‘ At the beach, time you wasting is not wasted’ – t.s. elliot
The trip to Gold Coast just happened last year in the beginning of October. In fact, to be exact, it was 30 Sept 2012 that we took the flight.
It was a rather impromptu trip. As many may already know, I traveled to Sydney, Australia to commence my internship. Apparently, labor day in Australia is 1 October in stead of the usual 1 May in Singapore. Hence, we asked for a short break from our professor, and surprisingly, he was super cool about it.
But why gold coast? Because I am dying to go to MOVIE WORLD! #Childhooddreams Besides, I am in Sydney. It’s just a few miles away! So, why not?
Airline: Jetstar Airways
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor -courtesy of my cousin’s recommendation
Duration: 3 Days 2 Night
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#Day 1: Life’s a beach. – Surfers paradise
- Here, Chasing the sun .
On a early dark morning, just before sun rise, we took a cab to the Domestic airport. Our flight was about 6am.
Touched down at Gold Coast. Feeling Fresh!
We took an airport transfer to Hotel Grand Chancellor. It was located at spotlight of Gold coast where every shops were just below the hotel and Surfers’ paradise is just a 5min walk away!
Twin beds and ensuite bathroom, along with a small balcony.
The view from our balcony… Just the ocean line right ahead!
As it was still way too early to hit the beach, and also considering the fact that the Sun wasn’t right up yet, we took the public transport to CARRARA MARKETS –one of the main tourists attractions, with bargained products and local delights!
The market was huge, literally. Massive indeed. Hell lots of people.
Lots of goodies and bargains to purchase!
And lots of varieties too!
This wired bicycle is just too beautiful~ ^^
Interesting toilet concept.
CARRARA MARKETS practically sells all sorts of rubbish, classic, vintage goodies that you want to find! Pets are even for sale! Just look at this guy (image above)^
We spent our morning at the market. In the afternoon, it is time to hit the beach!
The legendary, SURFERS’ PARADISE.
I can’t believe I had finally stepped on the sands of this beach, leaving behind those footprints. GAWD! It had always been a dream. Fancy seeing it only on TV.. but now, my feet are on it. Bliss is sand in between my toes and sunburn on my nose.
Thank God for the awesome weather that allowed us to be able to bath ourselves under the sun!
We were definitely enjoying ourselves by the beach. With the great ocean/ sea view… nothing else matters. #life
Bikinis on top! Beach, the only place that bikinis are not seen as sleazy. #whatever
Just like the O’ days, writing on the sand with a random stick, we had to remember this exact day!
Photo credits: Jessilyn Tan
I just love the sea!
I went to dip myself into the clear water of the sea. The currents are merciless, literally gushing and throwing themselves at me. Fortunately, I didn’t drown. *touchwood* But instead, I was ‘freezed’ by the water! COLDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We played till 4pm sharp, just before the sun set.
Bathed, and went food hunting after.
Then, we came across this small taiwan restaurant. The resistant towards our temptations were not strong enough. So, we dined and just enjoy the good food provided! ^^
“Palm trees,ocean breeze, salty air, sun kissed hair. That endless summer take me there.”
#Day 2: Sea World, Dolphins!
Rise and shine from Gold coast!
Sea world was in our itentiary as we had purchased the GOLD VIP tickets! Priced at only AUD99.99, we are entitled to free unlimited entry to three worlds! Instead of the usual ticket priced at AUD89.99 for only one world. We were lucky to be able to get this great deal!
We were all set for SEA world, and our first show was the dolphin show! I’ll move on to the show in the later part of the post.
SPONGEBOB POPCORN CUP!!
RAINBOW ICE CREAM WITH A LIL GUMMY FISHIE ON TOP!
PHOTOSHOOT WITH SPONGEBOB, PATRICK AND MRS PUFF!! They are so cute!
Oh, look! Its Dora the explorer!!!
Giant Penguin!!! It’s so fluffy that I think I am going to die!!
So, we had reached the setting where the dolphin show is held.
These dolphins are super well trained! Smart and cute!!
Look at how amazing they can do the stunts, flipping 360 degrees in mid air.
Oh oh and see how they queue up accordingly!
Man, how I wish I was in his shoes then!
Aww…just look at how it smiles with its tiny little teeth!
After the spectacular Dolphin show, our adventure at the sea world continues…
Castaway Bay, built with full loads of challenging climbs through strings and rods.
Actually, it seems like a rather huge playground instead. You know the ones that kids play the explorer kids? LOL!
Indeed challenging, but we managed to make our way up and enjoy the magnificent view from the tippy top!
The slope back down, but of course a picture had to be taken to show that, ‘WE MADE IT!”
The next show we caught was non other than the famous, popular, world known, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!
Here comes the main leads- Spongebob and Patrick! Say, ‘HI!’
And of course subsequent characters from the show- Mrs. Puff
-Mr. Crab
-Squidward
-Tiny Plankton
The sing and dance items were so lively! And Cute, for sure. Looking at them move just certainly made me feel like a child again.
This is why I love themed parks, all you do is PLAY AND HAVE FUN. AGE DOESN’T SEEM LIKE A WORD FOR A MOMENT.
-Sandy
At Sea world, not only do you get to associate with sea creatures, but also PENGUINS!
Just look at these huge amount of penguins, the north pole kinds. And trust me, they were literally just staring at you. Not even a single movement. Probably wondering, why the heck are we so amazed by them?
Moving on, at the centre of Sea world lies a mini Dinosaur island.
It’s just a small pathway to see artificial dinosaurs and nothing else. Boring!
Well, as much as it seems like Sea World is built for the kids, I did manage to get on some rides that were deemed as much more ‘adult level’.
I had to ride alone as Jess was afraid. Boring it may sound, but at least I get the express lane! 😀
Apart from the ‘LIVE’ spongebob show, there is a 3D version! So, yes, we went to catch it. It was great! Totally comparable to the one in Hongkong Disneyland. Same concept, just different cartoon.
And here is Patricia, along with her two beautiful daughters. 🙂
The last animal that we saw was the big, white, fluffy polar bear!
It was so darn cute!
Its giving the satisfied, relaxed face!
And seriously, it cant stop swimming. We actually watched it swim repeatedly, back and forth for up to 50 laps!
Lastly, to end the day, we did some souvenir shopping before catching the last Jet Ski Stunt show.
We, too, are SPONGEBOB FANS! ARE YOU?
#Day 3: Movie world!
Today, we are all SUPERHEROES.
I was at MOVIEWORLD! *SCREAMSSSSS* I had conquered one of my childhood dreams. Not to forget, those thrilling rides that I get to sit and experience on!
The highlights of this themed park were the madd, crazy and thrilling rides that can literally make you scream your lungs out.
1. Green Lantern, one of the newest rides among all.
2. Superman ride– the #1 best roller coaster ride among all! -well, for me that is.
That highest point, where you can see the whole of movie world, and the next thing you realise, is your heart dropping out. This moment is what makes roller coasters, a REAL roller coaster.
3. Batman High rise fall– do not under estimate this ride.
Which, in fact, I did. And thus, led me to the LOUDEST SCREAM I EVER DID.
4. Arkham Asylam– another roller coaster that is super twisted.
It practically turns 360 degrees throughout the whole ride. Just be prepared to lose your voice. Indeed.
Like all typical procedures of coming to a theme park, you get on all the rides as soon as you to save time and the rest of the hours is phototaking with your favourite characters! In addition to some shows along the way.
Meet Batman- the one with the husky voice all the time. Can’t really stand his voice. Tsk.
Oh look, its Miranda monroe. Definitely beats the one in USs.
And also my fav,Charlie Chaplin.
Batman in action!
Movie world has two parts where the adults and kids have their own world to play in. So here we are, at the Warner Bros. Kids’.
At the kids’ section, the characters that you meet are Bugs bunny and friends! Whee~ ^^
Scooby Doo Show was on!
Followed by the parade, which I didnt get to catch all as I was enjoying my #5. Scooby Doo Spooky ride.
Photo credits: Jessilyn Tan
To end the day, we watched the final show on Racing Cars- stunts like drifts.
If only I drive like them… LOL!
&So, my dream had come to an end. Finishing it off with the pleasant sunset.
‘My dream came to reality. Don’t Stop Believing. Have Faith, it will all come true someday.’
Stolen Kisses. Pretty Lies. Untold Dreams. 
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