Australia Part 9- Gap Park at Watson Bay, The Rocks Market, Queen Victoria Building, Darling Harbour, Paddy's Market, Thai Food

Day 13 (2/1/16)
Started our day with the Gap Park at Watson Bay
I came here during my last visit
Unfortunately
The sun was setting so we could not see clearly
Luckily it was bright and sunny today!
You have to walk up the observation deck in order to see the full view
Mesmerizing! 
A great exercise in the morning~
See the Sydney tower and Harbour Bridge?
Walking back~
A park nearby~

Around noon
We went to The Rocks Market which is a Sydney institution made up of 200 stalls
It is the oldest area of Sydney
It is the site of Australia's first European Settlement
You can explore the laneways or grab a drink in some of the oldest pubs
I always love the historical buildings there
And most importantly
It showcases an ever-changing range of art (my favorite space art!), fashion, homewares, jewellery, and gifts
That's why this place is top on my list!
Everything is made of real wood!
Industrial Jewellery. My first time seeing such unique pieces!
I like the design of this building!
Kinda regret for not going to Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and The Rocks Discovery Museum as we were running out of time
Will definitely pay them a visit if i have a chance to come back next time!
Overlooking Circular Quay. See the cruise ship on the left?
Saw the State Library on our way to the train station
You can enjoy the free exhibition, modern cafe, bookshop, public talks and free film screenings at the State Library of New South Wales
If time allowed, I actually thought of spending the whole afternoon reading my novel and enjoying a cup of coffee there
Next time maybe~

Sydney Town Hall
Queen Victoria Building stood elegantly among other skyscrapers
Queen Victoria's statue














The Queen Victoria Building, now affectionately known as the QVB, was designed by George McRae and completed in 1898, replacing the original Sydney markets on the site. Built as a monument to the long reigning monarch, construction took place in dire times, as Sydney was in a severe recession. The elaborate Romanesque architecture was specially planned for the grand building so the Government could employ many out-of-work craftsmen - stonemasons, plasterers, and stained window artists - in a worthwhile project.
Drastic 'remodelling' occurred during the austere 1930s and the main occupant was the Sydney City Council. As recently as 1959 the Queen Victoria Building was threatened with demolition. As it stands now, in all its glory. It is testimony to the original vision for the building and the superb craftsmanship of the artisans who put it all back together again.
The dominant feature is the mighty centre dome, consisting of an inner glass dome and an exterior copper- sheathed dome. Glorious stained glass windows and splendid architecture endure throughout the building and an original 19th century staircase sits alongside the dome.
Old lift
Don't miss out any corner of QVB as they are all pretty!
The visual message of Sydney's coat of arms, on the cartwheel stained glass window, is that the beehive depicts business, the sailing ship - trade, and the dolphins - the harbour. Panel 1, on the left hand side, represents the Council of the City of Sydney, and symbols of architecture, while the letters I.G.B. on panel 3, on the right, represent Ipoh Gardens Berhad, the Malaysian company who restored the QVB.
The symbols are of property developers - the builders. The bottom central panel represents the heraldic symbol of a finished building and the joining of two hands denotes the fusing of two cultures. There are many interesting and charming exhibitions and attractions throughout the building, along with portraits of the Queen. There is also a letter from Queen Elizabeth II to the Citizens of Sydney to be opened and read by the Lord Mayor of Sydney in the year 2085. 

After that
We went to Darling Harbour
It is the newest part of Sydney where you will find anything touristy you want
Followed by Paddy's Market
Time to shop for some souvenirs to take home!
Darling Harbour
Had Thai food for dinner after shopping
We found this place at Chinatown
Chinatown has 17% of Sydney's population of Asian decent, you will find great Malaysian, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean & Chinese at affordable prices
I remember there was one curry called Pad Thai which was very good!

Banana fritters
Had been walking for the whole day
Need some rest~


Location: Sydney NSW, Australia

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