The city which normally becomes a ghost town after 7 pm really comes alive for the three weeks in June for Vivid Sydney. I'd like to call it Sydney's Diwali (India's festival of lights) for it really takes me back to India!
What I loved about this year's Vivid -
1. Vivid Sydney reminds me of home but in a nicer way. Diwali in India can get a bit annoying with loud firecrackers and overdose of pollution. This is quieter but brilliant. The sails of the Opera House change colors every second, the waters around it are shining rainbows and the neighbouring buildings each have a vibrant story to tell.
Martin Place
Museum of contemporary arts
2. Buskers take away the cake: I love buskers in Sydney. Some of them are so good you want to hear them sing all day. One of my favourites was a couple, both Spanish men, playing the guitar near Circular Quay station. One stunt performer who played with fire among other things was quite entertaining too although he scared the wits out of me. (Sorry I don't have a pix/video of these guys because I was so spell-bound by their performances that it didnt occur to me to capture them ;)
3. George Street, the artery of the city, is closed for this event so you can leisurely walk about a kilometer from Martin Place to Circular Quay without waiting for pedestrians lights and worrying about traffic. Buskers perform along the way. What fun!
4. You'd never have as many places to go to for dinner in the city as during Vivid Sydney. We hit the city for a late lunch as I had to walk to clock up miles for a corporate walking challenge that I am a part of. We went to La Renaissance, a lovely French Patisserie near Circular Quay for a quick bite. The aroma of freshly baked delights is extremely inviting and you'd definitely not leave the place disappointed. From freshly-made baguettes to puffs and macaroons it's all there. Besides, La Renaissance is also a participant in Vivid Sydney which means it is open late in the night for at least the next few days. Must go if you're around.
We also strolled along the Argyle street for food stalls but since I am a vegetarian I gave the kebabs and some Japanese foods a miss. For dinner, we hit the Appetito, a stylish restaurant hidden behind historic sandstone and stained glasses. Spanning three levels, Appetito offers really good food, but slightly expensive for what we had - a pizza and a bruschetta cost us around $50!
5. Views from the Harbour bridge are to die for...
6. This is just a tip -- I'd go there on a weekend to catch the markets on the Rocks as well. They are quite arty, I'd say and have some really beautiful things on sale which you'd normally not find in shopping malls. Also a great place to buy gifts for folks back home.
What I loved about this year's Vivid -
1. Vivid Sydney reminds me of home but in a nicer way. Diwali in India can get a bit annoying with loud firecrackers and overdose of pollution. This is quieter but brilliant. The sails of the Opera House change colors every second, the waters around it are shining rainbows and the neighbouring buildings each have a vibrant story to tell.
2. Buskers take away the cake: I love buskers in Sydney. Some of them are so good you want to hear them sing all day. One of my favourites was a couple, both Spanish men, playing the guitar near Circular Quay station. One stunt performer who played with fire among other things was quite entertaining too although he scared the wits out of me. (Sorry I don't have a pix/video of these guys because I was so spell-bound by their performances that it didnt occur to me to capture them ;)
3. George Street, the artery of the city, is closed for this event so you can leisurely walk about a kilometer from Martin Place to Circular Quay without waiting for pedestrians lights and worrying about traffic. Buskers perform along the way. What fun!
4. You'd never have as many places to go to for dinner in the city as during Vivid Sydney. We hit the city for a late lunch as I had to walk to clock up miles for a corporate walking challenge that I am a part of. We went to La Renaissance, a lovely French Patisserie near Circular Quay for a quick bite. The aroma of freshly baked delights is extremely inviting and you'd definitely not leave the place disappointed. From freshly-made baguettes to puffs and macaroons it's all there. Besides, La Renaissance is also a participant in Vivid Sydney which means it is open late in the night for at least the next few days. Must go if you're around.
We also strolled along the Argyle street for food stalls but since I am a vegetarian I gave the kebabs and some Japanese foods a miss. For dinner, we hit the Appetito, a stylish restaurant hidden behind historic sandstone and stained glasses. Spanning three levels, Appetito offers really good food, but slightly expensive for what we had - a pizza and a bruschetta cost us around $50!
5. Views from the Harbour bridge are to die for...
6. This is just a tip -- I'd go there on a weekend to catch the markets on the Rocks as well. They are quite arty, I'd say and have some really beautiful things on sale which you'd normally not find in shopping malls. Also a great place to buy gifts for folks back home.
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