#Supreme Mecca

[fivepercentgodsandearths]

Support Serious Inquiry Only!

[cartermagazine]

“Milk is chillin’, Giz is chillin’, what more can I say? Top Billin’!”

Summer of ‘88 in Medina (Brooklyn) was INFAMOUS!

The Gods can tell you, the golden era of hip-hop culture was at its peak in the Mecca of Brooklyn during Summer of ‘88…

Two Iconic albums from local Brooklyn artist dropped June of ‘88. “What More Can I Say?” by MC Milk Dee and DJ Gizmo from Audio Two, and “Long Live The Kane” by Big Daddy Kane.

And it was the hit single “Top Billin’” from Audio Two that reign supreme and captured that infamous Brooklyn summer of ‘88.

Every Block Party would play that song on repeat, and every car with the booming system would take every opportunity to stop at a red light if a group of girls or crew were out there to play that song and show off their system.

If you know, you know…

“Go Brooklyn!”

CARTER™️ Magazine

[b-lessings]

Salaam, how does one stay positive and hopeful even looking around at the stage of the world

Wa alaykum assalam dear,

Faith Faith Faith!

The only thing that can save you is to hold on to Allah's rope.

I know everything around us looks horrifying, it looks like we're at the final stage, and the only thing left is for the antichrist to appear - We seek refuge in Allah from that - but listen, there is a Hadith by which Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encourages the believers to never stop doing good deeds and working even in the final seconds of life "If the Final Hour comes while you have a shoot of a plant in your hands and it is possible to plant it before the Hour comes, you should plant it."

I honestly don't know what to tell you besides holding on to your faith and to your Quran + strengthening your relationship with Allah swt.

The Quran is filled with verses of reassurance that might help you calm your anxieties and feel better about what's going on around us, I can't mention all of them but here are the ones that are coming to mind rn as I am thinking of your ask:

From Surat Al Baqarah (2)

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَىْءٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْخَوْفِ وَٱلْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَنفُسِ وَٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ ١٥٥

We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure

ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَصَـٰبَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌۭ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيْهِ رَٰجِعُونَ ١٥٦

who say, when struck by a disaster, “Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will ˹all˺ return.”

----------

From Surat Al Ankaboot (29):

أَحَسِبَ ٱلنَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوٓا۟ أَن يَقُولُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ ٢

Do people think once they say, “We believe,” that they will be left without being put to the test?

وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ ۖ فَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ ٱللَّهُ ��لَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا۟ وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ ٱلْكَـٰذِبِينَ ٣

We certainly tested those before them. And ˹in this way˺ Allah will clearly distinguish between those who are truthful and those who are liars.

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From Surat aTawba (9):

إِلَّا تَنصُرُوهُ فَقَدْ نَصَرَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِذْ أَخْرَجَهُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ثَانِىَ ٱثْنَيْنِ إِذْ هُمَا فِى ٱلْغَارِ إِذْ يَقُولُ لِصَـٰحِبِهِۦ لَا تَحْزَنْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَنَا ۖ فَأَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ سَكِينَتَهُۥ عَلَيْهِ وَأَيَّدَهُۥ بِجُنُودٍۢ لَّمْ تَرَوْهَا وَجَعَلَ كَلِمَةَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱلسُّفْلَىٰ ۗ وَكَلِمَةُ ٱللَّهِ هِىَ ٱلْعُلْيَا ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ ٤٠

˹It does not matter˺ if you ˹believers˺ do not support him, for Allah did in fact support him when the disbelievers drove him out ˹of Mecca˺ and he was only one of two. While they both were in the cave, he reassured his companion,1 “Do not worry; Allah is certainly with us.” So Allah sent down His serenity upon the Prophet, supported him with forces you ˹believers˺ did not see, and made the word of the disbelievers lowest, while the Word of Allah is supreme. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.

---------

And my favorites from Surat Ta Ha (20):

قَالَ لَا تَخَافَآ ۖ إِنَّنِى مَعَكُمَآ أَسْمَعُ وَأَرَىٰ ٤٦

Allah reassured ˹them˺, “Have no fear! I am with you, hearing and seeing.

Tbh the whole surah, because there is a common theme in Surat Ta Ha which is " Do not fear ", and in general, it is very calming, Alhamdullillah.

Anyways, pray your five, try to make lots of shirk and tasbih, try to do good by yourself and by people, and rely on Allah in everything you do, because, as Allah swt says in Surat Talaq (65):

وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مَخْرَجًۭا ٢

And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them,

وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بَـٰلِغُ أَمْرِهِۦ ۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدْرًۭا ٣

and provide for them from sources they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He ˹alone˺ is sufficient for them. Certainly Allah achieves His Will. Allah has already set a destiny for everything.

[rrlexchange]

"HOW ONE PAIR OF RRL DENIM JEANS MAKES IT FROM A COTTON FIELD TO YOUR CLOSET" - by Ikhtier Rustamov

When Ralph Lauren founded Double RL in 1993, he was inspired by the heritage of the American West and the train-hopping, steer-wrangling, gold-panning men who helped to settle it. “It’s not fashion, it’s real stuff,” Ralph has been known to say about the line in the years since. Nothing better embodies that uniquely American quality than a pair of blue jeans (made in the first place for the hard-wearing needs of miners and cowboys). American made jeans have always been a staple in the Double RL wardrobe, but the jeans made with the “East-West” denim, which crosses the globe in pursuit of perfection, just may be the gold standard. Here’s how a single pair comes together.

All denim is made from cotton, but not all cotton is created equal: the material can vary vastly in quality depending on where it’s sourced. RRL’s East-West denim is fabricated using premium grade cotton harvested in the state of Tennessee. The crop that grows there is renowned for its extra long, uneven fibers. When eventually spun and woven, that will translate into denim that’s supremely resilient, with a unique texture that sets it apart from the pack.

From Tennessee, the cotton is flown across the ocean to Japan. To Okayama, specifically, a city that is to denim what Memphis is to the blues. Today, some of the world’s best American denim is made in Japan, where a centuries-old tradition for indigo-dying and fabric weaving is combined with a dedication to maintaining and using vintage narrow shuttle looms which were largely dispensed with half a century ago. In the 1900s, all denim was made on these narrow shuttle looms: slow, noisy, and costly to maintain these looms created a narrow fabric with low-tension, resulting in strong and dynamic denim, rich in texture and finished on either end with a closed selvedge edge. By the 1950s, the fabric had grown so popular that most factories switched to more efficient air-jet looms, creating more product, faster, cheaper and at a lower quality.

To create our East-West denim, we partnered with a small Okayama denim mill that is a standard-bearer in a nearly lost art. The long-staple cotton is deftly ring-spun into a soft, lofty yarn, and rope dyed a red-blue shade of indigo inspired by jeans from the 1930s. Spun and dyed, the yarn is finally woven into bolts of fabric on wooden hanger-style shuttle looms, finished with an iconic red-line of yarn through the selvedge fabric edges. Off the loom, the fabric is then Sanforized, to reduce shrinkage, and finished with a proprietary process that retains the natural “loomstate” characteristics of the denim, creating a true “hand of quality”.

From one denim mecca to the next, the finished bolts are shipped over to California — the state where jeans got their start. Here the product really takes shape: the denim is cut and sewn into finished jeans manually using methods that were common from the 1940s-1960s, but have become rare today: chain-stitching, washer burrs, hidden rivets, and handset pockets and waistbands.

American-made thread and rivets hold it all together, while an open “busted” outseam on the outside of each pant leg leaves the selvedge edge visible as a hallmark of quality. For a finishing touch, the signature RRL leather patch is applied by hand.

Once assembled, the jeans are given a final once-over for detailing and distressing. A team of artisans in Los Angeles fits each individual pair onto a special form and rough them up just a bit. Hand-sanding is one of the best ways to give a patina of age, but that’s just one piece of the tool-kit: a finished pair of pants can undergo up to 50 steps before they head out the door, and that’s without even considering the variety of vintage-inspired washes that change with every season.

With this last step, East-West Denim goes from uniform fabric to a wear-ready pair of RRL jeans.

From field to factory to weekly rotation, East-West Denim comes to life when the jeans take on the life of the wearer, weathered by the elements and the inevitable abrasions that come from daily use. Eventually, whiskers above the legs and “honeycombs” behind the knees appear. The tell-tale “track” on the outer inseam manifests. A phantom outline appears on the pocket where you always put your wallet. And then they’re not just “real stuff.” They’re really yours.

[shut-up-rabert]

You know what makes me angry? People who shamelessly hide information for the sake of their propaganda.

The Ny times articles regarding Ayodhya verdict (which were conviniently written by american leftist muslims) wrote about how it was islamophobic and BJP oriented of the Supreme Court to decide on giving the land to us.

No mention of the Sikh memoirs proving that the temple was demolished to make the mosque. No mention of the ASI report that proved that a non islamic structure complete with statues was found underneath. No mention of how important the temple is to the hindus or how many went away without getting to see the day they worship their beloved Ram Lalla. No mention of how their was no muslim prayers being offered there from since 50 years before and how the structure was being used as a makeshift temple.

An article regarding the Ayodhya verdict can water down all the crucial information about a religious temple that is nothing short of Mecca or Bethlehem to me to focus on the side they favour losing just another (abandoned) mosque.

But it is islamophobia, yes.

[catenaaurea]

No other institution is left standing which carries the mind back to the times when the smoke of sacrifice rose from the Pantheon, and when camelopards and tigers bounded in the Flavian amphitheater. The proudest royal houses are but of yesterday, when compared with the line of the Supreme Pontiffs. That line we trace back in an unbroken series from the pope who crowned Napoleon in the nineteenth century to the pope who crowned Pepin in the eighth; and far beyond the time of Pepin the august dynasty extends, till it is lost in the twilight of fable. The republic of Venice came next in antiquity. But the republic of Venice was modern when compared with the Papacy; and the republic of Venice is gone, and the Papacy remains. The Papacy remains, not in decay, not a mere antique, but full of life and useful vigor...

Nor do we see any sign which indicates that the term of her long dominion is approaching. She saw the commencement of all the governments and of all the ecclesiastical establishments that now exist in the world; and we feel no assurance that she is not destined to see the end of them all. She was great and respected before the Saxon had set foot on Britain, before the Frank had passed the Rhine, when Grecian eloquence still flourished in Antioch, when idols were still worshiped in the temple of Mecca. And she may still exist in undiminished vigor when some traveler from New Zealand shall, in the midst of a vast solitude, take his stand on a broken arch of London Bridge to sketch the ruins of St. Paul’s...

The Arabs have a fable that the Great Pyramid was built by antediluvian kings, and alone of all the works of men bore the weight of the flood. Such as this was the fate of the Papacy. It had been buried under the great inundation, but its deep foundations had remained unshaken, and, when the waters abated, it appeared alone amidst the ruins of a world which had passed away. The republic of Holland was gone, and the empire of Germany, and the Great Council of Venice, and the old Helvetian League, and the House of Bourbon, and the parliaments and aristocracy of France...But the unchangeable Church was still there.

Thomas Babington Macaulay, The Church of Rome

[livefuntravelposts]

Exploring Amazing Places in August

August, the zenith of summer, comes with the promise of vibrant experiences and unforgettable journeys. As the sun casts its golden glow across the world, this month offers plenty of possibilities for travel enthusiasts to embark on exciting escapades. Whether you're a beach lover seeking peaceful shores, a culture enthusiast ready to immerse yourself in festivals, or an adventurer eager to conquer new landscapes, August presents a variety of top travel destinations that cater to every wanderer's heart. August also starts see smaller crowds as school starts in many places. This makes August ideal for couples to travel and explore. Join us on this extended journey as we explore in-depth some of the most captivating places to visit in this splendid month.

Discovering the Mediterranean Wonders: A Blend of Colors and Cultures

As summer's warmth envelops the European continent, the Mediterranean shoreline becomes a melting pot of cultures and breathtaking vistas. Imagine wandering through the cobbled streets of Rome, where every corner reveals layers of history waiting to be uncovered. Journey to Florence and be captivated by the Renaissance masterpieces that adorn its galleries and piazzas. The Amalfi Coast beckons with its postcard-perfect scenery, inviting you to unwind on its picturesque beaches. If cooler places are your preference, venture to Iceland and be mesmerised by its otherworldly landscapes, from geothermal wonders to glaciers that glisten under the midnight sun. Alternatively, lose yourself in the rugged beauty of Norway's fjords, where nature's magnificence reigns supreme. Scotland's Edinburgh Festival Fringe is proof of human creativity, offering an array of artistic expressions that transform the city into a vibrant canvas of imagination.

Nature's Playground: Exploring National Parks and the Great Outdoors

August unfolds as a paradise for nature enthusiasts, inviting you to indulge in the raw beauty of national parks and pristine landscapes. Yellowstone National Park's geothermal wonders and geysers present a mesmerizing spectacle, while its diverse wildlife roams freely across the expansive wilderness. Canada's Banff National Park boasts emerald lakes that mirror the surrounding mountains, providing an idyllic setting for hiking and reflection. In the heart of South Africa, Kruger National Park's dry season offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the intricate dance of life as animals gather around water sources in search of sustenance.  

Relaxing by the Sea

Enjoying Nature's Beauty August invites beach lovers to embrace the soothing rhythm of the tides and the caress of ocean breezes. The Maldives, a tropical paradise, unveils its luxurious overwater bungalows and coral reefs teeming with marine life. French Polynesia's Bora Bora, a synonym for romance, presents crystal-clear lagoons and the gentle sway of palm trees, creating a picture-perfect setting for relaxation.  Also, do not forget about lakes.  In many places, a lake vacation is incredible.

Festivals and Cultural Delights: Celebrating Together

August is a testament to cultural unity, with festivals celebrating the rich tapestry of human traditions. Spain's La Tomatina Festival in Buñol is a spirited event that sees participants engage in a playful tomato fight, creating a vibrant spectacle of color and camaraderie. The Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide, drawing millions to Mecca in a profound journey of faith and devotion. Also in Scotland, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe transforms the Scottish capital into a hub of artistic innovation, where performers from across the globe converge to showcase their talents in a melting pot of creativity.

Asian Adventures: Unveiling the Beauty of the East

The enchantment of Asia beckons, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Bali, Indonesia, is a haven of tranquillity, where emerald rice terraces cascade down hillsides and intricate temples invite moments of reflection. Tokyo, Japan, is a symphony of contrasts during the Obon Festival, with lantern-lit streets and traditional dance paying homage to ancestral spirits. Seoul, South Korea, seamlessly fuses ancient palaces with bustling urban districts, encapsulating the nation's dynamic spirit and rich history.

Thrills and Chills: Embracing Adventure 

For adventure seekers, August offers opportunities to push boundaries and immerse in nature's wonders. Costa Rica's lush rainforests provide a playground for ziplining through the canopy and encountering exotic creatures, while the Southern Alps of New Zealand transform into a snow-covered wonderland, offering thrilling skiing and snowboarding experiences amidst breathtaking alpine landscapes.

Sailing into the Horizon: Cruising in August

Though Kati and I are not cruisers, we know many that are.  August is an opportune time for cruise enthusiasts to set sail on unforgettable journeys. Alaska's majestic glaciers and untamed landscapes create a stunning backdrop for your voyage, as you navigate through icy waters and encounter wildlife in its natural habitat. A Mediterranean cruise presents a cultural odyssey, with each port of call revealing the layers of history, art, and culinary delights that define the region.

Spiritual Retreats and Inner Journeys: Nurturing the Soul

In August, seekers of spiritual enlightenment can embark on transformative journeys. India, with its rich tapestry of spiritual traditions, offers opportunities for meditation and self-discovery. Varanasi, the spiritual heart of the country, immerses visitors in ancient rituals along the sacred Ganges River. Alternatively, the tranquil landscapes of Tibet invite introspection and connection with the divine. Whether it's a pilgrimage to a holy site or a retreat in a serene monastery, August offers a chance to nourish the soul and embark on an inner quest for meaning.

Our Last Word

August paints a vivid tapestry of exploration, inviting travelers to indulge their wanderlust and create cherished memories. Whether you're lounging on Mediterranean shores, partaking in cultural festivities, or embracing the thrill of outdoor adventures, these top travel destinations promise an unparalleled experience. As you plan your August escapade, remember to consider local guidelines and travel advisories to ensure a safe and seamless journey. Let curiosity be your compass as you traverse continents and unlock the hidden treasures that await. You might just see Kati and I on your adventures.

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[haggishlyhagging]

Although Paris had a strong hold on Mary Putnam Jacobi, New York had much to offer, for Manhattan was becoming the nucleus of American intellectual life. It was the center of American literary culture as well as the publishing capital, due in part to George Putnam's contributions in the previous decades. New York was the locale of a growing academic community, led by the expansion of the city's universities. And it was a medical mecca due to its growing hospitals, medical societies, and public health movements after the Civil War. New York City was also becoming a prominent urban center of American women's rights activism, a movement that started in Seneca Falls in 1848. After belonging to such vibrant intellectual circles in Paris, Jacobi sought out like-minded intellectuals and professionals in New York, and did not need to look far.

Shortly after her arrival, Jacobi became involved in the New York Positivist Society, a loose-knit group of the city's intelligentsia dedicated to the ideas of August Comte. At biweekly meetings, middle- and upper-class writers, artists, and professionals met in parlors or lecture rooms to philosophize about the problems that plagued modern industrial society and to construct programs of social reform. These American disciples of Comte focused on two key positivist principles. First, they believed that all knowledge should be based on observable phenomena derived from empirical, scientific investigation. As David G. Croly, head of the New York Positivist Society, put it, "Our faith is ... based upon demonstrated truths, not upon authority or tradition, or mere subjective conceptions, but upon objective realities which can be seen and known of all men." Rejecting the atheist label, positivists insisted, "Our Supreme Being is Humanity, which we affirm is the only God man ever could or ever can know. " Second, they viewed society as an organism that mirrored both the family structure and the human body with its interrelated and interdependent parts. In the positivist view, all members and sectors of society, like all parts of an organism, should work in concert for the broader good. The philosophy translated neatly into middle-class visions of social reform in the post-Civil War era, for positivists believed professionals could eradicate social problems, and a new moral order would emerge where citizens worshipped humanity and directed their spirituality toward social improvement.

-Carla Bittel, Mary Putnam Jacobi & The Politics of Medicine in Nineteenth-Century America.

[33-108]

https://www.thecanadianbazaar.com/jews-descended-from-brahmin-priests-of-india-says-new-book/#:~:text=About%202%2C400%20years%20ago%2C%20the,he%20was%20right%2C%20says%20Brown.

This will upset many people, especially vehement anti jews, but it is a reality people are going to have to face.

The kabbalah, merkavah mysticism etc and the general ontology of a monastic, supreme consciousness, emanating into all that is we see and interact with, with total boundless, free will, in which can be interfaced by us, as emanations of the supreme; gifted with free will - directly corresponds to that of prevedic ideologue, the idelogue of those studying the brahmavidya - the ontological structure of shaivism, evidently predating the vedas themselves and the devas of the indoaryans.

Mind you, every other system interpreting the vedas i.e the vedanta school - differs from this perspective, they either believe god does not have free will, or that this reality is, "an illusion", in contrast to a multiplicity of the one supreme consciousness.

The aryans were consumed with the devas, similar in nature to aryan descended Greeks and their gods, for the sake of compartmentalized, spritual or other powers of the natural world.

The indoaryans discussed a prevedic shiva worshipping civilization, they encountered 3000 b.c.

The hebrews are descendants of this precise society - a class of brahmin priests in which migrated west, from india - as aristotle mentioned over 2 millenia ago.

The jews were originally shaivites.. in which relied nearly entirely on oral tradition who spread their knowledge and integrated their philosophy into other cultures, using the symbols and linguistics of novel, western civilizations of both iranian and various cannanite - hence the alien nature of the Hebrew language as a semitic language relative to others in the region, as well as the emergence of monotheistic zoroastrianism in the respective province.

The invisible father and barbelo, mentioned in the secret book of John- is an absolute kabbalistic depiction of the supreme consciousness birthing the first material manifestation.. the first question of the answer and all answers, the first step in the infinite dance. Just as barbelo (the mother father) and the invisible father are androgynous, with barbelo being an inseparable multiplicity of the supreme consciousness, parabhairava and bhairavi (the goddess) are the same.

Kashmir shaivism, cultivated in the syncretic religious mecca, now war torn due to religious and cultural disputes - is the most similar ontologically to Jewish kabbalah and had a massive influence on sufism.

While only an official categorical sect of hinduism as of 1000 or so a.d, expounded by the great Abhinavagupta, its most foundational roots, are far predating.. this early eastern culture, is the lost, esoteric key of Abrahamism, hidden in plain sight and Kashmir shaivism, the school of thought directly descended from it- astutely conveys this sentiment.

AUM namashivaya - Aum Kalabhairavaya namah

[khorneschosen]

Again, for every reason he shouldn't lie to you is every reason he is also why he doesn't have to give you the truth, or have to demand worship.

And again, if you cannot prove god existence, you can not also prove his nature. This too must be taken on faith. So kneel and pray and hope that it is your god that answers and not the wolf father.

That is the point. However my suggestion that god is like that of a chaos god holds more weight in one regard. God as you know him would not care about you. He has no reason to. You are not necessary for his existence, you can offer him nothing he wants, needs or desires. He cares not for your good works or your evil ones. He cares not. Because to care implies that as an entity he has something that is apart from him. Something that exists outside of him that he needs to be an entity. A chaos god calls for worship and acts in his name because they feed him through their souls. He needs them to exist. He needs them as I need food water and air to remain an entity. So if you cannot prove gods existence, you can not also prove his nature.

Yes once upon a time when you tried enlightenment ideals, when you practiced my creed you prospered. This was btw because after conquering the Persians you inherited that which came from the classical and ancient world and many of their and the romans great works. And were placed between india and china with the medical and chemical works. Thus having access to their work. Growing rich on the silk trade that passed through your lands. Since when has your creed produced something of its own? You borrowed all that you take pride in and pass it off as your own.

But you never became what we were. Why. Is. That? You had everything we did only more so. Why did your god give us all his blessings for saying that god was the architect and cared nothing for mortals. That he has a distant uncaring god, having made the universe and its supreme laws and then wandered off.

And now your people are bombed into the sand and clay by us and it is only our mercy that causes us to cease. You exist as you are by our mercy.

Whether you believe any of the moon, mars and one time the soviets sent a probe to venus. It happened and is true but more than that we have done more than you. We have satellites circling the globe, (which is why your gps systems work and why our bombs are so beautifully accurate) we work with atomic power, and change the genetic codes of life to better suit us. We are supreme in technological capability. Where are you learned navigation to face mecca we used it to found my country. To cover the globe.

We know more of the world than you ever could and ever will. Your tech investments are investments in technology we discover. On natural processes we found. On the soldiers of giants you have your investments, our soldiers. And curse us for it.

i'll just leave this here for anyone who sees "from the river to the sea" as a threat

[cleverhottubmiracle]

Across the world, countless bloggers have majored on Australia as a destination; there’s also a ceaseless stream of toned and fashionable Australians who dominate a casual perusal of the Instagram ‘Explore’ screen as if the algorithm is calibrated to go overweight Aussie beauty! My experiences, however, are just that; my own, not ‘new’, but just from me. That said, I sure as hell did my research before arriving in Sydney, systematically surveying every single Australian I know, then distilling their collective output into a one-week, extensive plan of attack! Indeed, having done-and-dusted with my experience in the Great Barrier Reef, pursued my full Sydney scheme precisely as it was sketched out, it gives me great joy to recount and depict the choicest of experiences here to you dear reader, whether you’re just curious or are planning an adventurous ‘Active Escape’ of your own! This post makes up Part 2 of the Australia series – and I sense there will be countless more parts to follow upon my future return to that magnificent country! I discovered an outdoor-dwelling society, predisposed to health and fitness, blessed with supreme weather and a fresh fish-based diet, in a culturally diverse and well-invested city where inhabitants genuinely smile. In fact it’s so good, this could conceivably be ‘home’ one day! Click MORE to discover my Top 10 experiences in Sydney… POWER-WALKING THROUGH THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN… Just south of the iconic Circular Quay, and with an unconstrained view of the key landmarks from Mrs. Macquarie’s Point, a walk through the lush and fertile exotic gardens both lifts the sense and culminates with as good a view from the Rocks as you’ll get of the Harbour. For a clear empty run of it, going early in the day seems to be the trick to avoid tour-bus overload, but if you do go around lunchtime, you’ll see dozens of Sydney-siders running sprint circuits up and down Mrs. Macquarie’s Stairs! 2. HIKING FROM COOGEE TO BONDI… Not for the faint of heart, and requiring somewhat of a comfortable pair of shoes, THIS is an 8.1km hike, lasting around 100 minutes. The wind howls on this part of the rugged coastline, the waves are treacherous, but the views are breathtaking and really quite awe-inspiring. Whether you just want to take in the coastline, breathe the air, bask in the sunshine, or admire the ocean-view properties, it is a superb walk. The path takes you through the lush and verdant Gordon’s Bay, the tranquil and striking Waverley Cemetery in which thousands of souls proudly look eternally out to sea, the Hunter Sculpture park, Bronte Bay (a surfer’s mecca), ending up on the iconic Bondi Beach. 3. OBSERVING ICEBERGS… An iconic saltwater swimming pool, supplied and replenished by the crashing waves below; positioned at the commencement of the sweeping Bondi crescent, Icebergs is somewhat of a must, and is the natural conclusion of your Coogee-to-Bondi excursion, welcoming you as a refreshing iceberg after the desert hike! Note, it’s empty Thursday mornings for cleaning, so avoid it then (d’oh!). If you want some other epic places to swim, try North Sydney Pool (under the north side of the Bridge), or Andrew Boy Charlton pool on the far side of the Royal Botanic Gardens. 4. DINNER AROUND BONDI BEACH… …wandering the length of the crescent, I stumbled upon an understated beachfront joint called Sean’s Panorama, which I later discovered is somewhat of a hard-to-book legendary institution. We happened upon an early table outside for sunset, bathed in the enrobing crepuscular light, and whiled the evening away with delicious fresh Australian fish dishes, typifying the relaxed approach to life, serving what’s caught on the day, per the Chef’s whim. At the other end of the spectrum, the 6 am Bondi Rush is something to behold, as the locals walk dogs, swim before work, and generally recouple with their beloved outdoors lifestyle before the day begins. Learning to surf is somewhat of a tourism box-ticker here, so if you haven’t, why not… 5. VISITING THE OPERA HOUSE… …But not just seeing it, actually going to a performance in the cavernous Sydney Opera House ‘Concert Hall’. Same day concessionaires tickets were literally 20 GBP per head for central stalls seats, to see the country’s most distinguished orchestra (Sydney Symphony) present their rendition of Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle. Which was unusual, but utterly stunning, and a sonic treat to hear this remarkable sound-stage turned up to full texture and max volume! It struck me how much of a difference there was between the building from a distance (stunning), and the building up close (just like The Barbican in EC2, all brutalist and concrete). There’s a pretty stunning bar under the facility, with a terrace that looks directly at the Bridge, and is a sublime choice for a sunset tipple. Just beware of the confident seagulls! 6. CLIMBING THE BRIDGE… Something I didn’t do. Why? The prohibitive cost of the activity, and the prohibition of any photographic media or even mobile phones! It’s basically as expensive to climb as it is to fly over in a private helicopter, which doesn’t sound right to me! So instead of climbing it, I took a lunch or two directly beneath it at the exquisite Park Hyatt, and snapped this shot of some chaps at the summit! 7. TAKE THE FERRY TO MANLY BAY… Leaving from Circular Quay, almost regardless of the destination, this is one of the best ways to see the headline sights of Sydney, per the below images 😍 8. GO ON SAFARI… … well perhaps not quite, but Taronga Zoo is hands down the best zoo I’ve ever visited. There are many who are conflicted about the concept of animals in captivity, including myself; what I saw at this zoo was the greatest effort being made to provide an environment as close to the natural one as possible. There were exceptions, of course, some of which I struggle with, but as an admirer of nature, I was thrilled and exhilarated to see such a broad repertoire of incredible creatures, up so close. There are a significant number of photos included below to show you just how personal the encounters are with some of the most majestic beasts. 9. SEEK OUT COFFEE… I love the stuff. Every Australian worth their salt loves the stuff. This place would seem to be the source of the hipster coffee shop invasion which took over London around 2-3 years ago, chief amongst them being Taylor Street Baristas. I tried around 10 of the most recommended coffee shops in Sydney, and through a totally unscientific, unmethodical approach involving randomness and amateur tasting notes, I have crowned a winner; Motown Coffee, details HERE. 10. SAMPLE LUNCHES… Two iconic venues I discovered: Catalina – Rose Bay. ( ) Sublime fresh food, and pure theatre inside. Clean white lines and a vast glass panorama revealing the sea-plane landing strip before you in the bay (the restaurant takes its name from the class of iconic seaplane guests are just fabulously clad, wearing extravagant and exquisite dresses even for a light brunch. Unaware of this, I wasn’t! The food itself, however, is presented in no less spectacular a fashion, with a dedication to the symmetrical and ordered. The entire place feels extremely clean and fresh, with a light, vaguely hedonistic vibe pervading the volumes, never straying into the ostentatious. This is a slam-dunk great ‘occasion’ lunch for a trip to Sydney! Otto Ristorante. ( Just on Cowper Wharf in Woolloomooloo, and from the fringes of the CBD, this is the best place at which to recover strength after a stroll around the Botanical Gardens. Delivering fresh Italian inspired Australian fare, the Humpty Doo baby barramundi with lemon and evoo was a particular hit for me! Other venues repeatedly recommended to me: Eastern Suburbs: Lox, Stock and Barrell (Bondi Beach), Bondi Tratoria, Trio (Bondi Beach), Speedo Cafe (Bondi Beach), Brown Sugar (Bondi Beach), Three Blue Ducks (Bronte), Bake Bar (Randwick). Inner City: Kepos St Kitchen (Alexandria),  The Gorunds (Alexandria), Aqua Dining (above North Sydney Pool), North Shore: Thelma and Louise (Neutral Bay), Burnt Orange (Mosman), The Boathouse Balmoral Beach, The Boathouse Shelley Beach (Manly), The Boathouse Palm Beach. That’s my list! Now, I bid you, do go and explore this fabulous, versatile playground!!! Faya x window.fbAsyncInit = function() FB.init( appId : '407759836094849', xfbml : true, version : 'v2.5' ); ; (function(d, s, id) var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = " fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); (document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m))(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); ga('create', 'UA-69407084-1', 'auto'); ga('send', 'pageview'); Source link

[fivepercentgodsandearths]

“- Indians have been waiting for Kalki for 3,700 years.

- Buddhists have been waiting for Maitreya for 2,600 years.

- The Jews have been waiting for the Messiah for 2500 years.

- Christians have been waiting for Jesus for 2000 years.

- Sunnah waits for Prophet Issa 1400 years.

- Muslims have been waiting for a messiah from the line of Muhammad for 1300 years.

- Shiites have been waiting for Mandi for 1080 years.

- Drussians are waiting for Hamza ibn Ali for 1000 years.

Most religions adopt the idea of a “savior” and state that the world will remain filled with evil until this savior comes and fills it with goodness and righteousness.

Maybe our problem on this planet is that people expect someone else to come solve their problems instead of doing it themselves! ”

Riccardo Dablah

[norajworld]

Across the world, countless bloggers have majored on Australia as a destination; there’s also a ceaseless stream of toned and fashionable Australians who dominate a casual perusal of the Instagram ‘Explore’ screen as if the algorithm is calibrated to go overweight Aussie beauty! My experiences, however, are just that; my own, not ‘new’, but just from me. That said, I sure as hell did my research before arriving in Sydney, systematically surveying every single Australian I know, then distilling their collective output into a one-week, extensive plan of attack! Indeed, having done-and-dusted with my experience in the Great Barrier Reef, pursued my full Sydney scheme precisely as it was sketched out, it gives me great joy to recount and depict the choicest of experiences here to you dear reader, whether you’re just curious or are planning an adventurous ‘Active Escape’ of your own! This post makes up Part 2 of the Australia series – and I sense there will be countless more parts to follow upon my future return to that magnificent country! I discovered an outdoor-dwelling society, predisposed to health and fitness, blessed with supreme weather and a fresh fish-based diet, in a culturally diverse and well-invested city where inhabitants genuinely smile. In fact it’s so good, this could conceivably be ‘home’ one day! Click MORE to discover my Top 10 experiences in Sydney… POWER-WALKING THROUGH THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN… Just south of the iconic Circular Quay, and with an unconstrained view of the key landmarks from Mrs. Macquarie’s Point, a walk through the lush and fertile exotic gardens both lifts the sense and culminates with as good a view from the Rocks as you’ll get of the Harbour. For a clear empty run of it, going early in the day seems to be the trick to avoid tour-bus overload, but if you do go around lunchtime, you’ll see dozens of Sydney-siders running sprint circuits up and down Mrs. Macquarie’s Stairs! 2. HIKING FROM COOGEE TO BONDI… Not for the faint of heart, and requiring somewhat of a comfortable pair of shoes, THIS is an 8.1km hike, lasting around 100 minutes. The wind howls on this part of the rugged coastline, the waves are treacherous, but the views are breathtaking and really quite awe-inspiring. Whether you just want to take in the coastline, breathe the air, bask in the sunshine, or admire the ocean-view properties, it is a superb walk. The path takes you through the lush and verdant Gordon’s Bay, the tranquil and striking Waverley Cemetery in which thousands of souls proudly look eternally out to sea, the Hunter Sculpture park, Bronte Bay (a surfer’s mecca), ending up on the iconic Bondi Beach. 3. OBSERVING ICEBERGS… An iconic saltwater swimming pool, supplied and replenished by the crashing waves below; positioned at the commencement of the sweeping Bondi crescent, Icebergs is somewhat of a must, and is the natural conclusion of your Coogee-to-Bondi excursion, welcoming you as a refreshing iceberg after the desert hike! Note, it’s empty Thursday mornings for cleaning, so avoid it then (d’oh!). If you want some other epic places to swim, try North Sydney Pool (under the north side of the Bridge), or Andrew Boy Charlton pool on the far side of the Royal Botanic Gardens. 4. DINNER AROUND BONDI BEACH… …wandering the length of the crescent, I stumbled upon an understated beachfront joint called Sean’s Panorama, which I later discovered is somewhat of a hard-to-book legendary institution. We happened upon an early table outside for sunset, bathed in the enrobing crepuscular light, and whiled the evening away with delicious fresh Australian fish dishes, typifying the relaxed approach to life, serving what’s caught on the day, per the Chef’s whim. At the other end of the spectrum, the 6 am Bondi Rush is something to behold, as the locals walk dogs, swim before work, and generally recouple with their beloved outdoors lifestyle before the day begins. Learning to surf is somewhat of a tourism box-ticker here, so if you haven’t, why not… 5. VISITING THE OPERA HOUSE… …But not just seeing it, actually going to a performance in the cavernous Sydney Opera House ‘Concert Hall’. Same day concessionaires tickets were literally 20 GBP per head for central stalls seats, to see the country’s most distinguished orchestra (Sydney Symphony) present their rendition of Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle. Which was unusual, but utterly stunning, and a sonic treat to hear this remarkable sound-stage turned up to full texture and max volume! It struck me how much of a difference there was between the building from a distance (stunning), and the building up close (just like The Barbican in EC2, all brutalist and concrete). There’s a pretty stunning bar under the facility, with a terrace that looks directly at the Bridge, and is a sublime choice for a sunset tipple. Just beware of the confident seagulls! 6. CLIMBING THE BRIDGE… Something I didn’t do. Why? The prohibitive cost of the activity, and the prohibition of any photographic media or even mobile phones! It’s basically as expensive to climb as it is to fly over in a private helicopter, which doesn’t sound right to me! So instead of climbing it, I took a lunch or two directly beneath it at the exquisite Park Hyatt, and snapped this shot of some chaps at the summit! 7. TAKE THE FERRY TO MANLY BAY… Leaving from Circular Quay, almost regardless of the destination, this is one of the best ways to see the headline sights of Sydney, per the below images 😍 8. GO ON SAFARI… … well perhaps not quite, but Taronga Zoo is hands down the best zoo I’ve ever visited. There are many who are conflicted about the concept of animals in captivity, including myself; what I saw at this zoo was the greatest effort being made to provide an environment as close to the natural one as possible. There were exceptions, of course, some of which I struggle with, but as an admirer of nature, I was thrilled and exhilarated to see such a broad repertoire of incredible creatures, up so close. There are a significant number of photos included below to show you just how personal the encounters are with some of the most majestic beasts. 9. SEEK OUT COFFEE… I love the stuff. Every Australian worth their salt loves the stuff. This place would seem to be the source of the hipster coffee shop invasion which took over London around 2-3 years ago, chief amongst them being Taylor Street Baristas. I tried around 10 of the most recommended coffee shops in Sydney, and through a totally unscientific, unmethodical approach involving randomness and amateur tasting notes, I have crowned a winner; Motown Coffee, details HERE. 10. SAMPLE LUNCHES… Two iconic venues I discovered: Catalina – Rose Bay. ( ) Sublime fresh food, and pure theatre inside. Clean white lines and a vast glass panorama revealing the sea-plane landing strip before you in the bay (the restaurant takes its name from the class of iconic seaplane guests are just fabulously clad, wearing extravagant and exquisite dresses even for a light brunch. Unaware of this, I wasn’t! The food itself, however, is presented in no less spectacular a fashion, with a dedication to the symmetrical and ordered. The entire place feels extremely clean and fresh, with a light, vaguely hedonistic vibe pervading the volumes, never straying into the ostentatious. This is a slam-dunk great ‘occasion’ lunch for a trip to Sydney! Otto Ristorante. ( Just on Cowper Wharf in Woolloomooloo, and from the fringes of the CBD, this is the best place at which to recover strength after a stroll around the Botanical Gardens. Delivering fresh Italian inspired Australian fare, the Humpty Doo baby barramundi with lemon and evoo was a particular hit for me! Other venues repeatedly recommended to me: Eastern Suburbs: Lox, Stock and Barrell (Bondi Beach), Bondi Tratoria, Trio (Bondi Beach), Speedo Cafe (Bondi Beach), Brown Sugar (Bondi Beach), Three Blue Ducks (Bronte), Bake Bar (Randwick). Inner City: Kepos St Kitchen (Alexandria),  The Gorunds (Alexandria), Aqua Dining (above North Sydney Pool), North Shore: Thelma and Louise (Neutral Bay), Burnt Orange (Mosman), The Boathouse Balmoral Beach, The Boathouse Shelley Beach (Manly), The Boathouse Palm Beach. That’s my list! Now, I bid you, do go and explore this fabulous, versatile playground!!! Faya x window.fbAsyncInit = function() FB.init( appId : '407759836094849', xfbml : true, version : 'v2.5' ); ; (function(d, s, id) var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = " fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); (document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m)function(),i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o), m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m) )(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); ga('create', 'UA-69407084-1', 'auto'); ga('send', 'pageview'); Source link

[ellajme0]

Across the world, countless bloggers have majored on Australia as a destination; there’s also a ceaseless stream of toned and fashionable Australians who dominate a casual perusal of the Instagram ‘Explore’ screen as if the algorithm is calibrated to go overweight Aussie beauty! My experiences, however, are just that; my own, not ‘new’, but just from me. That said, I sure as hell did my research before arriving in Sydney, systematically surveying every single Australian I know, then distilling their collective output into a one-week, extensive plan of attack! Indeed, having done-and-dusted with my experience in the Great Barrier Reef, pursued my full Sydney scheme precisely as it was sketched out, it gives me great joy to recount and depict the choicest of experiences here to you dear reader, whether you’re just curious or are planning an adventurous ‘Active Escape’ of your own! This post makes up Part 2 of the Australia series – and I sense there will be countless more parts to follow upon my future return to that magnificent country! I discovered an outdoor-dwelling society, predisposed to health and fitness, blessed with supreme weather and a fresh fish-based diet, in a culturally diverse and well-invested city where inhabitants genuinely smile. In fact it’s so good, this could conceivably be ‘home’ one day! Click MORE to discover my Top 10 experiences in Sydney… POWER-WALKING THROUGH THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN… Just south of the iconic Circular Quay, and with an unconstrained view of the key landmarks from Mrs. Macquarie’s Point, a walk through the lush and fertile exotic gardens both lifts the sense and culminates with as good a view from the Rocks as you’ll get of the Harbour. For a clear empty run of it, going early in the day seems to be the trick to avoid tour-bus overload, but if you do go around lunchtime, you’ll see dozens of Sydney-siders running sprint circuits up and down Mrs. Macquarie’s Stairs! 2. HIKING FROM COOGEE TO BONDI… Not for the faint of heart, and requiring somewhat of a comfortable pair of shoes, THIS is an 8.1km hike, lasting around 100 minutes. The wind howls on this part of the rugged coastline, the waves are treacherous, but the views are breathtaking and really quite awe-inspiring. Whether you just want to take in the coastline, breathe the air, bask in the sunshine, or admire the ocean-view properties, it is a superb walk. The path takes you through the lush and verdant Gordon’s Bay, the tranquil and striking Waverley Cemetery in which thousands of souls proudly look eternally out to sea, the Hunter Sculpture park, Bronte Bay (a surfer’s mecca), ending up on the iconic Bondi Beach. 3. OBSERVING ICEBERGS… An iconic saltwater swimming pool, supplied and replenished by the crashing waves below; positioned at the commencement of the sweeping Bondi crescent, Icebergs is somewhat of a must, and is the natural conclusion of your Coogee-to-Bondi excursion, welcoming you as a refreshing iceberg after the desert hike! Note, it’s empty Thursday mornings for cleaning, so avoid it then (d’oh!). If you want some other epic places to swim, try North Sydney Pool (under the north side of the Bridge), or Andrew Boy Charlton pool on the far side of the Royal Botanic Gardens. 4. DINNER AROUND BONDI BEACH… …wandering the length of the crescent, I stumbled upon an understated beachfront joint called Sean’s Panorama, which I later discovered is somewhat of a hard-to-book legendary institution. We happened upon an early table outside for sunset, bathed in the enrobing crepuscular light, and whiled the evening away with delicious fresh Australian fish dishes, typifying the relaxed approach to life, serving what’s caught on the day, per the Chef’s whim. At the other end of the spectrum, the 6 am Bondi Rush is something to behold, as the locals walk dogs, swim before work, and generally recouple with their beloved outdoors lifestyle before the day begins. Learning to surf is somewhat of a tourism box-ticker here, so if you haven’t, why not… 5. VISITING THE OPERA HOUSE… …But not just seeing it, actually going to a performance in the cavernous Sydney Opera House ‘Concert Hall’. Same day concessionaires tickets were literally 20 GBP per head for central stalls seats, to see the country’s most distinguished orchestra (Sydney Symphony) present their rendition of Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle. Which was unusual, but utterly stunning, and a sonic treat to hear this remarkable sound-stage turned up to full texture and max volume! It struck me how much of a difference there was between the building from a distance (stunning), and the building up close (just like The Barbican in EC2, all brutalist and concrete). There’s a pretty stunning bar under the facility, with a terrace that looks directly at the Bridge, and is a sublime choice for a sunset tipple. Just beware of the confident seagulls! 6. CLIMBING THE BRIDGE… Something I didn’t do. Why? The prohibitive cost of the activity, and the prohibition of any photographic media or even mobile phones! It’s basically as expensive to climb as it is to fly over in a private helicopter, which doesn’t sound right to me! So instead of climbing it, I took a lunch or two directly beneath it at the exquisite Park Hyatt, and snapped this shot of some chaps at the summit! 7. TAKE THE FERRY TO MANLY BAY… Leaving from Circular Quay, almost regardless of the destination, this is one of the best ways to see the headline sights of Sydney, per the below images 😍 8. GO ON SAFARI… … well perhaps not quite, but Taronga Zoo is hands down the best zoo I’ve ever visited. There are many who are conflicted about the concept of animals in captivity, including myself; what I saw at this zoo was the greatest effort being made to provide an environment as close to the natural one as possible. There were exceptions, of course, some of which I struggle with, but as an admirer of nature, I was thrilled and exhilarated to see such a broad repertoire of incredible creatures, up so close. There are a significant number of photos included below to show you just how personal the encounters are with some of the most majestic beasts. 9. SEEK OUT COFFEE… I love the stuff. Every Australian worth their salt loves the stuff. This place would seem to be the source of the hipster coffee shop invasion which took over London around 2-3 years ago, chief amongst them being Taylor Street Baristas. I tried around 10 of the most recommended coffee shops in Sydney, and through a totally unscientific, unmethodical approach involving randomness and amateur tasting notes, I have crowned a winner; Motown Coffee, details HERE. 10. SAMPLE LUNCHES… Two iconic venues I discovered: Catalina – Rose Bay. ( ) Sublime fresh food, and pure theatre inside. Clean white lines and a vast glass panorama revealing the sea-plane landing strip before you in the bay (the restaurant takes its name from the class of iconic seaplane guests are just fabulously clad, wearing extravagant and exquisite dresses even for a light brunch. Unaware of this, I wasn’t! The food itself, however, is presented in no less spectacular a fashion, with a dedication to the symmetrical and ordered. The entire place feels extremely clean and fresh, with a light, vaguely hedonistic vibe pervading the volumes, never straying into the ostentatious. This is a slam-dunk great ‘occasion’ lunch for a trip to Sydney! Otto Ristorante. ( Just on Cowper Wharf in Woolloomooloo, and from the fringes of the CBD, this is the best place at which to recover strength after a stroll around the Botanical Gardens. Delivering fresh Italian inspired Australian fare, the Humpty Doo baby barramundi with lemon and evoo was a particular hit for me! Other venues repeatedly recommended to me: Eastern Suburbs: Lox, Stock and Barrell (Bondi Beach), Bondi Tratoria, Trio (Bondi Beach), Speedo Cafe (Bondi Beach), Brown Sugar (Bondi Beach), Three Blue Ducks (Bronte), Bake Bar (Randwick). Inner City: Kepos St Kitchen (Alexandria),  The Gorunds (Alexandria), Aqua Dining (above North Sydney Pool), North Shore: Thelma and Louise (Neutral Bay), Burnt Orange (Mosman), The Boathouse Balmoral Beach, The Boathouse Shelley Beach (Manly), The Boathouse Palm Beach. That’s my list! Now, I bid you, do go and explore this fabulous, versatile playground!!! Faya x window.fbAsyncInit = function() FB.init( appId : '407759836094849', xfbml : true, version : 'v2.5' ); ; (function(d, s, id) var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = " fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); (document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m))(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); ga('create', 'UA-69407084-1', 'auto'); ga('send', 'pageview'); Source link

[chilimili212]

Across the world, countless bloggers have majored on Australia as a destination; there’s also a ceaseless stream of toned and fashionable Australians who dominate a casual perusal of the Instagram ‘Explore’ screen as if the algorithm is calibrated to go overweight Aussie beauty! My experiences, however, are just that; my own, not ‘new’, but just from me. That said, I sure as hell did my research before arriving in Sydney, systematically surveying every single Australian I know, then distilling their collective output into a one-week, extensive plan of attack! Indeed, having done-and-dusted with my experience in the Great Barrier Reef, pursued my full Sydney scheme precisely as it was sketched out, it gives me great joy to recount and depict the choicest of experiences here to you dear reader, whether you’re just curious or are planning an adventurous ‘Active Escape’ of your own! This post makes up Part 2 of the Australia series – and I sense there will be countless more parts to follow upon my future return to that magnificent country! I discovered an outdoor-dwelling society, predisposed to health and fitness, blessed with supreme weather and a fresh fish-based diet, in a culturally diverse and well-invested city where inhabitants genuinely smile. In fact it’s so good, this could conceivably be ‘home’ one day! Click MORE to discover my Top 10 experiences in Sydney… POWER-WALKING THROUGH THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN… Just south of the iconic Circular Quay, and with an unconstrained view of the key landmarks from Mrs. Macquarie’s Point, a walk through the lush and fertile exotic gardens both lifts the sense and culminates with as good a view from the Rocks as you’ll get of the Harbour. For a clear empty run of it, going early in the day seems to be the trick to avoid tour-bus overload, but if you do go around lunchtime, you’ll see dozens of Sydney-siders running sprint circuits up and down Mrs. Macquarie’s Stairs! 2. HIKING FROM COOGEE TO BONDI… Not for the faint of heart, and requiring somewhat of a comfortable pair of shoes, THIS is an 8.1km hike, lasting around 100 minutes. The wind howls on this part of the rugged coastline, the waves are treacherous, but the views are breathtaking and really quite awe-inspiring. Whether you just want to take in the coastline, breathe the air, bask in the sunshine, or admire the ocean-view properties, it is a superb walk. The path takes you through the lush and verdant Gordon’s Bay, the tranquil and striking Waverley Cemetery in which thousands of souls proudly look eternally out to sea, the Hunter Sculpture park, Bronte Bay (a surfer’s mecca), ending up on the iconic Bondi Beach. 3. OBSERVING ICEBERGS… An iconic saltwater swimming pool, supplied and replenished by the crashing waves below; positioned at the commencement of the sweeping Bondi crescent, Icebergs is somewhat of a must, and is the natural conclusion of your Coogee-to-Bondi excursion, welcoming you as a refreshing iceberg after the desert hike! Note, it’s empty Thursday mornings for cleaning, so avoid it then (d’oh!). If you want some other epic places to swim, try North Sydney Pool (under the north side of the Bridge), or Andrew Boy Charlton pool on the far side of the Royal Botanic Gardens. 4. DINNER AROUND BONDI BEACH… …wandering the length of the crescent, I stumbled upon an understated beachfront joint called Sean’s Panorama, which I later discovered is somewhat of a hard-to-book legendary institution. We happened upon an early table outside for sunset, bathed in the enrobing crepuscular light, and whiled the evening away with delicious fresh Australian fish dishes, typifying the relaxed approach to life, serving what’s caught on the day, per the Chef’s whim. At the other end of the spectrum, the 6 am Bondi Rush is something to behold, as the locals walk dogs, swim before work, and generally recouple with their beloved outdoors lifestyle before the day begins. Learning to surf is somewhat of a tourism box-ticker here, so if you haven’t, why not… 5. VISITING THE OPERA HOUSE… …But not just seeing it, actually going to a performance in the cavernous Sydney Opera House ‘Concert Hall’. Same day concessionaires tickets were literally 20 GBP per head for central stalls seats, to see the country’s most distinguished orchestra (Sydney Symphony) present their rendition of Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle. Which was unusual, but utterly stunning, and a sonic treat to hear this remarkable sound-stage turned up to full texture and max volume! It struck me how much of a difference there was between the building from a distance (stunning), and the building up close (just like The Barbican in EC2, all brutalist and concrete). There’s a pretty stunning bar under the facility, with a terrace that looks directly at the Bridge, and is a sublime choice for a sunset tipple. Just beware of the confident seagulls! 6. CLIMBING THE BRIDGE… Something I didn’t do. Why? The prohibitive cost of the activity, and the prohibition of any photographic media or even mobile phones! It’s basically as expensive to climb as it is to fly over in a private helicopter, which doesn’t sound right to me! So instead of climbing it, I took a lunch or two directly beneath it at the exquisite Park Hyatt, and snapped this shot of some chaps at the summit! 7. TAKE THE FERRY TO MANLY BAY… Leaving from Circular Quay, almost regardless of the destination, this is one of the best ways to see the headline sights of Sydney, per the below images 😍 8. GO ON SAFARI… … well perhaps not quite, but Taronga Zoo is hands down the best zoo I’ve ever visited. There are many who are conflicted about the concept of animals in captivity, including myself; what I saw at this zoo was the greatest effort being made to provide an environment as close to the natural one as possible. There were exceptions, of course, some of which I struggle with, but as an admirer of nature, I was thrilled and exhilarated to see such a broad repertoire of incredible creatures, up so close. There are a significant number of photos included below to show you just how personal the encounters are with some of the most majestic beasts. 9. SEEK OUT COFFEE… I love the stuff. Every Australian worth their salt loves the stuff. This place would seem to be the source of the hipster coffee shop invasion which took over London around 2-3 years ago, chief amongst them being Taylor Street Baristas. I tried around 10 of the most recommended coffee shops in Sydney, and through a totally unscientific, unmethodical approach involving randomness and amateur tasting notes, I have crowned a winner; Motown Coffee, details HERE. 10. SAMPLE LUNCHES… Two iconic venues I discovered: Catalina – Rose Bay. ( ) Sublime fresh food, and pure theatre inside. Clean white lines and a vast glass panorama revealing the sea-plane landing strip before you in the bay (the restaurant takes its name from the class of iconic seaplane guests are just fabulously clad, wearing extravagant and exquisite dresses even for a light brunch. Unaware of this, I wasn’t! The food itself, however, is presented in no less spectacular a fashion, with a dedication to the symmetrical and ordered. The entire place feels extremely clean and fresh, with a light, vaguely hedonistic vibe pervading the volumes, never straying into the ostentatious. This is a slam-dunk great ‘occasion’ lunch for a trip to Sydney! Otto Ristorante. ( Just on Cowper Wharf in Woolloomooloo, and from the fringes of the CBD, this is the best place at which to recover strength after a stroll around the Botanical Gardens. Delivering fresh Italian inspired Australian fare, the Humpty Doo baby barramundi with lemon and evoo was a particular hit for me! Other venues repeatedly recommended to me: Eastern Suburbs: Lox, Stock and Barrell (Bondi Beach), Bondi Tratoria, Trio (Bondi Beach), Speedo Cafe (Bondi Beach), Brown Sugar (Bondi Beach), Three Blue Ducks (Bronte), Bake Bar (Randwick). Inner City: Kepos St Kitchen (Alexandria),  The Gorunds (Alexandria), Aqua Dining (above North Sydney Pool), North Shore: Thelma and Louise (Neutral Bay), Burnt Orange (Mosman), The Boathouse Balmoral Beach, The Boathouse Shelley Beach (Manly), The Boathouse Palm Beach. That’s my list! Now, I bid you, do go and explore this fabulous, versatile playground!!! Faya x window.fbAsyncInit = function() FB.init( appId : '407759836094849', xfbml : true, version : 'v2.5' ); ; (function(d, s, id) var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = " fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); (document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m))(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); ga('create', 'UA-69407084-1', 'auto'); ga('send', 'pageview'); Source link

[oliviajoyice21]

Across the world, countless bloggers have majored on Australia as a destination; there’s also a ceaseless stream of toned and fashionable Australians who dominate a casual perusal of the Instagram ‘Explore’ screen as if the algorithm is calibrated to go overweight Aussie beauty! My experiences, however, are just that; my own, not ‘new’, but just from me. That said, I sure as hell did my research before arriving in Sydney, systematically surveying every single Australian I know, then distilling their collective output into a one-week, extensive plan of attack! Indeed, having done-and-dusted with my experience in the Great Barrier Reef, pursued my full Sydney scheme precisely as it was sketched out, it gives me great joy to recount and depict the choicest of experiences here to you dear reader, whether you’re just curious or are planning an adventurous ‘Active Escape’ of your own! This post makes up Part 2 of the Australia series – and I sense there will be countless more parts to follow upon my future return to that magnificent country! I discovered an outdoor-dwelling society, predisposed to health and fitness, blessed with supreme weather and a fresh fish-based diet, in a culturally diverse and well-invested city where inhabitants genuinely smile. In fact it’s so good, this could conceivably be ‘home’ one day! Click MORE to discover my Top 10 experiences in Sydney… POWER-WALKING THROUGH THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN… Just south of the iconic Circular Quay, and with an unconstrained view of the key landmarks from Mrs. Macquarie’s Point, a walk through the lush and fertile exotic gardens both lifts the sense and culminates with as good a view from the Rocks as you’ll get of the Harbour. For a clear empty run of it, going early in the day seems to be the trick to avoid tour-bus overload, but if you do go around lunchtime, you’ll see dozens of Sydney-siders running sprint circuits up and down Mrs. Macquarie’s Stairs! 2. HIKING FROM COOGEE TO BONDI… Not for the faint of heart, and requiring somewhat of a comfortable pair of shoes, THIS is an 8.1km hike, lasting around 100 minutes. The wind howls on this part of the rugged coastline, the waves are treacherous, but the views are breathtaking and really quite awe-inspiring. Whether you just want to take in the coastline, breathe the air, bask in the sunshine, or admire the ocean-view properties, it is a superb walk. The path takes you through the lush and verdant Gordon’s Bay, the tranquil and striking Waverley Cemetery in which thousands of souls proudly look eternally out to sea, the Hunter Sculpture park, Bronte Bay (a surfer’s mecca), ending up on the iconic Bondi Beach. 3. OBSERVING ICEBERGS… An iconic saltwater swimming pool, supplied and replenished by the crashing waves below; positioned at the commencement of the sweeping Bondi crescent, Icebergs is somewhat of a must, and is the natural conclusion of your Coogee-to-Bondi excursion, welcoming you as a refreshing iceberg after the desert hike! Note, it’s empty Thursday mornings for cleaning, so avoid it then (d’oh!). If you want some other epic places to swim, try North Sydney Pool (under the north side of the Bridge), or Andrew Boy Charlton pool on the far side of the Royal Botanic Gardens. 4. DINNER AROUND BONDI BEACH… …wandering the length of the crescent, I stumbled upon an understated beachfront joint called Sean’s Panorama, which I later discovered is somewhat of a hard-to-book legendary institution. We happened upon an early table outside for sunset, bathed in the enrobing crepuscular light, and whiled the evening away with delicious fresh Australian fish dishes, typifying the relaxed approach to life, serving what’s caught on the day, per the Chef’s whim. At the other end of the spectrum, the 6 am Bondi Rush is something to behold, as the locals walk dogs, swim before work, and generally recouple with their beloved outdoors lifestyle before the day begins. Learning to surf is somewhat of a tourism box-ticker here, so if you haven’t, why not… 5. VISITING THE OPERA HOUSE… …But not just seeing it, actually going to a performance in the cavernous Sydney Opera House ‘Concert Hall’. Same day concessionaires tickets were literally 20 GBP per head for central stalls seats, to see the country’s most distinguished orchestra (Sydney Symphony) present their rendition of Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle. Which was unusual, but utterly stunning, and a sonic treat to hear this remarkable sound-stage turned up to full texture and max volume! It struck me how much of a difference there was between the building from a distance (stunning), and the building up close (just like The Barbican in EC2, all brutalist and concrete). There’s a pretty stunning bar under the facility, with a terrace that looks directly at the Bridge, and is a sublime choice for a sunset tipple. Just beware of the confident seagulls! 6. CLIMBING THE BRIDGE… Something I didn’t do. Why? The prohibitive cost of the activity, and the prohibition of any photographic media or even mobile phones! It’s basically as expensive to climb as it is to fly over in a private helicopter, which doesn’t sound right to me! So instead of climbing it, I took a lunch or two directly beneath it at the exquisite Park Hyatt, and snapped this shot of some chaps at the summit! 7. TAKE THE FERRY TO MANLY BAY… Leaving from Circular Quay, almost regardless of the destination, this is one of the best ways to see the headline sights of Sydney, per the below images 😍 8. GO ON SAFARI… … well perhaps not quite, but Taronga Zoo is hands down the best zoo I’ve ever visited. There are many who are conflicted about the concept of animals in captivity, including myself; what I saw at this zoo was the greatest effort being made to provide an environment as close to the natural one as possible. There were exceptions, of course, some of which I struggle with, but as an admirer of nature, I was thrilled and exhilarated to see such a broad repertoire of incredible creatures, up so close. There are a significant number of photos included below to show you just how personal the encounters are with some of the most majestic beasts. 9. SEEK OUT COFFEE… I love the stuff. Every Australian worth their salt loves the stuff. This place would seem to be the source of the hipster coffee shop invasion which took over London around 2-3 years ago, chief amongst them being Taylor Street Baristas. I tried around 10 of the most recommended coffee shops in Sydney, and through a totally unscientific, unmethodical approach involving randomness and amateur tasting notes, I have crowned a winner; Motown Coffee, details HERE. 10. SAMPLE LUNCHES… Two iconic venues I discovered: Catalina – Rose Bay. ( ) Sublime fresh food, and pure theatre inside. Clean white lines and a vast glass panorama revealing the sea-plane landing strip before you in the bay (the restaurant takes its name from the class of iconic seaplane guests are just fabulously clad, wearing extravagant and exquisite dresses even for a light brunch. Unaware of this, I wasn’t! The food itself, however, is presented in no less spectacular a fashion, with a dedication to the symmetrical and ordered. The entire place feels extremely clean and fresh, with a light, vaguely hedonistic vibe pervading the volumes, never straying into the ostentatious. This is a slam-dunk great ‘occasion’ lunch for a trip to Sydney! Otto Ristorante. ( Just on Cowper Wharf in Woolloomooloo, and from the fringes of the CBD, this is the best place at which to recover strength after a stroll around the Botanical Gardens. Delivering fresh Italian inspired Australian fare, the Humpty Doo baby barramundi with lemon and evoo was a particular hit for me! Other venues repeatedly recommended to me: Eastern Suburbs: Lox, Stock and Barrell (Bondi Beach), Bondi Tratoria, Trio (Bondi Beach), Speedo Cafe (Bondi Beach), Brown Sugar (Bondi Beach), Three Blue Ducks (Bronte), Bake Bar (Randwick). Inner City: Kepos St Kitchen (Alexandria),  The Gorunds (Alexandria), Aqua Dining (above North Sydney Pool), North Shore: Thelma and Louise (Neutral Bay), Burnt Orange (Mosman), The Boathouse Balmoral Beach, The Boathouse Shelley Beach (Manly), The Boathouse Palm Beach. That’s my list! Now, I bid you, do go and explore this fabulous, versatile playground!!! Faya x window.fbAsyncInit = function() FB.init( appId : '407759836094849', xfbml : true, version : 'v2.5' ); ; (function(d, s, id) var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = " fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); (document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m))(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); ga('create', 'UA-69407084-1', 'auto'); ga('send', 'pageview'); Source link