O is for OpenAir Cinema

I know that the weather in Sydney has not been terribly predictable over the past month but we are assured it will pick up after Christmas and just in time for the annual St George OpenAir Cinema. This outdoor movie experience at Mrs Macquarie’s Point is not to be missed and tickets go on sale to the public 9am tomorrow! Tickets have a history of selling out super fast so jump online today to choose your session and be armed with your credit card tomorrow at 9am so you don’t miss out.

From 9am tomorrow you can purchase your tickets on the OpenAir Cinema website, where you can also find information on all the movies and everything you will need to know about the event.

N is Stuff to do for Next to Nothing

So Sydney is not the most expensive city in the world, I mean it’s no Paris or London when it comes to the price of a coffee, but on an Aussie scale it can be pretty darn pricey. So here are a few suggestions for things to do and what to keep an eye on if you are looking for some entertainment that doesn’t include a $50 breakfast or $170 concert tickets.

One of my favourite bonuses for under 30’s who are looking for a little culture and cheap way to truly experience iconic Sydney is the cheap Opera House tickets available to under 30’s – it’s true! See selected Sydney Theatre Company and Bell Shakespeare Company performances for as little as $35 for those yet to hit the big three-oh. More information and details about current performances is available at the Sydney Opera House website.

Also jump on to the City of Sydney website because you are sure almost each week to find a new and exciting event happening in Sydney city with many of these being absolutely free. The Darling Harbour and The Rocks websites are also a good place to check if you're on the lookout for free entertainment with plenty going on in these precincts, particularly over the warmer months. While you are  in Darling Harbour and The Rocks be sure to stop and watch the street performers who are happy with a small donation in return for a 30 minute show or be in awe of the magnificent cruise boats that regularly dwarf Circular Quay.

One last suggestion and a personal favourite is the Manly ferry trip, a perfect day out from the city, a return ticket costs a little over $13. Soak up the Sydney sun on the harbour and enjoy an ice cream on the beach at your destination.

M is for Making your Stay in Sydney a Safe One

The other day one of my Twitter followers wrote to me saying they are really looking forward to their visit to Sydney but are a bit worried about staying safe. I thought this was a valid point and deserved a decent response, so here are my pointers for staying safe in Sydney.

Firstly I would like to say Sydney is not a dangerous city. I have been to well over a hundred cities throughout my travels and Sydney is by far one of the places I feel most comfortable. However, you may have noticed Sydney has a pretty bad rep in the Australian media. My response to this is don't always believe everything the media portrays, often isolated incidents are splashed across the news making Sydney look positively scary. Sure there are 'dodgy spots' like every other city but stick to the 'tourist trail' and you will be sure to stay safe and have a great time.

For backpackers, the three main spots to stay (although not the only locations) are the CBD, Kings Cross and Bondi Beach. My pick of the three for safety, and if you are a little nervous about travelling, is Bondi Beach. Bondi is full of backpackers and other tourists, and the night life doesn't tend to get as rowdy as the city or Kings Cross.

When you are in Sydney, some things to watch out for during your stay are:

• Avoid wandering around Kings Cross or the CBD on your own after 10pm at night. Aussies are lovely in the day time but are not the best at holding their drink, so it's best to be in a group if you're out late at night and if you do see an altercation in the street stay out of the action!
• Some people have experienced pick-pockets in the city so keep your bag zipped up, particularly in and around Paddy's Markets in Haymarket.
• Stay away from the dodgy spots. You will quickly hear that some Sydney suburbs are not really tourist destinations, if you don't want any trouble it's best to avoid these areas.
• Watch out for snakes and spiders, not only when you are visiting the beautiful national parks in and around Sydney but even in the city as these creepy crawlys can quickly spoil a good holiday. If you see anything that looks nasty it probably is and if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.
• Be sure to protect yourself from the sun (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and cover up). The Aussie sun is far tougher than that of any European sea-side location and will leave you very sunburnt if you are not careful.
• Lastly, always swim between the flags. Some Sydney beaches have strong rips (including Bondi) and the flags will let you know where it is safe to swim. It will also help our big, strong Aussie lifesavers to help you out if you do need it.

If you ever do get into trouble the emergency number in Australia (fire, police and ambulance) is 000.

In saying all of this the Sydney crime rate is lower than many other cities around the world, but like travelling anywhere do your research, use your commonsense and don't do anything you wouldn't do at home to ensure you have not only a fun, but a safe trip to Sydney.

L is for Lazy Sundays

I am so relaxed… Even Monday back at work can’t burst my weekend buzz this week and I have a Sunday drive to thank for it… Yesterday I went on a lazy drive through the NSW Southern Highlands to Berrima a quaint, historical town about 80 minutes south of Sydney; from there we took the tourist drive back through to Mittagong and headed east towards Shellharbour on the coast via Macquarie Pass National Park. From Shellharbour you can take the spectacular coastal drive from Wollongong through Royal National Park (making sure to stop the Otford Pantry for Sydney’s very best apple pie just as you enter to park from the south) and on home to Sydney. I was not even away for a night but the amazing countryside and fresh air - so easily accessible from Sydney - has left me feeling positively refreshed.

Some other day trip suggestions are the Blue Mountains, Leura and surrounds are certain to provide a relaxing destination. Heading north, the Hunter Valley via Putty Road is a fun drive with some yummy treats for lunch readily available in Pokolbin. If you are after a sea-side break, Kiama to the south or Terrigal to the north both offer beautiful beaches out of the hustle and bustle… and lastly if you are after a lazy brunch, head south the Berry, where the Berry Sourdough Bakery & Café offers the most incredible brunch and scrumptious  breads to take back home..

Hope you enjoy your next lazy Sunday and of course don’t forget to drive safely folks.

K is for Keeping the Kids Entertained

Unless you have been hiding under a rock (or maybe you have and are about the thank me), you will know that the Harry Potter Exhibition is coming to Sydney. This exhibition includes props and costumes from all of the Harry Potter movies along with lots of fun interactive exhibits – you can even try your hand at Quidditch  (but don’t worry, i’m sure they won’t let the kids try out a nimbus 2000)!

The exhibition will be at Sydney’s famous Powerhouse Museum and kids off-peak tickets are from $19, which will not only get you into the exhibition but the rest of the museum as well, this is a reasonably priced day out that the kids (and some big kids) are sure not to forget any time soon!

The exhibition will run from 19 November 2011 until 18 March 2012 - perfectly timed to alleviate school holiday boredom. Full details on the exhibition and tickets are available on the Powerhouse Museum’s website.

Before I go I want to mention a free event that your kids are sure to love; the annual lighting of the Martin Place Christmas tree lighting and the children’s concert are both on 24 November (in Martin Place) from 6:00pm – 8:30pm and best of all is completely free! Also be sure to make your way there via the David Jones store near St James Station in the city, the Christmas scenes and decorations are now up in the windows and are simply delightful!

City of Sydney’s Sydney Christmas website has all the details on the tree lighting event and plenty more Christmas happenings, oh and the kids can email Santa from the site also – so 21^st century! 

I'm loving Sydney for Christmas!

J is for Justice

Sydney is full of history and no more so than in the spooky of jails in and around the city... and one of the very easiest to get to in right in the heart of the city. Hyde Park Barracks, which saw around 50,000 convicts come to stay during its operation in the 1800's. Also currently the host of the Convict Sydney exhibition, entry to the Barracks is only $10 and is easily accessible from Martin Place and St James train stations.

Just a hop, skip and a short ferry ride away from Hyde Park Barracks is Cockatoo Island, with UNESCO World Heritage Listed prison buildings and a constant stream of art and other exhibitions, Cockatoo Island should not be overlooked if you are on the lookout for a piece of Sydney's history. Details on how to get there and tour dates/times are all on the Cockatoo Island website and remember to take your lunch money with you as there are no ATMs on site. 

If all this seems a little bit ordinary, why not head north to Maitland where you can play out your own jail break, armed and all at the Maitland Gaol. Battlezone Playlive run laser skirmish at the Maitland Gaol, with twilight sessions for the bravest of the brave, this is a very unique way to experience this historic location! Of course it is still possible, and very worthwhile, to visit the Maitland Gaol at a slower pace by joining in on one of a wide range tours to get a real sense of this historic location. Tour details, activities and a bit of history are all available on the Gaol's website. More information about laser skirmish is available at the Battlezone Playlive website.

I is for I am Really Excited about Sculptures by the Sea!

It is almost that time of year again, like a mecca for Sydney photographers bot amateur and professional alike, Sculptures by the Sea provides three weeks of delight for the eyes as art is installed along the Bondi to Tamarama cliff side walk. This year is sure not to dissapoint as Sculptures by the Sea celebrates its 15th anniversary and will include artwork by Anne Ferguson, Bert Flugelman OAM, Ron Robertson-Swann OAM and Ken Unsworth AM, just to name a few.

Sculptures by the Sea is a 100 percent free event and will be held from 3 to 20 November 2011. Bring your towel and soak up the sun along with your culture and enjoy my personal favourite event in Sydney.

Find out more about the event, the art and the sculptures for this years event at the Sculptures by the Sea website.

H is for Halloween

What are you getting up to this Halloween? The 31st of October is not traditionally a holiday celebrated in Australia, but more and more we are coming around to the idea of dressing up and getting set to party on the spookiest day of the year. Personally I am choosing between sexy bunny or sexy kitty this year - staying true to the concept of a tight dress and animals ears, but of course! Anyway, I thought I would let you know about Sydney's best party for this year's (close enough to) Halloween weekend.

Magique Halloween Circus, which will be held at Luna Park on Saturday 29th of October, is an adults only dress up party guaranteed to keep the neighbours awake into the early hours of the morning. Magique Halloween Circus will feature incredible entertainment including trapeze, fire twirlers, illusion shows, pole dancers, hypnotists, jugglers and more. Check out the trailer or visit the Magique Halloween Circus website for more information, but remember, if you want to be there on the night be sure to get in quick because tickets are selling out fast.

G is for Gardens

So even though the weather has been unusually cool, it is still springtime and a perfect time for stepping out and discovering some of the beautiful gardens that Sydney has to offer. 

I have mentioned the Chinese Gardens in Darling Harbour and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney in my earlier posts but if you are after something special why not jump onto the Open Gardens website to see which beautiful gardens are open near you. With a low entry fee and gardening talks Open Gardens offers a gardens enthusiast with a cheap and unique day out.

This weekend, 8th & 9th of October, there are four gardens open across Sydney at:

Sherwood - 45 Parklands Avenue, Lane Cove

Botanica Lodge - 70 Wattle Tree, Drive, Theresa Park, 

Silky Oaks - 140 Russell Lane, Oakdale

Litchfield Park, 19 Murray St, Jewells 

Each garden has something different to offer so why not see them all for a relaxing way to spend a weekend. Be sure to find out all the details you need and garden opening times on the Open Gardens website. 

F is for Fiesta

Hoping the weather clears up here in Sydney, the sun has been away from my beautiful city for too long!

Either way be sure to make your way into the city this long weekend and to Fiesta in Darling Harbour. Fiesta this year will be the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority's 20th annual Latin festival, and will consist of three days absolutely packed with dance groups, music well into the evenings, food, 14 dance classes which will be held throughout the festival, demonstrations, competitions, and to top it all off - a carnival street parade on Monday! 

Parking is available in the city and Darling Harbour, but like all events in the city I would recommend you take public transport for a stress-free day out.

To check out the action-packed program, learn more about the performers or download an event map visit the Darling Harbour website.

E is for the End of an Era

Today’s post is a tribute to Betty’s soup kitchen, which after more than 15 years has sadly closed its doors. Betty’s has been an Oxford Street institution for so long and fed many a hungry Sydney-sider over the years. A sign of the times and a reminder to us all to get out and visit our small businesses and restaurants, these local haunts have so much to offer and really need our support to stay in business so I set a challenge to everyone reading this to visit your favourite hangout this week and support Sydney’s small businesses.

D is for Dining

The Crave Sydney International Food Festival is coming up which makes October a great time of year to get out and taste all that Sydney has to offer. Throughout the festival restaurants that are home to some of Sydney's best chefs are offering great deals, keep an eye on the Loving Sydney's Special page as I will do my best to keep these updated or check out the Crave Sydney website for details.

On the 1st to the 2nd of October you can choose to see a wide range of chefs and cuisines in one location at the Festival's World Chef Showcase, a steep $310 for a full day ticket but well worth it for a devoted foodie. If you want to be involved but don't want to part with that much cash however, why not visit the Night Noodle Markets which will be held in Hyde Park North from the 10th to 14th of October and the 17th to 21st of October from 5pm to 9pm. Find out all you will need to know about both events on the Festival's website.

Separately, but still on the subject of incredible dining, I must mention a Surry Hills restaurant I happened upon last weekend. The Nepalese Kitchen at 481 Crown Street offers cheap and delicious Nepalese cuisine in a gorgeous atmosphere. Why not try their signature goat dish, a truly authentic tomato based curry that will leave you wanting for more, and there is plenty more to choose from not in the least including the best momos outside of Kathmandu.

The Nepalese Kitchen is BYO and open from 6pm to 11pm daily. I would recommend booking ahead by calling 02 9319 4264 to avoid disappointment.

C is for Chinatown

Sydney has by far the best Chinatown in the country. Dixon Street is guaranteed to satisfy your tastebuds with a huge range of restaurants to choose from and plenty of places to pick up a dumpling on the run.

Be sure to check out Market City and Paddy’s Markets with everything from Bananas to Boomerangs for sale at a great price and to recover pay a visit to the Chinese Garden in Darling Harbour a stunning Chinese sanctuary in the heart of the city.

Better yet, why not plan your day in the city to align with the Expo of Chinese Tea from the 14th to the 16th of October at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

For more details on upcoming events in Sydney’s Chinatown visit http://www.chinatown.com.au/eng/.

B is for Beaches

If you have been following my posts you would know that I am a huge fan of Sydney's beaches, particularly the those in the Eastern Suburbs such as Bronte, Bondi, Tamarama and Coogee. But really Sydney has so many beaches to choose from with each offering something different. 

Bondi is definitely the place to be seen. Super crowded in summer but perfect on a warm spring day, with markets, surfing lessons, cafes, a huge selection of restaurants and easy public transport and parking. Bondi is my home away from home and by far my favourite beach in Sydney.

Although, if it is a quiet escape you are after, head to Northern Sydney. Along the northern coastline you can choose from Manly, Dee Why, Curl Curl, Whale Beach and the beautiful Palm Beach (the location of Australia's Home and Away series). 

South Sydney also offers a few beaches that are well worth a visit with the famous Cronulla Beach and the secluded Wattamolla at Royal National Park.

So as soon as the weather (finally) warms up get acquainted with some of Australia's most beautiful beaches right here in Sydney.

A is for Astronomy

September is a great time for some star gazing... The evenings are getting warmer and before clicking over to daylight savings time the Sydney Observatory is still offering two sessions for star viewing each night.

At $17 an adult and $10 for a child the Observatory is a relatively cheap way to see the stars from the centre of the city and maybe even learn a thing or two. 

For something a little more personal or if you have a group together, the Observatory also offers group visits, birthday parties and even private telescope viewings at a location of your choice. All of the Observatory's offerings can be found on their website at www.sydneyobservatory.com.au or visit them on Facebook.

Awakening

Ok.. So I have been hibernating. I have bitten off a little more then I can chew with three uni subjects this semester and in combination with a full-time job and some volunteering I have had precious little time for frolicking in my beautiful city. But it is spring now, the Sydney Fringe Festival is coming up, only a month until daylight savings (and counting!), and the weather is warming up nicely - it is time to kiss and make up with Sydney.

And what better way then by celebrating spring via a series of 'alphabaSydney' posts!! An A-Z of all the fun things to get up to in Sydney in spring time! Hooray!

So watch this space, 'cause the birds are singing, the bees are buzzing and Bambi is back!

Escape in the Cty

Although amazing for the most part, sometimes living in a city like Sydney I feel the urge to escape the madness. To find a quiet place where I can be outdoors but just forget where I am for a little while.

There are a few gems still left where you can clear your head, read outdoors in peace or escape the hustle and bustle. My favourite city escapes in the city are by far Royal National Park, Vaucluse House, Parsley Bay and Nielsen Park.

Unlike the Hunter Valley and the Blue Mountains, Royal National Park is still within Sydney. The are some beautiful bush walks, secret beaches and waterfalls to be discovered. You can walk through the rain forest, sandstone or bush and the air is so fresh you can completely forget you are so close to home.

For closer to home still there are a couple of spots in the eastern suburbs that are so peaceful it is amazing they have stayed this way. Not so good for drivers as parking is very limited but Parsley Bay is so secluded there is almost it can be a little eerie! But perfect for those who want to hide with a book and forget the city for awhile.

Vaucluse House and the beautiful gardens that surround are incredibly peaceful and allow you to take in some history at the same time. There are tearooms if you feel like a quite afternoon catching up with friends or there are often smaller scale events such as jazz in the gardens which make for such a nice evening so keep an eye on the Historic Houses Trust website to plan your visit.

Finally if you need to escape with the family in tow, why not visit Nielsen Park. This little harbour beach is the perfect spot for a relaxing family picnic and those who are prepared to make a short walk will rewarded with spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour. There is also a little cafe here but it would pay to check out the Nielsen Park website before your visit to see opening times, etc.

On Your Bike

Cycling is a great way to keep fit and be kind to the environment. Luckily Sydney’s cycle network is growing and our city is providing more options for greener commuting then ever. But cycling for necessity is not all that Sydney has to offer. Manly Dam, Royal National Park and the Blue Mountains offer terrific mountain bike tracks for all levels, whether you want to take the kids out for some fresh air or are an adrenaline junkie seeking your next thrill. The Royal National Park’s website provides details on which tracks are suitable for cycling, but to get more help choosing the right track for you check out the TrailFlix website.

If you don’t own your own bicycle, or are just looking for a slower pace, jump onto the City of Sydney cycleways website to find your nearest cycle paths. Bike hire is available at Centennial Park Cycles who offer competitive hourly rates and are located in the heart of Centennial Park, a mecca for Sydney cyclists of all levels.

Finally, if you are after a bicycle tour, pay a visit to Bonza Bike Tours in The Rocks or Manly Bike Tours. Both Bonza Bikes and Manly Bike Tours offer a range of tours at reasonable prices.

Home Sweet Sydney

Missing Sydney traffic is not something I expected to experience when I went to Canberra for the weekend. So, while it took me by surprise, I guess this means I really can call Sydney home now that ‘home’ is no longer where my heart is. What once seemed a beautiful comfortable place to watch my life flitter before my eyes now seems slow and incredibly ordinary - I no longer feel right if I can’t get a kebab at 3am, and a good one at that.

I pondered what it is that makes Sydney so captivating amidst all the hustle and bustle. Then I think of when an STA driver will stop two metres after the stop to let me on or when someone lets me turn into the peak hour traffic on George Street, or a work friend sharing the location of their latest favourite yum cha - often a 30 minute drive but so worth it. What I love about Sydney is that it isn't comfortable, it is a challenge, yet so often I see the locals of Sydney helping each other out to conquer this urban jungle. Maybe on my trip down south I picked up some rose coloured glasses but I know one thing for sure, the pace isn’t slow, the people are amazing and I rarely find myself bored in Sydney.

Now, if you were wondering where that tasty late night kebab is hiding they are at Hey Hey Kebabs, Parramatta Road, Auburn. Sure it's a trek out west but they are the best kebabs in Sydney.

Take your Little Monkeys to the Zoo!

Every sydney-sider has been at least once, but come school holidays Sydney's Taronga Zoo is a venue that can't be missed. Tickets can be purchased online to save time and a kids ticket costs only $22 - great value for a full day out! 

Come along between the 2nd and 18th of July 2011 and the kids can also tackle the Herald Mystery Trail where they will collect all the clues to solve the zoo investigation.

And don't forget big kids have fun at the zoo too! Enjoy a walk through the jungle followed by lunch at one of the zoo's many eateries or share a picnic to enjoy the stunning views of Sydney Harbour.

All the advice you need to plan your day out is on the zoo's website.

A Foodies Paradise

I discovered Pasta Emilia at The Rocks Markets a few years back and fell in love with their delectable truffle cream pasta sauce - seriously it is to die for! In fact, team Pasta Emilia’s fresh made pasta with any of their beautiful pasta sauces – inspired by the Italian city of Emilia – and you will be sure to impress your family, guests and yourself as you can create an instant meal worthy of gossip amongst friends.

Better yet they also offer cooking classes so you can have a go at recreating Pasta Emilia’s epicurean paradise yourself.

Keep an eye out for them at local markets. If you cannot wait, Pasta Emilia’s boutique store is located at 129 Macpherson Street in Bronte, for opening hours, contact details or to register your interest for cooking classes, visit their website at http://www.emilia.com.au/.

Get your Skates On!

Ice Skating is back at Bondi this winter! As part of the Bondi Winter Magic Festival an ice skating rink will be set up on Bondi Beach from 30 June to 17 July. An adult ticket is $26 for 45 minutes of ice skating and skate hire, a pretty small price to pay for a really unique winter activity. Or better yet take the kids to try out the Ice Fun Slide - a first in Australia - with three slides costing only $7.50. Tickets are selling fast for skating and slides so jump onto the Bergstation website to get yours now!

Ice skating is not the only thing happening in Bondi throughout the colder months and the Winter Magic Festival event calendar is packed with great activities like the Ice Ball to raise money for Epilepsy Action Australia on 23 July and the Art on the Streets on 9-10 July where anyone can create their own chalk masterpiece right in Bondi. Details about these and many other events are available on the Bondi Winter Magic Festival website.

The Two Best Views from the Bridge

So we all know that the highlight of any cash-flash tourist's visit to Sydney is the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. The combination of height, a touch of adrenaline, the best view of Sydney Harbour that $198-$298 can buy, and the awesome happy snaps to take back home make for a must-not-miss for visitors to Sydney. The bridge climb is well worth the payment and if you have the money to burn it ensures an unforgettable experience not only for tourists but also for locals wanting to know what all the fuss is about. 

In saying this, there is another option which should not be dismissed to quickly. It is not the same as the bridge climb experience but at only $11 entry there is an incredible view of the harbour to be seen from the top if the southern Harbour Bridge pylon. Truly a budget way to get an million dollar view.

Information for both experiences can be found on their websites at Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and Pylon Lookout.

Discovering Breakfast in Coogee

I'll admit i'm a breakfast in Bondi kinda girl... And why not - with the markets, surfing and skating comps to entertain, and backpacker prices it makes for a perfect Sunday morning out.. 

But today I decided to try something different and head further south to Coogee beach for my Sunday ritual. And I was pleasantly surprised. Parking was easy, the atmosphere was relaxed and the sun was out - thank you for a sunny day at last! I quickly discovered that the prices are not so backpacker along the cafe strip on Coogee Bay Road but it is still a popular spot with barely a spare table at the six or so cafes to choose from. We settled on Tropicana Cafe as they serve Campos coffee and I chose the breakfast bruschetta. The service was great and I had my delicious brekky in no time. The bruschetta was awesome, basically scrambled eggs on sourdough with a basil, tomato and persian fetta salad - yum! Followed up with the obligatory stroll along the beach, although not too much was going on.

All in all I think I will definitely be heading back to Coogee soon, but at $18 for a breaky I don't think i'm converted, my breakfast still belongs in Bondi.

Horse Riding Close to Home

With school holidays fast approaching I thought I would look into an activity that is fun for the whole family. So I have checked out three options for horse riding close to Sydney over the past couple of weeks: Malabar Riding School, Glenworth Valley Hording and Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre.

Malabar and Centennial Parklands both offer horse riding close to Sydney CBD and are well equipped to cater for adults and children as young as three years. Malabar includes helmet hire in the $65 fee for a one hour trail ride which will take you along the scenic east coast of Sydney and provide a stunning backdrop for a family day out. Centennial Parklands has five different riding schools in the one complex so you will be sure to find a ride and budget that suits you. The pace is somewhat slow at both locations but is a great activity to ease school holiday boredom.

Glenworth Valley is located about an hour and a half from the Sydney CBD and provides a different experience altogether. There are still pony rides for toddlers, although it is the adults and older children who will really enjoy the horse riding here. $75 will get you a two hour ride but helmet hire is an essential extra at $5 per helmet. The trail rides are through vast bushland and provide a unique experience for city-dwellers. The riding is at a faster pace at Glenworth Valley and for those who ride regularly there is an option for independent ‘free-riding’. Watch the weather carefully though as payment is required in advance with a 48 hour cancellation policy.

So much happening in Sydney so little time to blog!

I was at the State of Origin game last night and must say the NSW supporters did not dissapoint - niether did our team for that matter! Go the Blues! The atmosphere at ANZ Stadium was electric and this event was well worth the not so reasonable ticket price. A hint though: we didn’t buy pre-paid parking but I would definitely recommend buying parking in advance to anyone thinking of heading along next year or be prepared to park up to 1.5 kilomteres from the stadium. Although if you do pay park on the night there is a free carpark shuttle bus which runs every half hour but as the rain had subsided yesterday we decided it was a lovely night for a walk in any case.

Now looking towards the future and this weekend in Sydney! The Sydney Film Festival is still on until 19 June 2011 and with a standard adult ticket costing $17 it is a cheap way to check out some great films and will keep you in out of the cold. Films are showing at The State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Opera Quays and the Art Gallery Of NSW. Tickets can be bought online at the Sydney Film Festival website which will tell you everything you'll need to know about the event.

If this is still a little above the budget but you still want to spend some time indoors, why not check out the 2011 Archibald Prize Exhibition also at the Art Gallery of NSW. With your $10 entry you will have access to the exhibition and general admission to the main galleries (which are free on there own if $10 is still too much to part with). You could even take a stroll through the botanic gardens just across the road and make a day of it. There is limited parking nearby so public transport is probably your best option. You can find public transport and exhibition details all on the Gallery website. 

State of Origin (as if we have to ask!)

Every year the divide between the cane toads and the cockroaches grows deeper (if only for three nights) as Queensland and New South Wales fight for the title of dominent state and in the meantime provide a show of strength and sportsmanship for the boys and a good old perve for the girls.

Tomorrow night round two of this year's battle will be held at ANZ Stadium in Sydney with thousands of screaming fans cheering on the Blues as Sydney hopes to witness a win on home turf. Tickets are available from Ticketek if you want to come along or you can join in the fun from home with a live broadcast on Channel 9 from 7:30pm EST. Go Blues!

Rain, Rain....

Welcome to my first post for my new blog, the subject of which is very dear to my heart, my home town - Sydney. Living in Sydney or just popping in for a visit, Loving Sydney will keep you up to date with what's on and what can't be missed each week in Sydney...

This glorious long weekend in Sydney-town has also been a decidedly wet one with the much awaited Jazz Festival in Darling Harbour more of a rain dance then a weekend of soul.. Still did get out to check out Vivid Sydney in Circular Quay and was seriously impressed! The lights were above and beyond this year with amazing effects and pyrotechnics to boot. 

While out on the town enjoying all that the City of Sydney's lighting show has to offer I stumbled upon a restaurant I had been meaning to taste out for years.... The Italian Village restaurant did not disappoint.. I had a really delightful meal with an air dried beef entree and a to-die-for cannelloni for a main. Of course being run by Dockside Group - who brought Sydney other such gems as Ice Cube and Star Room - I expected no less. The service was excellent and it was surprisingly affordable for two courses and coffee. I definitely recommend you check out Italian Village's latest specials (such as a $29 lunch - love)!

I hope you enjoyed my first post and if you are out this weekend in Sydney I hope you are having a blast despite the precipitation.