Whats on in Sydney

Vivid Sydney 2013

Dates: 24/05/2013 - 10/06/2013

A kaleidoscope of colour, art, music, energy and life. The best of Sydney's landmarks come to life. This is Vivid Sydney, and 2013 will mark the fifth anniversary of this colour spectacle. No different to how the respective Town Halls of Sydney and Melbourne lit up at Christmas in 2012; Vivid Sydney has a lights on policy at 6pm from the 24th of May to the 10th of June 2013. The best thing of all, they're free to view and appreciate. There are a few ticketed events at Vivid Sydney, further information of which will be on the Vivid Sydney website from time to time.

For more details visit: http://www.vividsydney.com/

My Lords and Ladies Medieval Fayre 2013

Date: 18/05/2013 - 19/05/2013 Cost: FREE

Where: Only a short walk from Doonside Railway Station down Cross Street and across Knox Road

A treasure trove of medieval musts

To the delight of both locals and visitors, Blacktown City Council is once again hosting 'My Lords and Ladies Medieval Fayre' as part of its annual City festival. The family-friendly affair will be held at Nurragingy Recreation Reserve, Knox Road, Doonside, over two exciting days. On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May 2013, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, the popular leisure destination will be transformed into the dark and delightful world of the Middle Ages as if by magic.

With free admission, the Fayre features activities such as period jewellery making and sword making for the kids.

For more details CLICK HERE

PYRMONT FESTIVAL OF WINE, FOOD AND ART

When: 17 – 26 May

Location: Pyrmont

For 10 days, the Pyrmont Festival will celebrate the best wine, food and art from the Pyrmont and Mudgee Regions. Delight your taste buds with unique gourmet cuisine and local produce at Sydney’s premier dining precinct. Events include ‘Meet the Winemaker’ sessions, as well as special lunches and dinners from top chefs.

For more details CLICK HERE 

Learn How to Save 50-75% on Flights and Hotels 

Using Special Travel Agent Only Rates

 

Fancy a Cruise ?

 This website Cruiseabout has heaps of great deals and ideas. There are a number of information sessions being conducted around Victoria in the next few months.

 I thought it was a site worthy of sharing..

Local Cruiseabout Events

Learn More about Ocean and River Cruising Join Cruiseabout Williamstown (VIC) for a free, exclusive information session on cruising, including river and ocean cruising worldwide. Receive great advice from our cruising specialists and have access to Cruiseabout only deals available on the day. Light refreshments will be served. Hurry, seats are limited. DATE: Monday, 29 April 2013 TIME: 10.30am VENUE: Club House at Point Cook Village, 320 Point Cook Rd, Point Cook RSVP: Call the Cruiseabout Williamstown team on 1300 610 073 by 26 April _______________________________________________________________

Free Holland America Line Information Session Join Cruiseabout Geelong (VIC) and Holland America Line to learn more about Australasian, South Pacific and New Zealand Cruising. Receive great advice from our cruising specialists and guest speakers, and have access to exclusive Cruiseabout deals only available on the night. Light refreshments will be served. Hurry, register your interest today, spots are limited. DATE: Wednesday, 15 May 2013 TIME: 6:00pm for 6:30pm start VENUE: Cruiseabout Geelong 182 High St, Belmont RSVP: Call the Cruiseabout Geelong team on 1300 092 305 by Monday 13 May _______________________________________________________________

Royal Caribbean International Information Morning Join Cruiseabout Williamstown (VIC) and Royal Caribbean International for a free information session on ocean cruising worldwide. Receive great advice from our cruising specialists and have access to Cruiseabout only deals available on the day. Light refreshments will be served. DATE: Wednesday, 15 May 2013 TIME: 10.30am VENUE: The Village, 1 - 49 Paas Place, Williamstown RSVP: Call the Cruiseabout Williamstown team on 1300 610 073 by 13 May _______________________________________________________________

Free River Cruising Information Sessions Join your local Cruiseabout in South Australia store for a free river cruising information session with APT, Avalon, Scenic & Viking River Cruises. Receive great advice from our cruising specialists, attend information sessions from the cruise line representatives and have access to exclusive Cruiseabout deals only available on the day. Free car parking on site. Register your interest by contacting your nearest Cruiseabout. DATE: Saturday, 25 May 2013 TIME: 10:00am: Expo opens            11:00am: APT Cruising            12:00pm: ScenicTours            1:00pm: Avalon Waterways            2:00pm: Viking River Cruises            4:00pm Expo closes VENUE: Highway Inn Hotel, 290 Anzac Hwy, Plympton RSVP: Call your local Cruiseabout store for more details!              Cruiseabout Glenelg - 1300 110 309              Cruiseabout Prospect - 1300 261 396              Cruiseabout Burnside - 1300 841 742              Cruiseabout Mitcham - 1300 544 120

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Sand between your Toes

The Perfect Vacation

A beach vacation is something all of us can use, as

it provides time away with the family, friends, or

just that special someone. 

They are also great way to unwind from the pressures of life, and

Get sand between your toes.

All around the world, there are literally hundreds of

places that you can choose for your beach vacation.

Before you decide to rush off to your beach vacation,

you should plan first.  Decide on where you are

going, research your destination spot, and make

sure that it offers something for everyone. 

Once you plan your beach vacation very carefully,

you'll be more than ready to take off to your

destination and relax.  

“Life's Tragedy is that we get old to soon and wise too late.” 

- Benjamin Franklin

What to do on the weekend?

Easter Show

When: 21 March to 3 April

The Sydney Royal Easter Show is Australia’s largest annual event, attracting close to 900,000 people each year. It is a celebration of Australian culture, from our rural traditions to our modern day lifestyles, providing unique experiences for everyone.

Each year the country and city join together to enjoy agricultural competitions, animal experiences, entertainment, carnival fun, shopping and much more.

The Show was first held in 1823 and is run by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes and rewards agricultural excellence.

Learn more by visiting http://www.eastershop.com.au

Sydney Bridal Expo

When: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 April 2013

Where: Darling Harbour Time: 10am – 5.00pm

Sydney Bridal Expo is the most elegant a and stylish event on the bridal
calendar providing the boldest and most beautiful ideas for the discerning bride
who dreams of her perfect wedding. This year 130 of Sydney’s leading wedding
suppliers will be on display on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 April at the Exhibition
Centre, Darling Harbour.


For more information http://sydneybridalexpo.com.au


March into Merivale Food Festival 2013

Event: 05/02/2013 - 31/03/2013

Delicious dining at Sydney's top restaurants for $33

March into Merivale, the self proclaimed signature food festival of Sydney, will be making its
triumphant return once again this autumn.

For more details http://www.weekendnotes.com.au/march-into-merivale-food-festival/

 There is so much more available on the site Week End Notes, worth a look.

http://www.weekendnotes.com.au/

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Global Dining rules of thumb

There are certain rules on dining that must be observed at all times while eating


It is, for example, polite to wait for the hostess to serve you first rather than you serving your own plate before everyone else.

It is also polite to position your silverware at 4:00 once you're done with your meal. 

Furthermore, it is polite not to make unnecessary noise when eating. 

However, things are a bit different with other cultures. Check out the differences below:

China
In China, it is polite not to finish a meal, regardless if it's rice, noodle or other Chinese cuisines. It is because when you leave nothing on your plate or bowl, you are sending them the signal that you want more and the hostess has not served you enough.

Japan
The case is different if you are in Japan. If you eat there, it is in your best interest to finish everything in your plate. The bonus? You get to have another serving. But what if you don’t like the food? You finish the plate anyway. Otherwise, you would be considered impolite.

Iran
Spoons and forks are not as popular in Iran as they are here in the Western world. So even if you don't feel comfortable using your hands on your food, you should respect the custom and chow with it. So the next time you go there and you are expecting to eat with other people, try to wash your hands in advance. You will be thankful that you did.

Spain
While it is impolite to leave a messy table in most parts of the world, not to mention a cluttered floor once you're done eating, it is somewhat expected of you in Spain. In Spain, especially in snack bars, you can throw your mess (used napkins, bread crumbs, food wrappings, etc.) on the floor. This is because they sweep the debris after you or before they close their shops and it is just expected that you leave something behind. Otherwise, you did not eat anything in the bar.

England  
Americans are fond of diving into foods using fingers, especially fried treats. But English people have a slightly different opinion about that. For them, it is necessary ONLY when there are no utensils around.

France
Should you or should you not ask a French chef extra ketchup? No, a big no. When in France, you MUST NEVER ask a chef to give you more ketchup, this is insulting and totally unacceptable.

Germany
If you find yourself in a high-class German restaurant and you ordered something that has chunks of potato in it, what is the proper way of slicing the potato into convenient pieces? The answer: with your fork. Knives are too smooth, they spoil the texture of the potatoes.

Australia
We all know that in some cultures, it is rude to stare direct to the eyes. However in Australia, it is rude to miss the eyes of the person you are clinking a toast with. Not looking a person in the eyes signifies that you don’t acknowledge the person's presence.

Canada
You would usually get stares when you burp vigorously after a meal in most parts of the world but the Inuit people of Canada think otherwise. For them, it is a sign of gratitude for the meal.

Have a Great BURP day...

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, 

but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

Top 10 Last Minute Travel Destinations

Surprisingly, Australia didn't make this list, people don't know what they are missing....

Florida

This state is perfect to visit all-year round. With theme parks galore in Orlando alone, there’s sure to be a place or two able to welcome last-minute travelers like you. While in Florida, you can also head off to Miami and enjoy its beaches and exciting nightlife. For more adventure, you can book a day trip to Key West and enjoy its exotic locale. In Key West, make sure you set aside a portion of your day for fishing and shopping.

New England Coast

If you need a last-minute destination during the fall, there’s no better place to pick than the New England Coast. Its spectacular fall foliage is famous worldwide and you can enjoy it for free just by walking around. The same beauty shall greet you whether you’re traveling to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, or some other place in the New England coast.

Paris

Lovers will always have Paris at any time of the year. Sure, it’s crowded all the time, but you don’t really notice things like that when you’re in love, do you? In Paris, you immediately know a couple of well-known attractions to visit and activities to check out. Besides the ever-famous Eiffel Tower, there’s also Versailles Palace to check out. You know as well that it’s imperative to give the street-lining cafes a try for authentic French cuisine, to walk around and just enjoy the romantic atmosphere and appreciate the works of Bohemian artists.

New York

Another city you won’t lack for excitement is the Big Apple. But beware, native New Yorkers don’t like it when people refer to NYC as the Big Apple. Because it’s a city that never sleeps, you’ll always find something to see or do no matter what time you get there. Just be careful of pickpockets. That’s one authentic NYC experience you can certainly do without!

Nevada

Like NYC, Nevada or Las Vegas in particular is a city that comes especially alive at night. If you think gambling is the only thing to do in Vegas, think again. You can drop by at Caesar’s Palace, for instance, at certain times in the evening and you’ll be treated by a special presentation…for free.

California

First stop: Hollywood. Walk around Beverly Hills, buy a map to know where the stars live, walk a couple of minutes more and you can spot a famous actor or two while shopping in any of the equally famous boutiques lining the streets. A food tour won’t be amiss because Cali is a melting pot of various cultures! You’ll see a Thai restaurant right next to a fine-dining French restaurant and a fastfood joint.

London

History buffs wanting to do some last minute travel should immediately head to London. There, you can visit Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and let’s not forget London Bridge, the ultimate star of nursery rhymes. If you have extra time, check out Thames Park – this used to be the most fashionable place for nobility to see and be seen.

Hawaii

Hawaii has nice tropical weather all year round. They may have stormy bouts once in a while, but the weather channel will easily let you know if visiting the islands now would be bad timing. In Hawaii, you can enjoy luaus after frolicking in the beach.

Egypt

Pyramids! There’s no need to think when you get to Egypt. You can also try riding a camel and visit the various museums found in Cairo.

Shanghai

Take advantage of the currently welcoming regime in China and see the secret wonders of this once-forbidden country. The language barrier could take a bit getting used to but the extremely cheap cost-of-living makes struggling with Mandarin worth every second.

Let me know what you think, maybe you disagree? 

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Last Minute Travel Tips to Australia

Following on from the last post, here are some tips specifically for visiting Australia, enjoy.

Australia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. There's a wide expanse of land that allows for plenty of land travel, it has some of the world's most amazing landmarks and if you're looking for adventure, the continent will never lack for something to offer. But in case you're traveling to Australia at the last minute, here are some useful tips you might want to consider:

Last minute travel to Australia might not be cheap.

If you're coming from North America, be prepared to spend a bit on travel tickets. Even the cheap fares going there aren't that cheap, so be ready with your cash or credit card.  Tourists generally flock to the continent beginning October and on till February, which means last minute tickets might be tough to get. If you're traveling last minute to Australia, there may be flights where you can get a good discount but you will have to make a few adjustments in case you want to take advantage of the low deals. 

For cheap, last minute flights to Australia, learn to be flexible because you might not always have a choice in terms of seating, time, destination airport or even flight class.  If you're up for an adventure, though, then booking a last minute travel flight to Australia is only the beginning.

Have a plan.

As mentioned earlier, Australia is a big continent and it has plenty to offer. When you're booking a last minute flight, at least have a few good ideas on what you want to do when you get there. Surfing?  Rock climbing? Diving? Or just enjoying the natural beauty of the Outback? 

Make a list of what you where you want to go and the kind of things you want to experience. If you're making last minute travel plans to Australia, you might have to compromise on some things. At least, while you're there, you get to experience as much as you can.

Know a little bit about the country.

There are certain things about Australia that might surprise you if you aren't familiar with it and we're not talking about the local dialect. Cars are left-hand drives and summertime in the U.S. is wintertime in the continent, which means you're more likely to get a heat stroke in December. If you're coming in from the cold, be prepared to shed your clothes.

Familiarize yourself with your destination.

Last minute travel plans to Australia shouldn't include you getting lost. Contact the local tourism office or book accommodations with local agencies. If you need a car to drive you to and from the airport, have this ready as well. Most travel agencies will be happy to make these arrangements for you.

Ask for extra information prior to the trip or go online and look for travel guides to the areas you plan to visit. Above all, just enjoy all that Australia has to offer.

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