TOURIST TUESDAY: SYDNEY HEAD ON PHOTO FESTIVAL 2017

At the end of May we jumped on a plane, and headed down to Sydney for a couple of days. The main reason being Justin was exhibiting in the Head On Photo Festival. (Note One) But, lets face it, it does not take much for me to go on a holiday/mini getaway.

Justin flew down earlier in the week to set up his exhibition, normally flying solo with Jarvis doesn't bother me at all...however, a few days before we were to leave Jarvis was diagnosed as having pneumonia. And I was starting to feel like something the cat spat out, so knew I was heading down the same path.

But, my baby flew like the experienced traveller he is, and travelled like a angel, on the plane and on the two trains to our Airbnb location.

Our first day in Sydney, Justin organised to go to Taronga Zoo. (Note Two) Zoos always give me mixed emotions, I love seeing the animals, but hate seeing them trapped into artificial spaces.

That night, we all caught the train to Justin's exhibition. I was so proud of Justin and his amazing work on display. Plus, it was also good to discover other artists.

The following morning, all we had time for was a scrumptious mid-morning snack, and a play in the park, and then it was time to do the reverse trip home. 

As you can tell by the portrait Justin took of me, at the train station on the way to the airport, the flu had well and truly smacked me around. Also because I was sick, I made Justin feel sorry for me and forced him to do a couples selfie, which he hates with a passion.

Holly Molly, I have never struggled on a flight so much. With high temps and a face that felt so compacted, I am surprised the airport security did not stop me and drug test me.

Lucky for me, Tamika always does the airport runs, and picked us up and transited me home and to the comfort of my bed.

Sydney, it was short and sweet, next time lets make it longer.

Note One: The Head On Photo Awards represent a global selection of the best work from emerging and established photographers across four categories; Portrait, Landscape, Mobile and Student.

Head On Photo Festival, one of the world's most prestigious photo festivals is calling for photographers to submit work to the Head On Photo Awards 2017.

Note Two: Taronga Zoo is the city zoo of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and is located on the shores of Sydney Harbour in the suburb of Mosman. It was officially opened on 7 October 1916.

TOURIST TUESDAY: SYDNEY PART THREE

Sydney, Sydney, I was never a fan, but you are won me over with your sunny days and your good looks. After the rain the night before, we woke to a beautiful, if not chilly day. 

We walked up to Crown Street and found a cute café, Fifi Foveaux's, Surry Hills. As soon as I saw the gnome stools I knew this was where I wanted to eat breakfast. Then I spotted the ruby wallpaper, perspex chandelier and groovy textured light fittings, and to top it off, Fifi is cheap, nothing over 10 bucks.

It was a good thing we all had a big breakfast, as the rest of the consisted of a LOT of walking. First destination was another component of the Head on Photo Festival at the Ultimo TAFE at the Muse Gallery.

How pretty is the TAFE?

Next, we walked to Darling Harbour. One of Sydney's largest dining, shopping and entertainment precincts, set on the waterside.

After Jarvis had a play in the gardens, we walked into the city centre. While I gave Jarvis a feed, Justin went and tried on some suits. This is when our sling got stolen. Justin put it on top of the stroller, turned to me to give me some water and when he turned back the sling was gone. (Very not happy).

From the city we walked to The Rocks’ cobbled laneways. It is the strip of land where European settlers chose to step ashore in 1788, The Rocks is essentially the birthplace of modern Sydney. Over the last 200-odd years, it’s morphed from a settlement of convicts, soldiers, sailors and street gangs to a thriving, modern precinct boasting a range of accommodation, attractions and funky bars and restaurants.

A yummy pizza was had for lunch, but I cannot remember the name of the restaurant, nor did we take photos as we were too busy eating.

With full bellies, we went to one of the major tourist attractions of Sydney. Sydney Opera House. According to Sydney Australia website, “experience Sydney Opera House - one of the world's most creative and busiest performing arts centres and greatest triumphs of modern architecture.”

Yes, I know he has a pole coming out of his head, but how cute does Jarvis look?

After so much walking all day, it was another long exhausted walk back to the B&B for a very much needed afternoon nap.

 So much walking!

TOURIST TUESDAY: SYDNEY PART TWO

I have had a week off from blogging due to sever Gastro, but now I am back and want to finish my Tourist Tuesday series on our visit to Sydney.

After the Botanical Gardens we went to the State Library of New South Wales, where for the first time, Head On Portrait Prize was exhibited along with several other shows. The Head On Photo Festival was on in Sydney from 17 May - 23 June 2013. 

Sydney's internationally acclaimed, Head On Photo Festival, is Australia's largest photo festival and the world's second largest festival. In 2013 the Festival significantly expanded its reach with over 200 events at 100 venues cementing itself in Sydney life as the premiere festival celebrating photography. It covered wide range of photography across all genres from photojournalism and reportage through commercial to fine art.

Justin entered the Head on Portrait Prize competition, and while he did not win, it was still very exciting to see his portrait on show in the State Library. Plus the State Librabry is any book lovers heaven. Wow!

After viewing Justin’s image at the State Library, and the others on show, we walked down to the Harbour and had lunch with one of the most spectacular views anywhere in the world. We also, took the opportunity to take photos of ourselves taking photos.

Weariness set in after lunch in the sun, so we trained it back to our B&B for a much needed afternoon nap.

Justin and Jarvis both enjoyed a nap, and boy! Both of them can snore! We woke up and walked up to Crown Street. Crown Street, Surry Hills is filled with restaurants and shops, and a convenient playground for the kids. Jarvis had a play in the park. When it got too dark to see, we crossed the road and had a delicious dinner at In the Mood for Thai.

The original plan was to head back to the harbour, after dinner, to see the Light Festival; however, Jarvis had another exploding bowel movement that ended up all over the both of us. Hmm, so no lights and no desert. Back to the B&B for showers and a spot of major hand washing. 

TOURIST TUESDAY: SYDNEY PART ONE

Last week-end Justin Jarvis and I flew to Sydney. For a culmination of reasons, Justin had his photography on exhibition as part of the Head on Photo Festival, part Mother’s day present to me, plus it was perfect timing to visit Sydney as the Vivid Sydney Festival was on. Also, who doesn't enjoy a week-end away?

We flew to Sydney Sunday morning, flying with Jarvis had become so easy, he is so use to it all ready. We landed in Sydney and went straight to our amazing B&B at Surry Hills, (more on that later) dumped our bags and went straight out. 

We caught the train from Central Station to Martin Place, tickets for travel for an adult is only $2.50 on a Sunday, you can get on and off as many buses and trains as you want. (Wish Brisbane would do something similar)

Image by Justin, me navigating the train station

Our first destination was the Royal Sydney Botanical Gardens. The Gardens are set in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful settings you will see anywhere, filling an area of land between the harbour and the eastern part of the central business district. According to the official website: “The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, est. 1816, is the oldest botanic garden and scientific institution in Australia. It is home to an outstanding collection of plants from around the world with a focus on Australia and the South Pacific. The Botanic Garden is set on Sydney Harbour, next to the Opera House. It sits at the heart of the city’s cultural domain of art galleries, museums and performing arts.”

 Look at that view!

 I do love roses.

Basically it is very beautiful, and a fantastic place to take a toddler, especially one that has been in cars, planes, and taxis for a good part of the morning.

Also it was perfect timing, the image above may look cute of Justin and Jarvis cuddling, however, Jarvis had the worse diarrhea just as I took this image. Ever had to wash jeans in a park and then let your toddler run around in his socks and nappy until the jeans dried in the sun?