It’s always exciting to be at the airport and heading off somewhere don’t you think? That’s exactly where I found myself last Monday morning (29 April) – at Brisbane Airport heading off to Sydney.
I hadn’t been to Sydney since June 2016 – that time I was on board the Sun Princess! – so it was lovely to have another visit, even though it was very fleeting!
I went for the next Bupa Influencer Program event. I still pinch myself each time I go to these things. I’m one of the oldest there and I don’t have the massive following the rest of them have. I don’t understand it … but I love it! Blogging can be a lonely business. You don’t have work colleagues like a normal job, so feeling part of something and spending time with people who ‘get’ the blogging life is pretty darn special, and the staff at Bupa are fabulous! Wondering what the Bupa thing is all about? You can read more here.
I stayed at the Travelodge Hotel Martin Place. My room was a little plain Jane and dated but it was clean and quiet and had a really comfy bed and the hotel location was great, so that’s all you really need!
I didn’t have enough time in Sydney to do much but I made sure that on arrival, once checked into my hotel, I went for a walk to Circular Quay and the Opera House because you haven’t really been to Sydney if you haven’t seen those things I don’t think! Before I got to Circular Quay though I stopped at the first cafe I came across for lunch as it was around 2:30pm by now and I was starving!
Autumn Leaves near Circular Quay. I always love them as we don’t see much of them in Brisbane.
The next morning I was up early, showered and dressed and off to brekky. I discovered the cutest little french cafe – Jardin St James – where I had breakfast both mornings I was in Sydney. Not only that but I ate the same thing both times. It was a Smoked salmon, chive cream cheese, feta & lemon galette (and I got some Avocado with it also). I highly recommend this place. It’s a lovely atmosphere, the food is delicious, the staff are friendly, perfecto!
Jardin St James Cafe, Sydney CBD
Smoked salmon, chive cream cheese, feta & lemon galette (with Avocado)
After brekky it was off to the Bupa event. I didn’t take many photo’s while I was there as I was listening to the speakers and learning stuff, chatting up a storm, and um … eating! It was a fabulous day. So lovely to see people again and meet new people! I still feel like a very little fish in a pond full of big fish but I’ll take that! It’s loads of fun.
The view from the window
There was lots of leftover food so I grabbed a little of it (with grateful approval) to have for my dinner back in my hotel room. The introvert in me had had enough for the day and I was relishing the thought of a quiet night alone in my hotel room.
And before I knew it the whole Sydney trip was over. It was now Wednesday and I was back out at the airport and heading home. It was lovely to see Sydney again. Hopefully my next visit there will be longer!
If you only had two nights in Sydney what would be the top thing you’d want to see or do?
Ciao for now,
Link up here at WOTM or with another of us in the Lovin’ Life Linky team:
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22 Comments
Hi Min, having been born and lived in Sydney until 30, it is my favourite place in the world. I was fortunate for a time to live on the harbour which is the best in the world in my view. Two nights in Sydney for me would be reliving childhood memories – catching the ferry to Manly for Fish and Chips, a visit to Taronga Zoo, Hyde Park and the Rocks. Two nights wouldn’t be enough but I would take it if I could. Thanks for the memories. #lovin’lifelinky
What a lovely place to grow up Sue! I had quite a few visits to Sydney when my sister lived there. She lived at Balgowlah so I caught the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly many times and loved it. I love Manly too – so beautiful there. On my last visit to her there we did the Manly to Spit Bridge walk – just incredible! It was a bit sad this visit because usually I would have extended my stay to spend a few days with her and there’s lots you can do when you have some company to do it with too! As it turned out I didn’t have time to do much at all this visit. Hopefully I’ll be back again one day soon and can spend more time there. I have never been to Taronga Zoo believe it or not and I’d love to go and then tick that one off my list! 🙂
Thanks, Min, for sharing your time in Sydney and beautiful photos. I haven’t been to Sydney or Australia. If I had only two nights, I’d likely go the Opera House and Circular Quay like you did, plus walk around a lot, and take the ferry so I can see the city from the water. I mentioned some of your posts in my Wellness blog today . Feel free to link up your wellness related posts if you like. #lovinlifelinky
I think the things you listed that you’d do if you had a couple of nights in Sydney sounds perfect Natalie! I’d recommend taking the ferry to Manly – it’s beautiful there and lots to see and do. I’ve linked up to your Wellness Wednesday and thanks so much for the mention and links! 🙂
Glad you had fun. I’m a ‘whats on’ person. So in London I dragged everyone to these kooky temporary events. I’d do the same if visiting Sydney – I do it now but living here it feels different.
I’m probably more a nature person than a ‘what’s on’ person but depends on what is actually on! LOL Also I was by myself and had no-one to go anywhere with so that limited my choices. I don’t like walking around alone at night – bit of a scaredy cat! 😉
Jardin St James looks lovely – I need to check it out!
SSG XXX
Yes you do! It’s a must – like a little piece of Paris right in the centre of Sydney’s CBD. Lovely place, lovely food! 🙂 xo
That cafe looks so cute! There’s no beating Sydney on a blue blue Autumn day. And as an aside, I can easily understand why you’re at these events…
That cafe IS so cute. Loved it! You’re kind with your last comment. Thanks Jo! 🙂
So good you get to have that opportunity. I loved getting back to Sydney last year even though it was a for a night before surgery and my husband and I did the walk down Phillip St to the Quay then took a return ferry to the Zoo to catch the harbour at its best. Good plan to take food from the venue. I would do that too.
Denyse x
It was Phillip Street that I walked down too Denyse! I’d love to go to the zoo one day – haven’t ever been to Taronga! 🙂 x
I’ve only been to Sydney once Min and both my husband and I loved it. We stayed at Darling Harbour but made it to Circular Quay etc by ferry several times. Loved the Chinese Gardens, Paddy’s Markets, QV Centre and so much more. I personally think Sydney beats Melbourne hands down – maybe because I’m not a foodie?
I don’t think I’ve been to the Chinese Gardens or Paddy’s Markets? I’ve been to QV though! I do love Sydney – around the harbour and the beaches particularly, but Melbourne is more me I think. It’s moody and artsy and foody and I love the cold weather and well – it just speaks to me. Still love Sydney too though! 🙂
Very nice. I have never been there. Would love to go. #lovinlifelinky
Hope you get there some day Patrick! 🙂
How lovely! Glad you are still enjoying the buzz and benefits from the BUPA Awards!!!
Thanks Janet 🙂
It sure looks like a fabulous time! Loving your photos and enjoying your trip with you!
Thanks Betty – it was short but sweet. So lovely to see Sydney Harbour again! 🙂
I’m so glad you had a wonderful time while you were down in Sydney 🙂 the event must have been full of fun and high energy. Quiet nights are so nice when you’ve had such a high energy day.
Oo, only 2 things? I would probably go to the beach and catch up with friends at a cute cafe. Or visit a local yoga studio. Okay..that’s more than 2! I might need some more time in Sydney :p
It was a fleeting visit Chelsey but still a fun little getaway and of course the Bupa event was the highlight. It’s lovely to be around like minded people and to learn and grow. I also loved the quiet ‘me time’ at night. I like your list of what you’d do if only in Sydney for 2 nights! I wish I’d had the time to catch a ferry and go to the beach. Maybe next visit – hope so! I did manage the cute cafe though! 🙂