#incredbibles 2

[wsajaydn]

Week 2 Suplemental Development

Board Game Club Wednesday:

In this week we played Dominion, Cockroach Poker, Cosmic Encounter, and Blood on The Clocktower.

The first game was Dominion, a deckbuilding medival card game where up to four players take turns going through various action, buying, and clean up turns. While the deck building gameplay doesnt directly relate to my project, the art and style does. The various icons and symbols did give me a chance to think about the affordances behind resources and actions in rustic styles of games.

Cockroach Poker is a facinatingly simple bluffing card game, where players pass cards around to each other making claims on the kind of animal it is. What I took away from it was its hidden layers of complexity, things that arnt imeddiatly apparent, like the likleyhood of lies based on your own hand and prvious cards played, and the multi layered bluffs that develop as the game progresses. All of this from a rulebook so simple it fits on a post it note.

Cosmic Encounter is a very interesting case study for ballencing in games in that it takes the very unique stance of giving every player a hidden power for their chosen character, all of which are seemingly game breakingly overpowered at first view, but are all as overpowered as each other, creating a suprisingly balanced game, where each player's presence itself hugley shifts the flow of the game.

Terraria:

Recently I have been playing alot of terraria again, putting in around 40 hours in a shared world over the last 2 weeks. The NPCs in Terraria have a very simple system for their happiness being that it is effected by proximity to other NPCs that they like and dislike, the biome that they are housed in, and how many other NPCs are in close proximity to them. This is a very simple system, but has impacts both emotionally and mechanically. Emotionally the NPCs dialouge will adjust depending on their state, displaying more of their own personalities and encouraging players to work to keep their favourite NPCs happy. Mechanically the game rewards players by offering both various exclusive items that are only sold by NPCs who are happy, and offering discounts for purchasing items, on top increased payment for items sold to them.

The interplay of these mechanics works incredbibly eficiently to create well rounded personalities and an extra level of depth to a objectivley quite simple NPC system. I had already been planning to add wants to my NPCs in my project, by having them request certain things when being picked up, but playing terraria has built on this idea. Firstly I want NPC happyness to effect you in a tangible way, such as reduced speed and efficency of their actions and movement, as well as emtionally, maybe using a slower, sadder looking set of animations for walking etc.

Additionally, looking at my old research on Kurt Vanagon, having each NPC assigned specific wants, likes and dislikes, like in terraria, is an imediate way to create a personality in the eyes of the player, which is already a huge priority for me, as it has informed the use of augmented reality from the start.

Blender project development:

This was some work I did in blender this week to try and actualize my frist sketches into 3D. I was very happy with these, and although they're still untextured, with some clean up of their topology and more variations, I plan to use these models in an animation in my future GDD.

[asthmatic-bigbird]

When my sister, my bestfriend and I were in the cinema watching the incredibles 2, during the scene where Elastagirl is flying helicopter, my sister turns to me and says really loudly "DISENGAGE, I REPEAT DISENGAGE". Never have i laughed so much in a cinema in my life.

[wolffnichols]

hi!! what’re your top three jatp songs???

Hi! I’m SOO sorry that this is SOO late!! But thank you so much for the ask!

This is SO incredbely hard bc I love them all so much and they change all the time (except for maybe #1), but at the moment we have:

1. Wake Up- That song is SO inspiring to me and keeps on ‘waking me up’ in a way.

2. Finally Free- This song really helped me today. And just SO GOOD (along with all of them but still).

3. Perfect Harmony- One of the best couple duets EVER. Charlie and Madison explained the Juke relationship in that so perfectly through the lyrics. And it’s so beautful!

+Bonus: All Eyes On Me (MAJOR confidence booster)

Anyways, again sorry this is so late! But thank you so much!!

[bookingbuys-blog]

The Best Neighborhoods in Sydney: Where to Stay on Your Visit

Posted: 06/2/2019 | June 2nd, 2019 Sydney is one of the greatest cities in the world. It has amazing beaches, scenic shorelines, World Heritage sites, and top-notch dining. It’s a large city, and it’s very spread out. So what are the best neighborhoods to stay in? That depends on what you look for in a destination! Each area of Sydney has its own vibe and highlights. Here are my thoughts on the best places to stay in the city. No matter which of these you choose, you can’t go wrong! Table of Contents Best neighborhood for views: The Rocks Best neighborhood for local life: Surry Hills Best neighborhood for a local beach: Coogee Best neighborhood for touristy stuff: Darling Harbour Best neighborhood for beach fun: Bondi Beach Best neighborhood for being central: CBD Best neighborhood for shopping: Paddington Best non-central neighborhood: Manly Best neighborhood for nightlife: Kings Cross   Best Neighborhood #1: The Rocks

Just north of Sydney’s Central Business District and on the harbor, this neighborhood offers great views along the waterfront. There are numerous historic buildings in the area, including several pubs. The Rocks Markets is open each weekend, selling all kinds of treasures, including arts and crafts, jewelry and tasty treats. The area has tons of stellar restaurants, museums, and entertainment venues, which helps explain its popularity with tourists. If you stay in The Rocks, make sure you dine along the waterfront! Best Places to Stay in The Rocks BUDGET: Sydney Harbour YHA – This hostel is in a great location, offering views of the harbour and the Opera House. The hostel is built in the old colonial area of the city, but has all the modern comforts of a good hostel. This isn’t really a party hostel, though, but rather a great place for travelers looking for a quiet stay. It’s great for families too! MID-RANGE: Mercantile Hotel – Offering live music, free Wi-Fi, and all the standard ammentities you’d expect from a mid-range hotel. The Mercantile is located right near the Opera House, the Rocks Markets, and the Harbour Bridge. To top it all off, it’s also home to Australia’s longest-running Irish pub! LUXURY: Four Seasons Sydney – Offering incredbible views of the harbour and the city — as well as incredible luxury — this is a great choice for anyone looking to visit Sydney in style. With a state of the art fitness center and wellness center and spa, you’ll be able to get pampered while you enjoy all that Sydney has to offer. Best Neighborhood #2: Surry Hills

Southeast of the Central Business District, Surry Hills has traditionally been known as the best place in Sydney for fashion. The area is perfect for travelers who want to shop ‘til they drop, but its appeal is much broader than that. There are lots of unique, creative dining options, and many old warehouses have been transformed into classy art galleries and gorgeous homes. The area is perfect for young travelers, foodies, and those wanting to experience Oxford Street, the longtime Gay Capital of Sydney. Best Places to Stay in Surry Hills BUDGET: Big Hostel – This hostel offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free luggage storage, and late checkout — everything the budget traveler needs! They also have a full-equipped kitchen and promote eco-friendly practices (they have a service for donating old clothings and promote energy conservation and recycling). MID-RANGE: Manor Boutique Hotel – This charming boutique hotel is located in a heritage building with antique furnishings. It’s conveniently located just 5 minutes from Oxford street where you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants. Free breakfast is included too! LUXURY: Little Albion – This luxury hotel is actually located in a heritage building that was once a former convent. It’s right near Central Station and only a short drive from Chinatown and Paddy’s Market. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace, lounge, free WiFi, and a complimentary breakfast each morning. Best Neighborhood #3: Coogee

This little area with the funny name is perfect for travelers who want a beach vibe but not all the craziness of Bondi Beach. The area is super scenic and the ocean is calm and safe for swimming. This neighborhood is an eastern suburb of Sydney, but you can get to town on public transit in less than half an hour. Coogee has a youthful and family-friendly feel. Sydney’s eastern East suburbs, youthful, family friendly. If your trip calls for a lot of beach time, this is a great option. There’s super snorkeling nearby at Gordons Bay, and be sure to check out the Wylie Baths — amazing rock pools perfect for swimming. The seaside town is known for its fish and chips, so be sure to give them a try too! Best Places to Stay in Coogee BUDGET: Mad Monkey Coogee Beach – This is a great budget hostel located right on the beach. They have a cool co-working space and there are plenty of bars and restaurants around as well. It’s not fancy by any means, but it gets the job done! Just keep in mind that it can get a little noisy, so don’t stay here if you’re looking for some peace and quiet! MID-RANGE: Coogee Bay Hotel (Boutique) – This lovely boutique hotel is in a great location, located only 20 minutes from downtown and 20 minutes from the airport. It’s right beside the ocean, as well, and there is a restaurant and beer garden on-site. LUXURY: Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach – This incredible hotel boasts panoramic views of the ocean, a heated swimming pool, 2 bars, tennis courts, and a fully-equipped fitness center. It’s a spacious hotel with ultra-modern rooms, and there are lots of great seafood restaurants nearby as well. Best Neighborhood #4: Darling Harbour

This area of town is best for families. This lively neighborhood is a huge tourist draw, as there are tons of attractions along the waterfront. The Sydney Aquarium and IMAX are here, and there’s all kinds of dining. The area’s clubs come alive at night and there’s lots of shopping. There’s also a Madame Tussauds, if that tells you anything. If you’re travelling with kids, consider this neighborhood. If not, I probably wouldn’t stay in this Disney-like environment. Best Places to Stay in Darling Harbour BUDGET: Siesta Sydney – This budget-friendly hostel is clean, located in a great location, and has really friendly staff. They have free towels, free Wi-Fi, a fully-equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities. MID-RANGE: Glasgow Arms Hotel – This charming hotel is located above a beautiful old pub. Free breakfast is served all day long and the hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Darling Harbour. LUXURY: The Darling at The Star– This is a massive, luxuorious hotel home to a spa, casino, and over 20 bars and restaurants. Pamper yourself in their Turkish bath or enjoy a swim in their scented outdoor swimming pool — that also has its own bar! Best Neighborhood #5: Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is world famous. Once you see the iconic beach, you’ll understand why: The amazing views of the Pacific, the seafood restaurants along Campbell Parade, the happening nightlife! This is a great place for backpackers and those looking to party. But it’s also a good base for beach couples, as well. Bondi is not right in the heart of the city, but public transit is a piece of cake. This area appeals to a younger crowd, and you’re sure to see surfers in the water, sun worshippers on the sand, and adventurous sorts hiking the scenic coastal trails. Best Places to Stay in Bondi Beach BUDGET: Bondi Backpackers – If you love the beach, you can’t beat this place! There’s a great rooftop space overlooking Bondi Beach and the hostel offers free surfboards. There are also free yoga classes, walking tours, and other fitness activities. If you’re there Friday night, don’t miss the BBQ party on the rooftop! MID-RANGE: Ultimate Apartments (Bondi Beach) – Located just a 7-minute walk from the beach, Ultimate Apartments offers studio apartments with free parking. They have kitchenettes so you can cook some of your own food, as well as an outdoor pool onsite. The rooms are spacious and the beds are comfy! LUXURY: Hotel Bondi – With views overlooking the beach, this boutique-style hotel has both private and shared balconies, as well as some deluze rooms with kitchen facilities if you want to cook your own meals. There is a restaurant onsite, the showers are great, and the staff is incredibly helpful. Best Neighborhood #6: Central Business District

Sydney’s CBD is the heart of it all. It’s a huge area filled with skyscrapers, business, banking, and commerce. But it’s not only for the suit and tie set. This area has tons of attractions, including the Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden. The neighborhood is generally pretty pricey, but the location may be worth it. The city’s best dining is here, as are the poshest hotels and chicest art galleries. You won’t find a lot of quirky shops, flea markets, or vintage treasures, but you will feel the excitement of big-city living! Best Places to Stay in the Central Business District BUDGET: Base Sydney – There aren’t many budget options in this part of the city when it comes to accommodation, so Base will likely be your best choice. They have free Wi-Fi and an on-site bar, making it a great place to have fun and meet people. MID-RANGE: Park Regis City Centre – With a rooftop pool and views overlooking the city, this is a great mid-range hotel offering value above and beyond the pricetag. The location is perfect and allows you easy access to all of the main attractions in the city, and they also offer a free airport shuttle as well. LUXURY: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park – This hotel overlooks Hyde Park and boasts an indoor swimming pool, rooftop fitness center, a free airport shuttle, and amazing restaurants and room service. It’s the perfect place to pamper yourself in the heart of the city. Best Neighborhood #7: Paddington

If you’re looking for a quiet place to stay in Sydney, Paddington is one of my favorite neighborhoods. It’s between the CBD and the beaches, so you can get anywhere pretty quickly via bus. This eastern suburb is mainly residential, with beautiful tree-lined streets and Victorian homes with cute balconies. There are upscale restaurants, lively pubs, and prestigious art galleries as well as funky shops. The area is known for the Saturday Paddington Markets at the Uniting Church. Centennial Park is a great place to relax in the outdoors. This isn’t the best neighborhood if you are looking for extensive nightlife and party options, though. Best Places to Stay in Paddington BUDGET: Arts Hotel – Budget options in this area are few and far between, so Airbnb might be your best choice. If you’d prefer a hotel, try Arts Hotel. It’s located right on Oxford Street and have a cool garden, swimming pool, and free bikes to use. MID-RANGE: Airbnb – There aren’t any great mid-range options in this area so I’d try Airbnb for a middle-of-the-road option. Just be sure to book in advance as the best places disappear fast! LUXURY: Mrs Banks Hotel – This hotel is actually located in a former bank. It has a very chic vibe and the rooms are all well designed. There’s free Wi-Fi and breakfast included as well. Best Neighborhood #8: Manly

Manly is a suburb of Sydeny located just north of the city. It’s is famous for its amazing beach, giant waves, surfing, and wild nightlife. The area has a completely different vibe to it than the central city; it’s a part of town that knows how to have a good time. A lot of tourists actually miss that part of the city as it is a bit out of the way. But don’t let that stop you — it’s worth the short ride to get here. In fact, it’s one of my favorite areas of the city! You’ll also find some gorgeous coastal walking trails on this side of the harbor too. Best Places to Stay in Manly BUDGET: Manly Backpackers – This is your classic backpacker hostel, with a great social vibe and lively nightlife. The staff are super helpful and fun and can help you make the most out of your trip. Don’t expect the most neat and tidy hostel as there are many long-term backpackers here and the place can get a little messy. But what it lacks in cleanliness it backs up for in price and atmosphere! MID-RANGE: Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific – Located right across from Manly Beach, this hotel is in the perfect location for those looking to balance soaking up the rays on the beach with Manly’s wild nightlife. The hotel has a fitness center and rooftop pool, as well as a nice bar and free breakfast (including certain rooms). You’ll get some great views here too! LUXURY: Designer Studios Manly – As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice the little touches that make this hotel stand out. Not only is there free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle but you’ll also be gifted free wine and sparkling water on arrival. The staff can also provide picnic blankets in case you want to go out and relax in one of the citys many parks or beaches (which I suggest you do!). Best Neighborhood #9: Kings Cross

Located North of Paddington and east of the downtown core, Kings Cross is another party district for any nightowls looking to have fun. It’s wild and cheap, and you’ll find a good mix of both backpackers and locals here. The famous World Bar is where most of the action happens (it’s home to cheap drinks and a large dance floor). If you’re not a backpacker or not looking to party, this probably won’t be the place you wan’t to stay during your visit. Best Places to Stay in Kings Cross BUDGET: Hump Backpackers – This is a social hostel where the staff host plenty of fun daily activities to help you meet people (like BBQs, beer pong, and pancake breakfasts). There’s a free breakfast included, all-day coffee and tea, and a different activities each and every night. The beds here are quite comfortable, the bathrooms and showers are kept clean, and lockers in each room are huge. The hostel is surrounded by lots of restaurants and shops, as well as a few bars, so there’s a bunch of things to do in the area. Note: you have to be 18-35 years old to stay here. MIDRANGE: Quest Potts Point – Boasting a rooftop terrace with views over the city, and located only a 5 minute walk from the rambunctious nightlife of Kings Cross, Quest Potts Point is the perfect choice for travelers wanting privacy and comfort while still looking to be right next to the action. Most of the rooms have kitchenettes, the beds are quite comfy, and the staff can help you organize all sorts of fun tours and day trips! LUXURY: Larmont Sydney – The Larmont Sydney by Lancemore is located just 2 minutes from Kings Cross station. The hotel offers all the luxury you need for a very reasonable price. With all the standards like free Wi-Fi, incredibly comfy beds, and amazing staff (the staff here really go above and beyond), this hotel is a great choice for anyone looking for a luxurious stay in a lively area of the city. *** While Sydney is a big place, it’s not overwhelming. You should be able to hit all the highlights in one trip. Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list of places to stay – these are just my favorites! I really like quite a few of these areas, so maybe you’ll want to experience several neighborhoods — stay in town several nights, then move to Bondi Beach or Coogee to get a feel for the surf. To me, that’s the best of both worlds. But no matter where you stay, I’m confident you’ll enjoy the city and have an amazing time in Australia! Book Your Trip to Australia: Logistical Tips and Tricks Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. My favorite hostels in Sydney are: Hump Backpackers – This is a social hostel with free breakfast, all-day coffee and tea, and different activities every night. The beds are comfy and soft, showers are kept clean, and the room lockers are huge. Lord Wolseley – This hostel is located on the upper floors of a historic bar and restaurant that has been around since 1881. Its location near Chinatown and Central Station makes it one of the cheaper places to stay in town. Darling Harbour is just a five minute walk. Asylum Backpackers Hostel – Asylum is close to Kings Cross station, and it’s just a 30-minute walk to the Opera House and the Botanic Gardens.The dorms are spacious and there are common areas inside and outside and free breakfast each day. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are: World Nomads (for everyone below 70) Insure My Trip (for those over 70) Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too! Want More Information on Australia? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Australia for even more planning tips! Photo credit: Bernard Spragg. NZ, J Bar, Mynameisben123 , RubyGoes, Enochlau The post The Best Neighborhoods in Sydney: Where to Stay on Your Visit appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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[tamboradventure]

The Best Neighborhoods in Sydney: Where to Stay on Your Visit

Posted: 06/2/2019 | June 2nd, 2019

Sydney is one of the greatest cities in the world. It has amazing beaches, scenic shorelines, World Heritage sites, and top-notch dining. It’s a large city, and it’s very spread out.

So what are the best neighborhoods to stay in?

That depends on what you look for in a destination!

Each area of Sydney has its own vibe and highlights. Here are my thoughts on the best places to stay in the city. No matter which of these you choose, you can’t go wrong!

Table of Contents

Best neighborhood for views: The Rocks

Best neighborhood for local life: Surry Hills

Best neighborhood for a local beach: Coogee

Best neighborhood for touristy stuff: Darling Harbour

Best neighborhood for beach fun: Bondi Beach

Best neighborhood for being central: CBD

Best neighborhood for shopping: Paddington

Best non-central neighborhood: Manly

Best neighborhood for nightlife: Kings Cross

  Best Neighborhood #1: The Rocks

Just north of Sydney’s Central Business District and on the harbor, this neighborhood offers great views along the waterfront. There are numerous historic buildings in the area, including several pubs.

The Rocks Markets is open each weekend, selling all kinds of treasures, including arts and crafts, jewelry and tasty treats. The area has tons of stellar restaurants, museums, and entertainment venues, which helps explain its popularity with tourists.

If you stay in The Rocks, make sure you dine along the waterfront!

Best Places to Stay in The Rocks

BUDGET: Sydney Harbour YHA – This hostel is in a great location, offering views of the harbour and the Opera House. The hostel is built in the old colonial area of the city, but has all the modern comforts of a good hostel. This isn’t really a party hostel, though, but rather a great place for travelers looking for a quiet stay. It’s great for families too!

MID-RANGE: Mercantile Hotel – Offering live music, free Wi-Fi, and all the standard ammentities you’d expect from a mid-range hotel. The Mercantile is located right near the Opera House, the Rocks Markets, and the Harbour Bridge. To top it all off, it’s also home to Australia’s longest-running Irish pub!

LUXURY: Four Seasons Sydney – Offering incredbible views of the harbour and the city — as well as incredible luxury — this is a great choice for anyone looking to visit Sydney in style. With a state of the art fitness center and wellness center and spa, you’ll be able to get pampered while you enjoy all that Sydney has to offer.

Best Neighborhood #2: Surry Hills

Southeast of the Central Business District, Surry Hills has traditionally been known as the best place in Sydney for fashion. The area is perfect for travelers who want to shop ‘til they drop, but its appeal is much broader than that. There are lots of unique, creative dining options, and many old warehouses have been transformed into classy art galleries and gorgeous homes.

The area is perfect for young travelers, foodies, and those wanting to experience Oxford Street, the longtime Gay Capital of Sydney.

Best Places to Stay in Surry Hills

BUDGET: Big Hostel – This hostel offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free luggage storage, and late checkout — everything the budget traveler needs! They also have a full-equipped kitchen and promote eco-friendly practices (they have a service for donating old clothings and promote energy conservation and recycling).

MID-RANGE: Manor Boutique Hotel – This charming boutique hotel is located in a heritage building with antique furnishings. It’s conveniently located just 5 minutes from Oxford street where you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants. Free breakfast is included too!

LUXURY: Little Albion – This luxury hotel is actually located in a heritage building that was once a former convent. It’s right near Central Station and only a short drive from Chinatown and Paddy’s Market. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace, lounge, free WiFi, and a complimentary breakfast each morning.

Best Neighborhood #3: Coogee

This little area with the funny name is perfect for travelers who want a beach vibe but not all the craziness of Bondi Beach. The area is super scenic and the ocean is calm and safe for swimming. This neighborhood is an eastern suburb of Sydney, but you can get to town on public transit in less than half an hour.

Coogee has a youthful and family-friendly feel. Sydney’s eastern East suburbs, youthful, family friendly. If your trip calls for a lot of beach time, this is a great option. There’s super snorkeling nearby at Gordons Bay, and be sure to check out the Wylie Baths — amazing rock pools perfect for swimming. The seaside town is known for its fish and chips, so be sure to give them a try too!

Best Places to Stay in Coogee

BUDGET: Mad Monkey Coogee Beach – This is a great budget hostel located right on the beach. They have a cool co-working space and there are plenty of bars and restaurants around as well. It’s not fancy by any means, but it gets the job done! Just keep in mind that it can get a little noisy, so don’t stay here if you’re looking for some peace and quiet!

MID-RANGE: Coogee Bay Hotel (Boutique) – This lovely boutique hotel is in a great location, located only 20 minutes from downtown and 20 minutes from the airport. It’s right beside the ocean, as well, and there is a restaurant and beer garden on-site.

LUXURY: Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach – This incredible hotel boasts panoramic views of the ocean, a heated swimming pool, 2 bars, tennis courts, and a fully-equipped fitness center. It’s a spacious hotel with ultra-modern rooms, and there are lots of great seafood restaurants nearby as well.

Best Neighborhood #4: Darling Harbour

This area of town is best for families. This lively neighborhood is a huge tourist draw, as there are tons of attractions along the waterfront. The Sydney Aquarium and IMAX are here, and there’s all kinds of dining. The area’s clubs come alive at night and there’s lots of shopping. There’s also a Madame Tussauds, if that tells you anything.

If you’re travelling with kids, consider this neighborhood. If not, I probably wouldn’t stay in this Disney-like environment.

Best Places to Stay in Darling Harbour

BUDGET: Siesta Sydney – This budget-friendly hostel is clean, located in a great location, and has really friendly staff. They have free towels, free Wi-Fi, a fully-equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities.

MID-RANGE: Glasgow Arms Hotel – This charming hotel is located above a beautiful old pub. Free breakfast is served all day long and the hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Darling Harbour.

LUXURY: The Darling at The Star– This is a massive, luxuorious hotel home to a spa, casino, and over 20 bars and restaurants. Pamper yourself in their Turkish bath or enjoy a swim in their scented outdoor swimming pool — that also has its own bar!

Best Neighborhood #5: Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is world famous. Once you see the iconic beach, you’ll understand why: The amazing views of the Pacific, the seafood restaurants along Campbell Parade, the happening nightlife! This is a great place for backpackers and those looking to party.

But it’s also a good base for beach couples, as well. Bondi is not right in the heart of the city, but public transit is a piece of cake. This area appeals to a younger crowd, and you’re sure to see surfers in the water, sun worshippers on the sand, and adventurous sorts hiking the scenic coastal trails.

Best Places to Stay in Bondi Beach

BUDGET: Bondi Backpackers – If you love the beach, you can’t beat this place! There’s a great rooftop space overlooking Bondi Beach and the hostel offers free surfboards. There are also free yoga classes, walking tours, and other fitness activities. If you’re there Friday night, don’t miss the BBQ party on the rooftop!

MID-RANGE: Ultimate Apartments (Bondi Beach) – Located just a 7-minute walk from the beach, Ultimate Apartments offers studio apartments with free parking. They have kitchenettes so you can cook some of your own food, as well as an outdoor pool onsite. The rooms are spacious and the beds are comfy!

LUXURY: Hotel Bondi – With views overlooking the beach, this boutique-style hotel has both private and shared balconies, as well as some deluze rooms with kitchen facilities if you want to cook your own meals. There is a restaurant onsite, the showers are great, and the staff is incredibly helpful.

Best Neighborhood #6: Central Business District

Sydney’s CBD is the heart of it all. It’s a huge area filled with skyscrapers, business, banking, and commerce. But it’s not only for the suit and tie set. This area has tons of attractions, including the Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden.

The neighborhood is generally pretty pricey, but the location may be worth it. The city’s best dining is here, as are the poshest hotels and chicest art galleries. You won’t find a lot of quirky shops, flea markets, or vintage treasures, but you will feel the excitement of big-city living!

Best Places to Stay in the Central Business District

BUDGET: Base Sydney – There aren’t many budget options in this part of the city when it comes to accommodation, so Base will likely be your best choice. They have free Wi-Fi and an on-site bar, making it a great place to have fun and meet people.

MID-RANGE: Park Regis City Centre – With a rooftop pool and views overlooking the city, this is a great mid-range hotel offering value above and beyond the pricetag. The location is perfect and allows you easy access to all of the main attractions in the city, and they also offer a free airport shuttle as well.

LUXURY: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park – This hotel overlooks Hyde Park and boasts an indoor swimming pool, rooftop fitness center, a free airport shuttle, and amazing restaurants and room service. It’s the perfect place to pamper yourself in the heart of the city.

Best Neighborhood #7: Paddington

If you’re looking for a quiet place to stay in Sydney, Paddington is one of my favorite neighborhoods. It’s between the CBD and the beaches, so you can get anywhere pretty quickly via bus. This eastern suburb is mainly residential, with beautiful tree-lined streets and Victorian homes with cute balconies. There are upscale restaurants, lively pubs, and prestigious art galleries as well as funky shops.

The area is known for the Saturday Paddington Markets at the Uniting Church. Centennial Park is a great place to relax in the outdoors. This isn’t the best neighborhood if you are looking for extensive nightlife and party options, though.

Best Places to Stay in Paddington

BUDGET: Arts Hotel – Budget options in this area are few and far between, so Airbnb might be your best choice. If you’d prefer a hotel, try Arts Hotel. It’s located right on Oxford Street and have a cool garden, swimming pool, and free bikes to use.

MID-RANGE: Airbnb – There aren’t any great mid-range options in this area so I’d try Airbnb for a middle-of-the-road option. Just be sure to book in advance as the best places disappear fast!

LUXURY: Mrs Banks Hotel – This hotel is actually located in a former bank. It has a very chic vibe and the rooms are all well designed. There’s free Wi-Fi and breakfast included as well.

Best Neighborhood #8: Manly

Manly is a suburb of Sydeny located just north of the city. It’s is famous for its amazing beach, giant waves, surfing, and wild nightlife. The area has a completely different vibe to it than the central city; it’s a part of town that knows how to have a good time. A lot of tourists actually miss that part of the city as it is a bit out of the way. But don’t let that stop you — it’s worth the short ride to get here. In fact, it’s one of my favorite areas of the city! You’ll also find some gorgeous coastal walking trails on this side of the harbor too.

Best Places to Stay in Manly

BUDGET: Manly Backpackers – This is your classic backpacker hostel, with a great social vibe and lively nightlife. The staff are super helpful and fun and can help you make the most out of your trip. Don’t expect the most neat and tidy hostel as there are many long-term backpackers here and the place can get a little messy. But what it lacks in cleanliness it backs up for in price and atmosphere!

MID-RANGE: Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific – Located right across from Manly Beach, this hotel is in the perfect location for those looking to balance soaking up the rays on the beach with Manly’s wild nightlife. The hotel has a fitness center and rooftop pool, as well as a nice bar and free breakfast (including certain rooms). You’ll get some great views here too!

LUXURY: Designer Studios Manly – As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice the little touches that make this hotel stand out. Not only is there free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle but you’ll also be gifted free wine and sparkling water on arrival. The staff can also provide picnic blankets in case you want to go out and relax in one of the citys many parks or beaches (which I suggest you do!).

Best Neighborhood #9: Kings Cross

Located North of Paddington and east of the downtown core, Kings Cross is another party district for any nightowls looking to have fun. It’s wild and cheap, and you’ll find a good mix of both backpackers and locals here. The famous World Bar is where most of the action happens (it’s home to cheap drinks and a large dance floor). If you’re not a backpacker or not looking to party, this probably won’t be the place you wan’t to stay during your visit.

Best Places to Stay in Kings Cross

BUDGET: Hump Backpackers – This is a social hostel where the staff host plenty of fun daily activities to help you meet people (like BBQs, beer pong, and pancake breakfasts). There’s a free breakfast included, all-day coffee and tea, and a different activities each and every night. The beds here are quite comfortable, the bathrooms and showers are kept clean, and lockers in each room are huge. The hostel is surrounded by lots of restaurants and shops, as well as a few bars, so there’s a bunch of things to do in the area. Note: you have to be 18-35 years old to stay here.

MIDRANGE: Quest Potts Point – Boasting a rooftop terrace with views over the city, and located only a 5 minute walk from the rambunctious nightlife of Kings Cross, Quest Potts Point is the perfect choice for travelers wanting privacy and comfort while still looking to be right next to the action. Most of the rooms have kitchenettes, the beds are quite comfy, and the staff can help you organize all sorts of fun tours and day trips!

LUXURY: Larmont Sydney – The Larmont Sydney by Lancemore is located just 2 minutes from Kings Cross station. The hotel offers all the luxury you need for a very reasonable price. With all the standards like free Wi-Fi, incredibly comfy beds, and amazing staff (the staff here really go above and beyond), this hotel is a great choice for anyone looking for a luxurious stay in a lively area of the city.

*** While Sydney is a big place, it’s not overwhelming. You should be able to hit all the highlights in one trip. Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list of places to stay – these are just my favorites!

I really like quite a few of these areas, so maybe you’ll want to experience several neighborhoods — stay in town several nights, then move to Bondi Beach or Coogee to get a feel for the surf. To me, that’s the best of both worlds.

But no matter where you stay, I’m confident you’ll enjoy the city and have an amazing time in Australia!

Book Your Trip to Australia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. My favorite hostels in Sydney are:

Hump Backpackers – This is a social hostel with free breakfast, all-day coffee and tea, and different activities every night. The beds are comfy and soft, showers are kept clean, and the room lockers are huge.

Lord Wolseley – This hostel is located on the upper floors of a historic bar and restaurant that has been around since 1881. Its location near Chinatown and Central Station makes it one of the cheaper places to stay in town. Darling Harbour is just a five minute walk.

Asylum Backpackers Hostel – Asylum is close to Kings Cross station, and it’s just a 30-minute walk to the Opera House and the Botanic Gardens.The dorms are spacious and there are common areas inside and outside and free breakfast each day.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Want More Information on Australia? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Australia for even more planning tips!

Photo credit: 1, 3, 4, 8, 9

The post The Best Neighborhoods in Sydney: Where to Stay on Your Visit appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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[sentrava]

Ten Things You Didn’t Know about Swedish Artist Hilma af Klint

Swedish abstract artist Hilma af Klint combined abstraction with spiritualism to create a unique artistic style that pre-dates other abstract modernist painters such as Wassily Kandinsky. Util recently, she had largely been ignored as one of the original abstract artists in favor of her male counterparts, but a recent retrospective at the Guggeheim in New York City has brought her incredbible, colorful work back into the spotlight.

The Guggeheim’s show runs until April 23rd 2019. Even if you missed it, the interest in her work shows no signs of abating.

Find out about Swedish abstract artist Hilma af Klint and see some of our favorite Himla af Klint paintings:

She was a mystic; spiritualism deeply informed her art. Klint’s interest in spiritualism began at the age of 18 when her young sister died. She became a student of Theosophy and the Anthroposophical Society, visiting the latter’s headquarters in Switzerland on many occasions throughout the 1920s. Her isolation from the rest of the modernist art movement allowed her spiritualism to truly be the defining driver of her work.

  Hilma af Klint, Group I, No. 7, 1919 Foto: Albin Dahlström/Moderna Museet

    She financially supported herself with conventional painting of portraits and landscapes. Though Hilma af Klint actively sought to distance her work from her classical training (more on that below), she gained enough recognition in Sweden to make a living as an artist.

  Hilma af Klint, Group IX, No. 16 & 17, 1915 Foto: Albin Dahlström/Moderna Museet

    Hilma af Klint was a founder and member of “The Five,” (Den Fem) a group of women artists who were interested in spirutalism and regularly conducted séances. They believed that they received messages from spirits they called “High Masters” and recorded these transmissions in a shared book. Though rumors persist that Hilma af Klint was an isolated or lonely person, that wasn’t the case; The Five were an important part of her social and artistic development. The myth of isolation is not an uncommon one to be attached to unconventional, and particularly artistic, women; see Emily Dickinson as another example.  

Hilma af Klint, Group V, No. 19, 1908 Foto- Albin Dahlström/Moderna Museet

    She’s inspired lots of pop culture moments, but only recently has been recognized on a larger scale. Films and music that has been borne from Hilma af Klint’s body of work include Personal Shopper starring Kristen Stewart (highly recommend!) and the album Modern Kosmology by British singer Jane Weaver.

  Hilma af Klint, Left: Titel saknas, 1924, Right: Vid betraktandet av blommor och träd, 1922 Foto: Albin Dahlström/Moderna Museet

    She kept much of her work private until 20 years after her death, believing that the world was not yet ready for them (she was right!). Leaving everything to her nephew, she instructed him not to even open the boxes until the prescribed time had passed. The paintings were finally revealed in the late 1960s. It wasn’t until they were presented by art historian Åke Fant in 1984, then shown in an exhibition in Los Angeles in 1986, that Klint began to gain international recognition.

  Hilma Af Klint, Group VI, No. 1 Evolutionen, 1908. Oil on Canvas. Photo: Albin Dahlström/Moderna Museet

    In 1970, her entire collection was offered to the Moderna Museet as a gift. The museum declined! In a true “I told you so” moment, Hilma af Klint’s prophecy that the world (perhaps more speficially, the art establishment) wasn’t ready for her paintings was proven true when, a mere 26 years after her death, and only six years after her collection was finally released by her estate, Stockholm’s Moderna Museet decided against taking her body of work. What could they have been thinking?

      One of her dreams was to build a spiral-shaped temple where she could display her work. Unfortunately this never came to be. In a poetic twist, the spiral staircase of the Guggenheim, where a major retrospective of her work took place in 2018-2019, served as a kind of proxy.

  Hilma af Klint, The Swan, No.1, Group IX, 1915

    Hilma was a classically trained fine artist, having studied at the Academy of Fine Arts of Stockholm. She studied drawing, portraiture, and landscape painting. Though she earned money this way, she actively sought to unlearn the classical techniques she had acquired, instead developing a technique called “automatic drawing” in which she drew without allowing her consciousness to lead the process. This technique would later be used in the surrealist movement, including Dadaism. As she practiced automatic drawing more and more, she began to create her now iconic abstract pieces; she painted her first abstract series at age 44.

  Hilma af Klint, Group X, No. 2 and No. 3, 1915 Foto- Albin Dahlström/Moderna Museet

    There is now a dedicated Hilma af Klint room at the Moderna Museet in Stockholm showing a collection of her work, despite the museum having turned down the gift her entire collection (still shocked by this!). In early 2018, the Hilma af Klint Foundation, which oversees her legacy, signed a deal with the museum that will keep this small collection at Moderna Museet in perpetuity.

  Hilma af Klint, Group V, No. 7, 1920 Foto: Albin Dahlström/Moderna Museet

    Snøhetta, the Norwegian architecture firm, is currently building an exhibition centre dedicated to Klint just south of Stockholm, in a town called Järna. We hope it assists in continuing to showcase Klint’s legacy and influence in abstract art.

    Ten Things You Didn’t Know about Swedish Artist Hilma af Klint published first on https://medium.com/@OCEANDREAMCHARTERS

[sentrava]

Ten Things You Didn’t Know about Swedish Artist Hilma af Klint

Swedish abstract artist Hilma af Klint combined abstraction with spiritualism to create a unique artistic style that pre-dates other abstract modernist painters such as Wassily Kandinsky. Util recently, she had largely been ignored as one of the original abstract artists in favor of her male counterparts such as Wassily Kandinsky, but a recent retrospective at the Guggeheim in New York City has brought her incredbible, colorful work back into the spotlight.

The Guggeheim’s show runs until April 23rd 2019. Even if you missed it, the interest in her work shows no signs of abating.

Find out about Swedish abstract artist Hilma af Klint and see some of our favorite Himla af Klint paintings:

She was a mystic; spiritualism deeply informed her art. Klint’s interest in spiritualism began at the age of 18 when her young sister died. She became a student of Theosophy and the Anthroposophical Society, visiting the latter’s headquarters in Switzerland on many occasions throughout the 1920s. Her isolation from the rest of the modernist art movement allowed her spiritualism to truly be the defining driver of her work.

  Hilma af Klint, Group I, No. 7, 1919 Foto: Albin Dahlström/Moderna Museet

    She financially supported herself with conventional painting of portraits and landscapes. Though Hilma af Klint actively sought to distance her work from her classical training (more on that below), she gained enough recognition in Sweden to make a living as an artist.

  Hilma af Klint, Group IX, No. 16 & 17, 1915 Foto: Albin Dahlström/Moderna Museet

    Hilma af Klint was a founder and member of “The Five,” (Den Fem) a group of women artists who were interested in sirutalism and regularly conducted séances. They believed that they received messages from spirits they called “High Masters,” and recorded these transmissions in a shared book. Though rumors persist that Hilma af Klint was an isolated or lonely person, that actually wasn’t the case; The Five were an important part of her social and artistic development. The myth of isolation is not an uncommon one to be attached to unconventional, and particularly artistic, women; see Emily Dickinson as another example.  

Hilma af Klint, Group V, No. 19, 1908 Foto- Albin Dahlström/Moderna Museet

    She’s inspired lots of pop culture moments, but only recently has been recognized on a larger scale. Films and music that has been borne from Hilma af Klint situation include Personal Shopper starring Kristen Stewart (highly recommend!), and as inspiration for the album Modern Kosmology by British singer Jane Weaver.

  Hilma af Klint, Left: Titel saknas, 1924, Right: Vid betraktandet av blommor och träd, 1922 Foto: Albin Dahlström/Moderna Museet

    She kept most of her works private until 20 years after her death, believing that the world was not yet ready for them (she was right!). Leaving all her work to her nephew, she instructed him not to even open the boxes until the prescribed time had passed. The paintings were finally revealed in the late 1960s, but it wasn’t until they were presented by art historian Åke Fant in 1984, then shown in an exhibition in Los Angeles in 1986, that Klint began to gain international recognition.

  Hilma Af Klint, Group VI, No. 1 Evolutionen, 1908. Oil on Canvas. Photo: Albin Dahlström/Moderna Museet

    In 1970, her entire collection was offered to the Modern Museet as a gift. The museum declined! In a true “I told you so” moment, Hilma af Klint’s prophecy that the world (perhaps more speficially, the art establishment) wasn’t ready for her paintings was proven true when, a mere 26 years after her death, and only six years after her collection was finally released by her estate, Stockholm’s Modern Museet decided against taking her body of work. What could they have been thinking?

      One of her dreams was to build a spiral-shaped temple where she could display her work. Unfortunately this never came to be. In a poetic twist, the spiral staircase of the Guggenheim, where a major retrospective of her work took place in 2018-2019, served as a kind of proxy.

  Hilma af Klint, The Swan, No.1, Group IX, 1915

    Hilma was a classically trained fine artist, having studied at the Academy of Fine Arts of Stockholm. She studied drawing, portraiture, and landscape painting. Though she earned money this way, she actively sought to unlearn the classical techniques she had acquired, instead developing a technique called “automatic drawing” in which she drew without allowing her consciousness to lead the process. This technique would later be used in the surrealist movement, including Dadaism. As she practiced automatic drawing more and more, she began to create her now iconic abstract pieces; she painted her first abstract series at age 44.

  Hilma af Klint, Group X, No. 2 and No. 3, 1915 Foto- Albin Dahlström/Moderna Museet

    There is now a dedicated Hilma af Klint room at the Modern Museet in Stockholm, showing a collection of her work, despite the museum having turned down the gift her entire collection (still shocked by this!). In early 2018, the Hilma af Klint Foundation, which oversees her legacy, signed a deal with the museum that will keep this small collection at Modern Museet in perpetuity.

  Hilma af Klint, Group V, No. 7, 1920 Foto: Albin Dahlström/Moderna Museet

    Snøhetta, the Norwegian architecture firm, is currently building an exhibition centre dedicated to Klint just south of Stockholm, in a town called Järna. We hope it assists in continuing to showcase Klint’s legacy and influence in abstract art.

    Ten Things You Didn’t Know about Swedish Artist Hilma af Klint published first on https://medium.com/@OCEANDREAMCHARTERS