Spinach & Olive blog debut. Notebook by Corban & Blair.

Fort Denison – View of Mortello Tower

Fort Denison, a tiny, rocky island out on the Harbour has been on my 'places to visit' list for a good while. But with the island being so small and with only a restaurant, I needed a little more convincing to pay this place a visit.

Until now.

It so happened my good friend held her big 30th birthday lunch on the island restaurant. So armed with my latest acquirement of the Canon 70D, I headed out to the catch the first ferry for a day of photographing, good food and enjoying the harbour view.

Fort Denison – A Little Background

This sandstone island is only a quick five minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. A quick dig into this historic past revealed that the island has had many uses throughout its 150 years history. Though the name fort suggest a more defence related construction, it has also been used as a navigation guide, weather station and fishing spot to mention a few.

Fort Denison – On The Island

Fort Denison – Historic Entrance.

Close up of Mortello Tower.

Fort Denison – Looking up at zeppelin.

Fort Denison – The Restaurant

After about half an hour walking around and taking snaps, I sat down to a Christmas set menu of oysters, pork belly and Christmas pudding. Under the white canopy, it was also the perfect lighting condition for some candid birthday shots and I was more than happy to be the group's photographer in training.

Fort Denison – The Restaurant

Entree – Oysters.

Main – Pork Belly.

Have you been anywhere interesting lately? To see more photos, check out my Flickr and Instagram page.

For more information about Fort Denison visit: http://www.fortdenison.com.au

The Jacaranda.

As the Christmas decorations go up in stores everywhere and people start their holiday gift guides, there's one thing I always look forward to during this time of the year - the Jacaranda, in full bloom.

The tree itself is rather unassuming most of the year with small and slender foliage, and the pods or fruit is rather odd looking, a dark brown, flat and wonky disc with seeds tucked away inside and also a favourite play thing for the cockatoos.  But as the weather warms and usually coupled with high humidity and rain, it displays its true colours.

The blue trumpet-like flowers of the Jacaranda.

Tea time.

Just add hot water.

Grand Concert Hall foyer.

The Sydney Opera House opens its doors to the public annually, this free event allows the public to explore some of the rarely accessed areas of this landmark, such as backstage, dressing rooms, rehearsal rooms, and even walk on the main stage! Though I've been inside the Opera House for various performances over the years, I was invited by my friend and colleague to join them for this event.

Interior vaulted ceiling.

I was prepared for a large crowd (or so I thought), but as I made my way along the wharf and saw a long queue backed up all the way along the wharf, I had some serious doubts as whether this was a good idea after all, surely this isn't good for an ochlophobic like myself. It was a test of my patience...luckily at the urging of my friends whom were already inside waiting...I couldn't MIA.
Regardless if you are an architecture aficionado, tourist or just an everyday folk like myself, there's no doubting the sculptural elegance of the Opera House as it takes centre stage out on the Harbour. It is (if I may say so) what put Sydney and Australia on the map! The forecourt and ceremonial stairway definitely lets any visitor know that they are about to enter a place of grandeur and magic.

Interior detail.

SOH Quick Facts

Architect:  Jørn Utzon
Interiors: Ted Farmer
Opening: 1973
World Heritage Listing: June 2007
The one thing I love the most about the Opera House is how the modular concrete wedges that comprise the vaulted ceiling are visible on the inside. One can walk up, touch and feel the concrete; its crevices and texture and in my opinion this creates a much more personal experience for any visitor. Not to mention the linear lines, juxtaposition of different materials (concrete and timber) make for great architectural photography!
As we made our way through the various performances spaces (Joan Sutherland Theatre, Drama Theatre, Playhouse etc) , the highlight was definitely The Grand Concert Hall, the Opera House's largest and most majestic space, with high vaulted ceiling and timber paneling. It is a space that is grand yet feels warm and intimate at the same time. Today, it put on a show with lighting displays and also an organ performance.

Grand Concert Hall with organ in background.

It is a place that the more you learn about its history, its creation and the people that helped to realise Utzon's vision, the more you come to appreciate its beauty and grandeur. It is both a sculpture and an architectural masterpiece. With a quick bite at the Opera Kitchen after the tour, I'd say it's a pretty good way to spend some time with friends on a Sunday.

For more visit the Sydney Opera House website.

View of the city.

Out on the Waverton Peninsula (and just a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of the City) is Balls Head Reserve, this bushland oasis offers spectacular views of the Harbour, the City skyline and industrial relics on Goat Island. It is one of many sandstone headlands along the Harbour with a variety of walking tracks for all experience levels. This has to be one of my favourite discoveries of the year (thanks to Instagram!), it is a spectacular reserve boasting postcard perfect views at every turn, perfect for both people and their dogs, as well as photography lovers.

The day was made to be spent outdoors with the sun beckoning and mild Spring temperatures. Upon arrival, we decided to tackle the Harbour View Walk, an easy 340m walk offering fantastic views towards the City. Though I travel across the Harbour Bridge every day, I was still mesmerised by the beauty in front of me – the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the Headlands and the blue glistening water, it was simply magic!

View of Goat Island.

Up in the canopy.

Before we knew it one trail led to another as we were led on by an endless offering of iconic views and meandering paths, good thing I was ready with my camera! After a quick lunch and browse through the market held in the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability, we found ourselves at the entrance of a tunnel which was once part of Sydney Coal Bunkering Company's coal loading system, and it was this image I saw on my Instagram feed that piqued my curiosity.

Coal Loader Tunnel.

But just when we thought we were done for the day, a quick peek near Berry's Bay Marina led us to Waverton Peninsula Reserve (another photography hot spot) which was once an oil storage facility adapted in 2005 as a public domain. Well constructed pathways led us up and around the sandstone cliff to a lookout above with some pretty enviable views all around.

All in all, it was a picture perfect day, words simply cannot capture the sheer magnificence and beauty of this place. Definitely a place worth revisiting!

Gym time.

Today, *drum roll please* I stepped inside a gym for the very first time!

I'm a sedentary creature, or more colloquially known as a – couch potato (yep). My lifestyle up til now involved no regular physical exercise other than lifting food from plate to mouth. I have dabbled from time to time in the idea of exercise or having a basic fitness routine, but after a short lived stint on the Wii Fitness (you know...yoga on a board) that was about it.

One of the main reasons I never took my fitness seriously is that I'm skinny and always have been. I don't have any diet or health issues nor do I wish to build muscle or have abs therefore, physical exercise seemed pointless. I also didn't want to go to the gym because everybody else was; in order to belong; to live a particular lifestyle that you always see touted on social media. Lastly, as a creature of comfort, the idea of sweating in an alien environment (yes...I adapt slowly) just wasn't appealing, and even a little daunting.

BUT...not anymore! It's one giant leap for me, especially considering this wasn't even in my NY resolutions! So, what's changed?

Well, the most obvious and instrumental change has been a change in my mentality towards fitness and exercise in general thanks to some positive influences from friends. I don't have a specific goal in mind such as to reach a target weight or gain muscle, all I'm after is improving my general health and wellbeing by participating in weekly classes and doing some leg work on the treadmill. Afterall, being skinny ≠ being fit.

The main issue I had was a lack in energy and motivation. I just didn't have much drive or interest to do anything and so most of my weekends are spent being a vegetable. Hence when I'm under stress or feeling frustrated, I tend to just keep it in all inside and withdraw into my own little world, which isn't healthy nor is it an effective way of problem solving. Analysis paralysis.

Now, having attended two classes this weekend, I can say I really enjoyed it! No, it wasn't as daunting as I imagined, I wasn't even as self conscious nor did I have an accident on the treadmill (see...it was all in my head). I realised that during those 1-2hrs I was completed focused on what I was doing, and it's actually quite relaxing. I certainly left the gym feeling more positive and in control. 

Another factor which led me to finally make the leap is GymBetter, as a casual gym user I certainly didn't want to be locked in a contract and pay an expensive joining fee. Now with GymBetter, I have the flexibility of a single access pass, no sign-ins, joining fees or contracts. I just go whenever I wish.
So yes, I've finally made the investment in my health, because who else is going to? But I have been warned that the key is persistence.


I will soldier on!

Please contact your health provider for more information.

Opera Australia-Turandot.

I first heard of Puccini's Turandot many years back and its famous aria "Nessun Dorma" (Andrea Bocelli's rendition) can often be heard blasting through the sound system at home on weekends...courtesy of my dad. So when I saw an advertisement for Graeme Murphy's production of Turandot on the side of a bus...yes...a bus, I jumped online and booked my seat.

The Story

Avocado smoothie with almond milk.

I've never been a great lover of shakes, be it fruit smoothies or veggie juice blends. But I stumbled across this smoothie idea while browsing the The Chalkboard and decided to give it whirl since I had most of the ingredients at hand and was interested to give almond milk a try. *I often browse The Chalkboard simply to gawk at the gorgeous photos*

What You'll Need (for two)

The gardens themselves are organised by plant origin, from Africa, Australia to New Zealand and New Caledonia to mention a few and there are plenty of walks, which on a sunny day would make for a perfect romantic meander. 

The necklace.

To my surprise, there were quite a few people out in the gardens, I guess I wasn't the only one forgoing the warmth of the indoors. The rain did make photographing a bit of a challenge, especially for one who doesn't like to get wet, but it did have its own reward – water. With my new love; the 50mm, f1.8 lense, I was able to capture water as it trickled off leaves, pooled into ponds, delicately balanced on flower petals. The presence of water brought to my attention details that I would normally have missed.

There is beauty all around.

The Sydney Fish Market-Scampi.

Sydney Fish Market

The Sydney Fish Market, located on Blackwattle Bay, Pyrmont is a must visit for both locals and visitors alike. Though it may not be the most tranquil or picturesque setting, but bear in mind it is after all still a working fishing port and wholesale fish market, so all the hustle and bustle are just part of the territory.

Sashimi feast.

I must admit, this place has seen very little change, It is still shabby, the seagulls are still pesky, but you won't be short on choice when choosing your seafood. From salmon, tuna, kingfish and toothfish for the sashimi platter, to oysters, Moreton Bay bugs, scampi, lobsters. Whatever takes your seafood fancy, I'm sure it can satisfied right here. Just in case, you're after a non-seafood option, well, there's always the beef brisket burger.

Carousel | Festival Surry Hills

Brickfield Bakery – Croissants.

After the seafood, we trekked back into the city to Surry Hills, where a little market was being held showcasing local produce, fashion, food and coffee. Perhaps we were a little late, as there weren't many stalls by the time we arrived and the crowd was quite dispersed. However, that didn't deter my appetite (it was all that walking, I'm sure) as the croissants were just too good to pass by.

Mardi Gras 2015.

I still remember watching my very first Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras at the tender age of nine, having barely any clue as to what the occasion was actually about but thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere and the crowd nonetheless, wide-eyed and mouth gaping.

Two decades later (outrageous! I know),  I decided that it was definitely time to leave my burrow and pay this Sydney tradition another long overdue visit, and yes, twenty years on, it is as if the party never really ended.

Now, for a girl who sticks to a regular daily routine and shuns the crowd, heading into the CBD at 8:30pm (simply to be amongst the crowd) was well, as rare as a blue moon. I was even more horrified when I stepped onto the bus FULL of people, most of them – young! I remember scanning their faces, their chatter a cacophony and thinking to myself "so this is how the young lives it up these days". *chuckles*

As I was waiting at the corner of Hyde Park for my 'bodyguard', I saw waves and waves of people descend from who knows where, in all states of undress and intoxication. I thought "perhaps leaving my burrow was not a great idea". Thankfully, with the arrival of my 'bodyguard', we were able to catch the latter half of the parade.

Colour, glitter, sequins and pure pandemonium.

I was like a child once more, wide-eyed as I struggle to catch a glimpse of the floats beyond a sea of onlookers. I was bedazzled. As my 'bodyguard' lifted me onto his shoulders so I could get an obstructed view, I felt I was truly a part of the crowd, a part of the celebration, cheering the parade on and the appearance of 'Kim Jong Un' (yes, at a gay and lesbian parade).

So now I somehow come to understand why people would gather in such large numbers for events, often braving the elements, the sweat, the traffic – atmosphere.

All in pink.

Last Saturday; a hot and humid summer evening, I attended yet another wedding. It is the last of many weddings which have dominated my social calender since the latter half of last year, so I was relieved that after this wedding I will not have to attend another in a very long time. But at the same time I was looking forward to soaking up some wedding cheer and start the year on a good note.

What sets this wedding apart from the others I've been was the medium by which the couple met; the internet or the maze that is online dating. Even though I myself have set foot into this maze (2015 – Just Do It!), I still question whether love can be found via clicks of a mouse button. Yet somehow, the newlyweds managed to beat the odds, proving to all that were present that love can indeed be found when one has patiently trolled through enough online dating profiles and been on many less that average first dates.

They are certainly one of the lucky few. ♥

6° of Separation
It is common to bump into familiar faces at a wedding, especially if you are from a Chinese background, well then that tightens the social circle even more. But never in my wildest dreams (apologies for the lack of a better cliché) did I think I would be sitting at the same table, right next to the very first guy who contacted me online!

This sounds almost good enough to be a rom-com moment. You meet your online dating match at a friend's wedding (a gorgeous Leehom Wang), at the end of the night you guys dance together to the serenade of all serenades "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" and fall head over heels in love. But...in reality, there is nothing quite so awkward *cough cough* as meeting your online dating match at a friend's wedding. 

The awkwardness isn't so much in the what to say, but the fact that we were both harbouring the same little secret that cannot be disclosed to other guests at the table. I couldn't greet him like I knew him and say to the others "Meet my online dating match, what a small world", nor could I completely ignore his presence and put a sack over my head.  
Well, in the end, being myself was the best policy.

It is the theory that everyone and everything is six or fewer steps away, by way of introduction, from any other person in the world, so that a chain of 'a friend of a friend' statements can be made to connect any two people in a maximum of six steps. – Wikipedia