tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83983557514931457242024-02-07T22:15:19.938+08:00Good SydneyKevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-16894413585462161722016-06-22T19:38:00.001+08:002016-06-22T19:56:57.736+08:00Good Dessert<br />
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<a href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=Passionflower+Capitol+Square,+Capitol+Square,+G12/730-742+George+St,+Haymarket+NSW+2000&ludocid=12684515229321647285#lrd=0x6b12ae233fd42525:0xb008736547bfd4b5,1">Passionflower</a> @Capitol Square<br />
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Specials on Mon-Wed, with this just $10.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rB8VE_uAugsRqhNgYEj41e7QU8dh36Vgvh3DItsXxZHzPB5gCcG3D0Ki5HKMk-B8vmKjFpXM9v0rzRXOmjL3CkDYoTE10vEvI8RDbdgyBRHLexOCVNibEfqmB0hxt0vDaG6Ok0Zs5FA/s1600/IMG_20160621_184705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rB8VE_uAugsRqhNgYEj41e7QU8dh36Vgvh3DItsXxZHzPB5gCcG3D0Ki5HKMk-B8vmKjFpXM9v0rzRXOmjL3CkDYoTE10vEvI8RDbdgyBRHLexOCVNibEfqmB0hxt0vDaG6Ok0Zs5FA/s320/IMG_20160621_184705.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.blackstarpastry.com.au/">BlackStar Pastry</a> (CBD, Newtown, Rosebery)<br />
Delicious yet quite healthy Strawberry Watermelon Cake.<br />
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Adriano Zumbo @QVB</div>
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Several beautiful and yummy desserts</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGEzxdAfJWeqP8tAyh-0Kfdla0i034_es3sILwPrA1xWT4yUlF-fxEizYByIvpBkalmvqZpd5f5WHq0dPKdE95GLp3lYpFstQD7RnioqnnAAKcrtat4CK7yY2xX_zteX5pQFi4SfKmJU/s1600/1466591035645-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGEzxdAfJWeqP8tAyh-0Kfdla0i034_es3sILwPrA1xWT4yUlF-fxEizYByIvpBkalmvqZpd5f5WHq0dPKdE95GLp3lYpFstQD7RnioqnnAAKcrtat4CK7yY2xX_zteX5pQFi4SfKmJU/s320/1466591035645-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-52733973113514333012016-04-16T10:56:00.001+08:002016-04-16T10:56:27.817+08:00Outdoor Opera - Turandot on Sydney Harbour<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K7u9S9_ZE9Ot0qHfJXg8vFo3j4dy-AxcewOMQrlvL57SgmLEpo5YHuwSZCMt5tfIwnRNzNfkTPAbGQffoX0J5lTPMMh0HZZcUPoHOeybgsKYygrmVGBcgZztyYEm04Q778gNFzYUe0s/s1600/IMG_20160415_185619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K7u9S9_ZE9Ot0qHfJXg8vFo3j4dy-AxcewOMQrlvL57SgmLEpo5YHuwSZCMt5tfIwnRNzNfkTPAbGQffoX0J5lTPMMh0HZZcUPoHOeybgsKYygrmVGBcgZztyYEm04Q778gNFzYUe0s/s320/IMG_20160415_185619.jpg" width="240" /></a><b><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turandot">Turandot</a></i></b> on <a href="http://www.australia.com/en/places/sydney/nsw-sydney-harbour.html">Sydney Harbour</a> is the 5th of the <i>Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour</i>, the outdoor opera set in the beautiful harbour that started in 2012 when <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/review/haruhisa-handa-talks-opera-and-shinto-in-rare-interview/news-story/97fb026a10a663f3a6119150fd1aeb1b">Dr Handa</a> partnered with Destinations NSW and Opera Australia with a $3 million donation.<br />
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<b>Outdoor Opera</b><br />
The Turandot outdoor opera features a large dragon that breathes real fire in the performance, and has its tail shaped like the Great Wall of China that allows various captivating projections on the wall throughout the play as well as lets casts walk on top of the wall.<br />
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There's also a tall tower (18m pogoda according to their <a href="https://opera.org.au/sydney/opera-on-sydney-harbour/turandot-cheat-sheet">blog</a>) where the cold princess Turandot appears at the top, and descends through a lowering mechanism. During the performance, the lowering mechanism is however not smooth and resulted in Turandot wobbling which amused some of the audience.<br />
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The director also arranged fireworks to be lit behind the stage, just after the principal tenor, Calàf, sung one of the most famous and beautiful aria, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nessun_dorma">Nessun dorma</a>, which gathered much applause. tthe performance doesn't allow recording, so you'll have to hear it in other recordings of <a href="https://youtu.be/9fYvVRLPVcs?t=1m26s">Nessun dorma in YouTube</a>.)<br />
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In addition to real fire and fireworks that can only be done in outdoor operas, it also allows food and drinks to be consumed in your seat. The opera is also more family friendly in the outdoor setting since in indoor operas principals often perform without microphones. Using speakers in outdoor operas mean that children or coughs are more tolerable.<br />
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<b>Performing Team</b><br />
Personally I find the story of many operas not very convincing, including Turandot. However, I feel it's still better for children to watch compared to many movies. For one, at least at the end of the opera, all the casts would appear together and hold hands as a united team to thank the cheering audience. It's thus clear that everything is purely an act, no matter how much the characters might hate each other in the performance, or whether some are "killed" in the act, or whether some are ghosts or emperors or gods.<br />
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The cost of watching operas are typically higher than going to movies, inherently because of the live cast and real stages. The regular adult price for Turandot on Sydney Harbour is $70 to $330, with occasional specials for last minute seats or when they are recording the performance for DVD releases. I tend to prefer seats near the front so I can see the principals up and close, while at the same paying less -- the premium seats are near the center (purple in the diagram). <br />
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One question I have is that there seems to be two alternating casts for the three principals Turandot (Dragana Radakovic / Daria Masiero),<br />
Calàf (Riccardo Massi / Arnold Rawls), and<br />
Liù (Hyeseoung Kwon / Eva Kong). Anyone know why? (other than letting us see the same show twice XD)<br />
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<br />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-14504588735896814512015-08-10T10:59:00.000+08:002015-08-10T10:59:42.983+08:00Whale Watching<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlEec-j07xIfRdaD0f4BOOoph6g8TaHXWiKzm3XVHeroj5BZqqF66YkpJB3hzVrTWz6Mg3PKs7i03Zj4vfbsW3Dpoa0icO6j2obQgUZSCcwjBT0zKP9qITzvH5iWG8xF98D023xuhjgU/s1600/DSC04095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlEec-j07xIfRdaD0f4BOOoph6g8TaHXWiKzm3XVHeroj5BZqqF66YkpJB3hzVrTWz6Mg3PKs7i03Zj4vfbsW3Dpoa0icO6j2obQgUZSCcwjBT0zKP9qITzvH5iWG8xF98D023xuhjgU/s320/DSC04095.JPG" width="320" /></a>There are numerous places to <a href="http://www.wildaboutwhales.com.au/">watch whales along the east coast of Australia</a>, with roughly <a href="http://www.wildaboutwhales.com.au/whale-facts/about-whales/whale-migration">May to November being the time to watch their migration</a> here. I opted to take a cruise tour to get up and close to the whales.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqUnLw-O-9vJ_McaExHlytGRB9_q-pjiTML9212f8MM38aoabJAewQI8GuIE7_KInsjPHKYUOP2h74ZGE1nGpT-4qIH1-D6kJF1uFTUrwdF4VkdTBdHEhaTkjrkgKgw6rEhh2qj4VWWo/s1600/Collage+2015-08-03+21_59_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqUnLw-O-9vJ_McaExHlytGRB9_q-pjiTML9212f8MM38aoabJAewQI8GuIE7_KInsjPHKYUOP2h74ZGE1nGpT-4qIH1-D6kJF1uFTUrwdF4VkdTBdHEhaTkjrkgKgw6rEhh2qj4VWWo/s320/Collage+2015-08-03+21_59_08.jpg" width="214" /></a>There's plenty of whale watching cruises in Sydney. I took one that <a href="http://deals.com.au/donrsquot-miss-the-exciting-whale-season-only-39-for-a-four-hour-cruise-to-witness-the-migration-of-majestic-humpback-whales-plus-enjoy-a-delicio-0">provides BBQ lunch on the way out of the harbour at $39 per person</a>. I liked the tour guide who was sensitive to the whales and coordinated with the skipper to not disturb the whales in their natural migration.<br />
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The whales we saw this time were not very active. The active ones can jump out of the ocean and make a splash. Most of the cruise tours guarantee sighting of whales, but don't guarantee seeing splashing display of whales. Anyways, just seeing the large humpbacks up and close is still quite impressive. Be prepared however to have to wait for a long time to see the whales, especially when they take deep dives (aka down time) that can be many minutes long.<br />
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Another unexpected thing I learned from the tour guide is the nudity-allowed <a href="http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/swimming-spots/lady-bay-beach">Lady Bay Beach</a> that's close to the tip of the <a href="http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/Lookouts/South-Head">South Head</a>. We can see several nude men and women sunbathing on the beach when going past the Head.<br />
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<br />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-64272938773205788362014-09-13T17:23:00.002+08:002014-09-13T17:23:34.113+08:00Breakfast Point<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Friend recommended Breakfast Point that is the suburb he likes best in Sydney. Saw one apartment there with front yard adjoining the tranquil waterfront greens. Very tempting <i class="_4-k1 img sp_LWp1MpKGrs1 sx_98a18a" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yP/r/90b8T5aM1AH.png); background-position: 0px -7816px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></i></div>
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My strategy is to visit one suburb at a time on Saturdays and see a dozen open inspections at once. I'll then get a feel on how I like the suburb, and afterwards can delve deeper on the one or two suburbs I like the best, hopefully finding a really nice place to buy/rent.</div>
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One other good thing about visiting nice homes is in checking out good home decor ideas. For example, I saw this "mirror" which is actually a special frame with electronically-toggleable screen put around a TV -- functional and aesthetically appealing <i class="_4-k1 img sp_LWp1MpKGrs1 sx_35a5d8" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yP/r/90b8T5aM1AH.png); background-position: 0px -7986px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></i></div>
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<br />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-29758753823477710732014-03-08T15:13:00.003+08:002014-03-08T15:15:27.033+08:00House Package<div class="Xx xJ" style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 20.22222328186035px;">
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A very nice house like this costs ~$350K to build in Sydney (<a href="http://www.landcom.com.au/places/bunya.aspx">and then ~$400K for this particular land lot</a>), which seems pretty affordable given the high median income in Australia.<br />
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Noticed several nice things in the design homes such as:<br />
1. kitchen with builtin LCD screen and coffee maker, and glass cupboard in center island<br />
2. separate media room for TV&consoles<br />
3. fancy movable drawers in kitchen pantry<br />
4. dual basins in toilets<br />
5. outdoor living is under cover (weatherproof)</div>
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Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-10083727129062386482013-12-16T17:09:00.001+08:002013-12-16T17:09:28.945+08:00Flying a HelicopterI was pleasantly surprised to find the websites <a href="http://www.adrenalin.com.au/">Adrenaline</a> and <a href="http://www.redballoon.com.au/">RedBalloon</a>, which showcase many activities such as driving a supercar, horse riding, flyboarding, flying a plane, and many more. I didn't realize that so many activities can be done around Sydney!<br />
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I went through the activities listed on the websites and noted down ones that I'd want to try. I saw there's scenic helicopter flights over the Sydney Harbour (<a href="http://www.redballoon.com.au/flying-experiences/helicopter-flights/weekend-sydney-harbour-helicopter-share-flight-2">picture from RedBalloon</a>), which looked very cool. Then I noted that I can even fly a helicopter myself, which is even more awesome! However, both websites only had 30-min long trial flights, which seem quite short. So I searched on Google and found <a href="http://www.australianhelicopterpilotschool.com.au/flights/flight-discovery-experience/">Bankstown Helicopters offering a 2-hour long flight discovery experience</a>.<br />
<br />
I booked one for Saturday morning, and started doing research online on how to fly a helicopter. This is after the lesson I had flying a plane, where I knew very little and the instructor had to explain many things to me. I read through several Wikipedia articles and webpages that explain helicopter aerodynamics, which turned out to have prepared me well for the actual flying.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8xdbSaaKMQc/UplLyPYnPAI/AAAAAAAAimA/EB2Z1WsFzB4/s1600/IMG_20131130_085528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8xdbSaaKMQc/UplLyPYnPAI/AAAAAAAAimA/EB2Z1WsFzB4/s200/IMG_20131130_085528.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
Flights are usually better in the morning where winds are calmer, and the flight discovery experience ended up taking the full morning (8~12). It started off with watching a short video on introducing the three controls of a helicopter (cyclic stick, collective lever, and anti-torque pedals), which I mostly knew already from the self-study. The instructor then explained things in more detail and make sure I understand the basics of flying a helicopter, before introducing me to the real helicopter.<br />
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The helicopter is an R22 two-seater and has dual controls so that it can be controlled by either sides. The instructor did everything -- start up the helicopter, take-off, radio calls, and initial climb -- until the helicopter is flying 500ft in the air, and I just observed next to him seeing how the controls are moved. The instructor then handed over control of the three controls one-by-one so I can learn the effect of each of them and be able to fly the helicopter over where I wanted.<br />
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I saw <a href="http://wetnwildsydney.com.au/">Wet'n'Wild</a> was close by, so of course took the opportunity to fly over it (picture from Internet). We flew for about one hour before the instructor takes the helicopter back and then did a post-briefing on the flying lesson. He then explained what we would do for the next one-hour lesson and we took off again. Overall, I enjoyed the experience very much, and look forward to fly more in the future!<br />
<a href="http://waiwai.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/0K14AQ2-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://waiwai.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/0K14AQ2-2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><br />
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Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-30540560816037649772013-02-03T13:15:00.000+08:002013-02-03T13:18:18.206+08:00Speeding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just got my first traffic fine in Australia for going 10km/h over the speed limit on a highway in ACT. Learned a few things.<br />
<br />
First is that there is indeed automatic speeding cameras (with adequate warning signs in my case) here in Australia. In contrast, a friend in California said that they don't have speed cameras and only police vehicles would catch offenders. I found that people there would drive a lot faster than the indicated speed limit on highways.<br />
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Second is that the traffic fine is quite expensive. My penalty of $167 would already be considered a lot in countries like Taiwan or India, even though it's actually on the low end of the spectrum here. Looking at the RTA website, <a href="http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/usingroads/penalties/seatbelts.html">an unrestrained passenger or driver can get a penalty of at least $298</a>, <a href="http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/usingroads/penalties/speeding.html">speeding 45km/h over the limit (e.g., 135km/h on a 90km/h highway) would cost over two thousand dollars</a>, and <a href="http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/usingroads/penalties/alcoholanddrugs.html">drinking and driving can cost more than $3000 of penalty</a>.<br />
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Third is that there's a <a href="http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/usingroads/penalties/demeritpoints/index.html">points demerit system</a>. Smaller offences cost 1 to 3 points, and more serious offences 6 or more. When a driver accumulates a certain amount of points in a period (usually 3 years), his/her license would be suspended for a certain period (such as 3 months). A driver may be disqualified for life for serious offences.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/b3FrsgNYw0w?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>In comparison to Australia's relative "safe" and strict traffic regulations, it's interesting to note countries such as Germany that have expressways without speed limits (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_autobahns">German autobahns</a>). Here's an YouTube video showing a bike going at 299km/h (probably electronically speed-limited), and yet there's still a car going faster than it.Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-82098363265436012422013-01-24T18:35:00.001+08:002013-01-24T18:37:08.814+08:00Mercedes Benz B200 CDII have driven cars by more than a dozen different car makers, and had very good impressions for Mercedes Benz cars. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and cost of the new B-class (cheaper than Lexus), so it was a no-brainer for me to get one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUx7g7J_JjbYC530mVP7SXwh84Nv5qApbn3FHrCqThgw4rkOtP-CgIR_qWl2ovsVm64KUWKWentyDfjiZibHhJZIZ3CdcqzmS0DvYWX7BCshFyYUZWfQAibmCAzkr7Iq3YaGUuvp1z4Qo/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUx7g7J_JjbYC530mVP7SXwh84Nv5qApbn3FHrCqThgw4rkOtP-CgIR_qWl2ovsVm64KUWKWentyDfjiZibHhJZIZ3CdcqzmS0DvYWX7BCshFyYUZWfQAibmCAzkr7Iq3YaGUuvp1z4Qo/s400/078.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
I love the overall interior and exterior of the car. I like that there's nothing in the centre aisle, with the hand-brake shrunk to a button on the right-hand side panel, and the gear selector moved to the steering wheel -- though some car reviews pointed out that this may be hazardous if the driver mistakes it as the indicator. For me, the single control that combines indicator and front&back wiper is actually quite easy and simple after using it for a few days.<br />
<br />
There are numerous features that I liked about the car.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>There's convenient built-in GPS with large LCD and easy-to-use turn dial + numeric keypad controls. Concise navigation information is also available in the dashboard so the driver doesn't need to move his/her head. Personal POI can be saved to memory card, which can also be used to play back my favorite MP3s on the nice 7.1 sound system.</li>
<li>Mercedes Benz has very nice parking sensors with visual and audio indicators (I have yet to rent a compact car in the US that has even basic parking sensors). There's also a rear camera that dynamically indicates the trajectory as you turn the steering while reversing.</li>
<li>Large and accessible trunk. Rear seats can fold down to carry large items.</li>
<li>Numerous safety features (several "assistants" and the usual ABS/ESP/9-airbags/etc).</li>
</ol>
<br />
As I am a relatively lazy person (perhaps due to being a Software Engineer), I appreciate the many small convenience features such as:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Parking hold (depress brake a second time after stopping to auto-hold the brake).</li>
<li>Automatic opening/closing of all windows and sunroof+blind on deep depress (and there's obstacle detection too).</li>
<li>Momentary turn indicator (indicates for just 3 times).</li>
<li>Wiper with rain detection.</li>
<li>Automatic headlight.</li>
<li>Cruise and speed-limit controls.</li>
<li>Easy to use star-like air vents.</li>
<li>Auto-fold side mirrors on door lock.</li>
<li>Many controls available on the steering wheel.</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdiXe9RVgwGwmzqjSq5K239uH54MStuY31hbXtB8sAA_1E_XXz8fyuDwg-1ggWIXlJ4FirgC_y88ShJ9cVO-Z1ZsmHslnh062BtyNyrVhxK5SoX4UlmBRxBtY2vQQfkEx5hLoSdEk5Jw/s1600/IMG_20130105_103539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdiXe9RVgwGwmzqjSq5K239uH54MStuY31hbXtB8sAA_1E_XXz8fyuDwg-1ggWIXlJ4FirgC_y88ShJ9cVO-Z1ZsmHslnh062BtyNyrVhxK5SoX4UlmBRxBtY2vQQfkEx5hLoSdEk5Jw/s320/IMG_20130105_103539.jpg" width="320" /></a>There's even a wow feature where the car would automatically detect parallel parking spots and turn the steering wheel fully automatically for you!<br />
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One thing to complain is that I am not able to achieve an average fuel consumption of less than 5.5l/100km. The "ECO" automatic-off is also sometimes annoying, when the engine would shut down even though you know you would start to drive in seconds. In addition, the AC would effectively be off when the engine is off.<br />
<br />
Some drivers might also be a bit overwhelmed by all the features provided by the car. I have no such issues though, and enjoyed reading over the some 800 pages of manuals. I also got to realize that my model is still missing many advanced features such as the numerous safe-driving assistants and conveniences like "PARKTRONIC" that can follow the car in front and automatically accelerate/de-accelerate.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZrMQAPkHG1YzAUK8TYAd33gI1ge8hDDVP8qDTCyy_PKOGEjJtpX6pOoOMlVNYiKZJgEDm90i7cPhFZee3rooi4x4onK_rugMBzBpgxEtYMHFU3v_ju6GAg5LXnGdcSNaqz5eFfJZp3U/s1600/IMG_20130103_233256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZrMQAPkHG1YzAUK8TYAd33gI1ge8hDDVP8qDTCyy_PKOGEjJtpX6pOoOMlVNYiKZJgEDm90i7cPhFZee3rooi4x4onK_rugMBzBpgxEtYMHFU3v_ju6GAg5LXnGdcSNaqz5eFfJZp3U/s200/IMG_20130103_233256.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Anyhow, I am very pleased with the car. Look forward to even better cars in the future, such as Google's self-driving cars. (Yes, yes, I am lazy;)Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0Parramatta, Sydney-33.825702730516667 151.00426912307739-33.827351730516668 151.00174762307739 -33.824053730516667 151.00679062307739tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-9594381077765630812012-09-22T21:42:00.001+08:002012-09-22T21:56:57.620+08:00Metropolitan SydneySydney is a globally recognized city with <a href="http://top10.wikia.com/wiki/Famous_Harbours">the most famous harbour</a>, the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and <a href="http://www.cnngo.com/sydney/play/city-essentials/best-beaches-sydney-200718">awesome beaches</a>. In addition to being the most famous city in Australia, it also has <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_in_Australia_by_population">the highest population</a> and contributes around a quarter of the national GDP. Sydney too is ranked high in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World%27s_Most_Livable_Cities">the world's most liveable cities</a>.<br />
<br />
However, with strong population growth and competition in cities throughout Australia and the world, Sydney's pace is slowing in comparison. Two important natural hindrance is that 1) the current CBD is actually far to the east of the Sydney metropolitan area; and 2) the harbour (which ironically is what made Sydney great) is acting as a barrier to efficient transportation and is limiting the growth of the city.<br />
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The NSW government has realized for many years that to ensure Sydney remains globally competitive, productive, sustainable and liveable, the best strategy forward is to <a href="http://metroplansydney.nsw.gov.au/StrategicDirections/StrengtheningaCityofCities.aspx">strengthen "a city of cities."</a> The image below is taken from the “Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 2036” and shows the cities and centres in Metropolitan Sydney. <br />
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It is clear that the current <i>harbour CBD</i> is not the centre of Metropolitan Sydney. Parramatta is the closest to being considered the centre, and is in fact already officially regarded to be the <i>second CBD</i> of Sydney. Forecasts show that <b>half of the population in Metropolitan Sydney will live west of Parramatta</b> within the next 20 years.<br />
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The NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure has pointed out that the best strategy going forward is to ensure most of the jobs and homes are close to the existing or planned cities and centres. I agree with this strategy and also many points in the long-term planning document, except that not enough emphasis is placed on <a href="http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/work/economic_development/strategy/re-thinking_sydney_2012">growing Parramatta to be a truly great CBD</a>.<br />
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I would like to have the second Sydney CBD to rival that of Melbourne, with:<br />
<ol>
<li>the <b>tallest skyscrapers in Australia</b>;</li>
<li>motorway and <b><a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/microsites/interchange/">world-class traffic interchange</a></b> with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_transit">heavy </a>and <a href="http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/work/economic_development/strategy/solving_transport_problems/light_rail_for_western_sydney">light rail</a> connecting other cities and centres in Sydney; and</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/rail/trains/high_speed/index.aspx">high-speed rail</a></b> connecting Parramatta to the harbour CBD, airport, and other Australian capital cities.</li>
</ol>
The current habour CBD can continue to be the world famous tourist destination. The two CBDs can work hand-in-hand, playing their respective strengths, to ensure the long-term competitiveness and prosperity of the whole metropolitan region.<br />
<br />
Parramatta is still far from being a premier CBD, but there is certainly the potential if you buy into<br />
the vision and help make it happen. <b>Parramatta is the true geographic centre of Metropolitan Sydney</b>, and it'll be to the benefit (think more affordable housing and less traffic congestion) of all Sydneysiders if it can become a truly amazing CBD.<br />
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<br />
We need everyone's help, no matter how big or how small, to make Sydney a competitive, dynamic and liveable city. Our home.<br />
<ol>
<li>Design and build iconic landmarks and skyscrapers in the second CBD.</li>
<li>Locate company headquarters and government organizations there.</li>
<li>Work, live, shop and dine in central Sydney where possible.</li>
<li>Provide feedback on the "<a href="http://haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/transportmasterplan">NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan</a>," asking for more transport investment for Parramatta.</li>
<li>Spread the word!</li>
</ol>
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-26464299292986360802012-09-08T23:41:00.000+08:002012-09-08T23:46:05.402+08:00Car Sharing in City of Sydney<a href="http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/aboutsydney/documents/ParkingAndTransport/CarSharingMaps/OverviewMap.pdf" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqctMRRbfCqSpWrPDL5OaC2hDJ9apaHO4W6ST9b2jzT9u9HCz4LpZJXYAVKHQ_6HBZzE7tB92wUWPvLZMbjTMTaFIh3CkqQ8PCXATQVlkT1a9UA-TnjKx67_2h6qwMKZQklfYMMdIqN0/s200/city_of_sydney_car_share.png" width="138" /></a>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Sydney">City of Sydney</a> has a <a href="http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/aboutsydney/parkingandtransport/CarShare.asp">Car Sharing program</a> that offers some 350 cars for very easy, convenient, and affordable self-service car sharing. The rate can be as low as $6 per hour and $68 per day (incl. 150km for free), with insurance and fuel included.<br />
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All you have to do is apply with one of the three providers (<a href="http://www.goget.com.au/">GoGet</a>, <a href="http://www.greensharecar.com.au/">Green Share Car</a>, and <a href="http://www.flexicar.com.au/">Flexicar</a>) with a small joining and/or monthly fee, and you'll get a starter packet containing a smart card. The picture on the right (<a href="http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/aboutsydney/documents/ParkingAndTransport/CarSharingMaps/OverviewMap.pdf">source</a>) shows the available cars offered by the three providers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdsOwN6DeTnFxGiGIKi4wRJBflcyMlbuT-Dn6pJ7AMCjfss2Ha0TziSsnkyGp9UdvDmBqHy5aFKhUc8LVqA-b5w8xjKeC_qE5Hx5F8fn-bW1RAkxegKLY1jGyscjJtdl1JM-bJYlyOU4/s1600/IMG_20120908_155907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdsOwN6DeTnFxGiGIKi4wRJBflcyMlbuT-Dn6pJ7AMCjfss2Ha0TziSsnkyGp9UdvDmBqHy5aFKhUc8LVqA-b5w8xjKeC_qE5Hx5F8fn-bW1RAkxegKLY1jGyscjJtdl1JM-bJYlyOU4/s320/IMG_20120908_155907.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzQPPD4J8I0TkoALpIB-ojLnK51GlNDyGZ-nCtcsxkhbnb2FfTDU8JL7tCrhf5SRB7q3OGGslMf-Hbrw3tp26g8laoJ4UkuwoFh4d1RMsrejo7O1zPGLI1HV5XaDBe7LxeaUCtm98EGo/s1600/IMG_20120908_155925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzQPPD4J8I0TkoALpIB-ojLnK51GlNDyGZ-nCtcsxkhbnb2FfTDU8JL7tCrhf5SRB7q3OGGslMf-Hbrw3tp26g8laoJ4UkuwoFh4d1RMsrejo7O1zPGLI1HV5XaDBe7LxeaUCtm98EGo/s200/IMG_20120908_155925.jpg" width="150" /></a> After becoming a member, you can easily book a car by the hour via their website or via phone, and then use the smart card to access the car (lock/unlock door). The photographs on the right shows the smart card reader attached to the windshield for a car I booked with GoGet. You'll have to prepare your own GPS.<br />
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The car key is inside the car, and there's a fuel card (pin code was mailed to me after booking the car) that allows the car to be refueled at selected gas stations without paying out of your pocket.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Vp_NcevjIlDHMAwSzQA8ZqWKpebLZtf5Eo31M9tkgaRjui5o5bY3JZWY9VZD3Ydd9tRU4zvrCqGaIxnAfE7_NWqxwe7jsVQIUo4KKghrJj8qn9dDytQK9r0zBCqT7RMs-A7ImvaQ3kg/s1600/IMG_20120908_183256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Vp_NcevjIlDHMAwSzQA8ZqWKpebLZtf5Eo31M9tkgaRjui5o5bY3JZWY9VZD3Ydd9tRU4zvrCqGaIxnAfE7_NWqxwe7jsVQIUo4KKghrJj8qn9dDytQK9r0zBCqT7RMs-A7ImvaQ3kg/s200/IMG_20120908_183256.jpg" width="150" /></a>The car sharing scheme seems to be very convenient for people that live within the city and have little need to drive most of the time. They wouldn't need to buy a car, buy/rent an expensive parking space in the CBD, or service and clean the car. And when they do want to use a car once in a while (e.g., visiting nice places in Greater Sydney, moving large items, or looking for a great affordable home to buy in <a href="http://www.parracity.nsw.gov.au/work/economic_development/strategy/re-thinking_sydney_2012">central Sydney</a>), they can easily book a car for a few hours or a few days.<br />
<br />Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-74575384065771997542012-02-12T19:09:00.001+08:002012-02-12T19:10:23.751+08:00Harbourside Apartment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRHVNtwP9jt4zmFnWsNVMAN10MV-J07U_qZIv3pIY2mLBbiMOpsqp1aeEqatwKE9h9ElKFo9APwtkxfdYMugNIotgusNHTp_daX6SyRc5f15fGcrTiUMNX_dgjZUk0xnuUpuo7LQBUy4/s1600/DSCF3545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRHVNtwP9jt4zmFnWsNVMAN10MV-J07U_qZIv3pIY2mLBbiMOpsqp1aeEqatwKE9h9ElKFo9APwtkxfdYMugNIotgusNHTp_daX6SyRc5f15fGcrTiUMNX_dgjZUk0xnuUpuo7LQBUy4/s320/DSCF3545.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This time I chose to rent a one bedroom at the <a href="http://harboursideapartments.com.au/">Harbourside Apartment</a>, which is right next to the <a href="http://www.sydneyferries.info/explore-sydney/itineraries.htm#McMahons_Point">McMahons Point Ferry Wharf</a>. There are ferries connecting the wharf to Circular Quay, Darling Habour, and Pyrmont every 30 minutes or so (<a href="http://www.sydneyferries.info/timetables/darling-harbour.htm">timetable</a>), making it quite convenient.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Commuting by ferry turns out to be feasible but not cheap -- the best choice would be <a href="http://www.131500.com.au/tickets/fares/all-fares#mymulti">MyMulti 1</a>, which costs $43 a week and allows for unlimited ferry, bus, tram, and short-distance train.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjqeJw7-EvE2edEQZU4eN90Szlb7UOIr6gqgLBwMvXu9hTaB9tFQ67hURKTXLZ1jgtDTkquPRSmhkQkt-6dxHjv9VfAO9BrGc7yNY-EJ5ttsGcMHz28dy4wB_3kytejgjNAeWgwou2Po/s1600/DSCF3620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjqeJw7-EvE2edEQZU4eN90Szlb7UOIr6gqgLBwMvXu9hTaB9tFQ67hURKTXLZ1jgtDTkquPRSmhkQkt-6dxHjv9VfAO9BrGc7yNY-EJ5ttsGcMHz28dy4wB_3kytejgjNAeWgwou2Po/s320/DSCF3620.jpg" width="320" /></a>There's limited bus to this area but the North Sydney train station is just 1km away -- though it's uphills to the station so it may take a good 20 minutes of walk. After reaching the station you can easily reach Chatswood and various parts of the Sydney city by transferring at the usual hubs.</div><br />
Apartment facilities are okay with good swimming pool, laundry, vending machines, and friendly reception that's open 7am-11pm.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CnoknxbX7fKLioBHyMRda__62e57g1tzFWBSuKrQyGt-KMflQJBQuMe8qVpwhkseVDcjtEqfIZe618mRnRKVLS3meQZshyphenhyphenkRjHEG2fsC57TTZVjwke6GucQ6s2zPrd99nypZad0dKkk/s1600/DSCF3556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CnoknxbX7fKLioBHyMRda__62e57g1tzFWBSuKrQyGt-KMflQJBQuMe8qVpwhkseVDcjtEqfIZe618mRnRKVLS3meQZshyphenhyphenkRjHEG2fsC57TTZVjwke6GucQ6s2zPrd99nypZad0dKkk/s320/DSCF3556.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The one bedroom apartment has an open lounge + dining + kitchen, which makes it feel quite spacious. The amenities are not great but reasonable, with all the required appliances (LCD TV, DVD player, hifi, refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, kettle, toaster, hair dryer, iron, heater, etc) and kitchenware.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The dual layer curtains are very practical, but as with most apartments the noise from plumbing or neighbours are quite expected. (Note some high-end buildings in Taiwan actually do an excellent job in noise prevention.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4I-Mn8zucIKB_Zm3TuLhyxQ6bXEgUS3dyvtZehdI5xZ0iNyxoQndoP8h_nrZMMyjiuHonASAWk1c2is8sOePEzamtyNi4wxJN_iEbfxI3jo02wnkHD5vnt0qPNqN23Xt7N8uRXXrbZ9w/s1600/DSCF3567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4I-Mn8zucIKB_Zm3TuLhyxQ6bXEgUS3dyvtZehdI5xZ0iNyxoQndoP8h_nrZMMyjiuHonASAWk1c2is8sOePEzamtyNi4wxJN_iEbfxI3jo02wnkHD5vnt0qPNqN23Xt7N8uRXXrbZ9w/s320/DSCF3567.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">One of the best features of the apartment is the view of the harbour, notably the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0xKes0ZWs8" style="text-align: left;">Here is a 300x time-lapsed video</a><span style="text-align: left;"> that shows the view from the kitchen window -- the video is under 3 minutes but captures 15 hours from sunrise to sunset.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHePOFU6VViCoBavDhyjOtIph4Wlv-j1l1d5TgGAqMxxJ2F2A_OXEQCDlBACg7kXNcrNL_NuWCtRWwXlWn_olN3fMHj-KtrMGCJgDBw_JP8yjo93Af8eNPBJjkyksYuKTWixsEHOGa-GM/s1600/DSCF3626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHePOFU6VViCoBavDhyjOtIph4Wlv-j1l1d5TgGAqMxxJ2F2A_OXEQCDlBACg7kXNcrNL_NuWCtRWwXlWn_olN3fMHj-KtrMGCJgDBw_JP8yjo93Af8eNPBJjkyksYuKTWixsEHOGa-GM/s320/DSCF3626.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYBNKceKCEru2vQqnVKXq___zLFd53mlFq86wiaEfJOHfZLw11SXpb_IAF6f5TJ7sKBDIMULHPZjPUobNA8TQbbX79m2uAk50rDY-lyMjOxxkVbzF4izWuCpbG0rbZ8i8Rkoeo_Bbplc/s1600/DSCF3635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYBNKceKCEru2vQqnVKXq___zLFd53mlFq86wiaEfJOHfZLw11SXpb_IAF6f5TJ7sKBDIMULHPZjPUobNA8TQbbX79m2uAk50rDY-lyMjOxxkVbzF4izWuCpbG0rbZ8i8Rkoeo_Bbplc/s320/DSCF3635.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The area at McMahons Point is very quiet with few shops around. It's nice there's greens here where you can lay back, enjoy the great view/sun, and read a good book.<br />
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Although I've enjoyed the stay here, the price tag for short stays, at close to $2,000 a week, is too high.Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-90376689649888408312012-02-05T21:47:00.000+08:002012-02-05T21:47:35.783+08:00Trip to Blue Mountains (Katoomba, Leura)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDciy6yfD3GjI0jbYAufgjgv9rLEcwCB79tgf-T_re2MdJTruTXjb_e3VpdQmhvRTMubS5Cphwc4_wzzBkZ8-Ww0EThyd2NvFoMNcpJlcKsEWr4MNE_Kj5mx88C-4e8ZWESpgg7xff-mY/s1600/DSCF3280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDciy6yfD3GjI0jbYAufgjgv9rLEcwCB79tgf-T_re2MdJTruTXjb_e3VpdQmhvRTMubS5Cphwc4_wzzBkZ8-Ww0EThyd2NvFoMNcpJlcKsEWr4MNE_Kj5mx88C-4e8ZWESpgg7xff-mY/s200/DSCF3280.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>Went to the popular tourist destination Katoomba and Leura in <a href="http://www.bluemts.com.au/">Blue Mountains</a> this Saturday. Katoomba is very accessible, with return rail tickets from Central costing only $11.40. Simply search for the Blue Mountains line to Lithgow when you are at Central station. Note trains depart hourly (<a href="http://www.131500.com.au/">search for timetable on 131500</a>) and the ride takes 2 hours (<a href="http://www.bluemts.com.au/getting-here/">driving seems to be 30min faster</a>), so you probably want to bring a good book to read on the way (or do your favorite group activities such as play guitar and sing, card/board games etc.).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXz3hYOy7I12FVigfAnOg2QY_jxq6mekSueTq51zPOm3RWC38hTOfJR9JG35_zIyivUdLg-M-30hXar0tx1u5ivtbEj1jobECJKi7p7CUg_AyLyeEJNiWbI0bDpGBzK4iDzol5gA3LV60/s1600/DSCF3290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXz3hYOy7I12FVigfAnOg2QY_jxq6mekSueTq51zPOm3RWC38hTOfJR9JG35_zIyivUdLg-M-30hXar0tx1u5ivtbEj1jobECJKi7p7CUg_AyLyeEJNiWbI0bDpGBzK4iDzol5gA3LV60/s200/DSCF3290.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Although <a href="http://www.bluemts.com.au/tourist/towns/katoomba/">Katoomba</a> and the nearby Leura are both relatively small towns, it can still take tens of minutes to walk between the various attractions. You can choose to hop on the <a href="http://www.explorerbus.com.au/">Blue Mountains Explorer Bus</a> (more frequent but more expensive) or the <a href="http://www.trolleytours.com.au/">Trolley Shuttle</a> (cheaper, less frequent, last bus runs later) to get to various attractions faster, and save your time for good hikes along the cliff or the valley.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyDs3QwG9Ov3iXxlWWS8rpH_0yc3jOFy48KOpj5Mgd0anrx1KC52fPoGyayb-wZaQ8VNxjmVWZIjAmnUTlJ192hTLJalLBJ5KmyNkDmZAgPn-Hu1ixFDpUryXgE-A377GanIpUpgw_0M/s1600/DSCF3382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyDs3QwG9Ov3iXxlWWS8rpH_0yc3jOFy48KOpj5Mgd0anrx1KC52fPoGyayb-wZaQ8VNxjmVWZIjAmnUTlJ192hTLJalLBJ5KmyNkDmZAgPn-Hu1ixFDpUryXgE-A377GanIpUpgw_0M/s320/DSCF3382.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.scenicworld.com.au/"> Scenic World</a> is a major attraction in Katoomba, claiming to have the steepest railway in the world (Scenic Railway), the highest cable car in Australia (Scenic Skyway), the biggest cable car in Australia (Scenic Cableway), and the longest boardwalk in the Southern Hemisphere (Scenic Walkway). Scenic World takes a good 30 minute walk from the Katoomba station, so you'd want to take the Explorer Bus and get off either at "Skyway Eastern Anchorage" (the east point of Scenic Skyway) or Scenic World.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Scenic Railway apparently holds the Guinness Book of Records for the world's steepest railway. The official certificate says it's 310m long with a gradient of 1 in 0.82, while the sign post in the valley claims it's 415m long with a 206m vertical drop, a 80m long natural tunnel, and with a steepest incline of 52 degrees. Anyway, it's definitely a worthwhile ride, especially if you can get in the front seat like I did!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsHMcvQ3v_g1MmYSWfhuhw89VPoRh4Th_AQ5ilAmvIZArmcF6mbEBjCVEOHLOh6zUjC2mHJNcbvIRq6R8TAbgS9CS8ZrAf2CPdZQu1Zm60LVGJsdH3EsKUr_cfbCGLa3C01kJoBkbJ7M/s1600/DSCF3311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBqNqP7DSY19D0jy3RAv0JZjrlpbRpLsvQ2Bo05tWu1MVRgn05y07neG3ebCb-49GfLZfsTaJBM6LT5bedJuLudK8nHSUKGvTq8B8hOqs32F6at-jNEpyjhugAcmVLxtZwzhL-3ZJbFk/s1600/DSCF3307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBqNqP7DSY19D0jy3RAv0JZjrlpbRpLsvQ2Bo05tWu1MVRgn05y07neG3ebCb-49GfLZfsTaJBM6LT5bedJuLudK8nHSUKGvTq8B8hOqs32F6at-jNEpyjhugAcmVLxtZwzhL-3ZJbFk/s200/DSCF3307.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFLPmepRiQjlzjZE3ht3dt85LjvHNPWURwn-LEt_AcJWPeEjeIY7TNUFZ0FbrYrEa-0j5CxYZM1WcKWDsjaaTJtvWP7_lhBxY7q0uXrWYpO-jchdbzwllB8XwGvcWhcXEzrlbUE26ltU/s1600/DSCF3302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFLPmepRiQjlzjZE3ht3dt85LjvHNPWURwn-LEt_AcJWPeEjeIY7TNUFZ0FbrYrEa-0j5CxYZM1WcKWDsjaaTJtvWP7_lhBxY7q0uXrWYpO-jchdbzwllB8XwGvcWhcXEzrlbUE26ltU/s320/DSCF3302.jpg" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsHMcvQ3v_g1MmYSWfhuhw89VPoRh4Th_AQ5ilAmvIZArmcF6mbEBjCVEOHLOh6zUjC2mHJNcbvIRq6R8TAbgS9CS8ZrAf2CPdZQu1Zm60LVGJsdH3EsKUr_cfbCGLa3C01kJoBkbJ7M/s320/DSCF3311.jpg" width="320" /></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGT7RI1CJIdWWpNCunsbnNrNPXrZYAAECfokDJawNeYryn3LidhBszs_7_XBqdpYVliLM-znAu-TMm6u-SUV7M-odNO51TVeKoij0Sl4y5YiuRmShcvGML6uuo6Prae5kIX7dIAEWBKw/s1600/DSCF3329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGT7RI1CJIdWWpNCunsbnNrNPXrZYAAECfokDJawNeYryn3LidhBszs_7_XBqdpYVliLM-znAu-TMm6u-SUV7M-odNO51TVeKoij0Sl4y5YiuRmShcvGML6uuo6Prae5kIX7dIAEWBKw/s320/DSCF3329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>At the valley there's a coal mine exhibition explaining the mining history of Katoomba and there's elevated boardwalk through the forest. The boardwalk is partially carpeted that allows casual walking in <a href="http://www.scenicworld.com.au/scenic-world-info/inthewet">most weather conditions</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip_8PV7_XBpuxcM-enj6UQJ2QuRguWoxM3KboBCRoW4_nzs-n8A9VxukgylWNnbPUIbuqhugITBueSx-5HkC8vaNElXndEUlU5vhZ5NmJxImyYPtX_BeG7nzKRpQo1evincHC0uiCcgY/s1600/DSCF3342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip_8PV7_XBpuxcM-enj6UQJ2QuRguWoxM3KboBCRoW4_nzs-n8A9VxukgylWNnbPUIbuqhugITBueSx-5HkC8vaNElXndEUlU5vhZ5NmJxImyYPtX_BeG7nzKRpQo1evincHC0uiCcgY/s200/DSCF3342.jpg" width="200" /></a>I chose to take the Cableway to go back up. It's a huge cable car that claims to be able to hold 84 people. And I also took the Skyway that has a good view of the Kaboomta Falls, and has a part of its floor transparent to see the 270m drop.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWanWr3AnTnONei4aNo8GRsynQgiNhuPiXjz1LZpgXtj3ydjp_p_uMgVqN3K0KITKePrgrSqfSSQf4RQNWroniN5n4c6CZ85tLq2kQIYmpJ3t8BNfofCV_1YSX1bCZifqylR6RUsNf1g/s1600/DSCF3298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWanWr3AnTnONei4aNo8GRsynQgiNhuPiXjz1LZpgXtj3ydjp_p_uMgVqN3K0KITKePrgrSqfSSQf4RQNWroniN5n4c6CZ85tLq2kQIYmpJ3t8BNfofCV_1YSX1bCZifqylR6RUsNf1g/s320/DSCF3298.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyWMJl_5JvIf1IMXon8enotfABjj96Bc3v6vly78zcSrSA_it8fsXhJpY6mvHwOkj6gTpjpy_EeJaayGo8zwNIBpRQAUclDqcAahC44j72cZd36TLjpWTKSNafMl4LvnnCiQ6YRxWC54/s1600/DSCF3334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyWMJl_5JvIf1IMXon8enotfABjj96Bc3v6vly78zcSrSA_it8fsXhJpY6mvHwOkj6gTpjpy_EeJaayGo8zwNIBpRQAUclDqcAahC44j72cZd36TLjpWTKSNafMl4LvnnCiQ6YRxWC54/s320/DSCF3334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGuN9q5cvOJES4nycyuwP5VFJ4GksShCJqzX_2Skxhc97rsM1JHJHNXqEkiJfHS2e7_c_B_fjMnghOSwD4QWOw8eLo8SGgBhJykhNbf7pa3Pz_zEYI12Vqh5qPQXzpb1l0fGDDu2jFdA/s1600/DSCF3373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGuN9q5cvOJES4nycyuwP5VFJ4GksShCJqzX_2Skxhc97rsM1JHJHNXqEkiJfHS2e7_c_B_fjMnghOSwD4QWOw8eLo8SGgBhJykhNbf7pa3Pz_zEYI12Vqh5qPQXzpb1l0fGDDu2jFdA/s200/DSCF3373.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-FV467UqnFO_f8UkIkTvh-9yUanL40H2xyvVmF997wMf6AAutUh-IBg3U0LvcSeQ4-Ls4N58qAd-MXFYuJJEs3sCE-SMHXtLEA0LIYLfR-DyiA0WEbr7eXYF1XNBngxmz58boKSUzB0/s1600/DSCF3365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-FV467UqnFO_f8UkIkTvh-9yUanL40H2xyvVmF997wMf6AAutUh-IBg3U0LvcSeQ4-Ls4N58qAd-MXFYuJJEs3sCE-SMHXtLEA0LIYLfR-DyiA0WEbr7eXYF1XNBngxmz58boKSUzB0/s320/DSCF3365.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Echo Point is a great place to see the Three Sisters and blue mountains at a distance. Below are some of the pictures my colleagues and I took. You can visit <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/104873543712194344376/albums/5647901809561318465/5705591312702636082">my album at Google+</a>, which offers a great photo viewing experience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3D3HLeClMBcNqu3rBifrWCu-rhtEwefnzw8scoakQMnRlb3lAIbWG4fLqZGzql1ZkF6K71AiiwRaA3Co54mqjiMNU7L4nFEkxoZrFok9q_sIaQoaGIKdhqKpxpAMvs8RkEL1Sg19OJI/s1600/DSCF3390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3D3HLeClMBcNqu3rBifrWCu-rhtEwefnzw8scoakQMnRlb3lAIbWG4fLqZGzql1ZkF6K71AiiwRaA3Co54mqjiMNU7L4nFEkxoZrFok9q_sIaQoaGIKdhqKpxpAMvs8RkEL1Sg19OJI/s640/DSCF3390.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfyeQp252HezsKOoAvyOP0yED_FU4PrsFbdB_s_WSA-iXUSVtIsCOliwceePDYlhX7fTSixNeKyYgC8htcOp3bwNLhkN9L_vTKPQCv8bwnb1yMWWZiBxfh7lDDGp89h6GzJ-waH1Ct0I/s1600/DSCF3384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfyeQp252HezsKOoAvyOP0yED_FU4PrsFbdB_s_WSA-iXUSVtIsCOliwceePDYlhX7fTSixNeKyYgC8htcOp3bwNLhkN9L_vTKPQCv8bwnb1yMWWZiBxfh7lDDGp89h6GzJ-waH1Ct0I/s320/DSCF3384.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXND_O2pa6yT919YKQxZ3saZpbcQ4p7VozTOZ1AB7cXLb8Jxz9jLcgUhkN-XVv-lVFLadLIyBsnkE_O-thw6_emR1Wp9ZlEn2p3k_gwLnpouuRHW5gGCpuxPBKsBHvFqrG_g3VycqD1I4/s1600/DSCF3397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXND_O2pa6yT919YKQxZ3saZpbcQ4p7VozTOZ1AB7cXLb8Jxz9jLcgUhkN-XVv-lVFLadLIyBsnkE_O-thw6_emR1Wp9ZlEn2p3k_gwLnpouuRHW5gGCpuxPBKsBHvFqrG_g3VycqD1I4/s320/DSCF3397.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5sbosrSEq2Pju2GArAiC2HhxgIV4qnmm7RL8V66PIF73uQsa3uYYAOWG_p5jzFn-MBj_EdsbUTl571kcDwYW_6aVbmCbm_ZBeELqGqVlsRgMoMZVXB6Js4hIyGozkprvJlAmU-IpiHk/s1600/DSCF3399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5sbosrSEq2Pju2GArAiC2HhxgIV4qnmm7RL8V66PIF73uQsa3uYYAOWG_p5jzFn-MBj_EdsbUTl571kcDwYW_6aVbmCbm_ZBeELqGqVlsRgMoMZVXB6Js4hIyGozkprvJlAmU-IpiHk/s320/DSCF3399.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2bm4BcEDssEFNrEDjtRLQOxApp1KjWQKPJtDy0MFBgkAiEgAD4xwvNrsXcZGpfQvHAk9x778dAKDcUDJ-WnkWA0H6tZcBAFDasFmFcnZmNJVa7UhyIYakARgCuuSqAmvhzTNnraOWZ4/s1600/_DSC1279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2bm4BcEDssEFNrEDjtRLQOxApp1KjWQKPJtDy0MFBgkAiEgAD4xwvNrsXcZGpfQvHAk9x778dAKDcUDJ-WnkWA0H6tZcBAFDasFmFcnZmNJVa7UhyIYakARgCuuSqAmvhzTNnraOWZ4/s320/_DSC1279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are several nice hiking trails in the vicinity. I took the cliff walk that has several great outlooks. Although the weather is good at the time, some parts of the walk are muddy from the continuous raining previously. On the bright side, waterfalls are likely to be more spectacular. Below are shots of the Leura Falls that is highly recommended by the bus driver (we were originally planning to check out Gordon Falls but the driver persuaded us otherwise). </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouA4M6ws8ZjKFeJkXB92bG3-Zp_zUA9B1p-QmXnGTcOPIfn52VHRpE4jdfJFCXa-0DFohoDi8B2k9t6vZwLVHWZaQZc0W73DRcZrWdV5v7ngFlhZgANvMIfP1BsKEVNYWkICpyqSufKE/s1600/DSCF3462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouA4M6ws8ZjKFeJkXB92bG3-Zp_zUA9B1p-QmXnGTcOPIfn52VHRpE4jdfJFCXa-0DFohoDi8B2k9t6vZwLVHWZaQZc0W73DRcZrWdV5v7ngFlhZgANvMIfP1BsKEVNYWkICpyqSufKE/s320/DSCF3462.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrkrAIUCXhzm11WRo7tHe45BQw2uniLBTyq5Zpqv3fwwcU6Kk5_pfd4BFDUTufqHIjXONTjXM6Oimyo1_PSOSS1zP_WqRJqUnVVPX9zCG8eKb0ty5LSSAfPSH5tndIYrK4F8AAlWBvNo/s1600/DSCF3483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrkrAIUCXhzm11WRo7tHe45BQw2uniLBTyq5Zpqv3fwwcU6Kk5_pfd4BFDUTufqHIjXONTjXM6Oimyo1_PSOSS1zP_WqRJqUnVVPX9zCG8eKb0ty5LSSAfPSH5tndIYrK4F8AAlWBvNo/s320/DSCF3483.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV1xrLb0NTF8uM-6iRrpYSheEVsHtnBoDkHx3XtWfxb0tfjW38gEHF4wiZrYXaktk993dNFOfNJPfE0a1XY1P7Uzx9mowORoxv_pGFijH0JozWGOkrURlxPatXJArE7A3rOfkXEAQXyY/s1600/_DSC1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV1xrLb0NTF8uM-6iRrpYSheEVsHtnBoDkHx3XtWfxb0tfjW38gEHF4wiZrYXaktk993dNFOfNJPfE0a1XY1P7Uzx9mowORoxv_pGFijH0JozWGOkrURlxPatXJArE7A3rOfkXEAQXyY/s320/_DSC1433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/113760695441101959932/posts">A colleague</a> has suggested us to go to Leura for great restaurants after visiting Three Sisters and Scenic Railway, so we pulled out Google Maps and found <a href="http://www.silksleura.com/">Silk's Brasserie</a> which had a 5-star rating. Below are photos of the <i>Pan-seared scallops with avocado, salmon, tatsoi salad, light wasabi dressing</i> and the <i>Roast Moroccan lamb loin with couscous, pine-nuts, date, tomato relish + spicy harissa</i> dishes that I ordered. They are indeed very good!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgdxPBO0QkhdCvMkLWCyx7EF16BwYYQxd9A8rTzW9iUQA2Bm6Rl95SO8mtboQ-Osf8JjqQZ4koKr1bgdtnZvWUH2rs5_NKL74cUngdWbuGCNVL7IQkSOe0yfNzMUlvS78_LDYjn2sgIo/s1600/DSCF3507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgdxPBO0QkhdCvMkLWCyx7EF16BwYYQxd9A8rTzW9iUQA2Bm6Rl95SO8mtboQ-Osf8JjqQZ4koKr1bgdtnZvWUH2rs5_NKL74cUngdWbuGCNVL7IQkSOe0yfNzMUlvS78_LDYjn2sgIo/s320/DSCF3507.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-fSEPWiGwBZWDmc6WRutIt7lAaElXAVW9_GkU_GL2LtJMyxhqUOrf8RZFax43fSbDfkXuj8FQ7vnGiW3fEXQHzcq7-ZW6fN3XQs5QdoGHqDQCj_xGYTDt5k6OaY9FqpUXdxuyBcG-X4/s1600/DSCF3511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-fSEPWiGwBZWDmc6WRutIt7lAaElXAVW9_GkU_GL2LtJMyxhqUOrf8RZFax43fSbDfkXuj8FQ7vnGiW3fEXQHzcq7-ZW6fN3XQs5QdoGHqDQCj_xGYTDt5k6OaY9FqpUXdxuyBcG-X4/s320/DSCF3511.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-56669326570340252122011-10-12T07:36:00.000+08:002011-10-12T07:36:00.205+08:00Personal Tax Australia vs TaiwanI've heard many people say the Australia tax rate is much more than that of Taiwan so here are some data. <a href="http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/content.aspx?doc=/content/12333.htm">The individual income tax rates for Australia</a> for 2010-2012 are:<br />
<br />
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbiUDpRI_QUb-_pf2s9q_8foOHt2ssZjaB-YommYHVeWpGmJD0Ml8LV39bvXU6mVDxamppU_lJ6zpsb9LxyRPOIbwf6f96bA-1QT0oN1M5uVMIrDppBokWnen_Vv48VuCG0xuF47LX9s/s1600/tax_au_tw.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbiUDpRI_QUb-_pf2s9q_8foOHt2ssZjaB-YommYHVeWpGmJD0Ml8LV39bvXU6mVDxamppU_lJ6zpsb9LxyRPOIbwf6f96bA-1QT0oN1M5uVMIrDppBokWnen_Vv48VuCG0xuF47LX9s/s320/tax_au_tw.png" width="320" /></a>
<li><= AUD$6K -- 0%</li>
<li>($6K, $37K] -- 15%</li>
<li>($37K, $80K] -- 30%</li>
<li>($80K, $180K] -- 37%</li>
<li>> $180K -- 45%</li>
</ul><br />
<a href="http://www.ntat.gov.tw/county/ntat_ch/aig701_list.jsp">The individual income tax rates for Taiwan</a> for 2010-2011 are:<br />
<br />
<ul><li><=NT$500K -- 5%</li>
<li>($500K, $1130K] -- 12%</li>
<li>($1130K, $2260K] -- 20%</li>
<li>($2260K, $4230K] -- 30%</li>
<li>> $4230K -- 40%</li>
</ul><div>Assuming 30:1 exchange ratio and no deductions the effective tax rates are charted as above. We see for people earning "good" income (50K~150K) the difference can approach 7% but for high income people of 180K the difference is reduced to 4.7%.</div><div><br />
</div><div>It's noteworthy that <a href="http://www.etax.nat.gov.tw/wSite/lp?ctNode=11175&CtUnit=1396&BaseDSD=7">Taiwan has various deductions</a>, some of which favors the lower income bracket. One big deduction I miss is home mortgage interest deduction (limit NT$300K) since Australia has a very high mortgage rate (~7% compared to ~2% in Taiwan).</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrmZ7mohZmgs5-3FyiA9miEFyNml6ytlHONfQC6BOL6NWNE36aGQ1ijp-jmY-HQLJswZEdG9id5Zq1RpKcfJPpQ240RhrtEvTeAkbg57J3HOHZkenf9DaLgB1zZiHf44lmbZz-JoxLfg/s1600/ato2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrmZ7mohZmgs5-3FyiA9miEFyNml6ytlHONfQC6BOL6NWNE36aGQ1ijp-jmY-HQLJswZEdG9id5Zq1RpKcfJPpQ240RhrtEvTeAkbg57J3HOHZkenf9DaLgB1zZiHf44lmbZz-JoxLfg/s320/ato2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>One surprising thing I found is that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiscal_year">the fiscal year</a> is different across countries. Taiwan has the simple January-December financial year while Australia's is July-June. It would be much simpler if every country can have the same fiscal year (ideally same as calendar year?), especially for people with income across countries like me.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Since my primary income has moved to Australia but still needs to pay Taiwan tax as citizen, it turns out it's better to earn 4.5% fixed deposit interest in Taiwan than the 6.51% savings interest in Australia as of the next Taiwan fiscal year. Complicated. ^^||</div>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-13032669890983473962011-08-14T08:06:00.001+08:002011-08-19T18:06:31.327+08:00Learning more about the Australia property market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPNziAE2SI83qH9OAWfyooWany4EyUSPz3-oWy7Mvzi75D1_NdZrgb8D96QxZq-WV6CFL1zV00Eu65RmjWZckZuqMEdgZSoO_WHHhwxnghOoiZuxQqgDoKtfP84-Nr9ql1ZXGwBU0SJY/s1600/homebuyershow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPNziAE2SI83qH9OAWfyooWany4EyUSPz3-oWy7Mvzi75D1_NdZrgb8D96QxZq-WV6CFL1zV00Eu65RmjWZckZuqMEdgZSoO_WHHhwxnghOoiZuxQqgDoKtfP84-Nr9ql1ZXGwBU0SJY/s320/homebuyershow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Visited the "<a href="http://www.homebuyershow.com.au/">Home Buyer & Property Investor Show</a>" in Sydney last week and found it quite worthwhile. The show claims to be the largest of its kind, with <a href="http://www.homebuyershow.com.au/sydney/exhibitor-list/">professions across the trade there</a> and many good seminars with some great speakers.<br />
<br />
I learned a lot from the seminars and the brochures, magazines, and book given out at the show. It's a great way to quickly ramp up on knowledge about (Australia) real estates when you know very little. Here are I note some of my learning and thoughts.<br />
<br />
The first is the multitude of professions in the industry and the values they can bring. <b>Buyer's agent</b>, for example, is quite new to me, but it does seem reasonable that they can potentially save clients' time and money and also reduce risks in buying properties. Their service do seem attractive to busy professionals like me, although I am somewhat concerned on the flat fee it charges. The flat fee is certainly better than charging on percentage of final purchase price (which will reduce the incentive for buyer's agent to negotiate prices), but it also leaves no monetary incentives for a higher quality service. I feel they should consider defining a set of <b>key metrics that can reflect the quality of the property acquisition process</b> and discuss with their clients in their first meetings the expectations and also the "bonuses" for exceeding expectations in the key metrics.<br />
<br />
I am surprised by the <b>professional renovators</b> trade. The chapter, "Renovating for profit," by Stephen Tolle and Cherie Barber in <a href="http://www.tgrproperty.com.au/"><i>Think and Grow Rich Property</i></a> is quite a good read. It's clear that professional renovators <b>has the potential to bring value</b>, as all of identifying properties suitable for renovation, planning the structural and/or cosmetic renovation, getting development approval, purchasing materials, managing and executing the renovation, etc. are complex tasks that need a lot of knowledge and expertise to yield low cost and quality results. It can be a win-win if the renovator is capable and content, but a greedy renovator can use cheaper stuffs that look shiny on the surface to lure less knowledgeable buyers for a huge profit. To avoid this, buyers should learn to look through <b>the real value of a property</b> and should choose renowned renovators that have years of good reputation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvJmPov2sWufe2mKiOGIrsAE7AF742JcV7FV7PVeF5EoN7y-G2Q1RLMlx0-z49lBM4x8IUzm7jMrjFUMZ4dGUiNXIikrVJ7xqVLDXaAZ8m9A9tN_cYwSsBbEisgloUntUR_OrCTu9oOY/s1600/au_property_data.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvJmPov2sWufe2mKiOGIrsAE7AF742JcV7FV7PVeF5EoN7y-G2Q1RLMlx0-z49lBM4x8IUzm7jMrjFUMZ4dGUiNXIikrVJ7xqVLDXaAZ8m9A9tN_cYwSsBbEisgloUntUR_OrCTu9oOY/s320/au_property_data.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Looking through the property data of all Australia suburbs is also very worthwhile. It provides a high level overview of the current status of the Australia property market with median prices, recent growths, weekly rentals, and numbers sold for units and houses in each one of the suburbs.<br />
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From the numbers it looks like some Sydney suburbs are the most expensive in the whole country, with median house prices of over $2M in good areas close to beaches such as Bellevue Hill.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhop3F-hpXM0YLkm68gkVslX6V2rvnnXkUscgSKq434Qlo7nSorXSDki8S65W3TLAlgOXDCRLKb7PVLYl1brdupciynQT-gLTdoilk8hoUeaPUJQ8CIX8p7gfwVFQWZQGfA1X2eKsP4V50/s1600/sydney_suburb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhop3F-hpXM0YLkm68gkVslX6V2rvnnXkUscgSKq434Qlo7nSorXSDki8S65W3TLAlgOXDCRLKb7PVLYl1brdupciynQT-gLTdoilk8hoUeaPUJQ8CIX8p7gfwVFQWZQGfA1X2eKsP4V50/s200/sydney_suburb.png" width="200" /></a></div>The <a href="http://www.living-in-sydney.com/sydney-maps.html">http://www.living-in-sydney.com/ site</a> hosts a map that shows all the suburbs in Sydney (small version on the right). It's only by looking at such maps and the property data do you appreciate the size of the real estate market.<br />
<br />
Finally, I would like to express my concern that the many professionals in or entering the property market is making housing more of a means to get rich as opposed to shelter for all (see also <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/negative-gearing-unhealthy-says-anz-boss-20110602-1fiz8.html">an article on ANZ head's views on negative gearing</a>). I would really like people of knowledge and power to work towards helping everyone getting a good, affordable home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd8kCjOjPL9er_yKgJlTDDXTipwP12eCSqBaMC-nXNHQ9AsIGxGOVLLM9tpDVgciplWopPMJE04ry1vfn6Ozr9xSx87OtGm_cN1b4P7SE6nOHTB0_J0LfzuN13Qy-d3vUk-Gd0xgKc2E/s1600/sydney_house_median.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd8kCjOjPL9er_yKgJlTDDXTipwP12eCSqBaMC-nXNHQ9AsIGxGOVLLM9tpDVgciplWopPMJE04ry1vfn6Ozr9xSx87OtGm_cN1b4P7SE6nOHTB0_J0LfzuN13Qy-d3vUk-Gd0xgKc2E/s640/sydney_house_median.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-39379225941584262672011-08-08T20:10:00.003+08:002011-08-08T20:11:48.745+08:00Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlchRKtnwqjP9OuJ70p0z0mx9jTLBSdVr0TdynLLA8YT-fSwjlE0BK8aMdzEEyhWNclznTAH6srLpYNTCj-D7xvxaddwlSRaI3WKIMOjWmK4kBsIDLxYdmI3rCqbo2hTuowPoHaxVcZE/s1600/DSCF1726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlchRKtnwqjP9OuJ70p0z0mx9jTLBSdVr0TdynLLA8YT-fSwjlE0BK8aMdzEEyhWNclznTAH6srLpYNTCj-D7xvxaddwlSRaI3WKIMOjWmK4kBsIDLxYdmI3rCqbo2hTuowPoHaxVcZE/s320/DSCF1726.jpg" width="320" /></a>Before buying a place it's important to do as much research as possible. This is especially important for me as I am totally new to Australia. To learn as much as possible, one strategy is to really live in different places from time to time in target areas to learn everything about the target areas and their neighbourhood (in addition to inspecting properties everywhere where possible whenever you have time of course).</div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaccdr3RjMWghzthpA13ky9jB_hWYtIBHKL60EYRqEI7Kv3A77gYDf53zo7hKDZo2sPk2Kyw-uJjjZeM4Mdgg1fUsRW_v3spRoBx1nsNSC39nU57kpSfxWykxH9nbVWhsWw5QyE2Z2ao/s1600/DSCF1724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaccdr3RjMWghzthpA13ky9jB_hWYtIBHKL60EYRqEI7Kv3A77gYDf53zo7hKDZo2sPk2Kyw-uJjjZeM4Mdgg1fUsRW_v3spRoBx1nsNSC39nU57kpSfxWykxH9nbVWhsWw5QyE2Z2ao/s320/DSCF1724.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
The photos here shows one of the places I've stayed -- <a href="http://www.oakshotelsresorts.com/Oaks-Goldsbrough/">Oaks Goldsbrough Apartments</a> in Darling Habour. I likes its<br />
<ul><li>location, with a walkway connection that allows you to walk directly to the <a href="http://www.metrotransport.com.au/network/monorail/convention">Convention station</a>;</li>
<li>tall ceiling -- much breathable compared to units in Taiwan;</li>
<li>furnished w/ everything needed -- laundry, full kitchen; and there's heated pool and gym at 1F;</li>
<li>not expensive (consider it's close to Sydney CBD) at <$500 a week rent and selling at ~$300K.</li>
</ul><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaVEwxVi_GLbybyDiYjDZLrscHCJcaX3VnM_h8iZCgM2Xwubl3-xyS2RXc68cuPmA2vXjMYJmAIaD5hoO4aF6i2idtgWp8fQGP4_3h41v3FNqx9EXWw_Tgnw1hhF2ta1mtQld0e3FXU8/s1600/DSCF1727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaVEwxVi_GLbybyDiYjDZLrscHCJcaX3VnM_h8iZCgM2Xwubl3-xyS2RXc68cuPmA2vXjMYJmAIaD5hoO4aF6i2idtgWp8fQGP4_3h41v3FNqx9EXWw_Tgnw1hhF2ta1mtQld0e3FXU8/s200/DSCF1727.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0ba4B5TFrFnvq0ivTQxg9uuSinkBzZWXMz9SyPtIlndVyBRaGnZRFPLFSmZeF-s6_ciFc7boe-ii6U0M2Ks5XM3ionkYbahAvTrMNqrwbBr2ZaSxl_GLPmwQAB2_V0BMv6sl6Y7RBRg/s1600/DSCF1728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0ba4B5TFrFnvq0ivTQxg9uuSinkBzZWXMz9SyPtIlndVyBRaGnZRFPLFSmZeF-s6_ciFc7boe-ii6U0M2Ks5XM3ionkYbahAvTrMNqrwbBr2ZaSxl_GLPmwQAB2_V0BMv6sl6Y7RBRg/s320/DSCF1728.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbXDm6yn08PudMapxQuAnSTZ6mTqDaipjLrgnluN18sSmyj20brJxub7Wewfc_lTtSpE-XwG8AmfGOlyW3hhJg5VsHsy4x7Tbpe9x1Ulnv9hHiEL0eVqQ1J9kLX2R8eo1kTDaAQIXHMM/s1600/DSCF1729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbXDm6yn08PudMapxQuAnSTZ6mTqDaipjLrgnluN18sSmyj20brJxub7Wewfc_lTtSpE-XwG8AmfGOlyW3hhJg5VsHsy4x7Tbpe9x1Ulnv9hHiEL0eVqQ1J9kLX2R8eo1kTDaAQIXHMM/s200/DSCF1729.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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There are several things I don't like though, such as:<br />
<ul><li>poor "view" -- especially in my unit where windows either face the interior building corridors or a narrow firebreak alley -- little privacy;</li>
<li>poor noise insulation -- (newer) buildings in Taiwan are doing much better at this</li>
</ul><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn9Uv7_9mE4_9TDz1el1RtrUZm5ufq_iCce2SPFA8_7gdQ1TJVJJ8fxJBHwaqI6OZqocGktA6_e2U205ZRV5tKsW6ou6pZFd6e5bKzeU3fM3Odx-aiS9jqPR9J5n8R6QBDJAcaz0NxqI/s1600/DSCF1731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn9Uv7_9mE4_9TDz1el1RtrUZm5ufq_iCce2SPFA8_7gdQ1TJVJJ8fxJBHwaqI6OZqocGktA6_e2U205ZRV5tKsW6ou6pZFd6e5bKzeU3fM3Odx-aiS9jqPR9J5n8R6QBDJAcaz0NxqI/s320/DSCF1731.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
So I'll continue to do my research and inspect / live in different places. Maybe I'll end up signing up for a buyer's agent when I really want to buy a home, but it's still good to know as much as possible.<br />
<br />
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Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-58659241723487719742011-06-06T19:09:00.003+08:002011-06-06T19:19:44.991+08:00Sydney Opera House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmZUXb8_UsDucHK8l9K31rpeSsqC76nRIxAafUz9D0qfMfMSLHmZJqZH0_rNZdaIHBhop3mQ0gVthZBmbwW4qCvJJvqZSzSlJmnVW8fOx5FM4O-iZ8cAOBe1xvd6j3_XnCJ1tSkYtcr0/s1600/DSCF1214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmZUXb8_UsDucHK8l9K31rpeSsqC76nRIxAafUz9D0qfMfMSLHmZJqZH0_rNZdaIHBhop3mQ0gVthZBmbwW4qCvJJvqZSzSlJmnVW8fOx5FM4O-iZ8cAOBe1xvd6j3_XnCJ1tSkYtcr0/s320/DSCF1214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Opera_House">Sydney Opera House</a> is really a wonder to look at. It's <a href="http://www.google.com/images?q=Sydney+Opera+House">spectacular in many angles</a> and when coming close one gets to appreciate how large the structure is (and that the roof is covered by more than a million "glossy white- and matte-cream-coloured" tiles).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrKsxgFftxkX52Xm_8TcBbz8x3BMErTIK8fGK7QVQIVBspm05bXG-fNg2aInVN5tyM0ETArNIoivk9rOJYvzf-ds0QzRNXq4MLnm8EQamg8AH6E2wEmW4Jx9bP0bEpGQj_6eTJGk5tQg/s1600/DSCF1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrKsxgFftxkX52Xm_8TcBbz8x3BMErTIK8fGK7QVQIVBspm05bXG-fNg2aInVN5tyM0ETArNIoivk9rOJYvzf-ds0QzRNXq4MLnm8EQamg8AH6E2wEmW4Jx9bP0bEpGQj_6eTJGk5tQg/s200/DSCF1182.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/Visit/tours.aspx">The (essential) tour</a> is quite worth it IMO with good tour guides explaining the details and history of the Sydney Opera House (and here are some good sites: <a href="http://bibliodyssey.blogspot.com/2010/08/nuns-scrum.html">1</a>, <a href="http://gallery.records.nsw.gov.au/index.php/galleries/sydney-opera-house/sydney-opera-house-the-red-book/">2</a>), and also that we get to walk in and sit in the two large halls -- <a href="http://www.google.com/images?q=Sydney+Opera+House+Concert+Hall">Concert Hall</a> (2,679 seats with the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Opera_House_Grand_Organ">grand organ</a>) and Opera Theatre (1,507 seats).Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-77474572820305965762011-06-05T20:56:00.001+08:002011-12-22T16:38:44.781+08:00Taronga Zoo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDotAXV9RX5vfuPFhczIuNmDRb5icJmV4uT8X5yk2UaA6zY8lFmpwHzrUA3pxhbe6nDIUFdC-4uo-Wosvje-LUgr3MvI6JEatJ-WIgmiVb28mQEGvHsGtMp1H4W4tB1F1taO13ot5J_AI/s1600/DSCF1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDotAXV9RX5vfuPFhczIuNmDRb5icJmV4uT8X5yk2UaA6zY8lFmpwHzrUA3pxhbe6nDIUFdC-4uo-Wosvje-LUgr3MvI6JEatJ-WIgmiVb28mQEGvHsGtMp1H4W4tB1F1taO13ot5J_AI/s320/DSCF1085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This Saturday several colleagues and I went to the <a href="http://www.taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo">Taronga Zoo</a> in Sydney. It is just a short ferry ride from Wharf 2 in the Circular Quay. There is a large variety of animals here (but there's only a few for each species), ranging from crocodiles, giraffes, gorillas, kangaroos (are they playing dead in the bottom photo?), koalas, lions, parrots, peacocks, to zebras.<br />
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It's alarming to see there are several posters in the airport warning of dangerous animals in Australia, some of which can be lethal to humans. The Taronga Zoo do exhibit some dangerous animals. The largest living lizard, Komodo dragon, seems to be pretty normal, but <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Life-narrated-David-Attenborough-Blu-ray/dp/B002UXRGM0">it has been filmed</a> to be able to take down a big bull. The Komodo dragon bites on the bull's legs and since its bites are venomous, the bull will eventually fall and become a feast to these beasts.<br />
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The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inland_Taipan">Fierce Snake</a> seems very scary. It is very restless and agile in the glass tank, and it may seem like if the snake were in the wild it would come fast right at you fearlessly because its venom is so deadly -- the sign says a bite can kill 200,000 mice!! Fortunately reading wikipedia revealed that "fierce" only describes its venom and not its temperament.<br />
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And the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tasmanian_devil">Tasmanian devil</a> looks like a harmless dog until you read the descriptions on the sign and the associated photos and skeleton of this small beast. Their jaws can open very wide and have power to crush bones -- apparently it "generate the strongest bite per unit body mass of any living mammal."Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-83302683123466272492011-06-05T20:08:00.001+08:002011-12-22T16:40:44.961+08:00Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour Hotel<div style="text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLHPB7EMWFtSEoFBppUS2GEuRFG7Jpe26d6JrVMlnma67rmiWbBBC7C88FjoITKITBkmcF-oCjVa3JYPqejNcQXP0p7H5xEutxSveW-Krkt06UuB1lPnMEQJqkf7veT2TCFUKqtCRrDU/s1600/DSCF1019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLHPB7EMWFtSEoFBppUS2GEuRFG7Jpe26d6JrVMlnma67rmiWbBBC7C88FjoITKITBkmcF-oCjVa3JYPqejNcQXP0p7H5xEutxSveW-Krkt06UuB1lPnMEQJqkf7veT2TCFUKqtCRrDU/s320/DSCF1019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Room @Novotel Darling Harbour</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'd like to stay in hotels or serviced apartments so I can slowly look for a good place to rent. This time I am staying in <a href="http://www.novoteldarlingharbour.com.au/">Novotel</a>, which has reasonable rooms and facilities but is at a great location -- it's right next to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_MLR_station">Convention MLR station</a> and the <a href="http://www.harbourside.com.au/">Darling Harbour Shopping Centre (Harbourside)</a>, is close to numerous good restaurants, is close to the office, and has great view to name a few.<br />
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I bought a camera -- <a href="http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/f/finepix_f550exr/">Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR</a> -- before coming to Australia so I can record my experiences and blog them here. The camera is light and compact but has several features that I liked such as GPS, 360 degrees Panorama, 15x optical zoom, and smart (so I can stupid) EXR. Below are examples of the panorama showing a room in Novotel and the view looking out to the CBD, respectively.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-18417626166452867562011-06-01T22:34:00.002+08:002011-12-22T16:42:01.363+08:00Good food in SydneySo during my trip to Tokyo my Japanese colleagues had tried to lure me to join the Tokyo office instead of Sydney with the reasoning that the food is great in Tokyo (yes that's true) while the food in Australia is awful. I am happy to report that after trying out various food I had in Sydney I must say they are good! Below are just two examples.<br />
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The picture on the left is the "Hot and Cold Platter for 2" at the <a href="http://nicks-seafood.com.au/nicksseafood/">Nick's Seafood Restaurant at Cockle Bay Wharf</a>. There's a LOT of food for 2 -- cold oyster, mussel, salmon, prawn, and crab; and fried fish, prawn, calamari, and chips. I feel the seafood tastes noticeably sweeter and better than what I get in Taipei, likely because they are fresh and from cleaner sea.<br />
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The pictures on the right is the seared scallops entree and chargrilled beef fillet mains at the <a href="http://www.sugaroom.com.au/html/menu.html">Sugaroom restaurant</a>. Again they are both very nice. And the prawn stuffed zucchini flower in the mains is especially unique and good.<br />
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Thanks much to my new manager for taking us to these great treats! =D~Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-17205193172919715272011-05-18T15:49:00.002+08:002011-06-01T22:37:29.211+08:00Tokyo vs SydneyTokyo was one of my other choices to move to. It got ruled out naturally with the <a href="http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html">3/11 earthquake</a>, but it's good to check if I had made the right choice between Tokyo and Sydney were the earthquake didn't happen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHpfCvyrcp8MDBIK9nD_dyy0ug841sRJEyjKomUg9KWYAlOkrl2tcsRoh9v0C3_4YGfdF7uLwDHGdgWYJGYNnNQpEWCLuNBdYTAzV9Tm4M1nnT8n1paxkpzbt3ZEsyAUA7ys3CGTJwa4/s1600/IMG_20110510_232216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHpfCvyrcp8MDBIK9nD_dyy0ug841sRJEyjKomUg9KWYAlOkrl2tcsRoh9v0C3_4YGfdF7uLwDHGdgWYJGYNnNQpEWCLuNBdYTAzV9Tm4M1nnT8n1paxkpzbt3ZEsyAUA7ys3CGTJwa4/s200/IMG_20110510_232216.jpg" width="200" /></a>The Tokyo office of my company is located in the Mori Tower in the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=ja&geocode=&q=%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A8%E3%83%92%E3%83%AB%E3%82%BA+%E6%A3%AE%E3%82%BF%E3%83%AF%E3%83%BC&sll=35.661341,139.729528&sspn=0.036402,0.069051&ie=UTF8&hq=%E6%A3%AE%E3%82%BF%E3%83%AF%E3%83%BC&hnear=%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC,+%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A8+%E5%85%AD%E6%9C%AC%E6%9C%A8%E3%83%92%E3%83%AB%E3%82%BA&ll=35.66026,139.729528&spn=0.036402,0.069051&z=15&iwloc=A">Roppongi Hills</a> complex. Since there was a tropical storm (Aere) during my visit there last week, I booked <a href="http://tokyo.grand.hyatt.com/">Grand Hyatt</a> that was in the same complex to avoid getting wet. The rooms are big, new, and modern (but expensive!), and it takes just 3 minutes to walk to the office within the complex.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View out of Tokyo office<br />
in Roppongi Hills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I am always impressed by how clean and organized Japan is, even in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largest_Metropolitan_Area">world's largest metro</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo">Tokyo</a> (with a mind-blowing 35+ million population). You can easily tell the difference of how clean/organized it is by strolling around or looking out of the window (e.g., compared to the view at <a href="http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/index_en.htm">Taipei 101</a> where I currently work in). And Japanese people are always very polite, hard-working, and civilized. Although language is a barrier (most Japanese has relatively poor English), I would probably still prefer Tokyo over Taipei.<br />
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It's clear I favor Sydney over Tokyo however after I've visited both. Language is not the biggest issue since learning Japanese may just take months, but there are many other considerations. Timezone definitely matters as the extra 1~2 hours overlap with the U.S. is important -- video conference and other communication technologies may vastly improve within 10 years but the timezone issue will not. I prefer Sydney's environment more as it feels very natural. Also, Tokyo is already so packed I don't want to contribute more -- let's spread out more evenly on Earth? ;)Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-59378350653594809372011-05-07T20:32:00.000+08:002011-05-07T20:32:21.620+08:00Telephone numbers in AustraliaHere are some of the important information on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_numbers_in_Australia">telephone numbers in Australia</a> vs <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_numbers_in_Taiwan">Taiwan</a>:<br />
<center><table border="1" cellpadding="5"><tbody>
<tr><td></td><th>Australia</th><th>Taiwan</th></tr>
<tr><th style="text-align: left;">Country code</th><td>61</td><td>886</td></tr>
<tr><th style="text-align: left;">Main international prefix</th><td>0011</td><td>002</td></tr>
<tr><th style="text-align: left;">Mobile prefix</th><td>04</td><td>09</td></tr>
<tr><th style="text-align: left;">Capital area code</th><td>02 (NSW, ACT)</td><td>02 (Taipei)</td></tr>
<tr><th style="text-align: left;">Emergency</th><td>000</td><td>119</td></tr>
</tbody></table></center><br />
It's interesting to note that the telephone numbers around the capital areas for both countries look very similar -- both are of the form 02-1234-5678.<br />
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It was also surprising to learn the international dialing access prefix (0011) is so close to the emergency number (000) -- wouldn't this cause some people (such as international visitors) to dial emergency accidentally? ^^||Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-89031590838979293922011-05-01T15:58:00.007+08:002011-05-07T20:42:07.694+08:00Airline selection when living in SydneyMost airlines have <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequent_flyer_program">frequent flyer programs</a> to encourage customers to choose their airline, offering incentives like lounge access, higher mileage accumulation (which can be used for upgrades or free tickets), check-in and luggage priority, reservation priority, etc. It's thus beneficial to stick to an airline where possible.<br />
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<a href="http://www.evaair.com/NR/rdonlyres/4DDFF3AC-42E0-49B1-81B7-DB83A646B7C1/89/a_7_1_2_4_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://www.evaair.com/NR/rdonlyres/4DDFF3AC-42E0-49B1-81B7-DB83A646B7C1/89/a_7_1_2_4_2.jpg" width="200" /></a>My previous airline of choice was <a href="http://www.evaair.com/">Eva Air</a> (based in Taiwan), and I have achieved <a href="http://www.evaair.com/html/b2c/english/club/Join_the_club/Membership_tiers/">Gold card status</a> (just after Diamond) where I have enjoyed the airline's quality lounge and priority check-in/luggage services. Unfortunately, the airline does not fly to Sydney but only <a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Brisbane">Brisbane</a>:<br />
<ul><li>BR0315 TPE → BNE 3 5 ; 2230~0910</li>
<li>BR0316 BNE → TPE 4 6 ; 1025~1725</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Qantas_Airways_international_and_domestic_destinations.svg/1000px-Qantas_Airways_international_and_domestic_destinations.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Qantas_Airways_international_and_domestic_destinations.svg/1000px-Qantas_Airways_international_and_domestic_destinations.svg.png" width="200" /></a></div>My most frequent destinations after moving to Sydney is likely Taipei, followed by maybe San Francisco, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, and Bangalore for work, and maybe other places around Asia and domestic cities and destinations in Australia (e.g., Brisbane, Melbourne) for leisure. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qantas">Qantas</a>, the flag carrier of Australia, may be the logical choice of airline for most people in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Airport">Sydney</a> (above image shows its hub/destinations), but unfortunately it doesn't have direct flights to my favorite destinations such as Taipei and San Francisco (<a href="http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/travel/travel-news/qantas-to-end-san-francisco-flights-early-20110418-1dkgs.html">last flight 2011/5/6</a>).<br />
<br />
In fact, the only direct flight between Taipei and Sydney is by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Airlines">China Airlines</a>:<br />
<ul><li>CI0051 TPE → SYD 2 3 5 7 ; 2355~1105</li>
<li>CI0052 SYD → TPE 1 3 4 6 ; 2210~0540</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>And direct flight between Sydney and San Francisco is by <a href="http://www.united.com/">United Airlines</a>:<br />
<ul><li> UA870 SYD → SFO ; 1445~1101</li>
<li>UA863 SFO → SYD ; 2250~0625</li>
</ul>Although there's <a href="http://www.backpackers.com.tw/forum/airfare.php?city_to=SYD">plenty of connecting flights</a>, I would rather forfeit frequent flyer incentives than withstand the extra time and effort (which can easily bump a 9h flight to 14+ hours).<br />
<br />
Finally, it's worth pointing out the three <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airline_alliance">global airline alliances</a>:<br />
<ol><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/cc/Oneworld_10_Years_Aniversary.svg/100px-Oneworld_10_Years_Aniversary.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/cc/Oneworld_10_Years_Aniversary.svg/100px-Oneworld_10_Years_Aniversary.svg.png" /></a>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Alliance">Star Alliances </a> -- includes United; Eva Air may become a member;</li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SkyTeam">SKYTEAM</a> -- China Airlines and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_Blue">Virgin Blue</a> may join in the future;</li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oneworld">oneworld</a> -- includes Qantas.</li>
</ol>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-54745947022234916502011-04-28T21:03:00.003+08:002011-05-01T16:06:39.262+08:00Selecting Banking in SydneyI would like to choose bank accounts that offer good interest rates and convenient services with minimal fees. This can help in saving money to buy a good home later. ;) <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4JUTn7EcqbXA2fxV7Y49V9cMUjrm_23Sb3g_4aaGPiKhGreQX-29utWPZ8H2pMGf56v5WyLIIbUlIhWr8-oxgJdF2YfnkznqAvh3hGStRw0mHbmnDaBXsG8vFYqsbEflXZ5NbXnDf9I/s1600/ratecity.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4JUTn7EcqbXA2fxV7Y49V9cMUjrm_23Sb3g_4aaGPiKhGreQX-29utWPZ8H2pMGf56v5WyLIIbUlIhWr8-oxgJdF2YfnkznqAvh3hGStRw0mHbmnDaBXsG8vFYqsbEflXZ5NbXnDf9I/s200/ratecity.png" width="200" /></a><b>Online Savings Account</b><br />
<a href="http://www.ratecity.com.au/savings-accounts">Ratecity</a> (<a href="http://www.moneysmart.gov.au/managing-my-money/banking/savings-accounts">referred to from ASIC</a>) is a financial comparison website in Australia that makes it easy to find the best choice of bank accounts available. It points out that there are <i>online savings accounts</i> that yield very good interest rates, such as <a href="http://www.ratecity.com.au/savings-accounts/ubank/usaver">USaver</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Australia_Bank#Launch_of_UBank">backed by NAB</a> so should be trustworthy) that yields 6.51% p.a. if you deposit >$200 a month into the account. The interest rates of online accounts are very attractive, but the problem of these accounts is that it doesn't provide the usual conveniences of drawing money from ATMs etc.<br />
<br />
<b>Transaction Account</b><br />
Typically one would need a <a href="http://www.ratecity.com.au/transaction-accounts/guide">transaction account</a> that gives you ATM access, EFTPOS, cheque facility, etc. I do not see significant differences between the transaction accounts, so I'll likely just choose one from the big names such as <a href="http://www.ratecity.com.au/transaction-accounts/nab/classic-banking">nab Classic Banking</a>. These accounts pay virtually zero interest, so I'll probably set up my payroll to go into the online account directly and then regularly transfer enough money to the transaction accounts (<a href="https://www.ubank.com.au/ub/web/customer-help/about-usaver#transfertime">note it takes a business day for the transfer to go through</a>).Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-60854195759338108232011-04-23T22:25:00.001+08:002011-05-31T20:13:00.150+08:00Metro Light Rail in Sydney<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4qEG7xnRoN8-A6WC1TAVY2OROBrc7rHw5z9xUU4S3wWxBx53Vuf-D1D3q7yOv3Cj98gfaxoWk3ic8s_D59Rd6t_RI-R3LytGTIuPgEEVQOhecDHLsBOopPB8IHixgEZdhGbBePmS93M/s1600/Metro_Light_Rail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4qEG7xnRoN8-A6WC1TAVY2OROBrc7rHw5z9xUU4S3wWxBx53Vuf-D1D3q7yOv3Cj98gfaxoWk3ic8s_D59Rd6t_RI-R3LytGTIuPgEEVQOhecDHLsBOopPB8IHixgEZdhGbBePmS93M/s200/Metro_Light_Rail.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>While "strolling" around Pyrmont using Google Earth/Maps, it occurred to me that the <a href="http://www.metrotransport.com.au/network/overview/lightrail">Metro Light Rail (MLR)</a> is not what I initially thought it was. The website deceivingly shows a picture of the train on normal roads, whereas in reality it mostly runs on dedicated tracks, as can be seen from this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49ItOZeD88Y">time-lapsed YouTube video that shows the complete MLR trip</a> (there's also <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dvut6NWr61E">a related video that shows nearby attractions for each stop</a> which can be useful).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX-ZXIm1ezvHg7AT5-rTFoYTN3NItQSxlp_jcjI8OxoS9rl0B9CYGxMiW0MbBi3QL0PAY-D396C9OmUjf_2vacEZfEdQfYYuOzDd55M54DVAImg66Pmfk07AU-UgTiOrsF020FuqinXs/s1600/exhibition_station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX-ZXIm1ezvHg7AT5-rTFoYTN3NItQSxlp_jcjI8OxoS9rl0B9CYGxMiW0MbBi3QL0PAY-D396C9OmUjf_2vacEZfEdQfYYuOzDd55M54DVAImg66Pmfk07AU-UgTiOrsF020FuqinXs/s200/exhibition_station.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Another surprising find is that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exhibition_MLR_station">Exhibition stop</a>, although right next to the Sydney exhibition halls, does not seem to actually access them. Instead, from evidence of Google Street View and Bing's Bird's eye (image on the right) it seems the stop is accessed via Pyrmont road.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjnyKXrI5Fna5DCYFd0OZf7UQR7tWqaRuf902oc-LmTq7TAGCukyF4pE-bDPg1sVur0zUAyhddLOH34HF7nacg4OdcofASLt8BrmSmGeybTIK9wsCEVocTBsm7tf46MATGx2TWqna6C8/s1600/DSCF1046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjnyKXrI5Fna5DCYFd0OZf7UQR7tWqaRuf902oc-LmTq7TAGCukyF4pE-bDPg1sVur0zUAyhddLOH34HF7nacg4OdcofASLt8BrmSmGeybTIK9wsCEVocTBsm7tf46MATGx2TWqna6C8/s200/DSCF1046.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Update (2011/05/31): as the above hypothesis is quite unbelievable I went to check out a real metro light / monorail station (Convention station) -- it's feasible for the station to be accessed on both sides.Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8398355751493145724.post-1430313013822039072011-04-23T12:09:00.001+08:002011-04-24T10:37:55.432+08:00Exploring Pyrmont using Google Earth / Maps Street View<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2bd1TbQxpTIlaK_e9QSJHECmVNknX7Cnuq9lgkgq9PMcEHDMGLefrwSGpdtGALB3tI2sxX6xE0LuFKKVLO-QeopzbR8LPQDjvoCr7TW31Kh-BbYnfxdb4ErzBStRD84kYk47STc9NSE/s1600/google_earth_pyrmont.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2bd1TbQxpTIlaK_e9QSJHECmVNknX7Cnuq9lgkgq9PMcEHDMGLefrwSGpdtGALB3tI2sxX6xE0LuFKKVLO-QeopzbR8LPQDjvoCr7TW31Kh-BbYnfxdb4ErzBStRD84kYk47STc9NSE/s200/google_earth_pyrmont.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The best way to explore a place virtually is likely to use <a href="http://earth.google.com/">Google Earth</a> and Street View (note the recently released v6 has <a href="http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2010/11/google-earth-6-better-street-view-and.html">Street View seamlessly integrated</a>). It would be great if I could get access to <a href="http://www.sciencebuzz.org/buzz_tags/google_earth">Liquid Galaxy</a> -- panorama view using multiple large screens in circular arrangement and navigating using a 3D mouse -- but for now I'll have to settle using my small 24" screen and a normal mouse.<br />
<br />
It's worth noting that navigating in Google Earth vs in Google Maps Street View has different pros and cons, such as:<br />
<ul><li>It's easy to toggle between the various modes and perspectives in Earth and navigate easily and freely around. Also note mouse scrolling in Earth's Street View will move you physically forward/backwards while Maps will perform a less useful zoom in/out (you could use up/down arrows but it's not as nice).</li>
<li>Earth has a lot more data (layers) that can be very useful, such as Wikipedia and Panoramio integrations. 3D buildings are also great, but unfortunately its coverage is low in non-CBD areas.</li>
<li>Maps Street View has a better overview map (the small map on the bottom right) than Earth.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/google_street_view_in_3d_here_to_stay.php">Maps Street View exposes 3D</a> (activated by typing "qwerty") that works quite okay (though using an anaglyph glass means lost of color information).</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorU833_nrgOB9pr4l1Y2W_kER-EzzhwLb0ToNSPxs02YvpuvMQNvj22_VFRw4s5sPH6-KJK8T4Y66CefnBwF1xlUAogrcdMjlnHRmaQTDzD5AmkEn60gNB2SbuKBzsc4mfHTfKR-Fpng/s1600/google_earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorU833_nrgOB9pr4l1Y2W_kER-EzzhwLb0ToNSPxs02YvpuvMQNvj22_VFRw4s5sPH6-KJK8T4Y66CefnBwF1xlUAogrcdMjlnHRmaQTDzD5AmkEn60gNB2SbuKBzsc4mfHTfKR-Fpng/s400/google_earth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, I found that having both Google Earth open (at "aerial view") and navigating using Google Maps Street View at the same time is also a good way to navigate the street details while keeping global perspective. Toggling between the two applications is faster than moving in and out of Street View (which can also lose context).</div>Kevinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07852869362502133021noreply@blogger.com0