Sydney
If you want to really get to see and understand Ireland, don’t stay in Dublin. If you want to get an insight into Spain, don’t stay in Madrid. If you want get a grasp of Chinese culture, don’t stay in Hong Kong. It’s the same all over the world. Sadly, many people really miss out on the big picture of the countries they visit, simply because they never take a trip outside the major cities, or resorts they stay in.
However, as much as that is true, it’s still important to see the major cities of each nation. After all, they are the main ambassadors for the country, and what it’s like. As much as Sydney may not represent outback Australia, it is home to about a quarter of the Australian population, so it was great to get a chance to see it.
On Friday afternoon, we went back into Sydney CBD, just to relax around the harbour where the Opera House is located.
Yours truly…
The Harbour Bridge
Opera House from the Harbour Bridge
Opera House in the evening
We had a really awesome day.
Do I like Sydney? Sure? But then, I’m a bit of a city-slicker at heart. As much as the traffic can be frustrating, I like the buzz, life, and the fact I can actually find clothes shops which sell stuff I’d wear!
Great pics Armen. Thanks for sharing them here.
Yes I would have to agree with David. Great pics.
Sounds like both of you are really enjoying your trip.
What a great view from the top of the Harbour Bridge.
Some awesome pics indeed…
One question armen….are you putting on a bit of weight??!!!
Armen is that a Toyota Hiace Campervan you have hired?
I know your thinking now what’s he on about. Well read down.
The Toyota ads at the end they leap into the air and say “O what a feeling Toyota”.
Is this why both of you are leaping into the air?
As soon as I saw this photo that’s what it reminded me of.
I know you didn’t think that was funny.
Anyway lol.
I think it was funny Andrew! LOL!
Great photos Armen BTW!
Armen!! sooo jealous!! I wana go back soo bad!
Can I ask a question… what camera do you have?! It taking brilliant photos… like those evening ones! Any of my evenin ones of Sydney didn’t turn out that well… probably because it was just a standard digital camera… but wana get myself a really good camera.. any you would recommend to me?
Oh, and hear you’re planning a live link up with youth rally in Ballymoney!! Hopefully see you there… planning to travel up there for it! Went to missionary weekend on the Saturday night, and it was brilliant!!
Very nice pictures Armen! Sounds like you had a blast.
BTW: Nice vertical leap in that first pic!
David - My pleasure!
Andrew - Yeah, we’re enjoying it for sure!
It’s actually a extremely easy to drive. I’ve been very happy with it.
Yeah, it’s a Hiace Hitop, but it’s not why we’re leaping. I don’t think I’ve seen those ads before, but maybe that’s the effect a Toyota has on you?
How’s everyone coping in PL? Any news?
Jermayn - Thanks bro!
Chris - Yes!!! It’s ridiculous! However, I’m exercising once again, and I’m going to get into more serious cardio work when I return. Thanks for noticing
Glenn - Thanks!
Stephen - You must have really enjoyed your time here. That’s good.
My camera is a low end dSLR. A Canon 350d to be specific. If you’re wanting a decent camera without too much expense, it’s probably the best one to go for. I got mine 2nd hand nearly a year and a half ago for about £320.
Having said that, the biggest factor in getting a decent photograph, is more to do with know how to take one. I’m far from an expert, (talk to Glenn who comments here, he knows way more than me) but for decent night shots, you need a tripod, which I have with me.
If you have any other questions, just ask.
As for the live link up, I’m not really sure what I’ve got myself in for, but hopefully it works out ok. I’m glad you’re going to be there.
Deron - Thanks Deron! I can still jump, even though I’m carrying extra weight these days!
I meant to ask you before… what camera are you using for the pics? I’m trying to learn a little more about photography and thinking about purchasing a better camera. Your pics look very good
Deron - A Canon 350d. You can grab them for a very reasonable price these days. It’s not a standard lens though. It’s a Sigma 17-70mm, which is a pretty good low budget wide angle lens, which is better than the one which comes with it.
Yes everyone’s coping well.
We’ve all had a really good time with Noel Shields. He’s a great laugh. Noel gave his testimony last Sunday night and there were 8 visitor’s in which was really good to see.
We had a youth group meeting a fortnight ago on Friday.
Tunarama has arrived!
Thanks Armen. That looks like a nice camera! I’m not sure I’m ready for something that facy yet. I’m a total amateur when it comes to photography.
I had looked at a Fuji FinePix S5700 but I’m not sure I want something that big. I like the Canon PowerShot SD1000 too because it’s so compact. I could essentially take it anywhere and never miss a photo opportunity. Never know when something will happen that you can blog about!
Armen, I LOVE this post….well proud of your opening statements! To the max!! So true…I’m just back from an end-of-January trip to Sardinia, Italy, for the January sales…amazing, Walked everywhere, deserted beaches (too cold to lie on but still enjoyed the blue sky unique to the med) and no one about except the odd tourist and freezing Italians…olives, pasta, seafood and ice cream…fantastic. It was also helped by the amazing fibres produced on the shelves of Italian shops…gem buys…designer brands, small prices…just how I like it.
Andrew - We’re now home, so I’ll hopefully see you tomorrow.
Deron - They are two very different cameras. For that reason, you need to determine what you’re going to use it for. If portability is vital, then that narrows it down. On a side though, if you take a lot of social shots, which are inside, then consider the Fuji range, from 2 year old F30 and it predecessors. There is no small equivalent when it comes to taking images indoors, which is typically where small cameras perform very poorly.
If you’re after quality though, there’s no comparison to a Canon or Nikon dSLR. Even their cheapest ones are a lot better.
The super zooms, like the Fuji you mention, are ok. If you want an all rounder, which takes compact quality images, but gives you the ability to zoom, without carrying a large camera and multiple lenses.
In the end, you must weigh up what you’ll use it for, and decide. If money is no option, grab a pocket camera, and a dSLR
Taleen - Hey sis! Why are students always pleading poverty? They get the best life of all. I mean, no one I know who works full-time, has been away as much as you this year!
“The amazing fibres…”
Who on earth are getting these daft phrases from? If you can’t say clothes, garments, or even apparel, at least use ‘fabrics’ you nutter
Aw dear… you do make me laugh…
ah tal and armen! thousands of miles apart and u still at it. u made ur mum laugh. yes armen i noticed the little extra too. suits u tho.
yes armen ur are filling out. still suits you. thought i was imagining it till i read chris’s comment. lol.
Ruth (a.k.a Mum) - Of course, that’s what we do. No facade, just sibling love!
I’m very impressed that you figured out how to leave a comment. Well done! I’ll be expecting many more now.
Oh, and I’ve been losing some of that extra weight over the past two weeks, and will continue to do so (God willing), so enough with the silly compliments!