welcome to north bondi italian food, sir junkie! | camera Sony NEX-7

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – I first heard of this place through a good friend of mine in Bali who says it’s one of her favorite places in Sydney. Oh Jesus, Destination NSW and Garuda Indonesia took me to North Bondi Italian Food (NBIF) for a perfecto lunch. Lucky travel blogger!

“My favourite ingredients is restraint.” – Robert Marchetti.

Eat, Drink, Travel, Life!!! North Bondi Italian Food is a new age Roman Trattoria. Their used only line caught fish, local seasonal produce and free range ethically raised meat chemical and stress free.

a nbif loud views from the kitchen | camera Sony NEX-7

north bondi italian food magicmaker | camera Sony NEX-7

playing to win | camera Sony NEX-7

where life is good and long | camera Sony NEX-7

I came here and loved the Location across the street from Bondi beach. It has a great view of the ocean if you are seated by the window or in the front of the restaurant. The decor is gorgeous and the view is amazing. PERFECTO!

All of the wait staff wore blue overall covers and white T-shirts and there was a steady flow of food coming from the kitchen next to the bar.

The vibe is lively, loud and has a casual beach vibe. When I eat here I can taste the ocean, the sunshine, the people, and the earth. Their food is lovely.

rocket pesto, mozzarella buffalo milk campania; basil, blistered grape tomatoes | camera Sony NEX-7

spaghetti “cartoccio style” with spanner crab; tomato sauce and a hint of chilli, baked in a paper bag | camera Sony NEX-7

spaghetti pomodoro; robert marchetti father roasted tomato confit sauce, basil, garlic | camera Sony NEX-7

Well, for our entree. We enjoyed the Crispy Potatoes with Garlic, Rosemary and the Arancini and 3 bottles of red wine.

A little later, my mains arrived – Spaghetti “Cartoccio Style” with Spanner Crab, and Spaghetti Pomodoro was very nice and everyone else seemed to think their meals were ok, although the starters were the highlight of the meal.

My friends mains – Rigatoni, Berkshine Pork Sausages Sauce, Wild N.T. Barramundi, etc. And, for dolci, we enjoyed “My Idea of Gelato Affogato”, Tiramisu, Baked Dark Chocolate Pot, etc. It was a great party!

wild n.t. barramundi; red and yellow cherry tomatoes, baby greek basil, and preserved lemon | camera Sony NEX-7

rigatoni, berkshire pork sausages sauce; braised with sage, tomato, garlic and chilli | camera Sony NEX-7

“my idea of gelato affogato”; vanilla ice cream, espresso, milk chocolate sauce, and today special whisky | camera Sony NEX-7

baked dark chocolate pot; chocolate pearls, served chilled | camera Sony NEX-7

The dining experience is one of no bookings, paper mat menus, unisex toilets and grab your own cutlery. I felt in Seminyak, Bali.  I love all this about NBIF. I think we all do because it’s what keeps it real.

And you know what? NBIF is an ambassador and a proud supporter of animalsaustralia.org fighting for the legal rights for animals and an end to factory farming. Buonappetito!

So I do plan to come back for summer dinner the next time here!

Happy Sustainable Travels!

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Jeff Wall, ‘After ‘Invisible Man’ by Ralph Ellison, the Prologue’, 1999–2000, installation view, MCA, 2013, transparency in light box | camera Sony NEX-7

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – I have some fabulous new updates from the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Australia to share with you. I had a really wonderful, simple, but meaningful days.

“Travel is like an endless university. You never stop learning.” – Harvey Lloyd.

Yes, I’m a huge history, maritime, and modern art buff. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is a newly redeveloped haven for modern art buffs, incorporating spacious galleries, state-of-the-art technology, public spaces and site-specific artists commissions.

standing alone between Jeff Wall the Destroyed Room 1978 and Double Self-Portrait 1979 | camera Sony NEX-7

visitors discuss about Jeff Wall photograph exhibition | camera Sony NEX-7

learning from Jeff Wall a woman and her doctor 1980-1981 transparency in light box | camera Sony NEX-7

“Taking a photograph isolates a place and an instant from the rest of space and time, so an image is always radically solitary. The spaces between the pictures in an exhibition is an expression of that solitude.” – Jeff Wall.

Reopened in March 2012, the museum has increased in size by almost 50%, with three spacious new galleries, a rooftop cafe and Sculpture Terrace, and complete refurbishment of existing facilities.

museum of contemporary art library | camera Sony NEX-7

collecting bags 1985-87. woven sedge grass bags, woven pandanus palm bgs, hand-spun bark fibre string, ochres and natural dyes. museum of comtemporary art and maningrida arts and culture with financial assistance from the aboriginal and torres strait islander board of the australia concil, 1994 | camera Sony NEX-7

This museum offers a range of special exhibits alongside a permanent MCA collection, featuring such big names as Mikala Dwyer, Rebecca Baumann, Nick Mangan, Julie Rrap, and Ildiko Kovacs.

Discover works by more than 130 Australian artists in Volume One: MCA Collection, reflecting the breadth of Australian contemporary art over the past 20 years.

Artistic appetite sated, contunue on down George Street to uncover some of Sydney’s oldest secrets – the mysteries of The Rocks.

Wangechi Mutu, Exchuming Gluttony: Another Requiem (detail) 2011, animal pelts, wood, bottles, wine, packing tape, blackets, electrical components, synthetic, hair, daskalopoulos collection, athens, greece | camera Sony NEX-7

Wangechi Mutu, a fantastic journey installation view | camera Sony NEX-7

mom and son learning of life from Wangechi Mutu, ‘Epiglotus II’ 2007, ink, paint, glitter, carborundum, magazine collage and plastic pearls on X-ray paper | camera Sony NEX-7

discover the diverse practice of Kenyan-born, Wangechi Mutu in this beautiful full colour Moth Collection (detail) (2010) 56 ceramic figures dimensions variable Sender Collection | camera Sony NEX-7

enjoy Wangechi Mutu, ‘blackthrone XI’ (detail) 2012, wooden chair, plastic, synthetic hair, and tinsel | camera Sony NEX-7

A big thank you to Destination NSW and Garuda Indonesia. Visit mca.com.au for more information.

Ooh MCA, you stole my heart again!!!

Happy Sustainable Travels!

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welcome to pacha sydney, travel junkies! | photo by pacha sydney

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – I was invited to the Pacha Sydney a soul shakedown party feat. Will Sparks. Welcome to Pacha Sydney – The world’s most spectacular music and entertainment experience has arrived.

It’s the party that never stops right in the middle of George Street. I went out travel like a clubber, drinking, clubbing, and dancing. It was a gorgeous night for it – a cool winter evening.

The Sydney nightlife is in for a shake-up. Merivale is bringing legendary superclub Pacha to Ivy, adding a weekly dose of world-class DJs, epic special effects and spectacularly choreographed performances.

f****n securities! we waited here 30 minute | camera Sony NEX-7

registration guest lists line | camera smartphone

Franchised to 20 venues worldwide, Pacha is a mecca for electronic enthusiasts looking for spectacle, with notable locations in New York, London and Ibiza.

Models, stylists, business owners, sponsors, travel bloggers and the media… all came together – in their most fashionable attire – to celebrate this winter night.

Everyone had gorgeous hair, amazing make up, incredible tans and were sporting statement outfits and hot designer labels.

get the party started | camera smartphone

white for into and black for VIP | camera Sony NEX-7

asian soul shakedown party | photo by pacha sydney

We were going for that Asian vibe with VIP access. Thankies for Andy El-Bayeh as Pacha Guest Relations Manager.

Pacha VIP tables and booths exist as anchor to the ultimate evening, allowed us to experience the spirit and extravagance that is Pacha. Private balconies gave us the best seats in the house to behold the stage and spectacle below – rest assured, this is quite simply the way to party at Pacha. Pacha personal host ensured an exclusive space remains expertly catered to all evening from Pacha extensive bottle and canapés menu.

There were lots of people, food, alcohol and sexy dancers. It was great fun – even though I didn’t get totally trashed like everyone else. Moved on to a room with live 60′s – 80′s music and dancing.

samantha and asian dancer | camera smartphone

samantha and I | camera smartphone

This is Samantha, one of my readers from Sydney, and I.

I was wearing a layer by Curl Rumor, travel junkie Indonesia white tee, Levi’s Jeans, classic shoes by converse, and headphones by Marshall.

I had fun! And, I met 8 new people. it was really nice chatting to random people to Freeport employees. We talked about kretek to wine with bahasa Indonesia in the effects of ‘washing body’ with lite vodka vs. full strength vodka, and dancing to silly music.

Overall. Hehe, we had a great time. It was FANTASTIC!!!

Happy Sustainable Travels!

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into sydney tower buffet | camera Sony NEX-7

Traveljunkieindonesia.com -  I am very excited at the moment. A city of gourmands, Sydney has it all when it comes to fine food.

I get lots of emails from my readers asking me: “Where is you favorite places for dinner in Sydney?” So here is one of our favorite places for dinner in Sydney.

Damn, I absolutely love Sydney Tower Buffet — the contemporary self-select restaurant in Sydney Tower Dining. Enjoyed a meal in the highest revolving restaurant this side of the equator.

fantastic sydney tower eye | photo by sydney tower buffet

stunning views from sydney tower buffet | camera Sony NEX-7

Offering an extensive banquet-style dining experience with uninterrupted revolving views of the city, Sydney Tower Buffet provides the perfect relaxed dining environment for locals and visitors alike.

Our table is three hundred metres above ground level and the self-select buffet offers a banquet of more than 40 freshly-prepared dishes, including modern Australian, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and a selection of fresh seafood. I hope, next time Indonesian food here.

Everyone can peruse the buffet at their leisure and choose from the extensive buffet offerings, including oysters, prawns, steamed mussels, dumplings, braised pork belly, braised fish, roast kangaroo, crocodile, pad thai, and a range of salads and cold meats – not to mention the DIY dessert bar offering chocolate mudcake, panna cotta, pavlova, ice cream and more. Oooh it was just wonderful to eat. Burp!!!

a selection of fresh seafood | camera Sony NEX-7

roast kangaroo, crocodile, sauce | camera Sony NEX-7

fruits and cakes | camera Sony NEX-7

a perfecto dining | camera Sony NEX-7

During the gentle 70-minute rotation you will be treated to 360-degree views of Sydney and its surrounds from the city centre to the heritage listed Blue Mountains.

And you know what? Relaxed dining and friendly service make Sydney Tower Buffet a perfect dining option for families.

My friends and I had a lovely time. The atmosphere was great and the food was tasty.

A big thank you to Garuda Indonesia and Destination NSW. And, for more information about the Sydney Tower Buffet, visit sydneytowerbuffet.com.au.

So I do plan to come back for sunset dinner the next time here!

Happy Sustainable Travels!

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skywalk nervous conversation | camera Sony NEX-7

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – While we were at Westfield Sydney, Garuda Indonesia and Destination NSW took me to Sydney Tower Eye for the challenge actually walk around the outside of the Tower on SKYWALK and look around.

Woohoo, Travel Junkie Indonesia in the skywalk in winter and extremely high winds. Oooh I believe my readers would possibly like to try.

Damn! It’s a very pretty place. Skywalk is a unique high-altitude outdoor adventure on top of Sydney Tower Eye.

garuda indonesia, femina, clara, cosmopolitan, and national geographic indonesia contingent | camera Sony NEX-7

it’s a hard skywalk time | camera Sony NEX-7

a highlander walking in the sky | camera Sony NEX-7

papa was rolling skywalk | camera Sony NEX-7

The Sydney thrill scene is a heart-stopping experience that is definitely not for people who are scared of heights.

Cameras aren’t allowed, but for my Sony NEX-7, allowed. Aaah kisses for Skyguides!

Have you ever dreamed that you were walking? Walking on high above Sydney, 268 metres!!! That’s 879 feet if you’re not metric! Just like walking on air. I realized I was enjoying the adrenalin rush, yeah!!

stand on a glass platform in a blue skysuit | camera Sony NEX-7

postcard for sydney light lovers | camera Sony NEX-7

dancing sydney skywalk | camera Sony NEX-7

Well this was exactly what it felt like. Just like in my dreams.

Harnessed to a safety rail and dressed in a special protective suit. We step out side by side and over each other for a breathtaking 45-minute. It was so pretty and peaceful and serene and nervous and WINTER WINDY.

I loved watching the SYDNEY lights from here.

the sydney winter night | camera Sony NEX-7

return to save room | camera Sony NEX-7

It was definitely a FANTASTIC experience that was totally worth it! I’ll never forget!

Sydney Tower Eye is open every day from 10am. SKYWALK runs from 10am to 8pm Oct – April (last walk departs 8pm) and 10am to 7pm May – September (last walk departs 7pm).

For more information, go to sydneytowereye.com.au.

Happy Sustainable Travels!

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welcome to westfield | camera Sony NEX-7

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – Eeeeek… I flew to SYDNEY with Garuda Indonesia in Executive Class, to be surprised.

We travelled. Again I woke up bright and early, and today I checked out Sydney as a fashion and shopping experience. Ooh it was glorious!

“I always find beauty in things that are odd and imperfect. They are much more interesting.” - Marc Jacobs.

Sydney offer a world class shopping experience with designer boutiques, department stores and speciality shops. Sydney city is famous for it’s wonderful, a fantastic blend of historic and ultra-modern shopping arcades.

this was the view of westfield outdoor areas | camera Sony NEX-7

stunning view from westfield areas | camera Sony NEX-7

I spent the whole day walking around the Westfield Sydney! Westfield Sydney has four massive floors of fashion and two floors of dining. There was so much variety and I had a blast discovering it all! Argh, my feet are so sore. I really enjoyed!

Westfield Sydney is what travel junkies style dreams are made of, featuring Australian and global designer products: men and women’s clothes, fashion, jewellery, accessories, homewares, gifts, art, skin care, and more.

beautiful lady flekser from westfield tourism and services | camera Sony NEX-7

westfield sydney sunglasses collection | camera Sony NEX-7

westfield rainbow trees | camera Sony NEX-7

And the fashion?

If you’re looking for some unique travel style from Australian designers, you’ll find Arthur Galan AG, Fleur Wood, Zimmerman, Ksubi and Little Joe Woman.

Travel junkie style shoppers should also check out Zara and sass and bide.

If you love global designer brands head to DFS Galleria for tax-free shopping on all the big brands such as Burberry, Bulgari, Cartier, Dior and Tiffany & Co.

“Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.” – Gianni Versace

If you see me with Travel Junkie Indonesia tee, Abercrombie & Fitch Co short jeans, Tenun Ikat headband and Converse shoes on Corner Market and Pitt Streets, Sydney. Do stop to say hi!

And, check this out the westfield.com.au website.

Happy Sustainable Travels!

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deep blue sea, life, and love | camera Sony NEX-7

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – Hi travel junkies, here’s another snap shot from my world’s largest collection of Australian aquatic life – we were doing a bit of marine life exploring at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.

More than 13.000 marine animals call this aquatic paradise home, including sharks, penguins, dugongs, turtles, clownfish, stingrays and ‘crabzilla’ Japanese Spider Crabs.

A visit to Sydney Aquarium is an underwater journey at its finest. No need to scuba dive to see this wonderful marine life up close. It was a magical and so peaceful.

by the sea life | camera Sony NEX-7

sea life knowledge for kids | camera Sony NEX-7

kisses from platypus | camera Sony NEX-7

penguins of love | camera Sony NEX-7

The first tunnel, filled with tropical fish, Dugongs, sting rays and the less fearful of the sharks, or the second tunnel, home to great white sharks, wobbygongs, black and white pointers, tiger sharks and stingrays with a wingspan bigger than my body, these tunnels both petrify and amaze me.

I love all of the exhibits at the aquarium. To me, it’s a giant, very pretty playground. It was pretty AMAZING.

the aquatic sea | camera Sony NEX-7

let me go swim | camera Sony NEX-7

stunning view from glass road | camera Sony NEX-7

dugong surprised to get it together | camera Sony NEX-7

love of dugong smile | camera Sony NEX-7

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, much like Taronga Zoo, is the perfect place for a family outing. Children always seem to love this kind of thing, and if you’re an adult who’s never been before, I’m pretty sure you’ll love it too.

I definitely recommend visiting the aquarium if you’re in Sydney, located on the city side of Darling Harbour, between Madame Tussauds. It’s well worth the money, and is a great way to spend the day.

A big thank you to Garuda Indonesia and Destination NSW. And, for more information about the aquarium, visit sydneyaquarium.com.au.

Happy Sustainable Travels!

Follow us on Twitter @TravelJunkieID & like us on Facebook.

heard of Mr. Wong | camera Sony NEX-7

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – Eeeek I am so excited to tell you all about this update.

Woohoo! nice to meet you Mr. Wong. Mr Wong is a themed restaurant – the look is 1920’s colonial Hong Kong – before the revolution.

It’s been FANTASTIC for travel junkies. Layered with timeless colonial furnishings including timber floors with tiled inlay, bamboo framed French woven chairs and slow turning ceiling fans, Mr. Wong pays homage to classic Chinese influences in a contemporary style. Perfectooo!

welcome to Mr. Wong | camera Sony NEX-7

Mr. Wong bossa | camera Sony NEX-7

wave in level one | camera Sony NEX-7

wines room | camera Sony NEX-7

The Cantonese-style menu features over 60 dishes including Chinese roasted duck, faux Shark Fin Soup and Abalone served Steamboat style, as well as an unrivalled dim sum selection.

Sprawled over two levels Canto-extravaganza, the 240 seater Mr. Wong is one of the largest restaurants in the northern end of the Sydney CBD. It offers a range of dining options varying from private dining rooms and large group tables, through to intimate tables for two and seating at the open kitchen.

It has been harmonised perfectly with an army of staff to ensure the smooth flow of everything.

Mr. Wong the open kitchen | camera Sony NEX-7

love shines at the open kitchen | camera Sony NEX-7

classic Chinese influences | camera Sony NEX-7

a juicy with crisp skin and sweet meat | camera Sony NEX-7

Well, for our entree – Mix steamed dim sum selection, fresh vegetarian salad of cucumber, fennel, celery, woodear mushrooms and rice jelly sheets, Taiwanese style crispy chicken chop, King prawn wontons with soy chilli dressing, and house-made XO sauce.

stunning of salt and pepper calamari | camera Sony NEX-7

mmm delicious of beef and blackbean, asparagus, baby corn and snowpeas | camera Sony NEX-7

the one that you love in asparagus, sugarsnaps and broccoli with garlic and rice wine | camera Sony NEX-7

A little later, my mains arrived. It was steamed fish fillet with ginger and shallots, Salt and pepper calamari, Beef and blackbean, asparagus, baby corn and snowpeas, Asparagus, sugarsnaps and broccoli with garlic and rice wine.

Ooh my. This is my lunch??? it was HUGE.

However, My friends and I had a lovely time. I appreciated that this was their signature dish and that this recipe is based on traditional cuisine.

I really enjoyed it.

inside of love | camera Sony NEX-7

Aaa I absolutely love Mr. Wong. The atmosphere was great, the portions were good, prices were fine, and the food was tasty.

It was just FANTASTIC!

Located within an easy walk of trains, buses and parking stations. It’s perfectly placed for a quick lunch time snack, pre and post theatre suppers, late night dining, large celebratory events and family get-togethers.

A big thank you to Garuda Indonesia and Destination NSW. Visit merivale.com for more information about Mr. Wong.

Happy Sustainable Travels!

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nice to meet you madame tussaud | camera Sony NEX-7

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – Yes, I was a groupie. A groupie at Madame Tussauds Sydney, Darling Harbour. A groupie is a person who seeks emotional and sexual intimacy with a musician or other celebrity or public figure.

“…I hope to be quite here and am just making some portraits of famous people in the town for my Salon which is drawing big crowds.” – Madame Marie Tussaud.

Sydney is always changing and more than 16 million travel junkies come to Darling Harbour every year to see the beautifully landscaped parks, enjoy its many unique attractions.

Like I said, Sydney is travel junkies playground to refresh, re-connect and live life to the fullest. And, I enjoyed it soooo much!

Are you in Sydney or Darling Harbour? Don’t forget to visit Madame Tussauds Sydney — synonymous with history, heritage and fine artistry. Here are some postcards when I traveled like a groupie at Madame Tussauds Sydney:

where no endings end with captain cook | camera Sony NEX-7

in sir charles kingsford smith side back | camera Sony NEX-7

jesus walk with me and mary mackillop | camera Sony NEX-7

just give me a reason? | camera Sony NEX-7

Madame Tussauds really does add up to a red hot outing where you can meet, greet, chat up, photograph and even hug your favorite celebrity.

So who do you want to meet? Wax is better than the real thing, right? Easier to manipulate, doesn’t talk back, happy to pose and smile. Fantasticcc!!!

mel gibson just here for the gasoline | camera Sony NEX-7

a nightmare on elm street with johnny depp | camera Sony NEX-7

a breakfast with audrey hepburn at tiffany’s | camera Sony NEX-7

It was so much fun, very relaxing and just lovely to get away from our routine for a bit.

Madame Tussauds Sydney had the right idea. It was GORGEOUS!!!

mahatma gandhi a mystery to me | camera Sony NEX-7

give peace a chance | camera Sony NEX-7

africa’s where nelson mandela heart lies | camera Sony NEX-7

heaven of free tibet | camera Sony NEX-7

I’m so inspired by the experience, next stop is Madame Tussauds London

A big thank you to Garuda Indonesia and Destination NSW. For more information about Madame Tussauds Sydney, visit the madametussauds.com/sydney.

Happy Sustainable Travels!

Follow us on Twitter @TravelJunkieID & like us on Facebook.

the magic behind the lighting of the sails | camera Sony NEX-7

Traveljunkieindonesia.com – Hi travel junkies, VIP member come this way… I have been invited to attend the Vivid LIVE Stage Door Tour at Sydney Opera House in early June, this tour sponsored by Garuda Indonesia and Destination NSW. And it was FANTASTIC.

“The sun did not know how beautiful its light was until it was reflected off this building,” said famous architect Louis Kahn.

Designed by Danish architect Jørn Oberg Utzon and constructed between 1959 and 1973, the Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most famous structures and iconic attactions. I can now see inside the world’s most recognisable sails on the Sydney Opera House tour.

jesus, I am a vip member

in the red areas before the show | camera Sony NEX-7

On this hour-long tour, travel junkies will be completely immersed in the story of Australia’s national icon and be given an insight into the special magic moments that take place at the Sydney Opera House.

This moment, I went behind the stage door of Vivid LIVE, and took a Vivid LIVE Stage Door Tour before the show.

This all-access areas tour explores the areas usually privy to stage crew and performers – backstage and inside the creative hideouts and halls.

The Vivid LIVE Stage Door Tour experience includes VIP welcome at Stage Door, exclusive access backstage and to the famous Green Room, one hour behind-the-scenes tour and insiders sneak-peek throughout some of the theatres, and a Vivid LIVE welcome drink in the bar before the show.

vivid live stage experience

got exclusive access to backstage

rediscover the magic behind the lighting of the sails, end with a glass of bubbly and spectacular views of sydney harbour | camera Sony NEX-7

Like I said, discover the history, mysteries, and magic of this architectural wonder and see inside the theatres where the House comes to life. it was FANTASTICCCC!!!

Well, visit sydneyoperahouse.com for more information.

Happy Sustainable Travels!

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