Quality Blog Material, Indeed!

Alright, many of you know about Amanda’s Sydney mini-break, so here’s my version of how things went today - to clarify, a meet-up with Amanda, Tracey and Belinda. The best meet-up of four e-Asians ever. And yes, I have many pretty pictures (complete with excessive documentation) to detail this expedition most divine. Photographs come bundled with their own special little caption beneath, so beware extensive one-sentence paragraphs, and I’m quite sure there are a few that Amanda would rather me not post (horribly random facial expressions, y’know). Also, watch out for the occasional bosom shot. Erm … enjoy?

I woke up at 8:30 in the morning, and was tempted to just text Amanda saying I couldn’t make it and then stay in bed for the whole day. But, considering how bored shitless I can get at home on some days, I dragged myself out of bed and ten minutes later was out the door yelling “Dad, I’m going to the city! Be back … later … !” Ended up missing my bus, ran back home, got driven to the station and … two hours later ended up in the city.

Being the clueless idiot that I am, I walked out of the station, found myself at the corner of two streets, espied Amanda and Tracey across the street; the thing is, I had no idea it was them, and ended up walking about 100 metres in the opposite direction before looking around, and heading back the other way. Saw them, cue epiphany, waved heartily, crossed the road like a merry gentleman and … hooray! Instant trio.

Above: Amanda, myself and Tracey. Amanda began the day hungover with bloodshot eyes, I was wearing a crap shirt and Tracey was fascinated by a bank nearby. None of us had ever been around Martin Place before. Just, uhm … ignore my skinny arm that extends to the bottom of the picture there.

Above: A photo taken of … a random spot at Martin Place while waiting for Belinda. I was attracted by the vivid colours and architecture. Belinda arrived at 11:40 AM and we headed back down to the station to catch a train to Bondi Junction. We ended up eating lunch there … mmm, savoury crepes … plus one omelette … and sinful ice chocolates … and tea. Tea is also very good.

Above: Everyone, meet Belinda. Belinda, meet everyone. This was taken post-meal, although I’m not quite sure if it was before or after our transition into a meaningful conversation about porn. I’m honestly surprised that I didn’t make a mess of my quarter of the table, since I’m a surprisingly messy eater. Unfortunately, no photos of the food or beverages; we were too hungry, although I can assure you the ice chocolate was good.

Above: You can’t expect four silly e-Asians to meet up without a random picture of the typical “Japanese tourist-y pose”. Kudos to Amanda for the technically correct name there. I’m sure one of the other three has one of me doing it, too …

Afterwards, we walked around for a fair bit. Actually, allow me to re-phrase that. Afterwards, Belinda, Tracey and I followed Amanda around for a fair bit whilst she brandished her thrifty side in a dozen or so boutiques and department stores. She is scarily adept at looking very dignified while she goes through the clearance sale racks and points out the upside to purple heels with asymmetrical buckles on them. All I can say is, thank goodness I’m a guy.

Above: Amanda showcasing her stellar shopping abilities, while Belinda watches on in amazement. Or, in the middle of a sentence. Whichever.

An hour … or several hours later, we made it out into fresh air and walked up and down a thoroughfare nearby. Stopping at a bookstore must be noted. It was back on the train sometime after that (let it be known that I probably bought about five or six train tickets in total today) to Central Station, followed by a walk to Paddy’s Market for a (long) look-around, and then for ice cream at Passion Flower. The train ride was quiet, with several women wearing far too much make-up and slightly creepy men sitting in the same compartment.

Above: Amanda uses Tracey as a personal pillow whilst Tracey looks … well, what is Tracey doing, exactly? Observers are granted an ample-esque view of Amanda’s cleavage via the low cut of her dress, accentuated by the presence of her huge sunglasses. At this point, Amanda’s 7UP bottle had disappeared into the depths of Tracey’s bag. We reached Capitol Square, found Passion Flower (note: Amanda, Tracey and I were following Belinda this time) and ordered; this was some time after 5 PM but before 6. Pictures below.

Above: Amanda expertly handles her digital camera, as Belinda tackles her waffles drowned in maple syrup (or was it honey?) with a strawberry. Please note that Amanda’s ice cream was actually black sesame flavour, as much as it looks quite grey. It actually reminded me of non-solidified concrete when I first saw it … Her bottle of 7UP re-appeared around this time.

Above: Tantalising dessert plus Tracey’s lovely Japanese tourist-y fingers equals awesome. Her sundae was something with cookies, excessive amounts of ice cream and chocolate, and whipped cream. If that didn’t make your mouth water, my sundae will. Notice how Belinda’s little shot of maple syrup is lopsided.

Above: Amanda digs into her black sesame stuff, Belinda munches away on waffles, Tracey’s dessert is flanked by an arm in the background, and mine looks like solidified heaven crammed into a glass. Mine was mango sorbet, strawberry ice cream, and pieces of strawberries, cherries and peaches, “drowned in delicious passion-fruit sauce”. Have never had anything more sinful in my life - unless you count sex.

At ten to six, it was time to say goodbye, with Amanda’s assurance that she would be up here more often in the upcoming year. “All the time!” she said. So, we parted ways; Amanda heading off to her cousin’s apartment, and the rest of us back to try and find our way to Central Station. BUT! Belinda had just remembered a key final moment of the day … group photo!

Tracey whipped out her trusty mobile phone, dialled Amanda’s number and handed it to me. It rang … and then … “Hi! Please leave a message!” For shame, Amanda. We peered back through the glass doors, but she was gone … One more time, Batman! Couldn’t hurt to give it another try. Five minutes later, the four of us were asking a random waitress who wasn’t doing anything to take a picture of us with three cameras.

Above: The Four Amihos. The Four Amigos. Enough said. Oh, and you can see the strap of the bag I purchased at the Markets, although you can’t make out the actual bag. Damn.

So, a great end to a great day. To be honest, I haven’t had this much fun in years. Yes, I am quite the sheltered kid. Amanda probably knows more of Sydney than I do. In retrospect, it was great to meet a few good blogging friends, and spend a day with them; definitely hope we can all do it again some time.

P.S. I’ll get around to the rounded corners eventually. Plus a header … *procrastinates*

Posted on December 9th, 2007   |   Filed under Family & Friends, Fun   |