many destinations are fairly multicultural and it does not matter what background you come from, it is still very easy to fit in. Some languages and cultures are certainly more strict than others but ultimately, they are all fun and interesting to learn and experience.

Hey, it's Mary. My role in this group assignment included writing the general information on each country/city as well as writing the blog post on Dubai. Personally, I use twitter regularly as social media so tweeting about the blogs was no issue and I did it regularly. Working on this assignment was a group effort and we all contributed evenly and worked together. Writing these blog posts have made me look forward to travelling in the near future and I am definitely looking forward to travelling to the all places we blogged about. 

Hiyo, I'm Jeremy. Throughout this blog my aim has been to inform travellers about special travel tips that make travelling cheaper, smarter and better. I also took part in writing our group's Sydney vlog post as well as contributing to the video and spreading our blog on twitter. Working on this blog with my group has been a pleasure and has enticed me even further to travel all over the world.   

G'day, Brendan here. As a massive food lover, my main focus throughout the blog was cuisines around multiple countries. It's interesting to see the different ingredients and flavours used in dishes throughout the world. As the main editor in the Sydney video, it was a great experience working with Jess, Mary, Nelson and Jeremy and i'll be looking forward to use the information used in our blog to travel the countries we blogged about. 

Personal Favourite Travel Destinations: Sydney

Even though London came out on top as the world's most popular tourist destination for 2015, we had to include a special mention for our home town of Sydney.

ABOUT SYDNEY

Sydney is the largest city in Australia and the capital of the state of New South Wales. Located on the east coast, Sydney has a showcase of beautiful beaches which are accompanied by beautiful sunny, weather towards the end and beginning of each year. It is also one of the most multicultural places in the world with over 31 languages spoken(at least 5000 people speaking each), about one third of residents speaking a language other than english and a population of over 4.2 million. The official residents of the city are known as "Sydneysiders".

ATTRACTIONS

Sydney is the oldest, largest and the most beautiful city in Australia. There are plenty of beautiful attractions for travellers to see including the famous Harbour bridge and the Opera house as well as Darling Harbour.

1. Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge or "coathanger" as some locals call it, is one of the most famous bridges in the world and a landmark prior to the construction of the Sydney Opera House. It was built in 1932 and is the world's largest steel arch bridge, connecting the city's north and south shores. On top sits 2 railways lines along with walkways and lanes for road traffic. Travellers can enjoy a stroll along the walkways or book a climb through BridgeClimb for an amazing panoramic view of the city. 

2. Sydney Opera House

The Opera House is one of the world's most recognizable landmarks and is a world heritage site as long as a star attraction on Sydney's stunning harbour. It was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and opened in 1973. It encompasses multiple theatres, exhibition rooms, a concert hall, cinema and studios in the interior and boasts a graceful, shell-like curves on the exterior. Tours can be booked online and they are well worth taking. Furthermore, photos can be taken while gliding on the harbour from a ferry or cruise, or perhaps from Mrs Macquarie's Chair for a really breathtaking photo.

3. Darling Harbour 

Darling harbour is both a hub for tourists and locals. It is located on the waterfront along the pier and boasts a bunch of entertainment including museums, theatres, exhibitions and other entertainment venues. It is also extremely family friendly as there are many family attractions including Madame Tussaud's, the Sydney wild life zoo and sea life aquarium. Furthermore, the powerhouse museum is located nearby and offers interactive exhibits, technology, history and design.

SOME SIMPLE TIPS

1. Buy an opal card. An opal card is extremely useful for getting around Sydney. It can be used for buses, trains and ferries. It also caps at $15 per day and after 8 trips per week so it can be very cheap and convenient to use an opal card.

2. No tips. Most Australian restaurants and services do not expect tips as there is a 10% GST service charge across the country so do not feel obligated to tip.

3. If the bridge climb option is too expensive, be sure to have a stroll across the walkways on the Harbour bridge to experience beautiful views of the Sydney harbour and around.

English Cuisine

English cuisine has it own unique characteristics however it does share some common ingredients and ideas from china, north america, india during the time of the British empire. There are a few dishes which is a must for tourist to try.

Fish & Chips

An english classic. Fish & Chips is a simple dish that is very popular around the world and done best in the country of origin. 

Full English Breakfast 

A big meal that contains eggs, beacons, bake beans,  sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast. The perfect morning meal for tourist.

Bangers and mash 

A simple english meal that can be eaten any time of the day, it includes mash potatoes, sausages top off with gravy.  

Steak and Kidney pie 

An english favourite, that contains a mixture of diced beef, kidney, fried onion and brown gravy. A light meal that is enjoyable. 

Sticky Toffee Pudding

A delicious dessert that consist of dates/raisons drenched in toffee sauce that is served with ice cream or cream. 

London travel tips

London is one of the most iconic cities in the world containing some of the most recognizable landmarks including the Big Ben, Tower bridge and the Queen's residence, The Buckingham palace. It is the largest city in the UK and as such there are so many things to see and do. Here are some of useful tips for first time travellers to the great city.



1. If you're visiting London from abroad than it's likely that the roads back home go the other way so be sure to look left when crossing the road! There are also signs at popular tourist sites to remind you.

2. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing including shoes as some roads and walkways are not in the best shape. It is also wise to layer clothing to prepare for the somewhat unpredictable weather.

3. Buy an oyster card. Transport in London is relatively expensive so it is a lot cheaper to get around using an oyster card. They can be used for the tube and buses and are extremely convenient to use as it is used through a simple tap-on. They can also be topped up at any station.

Exploring London's Sites

With such a wide variety of things to see and do, it is no wonder that the city of London is the top travel destination for 2015. With many iconic sites to visit such as Big Ben, Parliament House, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye, the is never a dull moment.

Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye

The Tower of London and Tower Bridge

The Tower of London has a long history, a place which fulfilled many different roles throughout history. From palace, private zoo, treasure vault to prison, this world heritage site offers insight into England's rich history. Inside the massive White Tower, is the 17th-century Line of Kings, built by William the Conqueror, with its remarkable displays of royal armaments and armour. Other highlights include the famous Crown Jewels exhibition, the Royal Mint, and exhibits about the executions that took place on the grounds. The adjacent Tower Bridge, its two huge towers rising 61 meters above the River Thames, is one of London's best-known landmarks.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the London residence of the royal family since Queen Victoria's accession. Drawing crowds each day at 11:30am, the Changing of the Guard is the post popular display of pomp and circumstance. This colourful and free display of precision marching and music also takes place at St James's Palace where you can follow the band along The Mall as they march between sites. When the Queen is home, the flag will fly at royal standard. When she is away however, the Palace is open for tours of the State Rooms, the Queen's Gallery and the Royal Mews.

Changing of the Guard

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is one of Europe's most popular palaces, once home to King Henry VIII. It is believed that two of his six wives haunt the palace. Other features include the Clock Court dating from 1540, the State Apartments with their Haunted Gallery, the Chapel, the King's Apartments and the Tudor tennis court. The many gardens and the infamous maze are well worth a visit.

For those interested in art, London's National Gallery ranks among the top museums in the world, with its greatest strengths in its 15th and 16th century collections of Dutch Masters and Italian Schools. Others might take interest in the South Kensington-based group of museums which includes the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum and Science Museum. 

Picadilly Circus

For those interested in shopping, Picadilly and Oxford shopping is the place to be, with shops lining the streets. The Covent Gardens encompasses shops and restaurants as well, lined with specialty shops and kiosks selling everything from fine handcrafts to tacky souvenirs.

Hyde park  covers 350 acres, London's largest open space featuring a man-made lake, the Serpentine, erected in the 18th century and a popular place for boating and swimming. Apsley House is also found in the park, a museum which was the former home of the first Duke of Wellington and purchased after his famous victory at Waterloo. 

Hyde Park

London's Language and Culture

London is an enormous city where it is truly noisy, vibrant and multicultural. It is considered one of the world's leading "global cities" and London remains an international capital of culture, music, education, fashion, politics, finance and trade. London also has a rich history and has experienced many battles, plagues and turmoil. Eventually London emerged as a great trading city and with the rise of England to first European then global prominence, London became a great centre of culture, government and industry. The remnants of war during the Bronze and Iron Age, with Roman ruling, Celtic tribes and vikings, by walking around the streets you can see that London has embraced its warlike culture with plenty of buildings and designs in the form of medieval structure.
The culture of London concerns the arts, music, museums, festivals and entertainment. There is a traditional world view of the white British citizen that they are reserved with a ‘stiff upper lip’ attitude to life, deemed to be particularly true of Londoners - even that they are positively rude to strangers. However, London is multicultural and with an increase in immigration, society is beginning to become more accepting and tolerant. With a diversity of races comes a diversity of religions and as a result London has to cater for different requirements. For instance, many restaurants usually cater for religious dietary needs such as having available Halal and Kosher meats as well as well as catering for individual needs such as having simple burger joints to fancy restaurants. There is plenty to do in London and the city is always buzzing. Art galleries, world heritage sites and music festivals are traditional and customs for individuals to attend when in London. There is so much activity and with over 300 languages spoken in London with the main being English, many different tourists can interact with locals to find their way around the city.

General Information on London

Simple map of Central London

The top travel destination for 2015, London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom and is located at the south east of England. London is the largest city in Europe and is located besides the famous River Thames. The river Thames divides the city into the northern and southern halves making navigation easy. The northern bank of the river contains the central area with the most important sights, theaters and restaurants. The center of the city consists of St James, Mayfair, Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square.

London has a land area of 1,572 square kilometers. As of today, London has a staggering population of 8.63 million inhabitants. Around 12% of Britain’s population live in London making London the highest population density within Britain. The English currency is the Pound and has a conversion rate of 1AUD=0.48GBP.

London is both a popular business and tourist destination. London Heathrow Airport is considered the busiest airport in the world. London is well known for its theater productions. Musicians, artists and enthusiasts join in theaters to enjoy the productions such as Les Miserables and Matilda.

London Underground Map

London was the first city in the world to have an underground railway also known as the “tube.” The tube provides a fast way to travel to and from central London with underground trains running every 3-6 minutes. The tube is connected to all train lines making all the destinations around London accessible.

London has a temperate climate without the extreme weather. The weather tends to be unpredictable. There are modest temperatures during summer reaching 20 degrees Celsius and averages during winter are around 7 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is regular and snow is frequent in winter. The best time to travel to London would be July and August.

London during winter

Bangkok

General Information

Bangkok, also known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or ‘City of Angels’, is the capital and most populated city of Thailand. Located in the heart of South-East Asia, nuzzled between Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Laos, Thailand’s capital is one of the continents most bustling central cities. Being approximately 1/12^th of Sydney’s land size in square kilometers, Bangkok houses a total of 8.5 million in its heart and an extra 3.5 million in its surrounding areas making it a hub for extreme urban cultivation in a country grounded in vibrant tradition. Coming into the city be prepared for hot temperatures and humidity and arm yourself with the Thai Baht (THB) to peruse the manning shopping destinations Bangkok has to offer!

 

Language and Culture

Thai language is the official language throughout Thailand but rest assured that most if not all large Thai tourist spots are very accommodating to foreigners – street signs will have English translations and venders will often be able to speak basic English and Chinese.
Thailand itself has a strong cultural presence and even in a city as modern as Bangkok, you’ll find old and gleaming Buddhist temples nestled between skyscrapers and multiplexes. But maybe the number one cultural aspect of Bangkok and Thailand that not only attracts but has people falling in love, is the people, the mannerisms and societal norms that have Bangkok and Thailand dubbed as the city and land of smiles. From the bowing, kindness and humility and hard-working nature of the citizens of Bangkok and Thailand, you’ll definitely find yourself enthralled by Bangkok’s many contrasting lifestyles.

 

Points of Interest

Bangkok has a lot to offer as the capital city but there are a few sites and scenes that you’ll be unable to find anywhere else in Thailand.

- Chao Phraya River

Being a river that runs through the city and many of it’s bustling hot spots, taking a ferry on the river will not only have you enjoying a scenic ride with locals who commute but will also enable you to stop at various central points without having to worry about traffic.

- Siam Paragon, Central World and Platinum Fashion Mall

If you want shopping then this is some of the best Bangkok has to offer! Siam Paragon is one of the biggest shopping centers in Asia and boasts international luxury brands from Burberry to Celine as well as an aquarium and a concert hall. If you’re looking for quality and a peak of the grander of Bangkok’s high society life this is the place to go! Central World on the other hand is a more mid-range experience direct to Bangkok with Royal stores selling products endorsed by the Royal Family and with 7 levels of stores and restaurants there is something here for everyone. But perhaps the most unique to Bangkok is Platinum Fashion Mall that is the ultimate Thai shopping experience with over 2,000 individual wholesale stores that will stimulate nor only your wallet but also your bargaining power. And the best part is all three are in walking distance along Petchaburi Road!

- Amazing temples

There is no shortage of Buddhist temples that are open to you when you arrive in Bangkok. Just in about every place you look there will be a gleaming mosaic of glass tiles and golden points that will have you awed at the intricacy and detail involved in this unique architecture. Some of the best include Wat Pho, Wat Traimit, Wat Ratchanatdaram Woravihara and Wat Erawan.

- Chatuchak Flower Market and Khao San Road.

For souvenirs and items you’ll only be able to find in Bangkok and Thailand, your go to place should be the two aforementioned names. Not only are these markets both wholesale but the venders on the street will allow for bargaining and will give you that experience of Thai hospitality – not to mention the amazing food stalls will leave you full and energized.

- Yaowaraj or Chinatown

Bangkok has a diverse range of people from a wide range of backgrounds and often you’ll find small pockets of a whole different culture permeated in Thai society and Yaowaraj is one of the best. Offering colourful stalls of toys and souvenirs, Yaowaraj is a neighbourhood of cuisine evolved from generations of Chinese immigrants growing up with a Thai palette.

- Sukhumvit Road

If you’re looking for nightlife then Sukhumvit is where you want to be. Nightclubs and bars galore, if you’re up after hours this is where you won’t sleep till the sun comes up and the markets get set up.

 

Cuisine

Thai cuisine is one of the most recognizable in the world and Bangkok will offer you the best of both worlds from street vendors with authentic flavors to glamorous restaurants that offer fusion food unlike anything you’ll ever have. The best piece of advice to offer is that you keep an open mind! Some of the most celebrated cuisine in Bangkok are those run on the side of the street or by the train station and you’ll have an entirely new perspective of Thai cuisine once you’ve tasted all that there is to offer. There’s much more to Thai cuisine than Pad Thai and Green Curry but there’s also a reason why Thai cuisine is one of the most universally recognized and loved.

 

Travel Tips

- Get to know a local. It sounds potentially difficult but through new applications like HelloTalk you can meet locals and gain an abundance of knowledge that is more valuable than anything from any travel book.

- Learn the value of 7/11

7/11 in Bangkok and Thailand is a cultural phenomenon unlike in any country. There will literally be a 7/11 on every street you visit and it is a trustworthy source for cheap quality food and is a lifesaver for when you’re hungry and tired. There convenience meals are also microwaved for you upon purchase so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
- Stay safe and cautious

Thailand in the general is safe but of course in such a largely populated city like Bangkok you get pick-pocketing so be careful of where you put your valuables and be careful of backpacks and bags that can be easily accessible. 

Paris, the City of Lights

ABOUT PARIS

Welcome to Paris, the capital of France, city of love and romance and the third most popular travel destination for 2015! France shares its borders with various other European nations, Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra and Spain, as well as surrounding waters of the Mediterranean Sea, English Channel, North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and the Rhine River. With a population of over 2.2 million, the city of Paris is Frances most populous city, covering an expanse of 105.4 square kilometres. Like most countries within the European Union, the official currency in France is the Euro (€, EUR) while its official language is French.

Founded in the 3^rd century BC by the Parisii, the Celtic people who gave the city its name, It became the largest city in the western world by the 12^th century then the centre stage for the French Revolution of the 18^th century, becoming an important centre of finance, commerce, fashion, science, and the arts, a position it currently still retains.

Known as the “city of lights” the city of Paris is renowned for its beautiful city plan, architecture, museums, bridges, cathedrals, parks, shopping, flea markets, sidewalk cafés, wide and luxurious boulevards, elegant cuisine, and numerous monuments. 

Creme brulee

PARISIAN FOOD

Known for their wine, croissants, cheese and desserts, researchers have long studied the paradox between the populations low rate of chronic heart disease despite their diet high in saturated fats. Surprisingly, the French also have one of the longest life expectancies of any nation in the EU and an extremely low occurrence of obesity.
The largest cheese consumers in the world, the French produce over 300 variations of cheese. Boulette d'Avesnes, tastes stronger and spicier than almost any other cheese.

The French are known for their adventurous cuisine and for eating most anything that moves as well as every imaginable part of an animal. Escargot (snails), cuisses de grenouille (frog legs), boudin noir (black blood sausage), and tête de veau (head of calf) are some of the more adventurous dishes. ‎Éclair, tarte tatin and crème brûlée are just some of the delicious desserts. 

Escargot and cuisses de grenouille

A French meal often consists of three courses, hors d'œuvre or entrée (introductory course), plat principal (main course), fromage (cheese course) or dessert, sometimes with a salad offered before the cheese or dessert.

SIGHTS OF PARIS

Famous monuments of Paris include the iconic Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Pantheon, Catacombs of Paris and the Notre Dame. The Eiffel Tower was originally considered to be an eye-sore, built solely for the Paris exhibition in 1889 and intended to be a temporary structure. Standing at 320m tall, it is now one of the most iconic monuments of the city.

Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe

The Lourve Museum is one of the world's largest while the Musee dÓrsay is one of the best impressionist collections. attracting approximately 9.3 million visitors per year, the Lourve, the worlds most visited museum, houses a collection of 35,000 priceless masterpieces and antiques, hence offers the most extensive art galleries for its breadth of subjects, which range from 6th century BC to 19th century.

The Lourve Museum

The Conciergerie

The Conciergerie is the first royal palace of the capital city, and later became a prison during the Revolution. On the Île de la Cité, exceptional Gothic rooms of the palace and reproduction of the prison cells of the revolutionary tribunal are well worth a visit. At the end of the 17th century, numerous people were imprisoned in the prison of the Conciergerie, including Marie-Antoinette.

The Palace of Versailles

Another palace, the Versailles estate, is arguably one of the most famous places in Europe. Follow in the steps of the kings of France on a visit to the Château de Versailles and its lavish royal apartments, the Châteaux de Trianon, Marie-Antoinette's hamlet and the magnificent French gardens that surround these monuments.

TIPS FOR TRAVELLING IN PARIS

1. Getting around Paris is most easily done using the Paris Metro. The quickest and cheapest form of transport around the city, trains run frequently. a one way ticket costs 1.80 euros while a day travel card costs 6.10 euros.

2. The Latin Quarter is one of the best parts of the city and is less crowded than the main area. It’s a great place to wander around. Head deep into the heart of it for tiny winding streets and cheap cafes that overlook little plazas. Be aware that the cafes get crowded during lunch time, though.

3. If you want a good view of the city but don’t want to wait to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower, head to Montmartre. This little district, where artists like Picasso and Pissarro used to live, provides sweeping views of the city without the wait or the cost.

Dubai

GENERAL INFORMATION

Dubai is located at the crossroads between Europe, Africa and Asia. It is the second largest Emirate as well as the capital city, of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE compromises of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Queain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

Dubai’s has a land area of 3885 square kilometres and a population of over 2.4 million. Dubai is well known for being one of the world’s fastest growing cities in culture, business, fun and value for money. Dubai continues to build the first, largest and biggest constructions in the world.

LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND CUSTOMS

Dubai’s official language is Arabic which is the language of commerce however English is widely understood. The local currency is the Dirham which has a conversion of 1AUD = 2.69AED.

Dubai’s culture is rooted in Islamic traditions. It is important that all tourists respect and behave suitably when visiting Dubai. The most prized virtue in Dubai is courtesy and hospitality. Visitors should always dress modestly especially in conservative areas and public places. Shorts and t-shirts are suitable attire in many placed however when visiting religious sites such as mosques, it is respectful to wear loose-fitted clothing that cover the shoulders, arms and legs.

It is customary to accept foods and drinks with your right hand and also it is the hand you should eat with. Avoid showing the soles of your feet and it is considered rude to cross your legs and point your finger. Alcohol is only allowed in confined areas such as a hotel, bar or nightclub.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Dubai is well known for its iconic, modern attractions which is a vacation hot spot. The city is filled with high-rises and shopping malls where people flock for sales and sightseeing attractions. 4 of the many attractions include:

Burj Khalifa

This building is Dubai’s landmark building standing at 829.8m tall and is the tallest building in the world. Visitors must take a trip to the observation deck on the 124^th floor where they’ll experience the views of the city skyline and the ocean.

Burj Khalifa - 829.8m

The Dubai Fountains

Burj al-Arab

At the base of the Burj Khalifa are the world’s largest dancing fountains. Set on 30 acres of land, the Burj Khalifa Lake fountains shoot water to as high as 500ft which is equivalent to a 50 storey building.

Burj al-Arab

The Burj al-Arab is the world’s tallest hotel standing at a height of 321m. Located on its own articifial island on the coastline of Dubai, the Burj al-Arab was designed to resemble a billowing dhow sail. Burj al-Arab is the only 7 star hotel in the world.

Palm Island

Palm Island

Palm Island has everything all families need to enjoy a holiday break. Palm Island provides family with relaxation and a range of activities including water sports, aquariums, theme parks, beaches, pools, gardens and a range of fine dining restaurants.

CUISINE

Dubai is the best place to try all types of food from the Gulf and Middle East.

Stuffed Camel

Stuffed Camel is one of the biggest, most popular dishes in Dubai. Chefs stuff a whole camel with herbs, spices and meat including chicken, fish and sheep.

Shawarma

Shawarma is famous and the most eaten food in Dubai. The dish is made from lamb or chicken meet, along with an array of vegetables, fries, pickles and garlic sauce. It is considered a fast food as it is served in a wrap. The dish is spicy and some find it too strong.

Mahalabiya

Mahalabiya is an all-time favourite dessert in Dubai. It is a refreshing recipe containing rosewater and pistachios. This dish is primarily a pudding.

Mahalabiya

TRAVEL TIPS

1. Always dress conservatively - respect all the residents and their culture

2. Get your money exchanged in a bank, hotel or ATM to avoid getting short-changed.

3. Remember to bring an electric adapter

4. Do not drink alcohol in public

5. Do not show any public displays of affection as they are offensive and are displays of homosexuality

6. Be aware of what you are taking photos of. Unless you are in a tourist area, avoid taking pictures of government buildings, mosques and airports. NEVER take a picture of a Muslim woman without permission.

7. You must get health insurance before visiting Dubai! Cost of treatment is very expensive in Dubai

8. Be aware of your internet usage. It is illegal to gamble and engage in any adult content.