Bottled Up

S.T.R.E.S.S
The feeling of having so much work to do yet not knowing where to start from really scares me. Am I the only one who feels this way? I always regret when I don't start studying earlier even though I always tell myself after every exam ends . But being humans, we never ever heed our own advice. Good at giving advice but always at a loss when it happens to us. Sometimes I really wonder if I made the wrong choice? All these decision makings...will it ever get me anywhere? The future. Seems so far but everything just crumbles at the thought of it. No one will stop and wait for you. Everyone is just too preoccupied and busy with their own lives. Having to be in constant contact with a certain someone or the feeling just fades away. It really saddens me how no one is willing to take the initiative to be the one to call on one another. Were things supposed to turn out as such?

Queensland Travelogue

HIIIII! I’m soooo glad to be back and writing on this space. And yes, I've switched over from wordpress to blogger. If I have to choose a type of post to blog about, it'd definitely be on my travels. Have been travelling quite a number of times this year. First to Sydney (delayed post but will blog about it soon), then to Gold Coast - Brisbane, and next up to Adelaide (wait for it too). Had a great (even though tiring) time looking through and editing out photos. Bring me back there ~~~ First time travelling with a friend (without school, family and whatsoever) and I couldn't believe 10 days just passed by like this in a blink of an eye. Well, it was considered more of an impromptu decision where Giselle and I planned last minute, but all in all, I wished I had done more research prior to the trip.

I will try to be as detailed as possible although I kinda forgot abit of what we did/ go/ eat in Gold Coast and only started noting down after going to Brisbane. 

DAY 1

 Breathtaking view of the sunset. 

Finally reunited with Giselle after 4 months. Pardon the cui look.

Had a pretty late lunch at Peter's Fish Market before heading over to view the sunset. If you are ever at Australia's Gold Coast and have a craving for seafood, there is a little place beside the luxurious Versace Hotel that can certainly satisfy. Sure, it turned out different from what I had expected as to what I had been to in Sydney but it definitely did not disappoint.

It is only a short walk (or perhaps a few bus-stops away) from Seaworld so I would really recommend anyone stopping by the theme park to stop over for a quick bite.

Fresh seafood for sale and succulent tiger prawns.

When our order was ready, we were not disappointed and was definitely worth the wait. We ordered the Fish of the day + Small Calamari + serve of small Chips and the Fish of the day + Small Calamari + 2 Prawn Cutlets + Seafood Stick + serve of small Chips and Hervey Bay Sea Scallops Mornay which were on the menu.

The fish and chips were golden brown and were pretty well done. The crumbed batter was crispy despite being dunked in oil, but light adding to the freshness of the fish. The only negative thing was that the chips were far too salty and left me thirsty. Apart from that, everything was wonderful. 

The Hervey Bay Sea Scallops Mornay did not disappoint either, visually it was mouth watering. It looked tantalising, with the cream and the cheese all melted on top of the scallop and the charred cheese gave off a delectable aroma. The sauce and herbs certainly complemented each other pretty well and brought out the freshness of the scallops. 

The fresh tiger prawns, oysters and balmain bugs did not disappoint too. It was my first time seeing a Balmain Bug (and no, it is not a bug) which was somewhat in between of a lobster and a prawn. Juicy, fresh and full of flavor was all I could say. It was of no doubt a great way to satisfy our craving for some fresh seafood. 

Peter's Fish Market

120 Seaworld Drive

Main Beach QLD 4217

Australia

Checked into Watermark Hotel which was located in the heart of Surfer's Paradise and everything was within walking distance. We decided to explore the vicinity and have a light supper after all at seafood. It was recommended that we have a try at the pork knuckle at Bavarian Haus Restaurant which left me wanting for more. the taste was familiar and was somewhat similar to siew yoke (燒肉).

It was my first dining experience at a German restaurant and I was awed by the unique decor and atmosphere of the restaurant. We ordered the Crispy Pork Knuckle and German Sausage which lived up to its name. The Crispy Pork Knuckle was crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside.

The German Sausage, on the other hand, was not too oily. 

Bavarian Haus Restaurant

41 Cavill Avenue

Surfers Paradise QLD

Australia

 DAY2

One of the main highlights in Gold Coast are the Worlds (mainly Dreamworld, Seaworld and  Movieworld). Few days before the trip, we were in a huge conflict of whether to buy the VIP  Magic Pass which entitled us and unlimited entry to visit Movieworld, Seaworld and Wet 'n' Wild for 1 year ($109.99 AUD) or to purchase the World Pass which allowed unlimited access to Dreamworld, Whitewater world and Skypoint Observatory Deck for 1 year ($99.99 AUD). In the end, we chose the latter out of the two as we read reviews that Dreamworld was far more thrilling than Movieworld. But boy, were we wrong. Many of Giselle's friend said that it was a mistake that we did not buy the tickets for Movieworld. As a result, we decided to go along and went to Movieworld too. 

Since there was no complimentary breakfast for us at our stay in the hotel, the cycle repeats every night of searching for a breakfast-worthy cafe. After much googling (thanks to ladyironchef), we found a Breakfast Buffet which was of a reasonable price. Bazaar Restaurant is located in QT Hotel and was  a 10-15 minutes walk away from where we stayed at. After locating QT Hotel and walking up a flight of stairs, we were greeted by friendly staff which brought us to our seats and introduced to us the different sections of where the food were placed.

 Styled beautifully. Great quality of food, juices and condiments. Cool design of chairs, tables and serving areas, Friendly staff. Delicious food. Hands down the best breakfast buffet I ever had in Australia. Maybe even anywhere.

QT Gold Coast
7 Staghorn Avenue
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Australia

Headed down to MOVIEWORLD after a satisfying breakfast. 

First stop: SCOOBY DOO SPOOKY CASTLE

Queued for close to an hour for the ride.

Rating: 7.5/10. 

Next up: JOURNEY TO THE WEST (4D)

Before entering the theater...selfie time.

Awkward and bad photo with bugs bunny.

Sadly we didn't manage to go onto the ride for Arkam Asylum which I heard had pretty high ratings. But still, photo time. 

Decided to have an attempt on Superman Escape which gave me the shivers when I first saw it. It was a great struggle for me initially as I recently overcame my fear of heights (2-3 years back).  However, it'll be a real bummer if I didn't take the ride. Queued for 30 minutes or so and...conquered it. After the ride, I realized it was no biggie and that surge of adrenaline overwhelmed me. Incredible!!!

Rating: 9/10

Giselle's undying love for CHURROSSSSSS!
And...that marks our day at MovieWorld. Tons of fun and laughter indeed!

Back to Surfers Paradise for dinner and ended dinner off on a high note. What could be better than having a full rack of ribs to both ourselves (although we felt like gluttons)?
Tried the ribs at Hurricane's Grill in Sydney once and left me coming back for more. Was more than happy to know that there was one in Gold Coast too and knew that I couldn't leave Gold Coast without eating my fill.

Warm Garlic Bread for starters. One of the best garlic bread I've ever eaten!! No joke! So fluffy and moist I could eat this everyday. Carbs...what carbs??!

Onto the main! We decided to give the pork ribs a go, along with baked potato on the side. We were given the option to have either chips or baked potato with our ribs, and obviously, we chose the baked potato (2nd time eating baked potato after JC days). The meat was tender but they weren't exactly falling off the bone. well, come to think of it, ribs were mainly made up of bones (duhhh, you don't say) and it wasn't much of a big portion. In fact, the portion was just right for two to share (sigh...drooling while typing this post out right now...bring me back to the land of ribs and good food).

Hurricane's Surfers Paradise
4 The Esplanade
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Australia

Movenpick Ice  Cream or dessert. What's better than having cold ice cream on a cold night?
Fighting the cold with cold ~

Finally done with post for day 1&2. Stay tuned to day 3, 4, 5...
Goodnight lovelies ~

Thanks for reading ^^

xx soph