Up Up and Away!

Do like the movie UP? The amazing hot-air balloon house that he made was just stunning and I bet you wished you could get in one of those hot-air balloon house!

Well, I was not lucky enough to find a hot-air balloon house for me to float about in, but I managed to get in a hot-air balloon! It was my very first Hot-air balloon experience and I am absolutely in love with it! Floating about the sky as you lift off higher and higher into the air, the ground below gets smaller and you get a totally new perspective of the view!

We signed up the hot-air balloon ride with the company called Aloft Gold Coast! Honestly, the hot-air balloons they have was not as colourful as I have expected and my overall experience with Aloft was rather average and if iI have to rate them based on my experience I would say its a 5/10, I cannot say it was fantastic nor was it horrible. I paid a total of AUD$230 for a 30 mins ride and it includes transportation from your hotel or the place you are staying at to the hot-air balloon location they also offer a 60 mins ride for an additional price of AUD$30 or so (please check with Aloft website for the specific price), do note that you may have to wake up as early as 3am for the pick-up depending on your hotel location. They also provide a champagne breakfast package which you have to pay an additional AUD$20-AUD$30 (please check with Aloft website for the specific price), will totally recommend for couples who are either celebrating their anniversary or any other special occasion. The Aloft company we signed up the hot-air was discovered by my friend and it was said that they are the only hot-air balloon company in the market in Gold Coast, but later we found out there was another hot-air balloon company when we were at the hot-air balloon location, hence I strongly encouraged and recommend you guys do your homework first! By researching for the best deals around and not be quick in your final choice making like what we did, as I believe there are better deals out there!

The most annoying thing that happened during my hot-air balloon experience with Aloft that really grinds my gear is with a particular employee who was super racist in my opinion! Do let me clarify  what I meant when I say the employee was racist! He was very nice and friendly I must say but the racism comes in when he saw my friend and I who are Chinese and stereotyped my friend and I as Chinese nationals. He passed us an application form that we were required to filled up at the start and it was written in mandarin. Yes, I know that I am Chinese and I have indeed studied Chinese for 10 years or so but to be totally honest both my friend and my mandarin has become very bad after 2-3 years of not seeing nor writing Mandarin. Hence, we asked him for an English form instead as we do not want to fill up an application for we cannot totally understand, what if there were specific rules or any details we need to take note on! Long story short we simply filled up the Chinese written application form as we were only required to fill up our names and another detail I have already forgotten.

However, you guys might be thinking now that I am being a drama queen for labelling him as racist based on that one application form! But No! Throughout the entire time we were with him he spoke to us as if we could not comprehend a single word of English and spoke to us like retards, I understand there were indeed a few Chinese nationals in the tour as well but let me put across that he came and spoke to us individually as well! He even tried to speak to us in Mandarin as he thought that my friend and I only speaks and understands Mandarin and we kinda felt a little offended. Though I understand that he may be trying to be nice and thought that we may feel more comfortable if he spoke in "our language'. However, let me just say we were speaking to him in perfect and clear English but he was very insistent in us just not comprehending or spoke a single word of English! Gosh!


Okay, enough of the rant about that guy allow me get back to the hot-air balloon ride! I really have to  praise the pilot of out hot-air balloon. He was very skilled and even directed us to view certain, scenery in hope that some of might have missed the view! The ride was a very relax and enjoyable one and I strongly recommend yall to try it at least once!

To end off my hot-air balloon review with Aloft, where I must give a heads up for any of you guys out there who have not been on a hot-air balloon tour with any company as I felt that it was a crucial piece of information which I may have needed! We were told to help out in keeping the hot-air balloon! When I heard that I was like " WHAT! I did not pay AUD$230 to help you pack up! Shouldn't this be your job." Not to sound like a brat and all but there were 3-4 employees around to keep the hot-air balloon. In addition, the balloon landed in a muddy field where you can get dirty very very easily, and it was stupid of me to have worn white on that day, and I was also grumpy because I had to wake up at 4am ><

                            

                            

Social Media:
Instagram/Twitter:@paintdaze
Tumblr/Snapchat:@xiaoroooka
Business email: roydonralph@gmail.com

Outfit:
Top: White Shirt- Uniqlo
         Green Outwear - Topman
         Scarf - H&M

Bottom: Jeans- Uniqlo

Shoes: Nike

Protect the animals! (Day 8)

Any animal lovers out there? For the next adventure of my Aussie trip, I dived into the world of wildlife sanctuary!

                         

I went to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary where there was an array of animals, from fearsome reptiles and majestic birds to cute and cuddly koalas and kangaroos. There was, of course, a stark difference between a zoo and a wildlife sanutuary. A zoo has all the man-made cages where the animals are forced to live in one of those artificial habitats, whilst a wildlife sanctuary the animals are left to roam about in a natural habitat where they are literally in the wild and this allows the animals feel more at home and I believe they are definitely happier!

Upon entering the wildlife Sanctuary, I received a totally different vibe as compared to a trip to a zoo.  The natural settings of wildlife make you feel total peace and serenity. Coupled with the incorporation of man-made architecture ( Cafes, Shops, etc.), one can be in touch with nature.

                   

There were also animal shows available throughout the wildlife park, each shows not only showcased the different types of animals living the sanctuary but also inculcated an important lesson, which is the paramount importance of protecting the wildlife and how by doing so we can help protect and save many species of animals who are on the verge of extinction. The Currumbin wildlife sanctuary provides a very educational experience for all to learn about protecting the animals as well as providing a true and genuine wildlife experience whilst one walks through the Sanctuary.

I truly recommend to anyone out there who loves animals and hate visiting zoos because of how the animals are kept but at the same time still wanting to learn and expand their knowledge of animals.

Social Media:

Instagram/Twitter:@paintdaze

Tumblr/Snapchat:@xiaoroooka

Business email: roydonralph@gamil.com

Outfit:

Top: Grey Shirt- Forever 21

         Jacket- Zara

Bottoms: Jeans -Uniqlo

Shoes from Nike

Sea World! (Day 7)

"Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?" I'm guessing many of you guys are very much familiar with that theme song. Having said that, I went to the very popular water theme park- Sea World! Where there seemed to be a collaboration with nickelodeon as it was not only filled with nickelodeon cartoon charters but also the all-time popular and loved character - Spongebob Squarepants.

Being in Sea world was so cool as not only is a theme park where rides were definitely apparent but multiple sea life exhibits! The place was so huge that one has got to spend at least a day or so there.

In addition, to the rides available and the sea creatures exhibition, hourly shows and animal feeding at different parts of the theme park was on-going as well.

The roller coaster rides at the theme park though limited but adrenaline packed! Not only were you get soaked but the rides delivers a guaranteed adrenaline rush experience. Aside from the roller coasters, there were smaller rides with the theme of the nickelodeon characters such as SpongeBob rides or ninja turtle themed kiddy rides. Where these rides are catered mostly for the younger crowd aka the children, but being a child myself I did of course,  went on some of the rides and it really brought out the inner child in me!

Sorry for the short post though >< As for Day 6 of my trip we did not do anything much though, just basically slacking in the hotel room and out for dinner....

Social Media:

Instagram/Twitter: @paintdaze
Tumblr/Snapchat:@xiaoroooka
Business email: roydonralph@gmail.com

PhotoShooting Beach Fun! (Day 5)

If you know me, I just cannot resist a good OOTD opportunity if I see it. Having to end our awesome time in Tangalooma resort we headed Currumbin for to spend a day there just you know chilling. There was not anything interesting or fun to do as we arrived at our air bnb apartment in the late afternoon.

We simply decided to take a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood and visit the Currumbin beach! We decided to have a late lunch at the nearby cafe called " The Beach Shack" and we had the most delicious and amazing Barramundi ever!!!! After the hearty lunch, we then made our way down to the beach for some photoshoot session.

I was captivated by the beauty of the beach. As the waves crashed violently onto the rocks as well as the waves folding and crashing on each other whilst surfers ride them happily. I mean the sight was so amazingly beautiful that it seemed so artificial. You guys may think that I have photoshopped myself inside but I can 100% guarantee that it was true and genuine!

Oh I have forgotten to mention that we had the most amazing air bnb host ever! Not only was the place true to its pictures we see on the web but the hospitality of the host gave off a motherly vibe. Knowing that my friend and I are at the beach and the sky was getting dark she called us and offered to drive us back home! In addition, there were coffee, tea, cereal and bread provided for breakfast! I mean how much more homely can you get! I totally recommend staying with her if you ever find yourself needing a place to stay when you are in Currumbin (Host's Name:Marilyn, Description: A Beachside Tree House located in Currumbin, ALD, Australia).

Social Media:

Instagram/Twitter:@paintdaze
Tumblr/Snapchat:@xiaoroooka
Business email: roydonralph@gmail.com

Outfit:

Top: White shirt from Uniqlo
         Jacket from Malaysia (Histyle)

Bottom: Jeans from Uniqlo

Shoes from Timberland

Sandy Fun! (Day 4)

Do you remember the time when you were you were a little kid and simple things like sand can just make you so damn happy! How you would spend hours in the sandbox just playing with the sand as you watch each grain of the sand falling through your tiny fingers.

Well, multiply that excitement and the size of the sandbox by like a million! I signed up to do some sand Tobogganing in a nearby desert in the Tangalooma resort! I mean I was dumbfounded by the sight. Even though it was just sand and a couple of greenery here and there but the simplicity of the bare desert was pure.

Prior to reaching the desert we had a 4WD tour as we made our merry way up to the place. As we passed by the natural geographical landscape of Australia, a very bumpy ride indeed.

Upon reaching our sand Tobogganing location we had to climb a super duper steep mountain of sand slope! Halfway up the climb, I felt like giving up and I told myself that no way this climb is worth and sand sliding fun. However , when I was sliding down I had to eat my words and take back what I said before! It was the most exhilarating and literally breathe-taking experience ever, even though I had to eat specks of sands when I was sliding down!


After our sand Tobogganing fun we were scheduled for a parasailing activity! Sadly due to the strong winds I did not get the chance to do any parasailing. We replaced the parasailing activity with segway. I know it is not as fun as parasailing where we can literally feel as if we are flying through the air as we feel the cool sea breeze slapping on our faces. It was a 30 mins or so segway activity along the beautiful beach of Tangalooma.

For the rest of the evening, we went for the dolphin feeding and also not forgetting to indulge ourselves to the beautiful sunset!

Social Media:
 Instagram/Twitter:@paintdaze
Tumblr/Snapchat:@xiaoroooka
Business email: roydonralph@gmail.com

Outfit:
Top: Mickey Mouse shirt from Uniqol
Pants: Grey knitted pants from Topman

Boat Ride Maybe? (Day 3)

Do you guys like boat rides? Like long boat rides on a beautiful boat with a mini bar and a relaxing lounge as you look out the window as you feast your eyes on the magnificent view. Well.... not for me I dont, I mean I am not the type who enjoys sitting in a vehicle and confined to one area! It's even worst when you have to be inside the boat and sitting down in your seat where you butt just hurts from the long journey!

Sadly, I was given the greatest privilege to board a boat as we make our way to our next location of my Aussie adventure! We were heading to Tangalooma dolphin resort where I will be spending the next two days of my holiday. The boat ride was estimated around an hour or so.

Upon the arrival at the resort, we went ahead and started our first activity there, Whale Watching! I was super hyped and excited as it was my very first whale watching experience. Again we embark on a boat as it took us out to the great ocean as we waited to spot the appearance of a whale. One has to really be very patient as the whales are rather difficult to find.

After waiting for around 30 mins or so we finally spotted our very first humpback whale. It was indeed a sight to behold. There was a guide who narrated the different behaviours of the Whale it exhibited as well as dropping some interesting facts about the humpback whales here and there. There was a heard of whales which included an adult whale, a juvenile Whale and a baby calf. We spent like what seemed hours just being captivated and mesmerized by the whales as they surface up of the water to catch another breath of air.

After the Whale watching experience, we were back at the resort, as it was already dark my friend and  I decided to have a chill night as we headed down to the dock where they had their nightly Dolphin feeding! We did not have the opportunity to feed the Dolphins on our first night but we managed to get the chance to feed the adorable Dolphins on our second night. The Dolphins in Tangalooma resort are actually wild Dolphins and are thus protected by the law, we were not allowed to touch the Dolphins.

We also decided to have a mini photoshoot, as we wanted to capture the glorious sunset by the beach! As we stare across the horizon, our worries simply just melted away and it was the most relaxing and therapeutic experience.

Social Media:

Instagram/Twitter: @paintdaze
Tumblr/Snapchat: @xiaoroooka
Business email: roydonralph@gmail.com

Movie World Love! (Day 2)

Welcome to part 2 of my Aussie adventures! Day 2 of our adventure we went to Gold Coast's Movie world. It was rather similar to the Universal Studios Singapore we have here.  We had a bargain on our ticket price as there was a package for three famous theme parks ( Movie world, Sea world and wet & wild) for the price of AUD$98.

There wasn't many rides available as compared to the USS here in Singapore but the place was very spacious and huge. There was a total of 3 main roller coaster rides to  reckon with, there was the superman themed ride, batman and not forgetting the green lantern one.  I went on all the three roller coasters but I must say my favourite one is definitely the green lantern, it was so fun that I went on it twice.

However, there was also other rides available as well as a good selection of shows here and there. There was a ride that got me hooked and addicted and I literally went on it like 3- 4 times, the ride is called "Scooby Doo"( If i'm not mistaken). It was a hair-raising and adrenaline filled ride. I mean the ride had an elevator that brings you up, it goes backwards and not forgetting numerous bends and turns. The ride had a decent story line with proper decor to fit the story, I am just practically amazed by this ride. If you guys know any similar rides in your theme parks in the country you live in do let me know in the comments section below,  I will be more than happy to learn about them and who knows maybe one day if I am visiting I may go and give it a try. The closest ride I can think of somewhat similar to this ride that I can draw comparisons to will be the "Mummy" ride in USS.

The theme park also offers a vast selection of merchandise ranging from classic warner brothers cartoons to movie characters ( e.g, Harry Potter). I went out of the theme park with a hole in my wallet.


Do check out my Instagram(@paintdaze) for other ootds. Stay tuned for Day 3.


Social Media:

Instagram/Twitter: @paintdaze
Tumblr/Snapchar: @xiaoroooka
Business email: roydonralph@gmail.com

Outfit:

Top: Shirt - Camo sweater from Bangkok
        Jacket - Grey Jacket from Malaysia (Histyle)

Bottom: Jeans -Uniqol

Shoes -Nike

Bag -Bugis Street