Bath

SYDNEY

If you know me, you know I have a bit of a sweet tooth. Whenever I travel, I look up where I can find the best frozen dessert in town. So I *conveniently* booked a hostel my first night that was within walking distance of the best gelato place in town: Gelato Messina. I tried their Salted Caramel & White Chocolate + Coconut & Lychee. Amazing. They have a few flagship stores throughout NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.

Gelato Messina: Salted Caramel & White Chocolate + Coconut Lychee

I have to say, I didn’t realize how multicultural Australia was. They have a huge Asian population, which I should have realized when I was doing research and saw how large their Chinatown was… the fact that even had a Chinatown should have told me a thing or two! Let’s just say I felt like I was reliving my Asia travels last year.

Chinatown is every budgeting-backpackers best friend when traveling. Think fresh, cheap, Chinese baked goods, and souvenirs. Chinatown is enough to make me wish I lived in a larger city. Stop by Emperor’s Garden Cakes & Bakery for a pineapple bun (or whatever your pastry-craving desires) and if the queue isn’t wild, pick up an Emperor Puff (a custard-filled cream puff) right next door. You’ll know you’re in the right place if there’s a line for it. That’s what piqued my interest! The puff was served piping hot, and tasted okay, but it’s personally not something I’d queue up for again.

For food, my host took me to a favorite local place known for it’s dumplings. If you are looking for authentic Chinese food and homemade dumplings at a really good price point, wander about to 8 Quay Street, “Chinatown Noodle Restaurant.” Most dishes are under 10$, making it a hotspot for students. Also, don’t be surprised if you’re seated next to a stranger. In true Chinese fashion, they’ll try and accommodate you however they can!

I would never have found such a place if it wasn’t for my host. If you haven’t tried Couchsurfing, I definitely recommend it. I’ve posted about it a few times on my Instagram, but through Couchsurfing I’ve made friends from all-over. A special shout-out to my Sydney Couchsurfing host, Hang!

While in Sydney, one has to do their famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. I enjoy Denver, but being landlocked feels pretty restricting sometimes. I never appreciated the beach when I lived in Florida, but goodness gracious was I so head over heels for these views on my hike.

It was about 6 kms, and without stopping, should take you less than 3 hours return. But if you’re leisurely (really, really leisurely) strolling and are just in complete awe of the views, and taking a million pictures every few yards like I was, it can easily take you an extra hour. And I say to completely enjoy and take it all in. Bring lunch (or pick up something along the way), people/surfer watch, and pack your swimsuit if it’s nice out. You’ll pass multiple beaches and baths that are so beautiful that even though it’s “winter,” you’ll be so tempted to dip your toes in.

And ~*girls*~ there is a women & children’s only bath a little past Coogee called McIver’s Bath. It’s the last one left in Australia and only takes a gold coin donation to enter the Girl’s Rooooom (The Amanda Show, anyone??!).

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

MANLY BEACH

My last day in Sydney, Hang and I adventured to Manly Beach. It’s a ferry ride from Sydney, and it was a beautiful day that day. Manly reminded me of Venice Beach in California, where you had an area of shops and buskers, and places to eat at, but you were never more than a stone throw’s away from the beach. You get the best of both world’s over there.

It was interesting to see that for Australia’s winter, there were locals laying out in swimsuits, while some people were bundled up in sweatshirts and beanies… all within a few feet of each other! Of course, there were a decent amount of surfers and loads of crowds to people-watch.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I had asked a few locals what (aside from marmite & Tim-Tams, haha) would be considered an “Australian dish.” A couple of them had said fish ‘n chips! Hang’s favorite fish ‘n chips place on Manly is a place called Fishmongers. So of course, we had to go! They have a set menu, but also catches and specials that change every so often. We both went for their ginger salmon, and it was amazing. A great location really near to the beach, we did takeaway and had ourselves a picnic.

Walk along the main beach and towards the end you’ll find yourself climbing to the top of a peak with an incredible view of the sunset. Perfect way to end my trip.

Sunset at Manly — Perfect last hurrah in Australia ❤

Windsor

I loved the countryside. The next time (hopefully there is a next time) I end up in the UK, I would love to stay out in the country. I mean, we were only there for a day, and we rode for hours through so many meadows and hills… but it was all so peaceful and lovely. Windsor Castle was a beauty, but moreso for the nature surrounding it, and the gardens within it. There was no sign of the Queen, although it was a Saturday and Windsor is where she spends most of her weekends.

Highlights of Windsor Castle included:

– The state apartments and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. The apartments were grand, as was to be expected and I was especially in awe of the ceiling work. Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House is the largest doll house in the world! I remember it being taller than me, with several floors featuring everything from a garden, nursery, wine cellar, and more. It even had electricity and running water. The details were amazing for the scale it was constructed in. Unfortunately, photography was prohibited for both areas.

– the changing of the guard at Windsor Castle > the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. We were only separated from the procession by waist-high metal bars, as if we were watching a parade. Our view was better overall, and we could actually hear and see the gents playing their instruments. We stayed and thoroughly enjoyed the entire procession.

– a letter Prince Albert wrote to Princess Victoria during their engagement. During their engagement, they corresponded mostly through letters. He wrote to her: “I need not tell you that since we left, all my thoughts have been with you at Windsor, and that your image fills my whole soul. Even in my dreams I never imagined that I should find so much love on earth…” and he signed with “promises of unchanging love and devotion. Your ever true Albert.” *swoon* *heart eyes for days* *le sigh*

Bath, Somerset was absolutely beautiful!!! We spent some time touring the Roman baths, but I enjoyed myself a lot more wandering about town. I visited a local bookshop and antique store where I purchased a Rhubarb & Ginger candle for my sister. It was handmade locally from 100% plant wax, and if everywhere I went smelled like that candle, I would 100% okay with that.

I wish we had more time to explore this area. Bath felt a lot like St Augustine. Quaint, and oh, so charming. Despite the fact that I got separated from the girls, I felt very safe wandering about by myself. I’d love to revisit Bath. I think I’d move to Bath. Even though we were only there for a few hours, I enjoyed two servings of homemade clotted cream ice cream by a locally owned placed called Marshfield Bakery. I decided on vanilla with chocolate syrup and a wafer — a simple combo, hard to mess up. But boy oh boy, did they get it so right. I decided to be a little more adventurous with my second helping, and tried their Heavenly Honeycomb. And heavenly it was.

Fun fact: Jane Austen lived in Bath during the 19th century. As a fan of hers, I was disappointed we didn’t have time to take a tour… but just another reason to come back. ♥

Stonehenge

Due to erosion and vandalism concerns on and around the monument, these days, you can’t get that close to Stonehenge (although they do offer private night tours with very limited space). In person, especially at a distance, it’s not much of a looker. But, it sure is fascinating. I still stand with the theory of aliens being responsible for constructing this monument, but that’s me.

Stonehenge was the last stop of this bus tour and marked our last bit of sightseeing for the London leg of our travels. We had an early start at 4AM the next day for our flight to Venice. We were excited to be Italy bound!

Tag: Bath

New South Wales