Random Thoughts

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
- [Nameless Series] Book 1.0 Nameless by Jennifer Jenkins
- [Nameless Series] Book 2.0 Clanless by Jennifer Jenkins
- [Nameless Series] Book 3.0 Fearless by Jennifer Jenkins
(Super love this series!♥♥♥)
- The Originals by Cat Patrick
- The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey (a bit boring at first but after half, I couldn't put it down already!)
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (nice read!)
- Almost Midnight by Rainbow Rowell
- Currently Reading: The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey

What movies and/or TV shows did I watch this month?
- Beyond Stranger Things (yes we are sooo hooked!)
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi

What special days did I celebrate and how?
- Christmas Day! ♥♥♥
- New Year's Eve

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
- Thank you dear God for keeping us healthy this month!

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
- Met up with Highschool Friends for another Get Together for Christmas
- Fun Run with the whole family
- Fun trip with the whole family in Sydney, Australia

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
- Pazzo Rollo in Tiendesitas (yummy pizza and pasta and buffalo wings)
- Krispy Creme Cafe Latte
- JayJ's Catering for our CFC Household Christmas Party ♥
- Morganfields
- A bunch of restaurants in Sydney, Aus

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
- Christmas Gifts!

What have you learned this month?

Just right beside the beautiful St. Mary's Cathedral is another beauty - Hyde Park.

Hyde Park is Australia's oldest park. Divided by Park Street, the southern section of Hyde Park contains the ANZAC Memorial building and visitor centre, the pool of reflection and numerous monuments and statues. The northern section features the iconic Archibald Fountain and various theme gardens including Sandringham and Nagoya Gardens replete with public art works, monuments and water features.
SOURCE.

The park contains around 580 mature exotic and native trees including the historic central avenue of Hill's Figs which line the central pedestrian avenue running from Macquarie Street to the ANZAC Memorial.

The park plays host to a number of cultural events throughout the year including the Sydney Festival, Australia Day, ANZAC Day and the Food and Wine Fair. The park is a popular attraction, workers and tourists who congregate throughout the year to enjoy the varied sights and sounds of this green iconic and central public space. SOURCE.

Hyde Park is accessible and public toilets are available. You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to public transport options to the park. Museum and St James train stations are beneath the park, and you can take your pick of many bus routes, as the park is bordered by several major roads. If you’re cycling in, bike parking is also available. There’s a café if you need a caffeine fix or want to satisfy your sweet tooth. SOURCE.

Hyde Park is located at Hyde Park Elizabeth Street, Sydney.

Check this out when you are in Sydney! It is a must see!

Another beauty that we is a must see in Sydney - St. Mary's Cathedral!

I will let you be the judge based on these photos...

St Mary’s Cathedral stands in the centre of Sydney as a Christian statement of grace and beauty. Generations of artists have bequeathed to it their magnificent gifts in stone and glass, designing a unique space of solace and prayer within this vibrant city. This Cathedral represents the spiritual origins of the Catholic Church in Australia. SOURCE.

It is one of Sydney's most treasured historic buildings and one of the finest examples of English-style gothic churches in the world. William Wilkinson Wardell, the 19th century architect, dreamed of a gothic structure shaped from the local yellow-block sandstone on which this city is built. The building was finally completed 100 years after the architect's death. The Cathedral is dedicated to Mary Help of Christians. SOURCE.

St Mary’s Cathedral is the spiritual home of Sydney’s Catholic community. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Sydney, and stands on the site of the first Catholic Chapel in Australia. SOURCE.

Constructed in local sandstone, the “Gothic Revival” style of its architecture is reminiscent of the great medieval cathedrals of Europe. SOURCE.

The foundation stone for the first St Mary’s Cathedral was laid on 29th October, 1821 by Governor Macquarie. On 29th June, 1865, the church caught fire and was destroyed. William Wilkinson Wardell was commissioned by Archbishop Polding to design a new St. Mary’s. Archbishop Polding laid the foundation stone for the present cathedral in 1868. SOURCE.

Aaah, it was indeed a beauty! These photos didn't do justice though...


I just wish I could have captured this beauty more. Best to see it yourself!

Want to check it out as well? Here are more details:

Opening Times:
Cathedral is open before first Mass and until after the last Mass each day.
Monday to Friday: Mass – 06.45, 13.10, 17.30
Saturday: Mass – 09.00, 12.10, 18.00pm
Sunday: Mass – 07.00am, 09.00am, 10.30am, 18.00pm
Public Holidays: Mass – 09.00am, 12.10pm
There are guided tours of the cathedral every Sunday at 12noon

Location
College Street, opposite Hyde Park

Our next stop, the Harbour Bridge. Another beauty and an unforgettable sight!

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a steel through arch bridge across Sydney Harbour that carries rail, vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic between the Sydney central business district (CBD) and the North Shore. The dramatic view of the bridge, the harbour, and the nearby Sydney Opera House is an iconic image of Sydney, and Australia itself. The bridge is nicknamed "The Coathanger" because of its arch-based design. SOURCE.

Under the direction of Dr John Bradfield of the NSW Department of Public Works, the bridge was designed and built by British firm Dorman Long and Co Ltd of Middlesbrough and opened in 1932.[4][5] The bridge's design was influenced by the Hell Gate Bridge in New York City.[6] It is the sixth longest spanning-arch bridge in the world and the tallest steel arch bridge, measuring 134 m (440 ft) from top to water level.[7] It was also the world's widest long-span bridge, at 48.8 m (160 ft) wide, until construction of the new Port Mann Bridge in Vancouver was completed in 2012. SOURCE.

It was indeed one of the BEST sights to see in Sydney. NEVER miss it!

Happiness is...

1. Looong Break! Woot!
2. Podcasts
3. Inspiring Youtube Vids
4. Christmas and Jesus
5. Family
6. Food, food, food
7. Gifts and Never Ending Blessings
8. Hugs from the Kids
9. Happiness
10. Family Bonding

To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.

Aaaah finally, after dreaming of seeing this beauty in person (well since I was in Highschool!), it is finally right in front of my eyes.

This beauty.

And in person, it really was a beauty!

The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is one of the 20th century's most famous and distinctive buildings.[3]

Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the building was formally opened on 20 October 1973[4] after a gestation beginning with Utzon's 1957 selection as winner of an international design competition. The government of New South Wales, led by the premier, Joseph Cahill, authorised work to begin in 1958 with Utzon directing construction. The government's decision to build Utzon's design is often overshadowed by circumstances that followed, including cost and scheduling overruns as well as the architect's ultimate resignation.[5]

The building and its surrounds occupy the whole of Bennelong Point on Sydney Harbour, between Sydney Cove and Farm Cove, adjacent to the Sydney central business district and the Royal Botanic Gardens, and close by the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

SOURCE.

These photos didn't do justice, I tell you. It was so different IRL!

Merry Christmas to you all! I hope everyone is having a GRAND time with their families, kids, friends and relatives. Enjoy the most joyous day of the year! (*wink*)

How do you get around in Sydney?

By walking!

And we had so much fun checking out the architectures in Sydney.

Just look at these beauties...

So, so beautiful aren't they?

I thought I was in Europe!

Aaaah, Sydney, I'm in love with this city already! ♥♥♥