Agent Hippo: 2010

Monday, June 7, 2010

Sea World, Gold Coast

SeaWorld, Gold Coast is another of a must visit place when I’m there. SeaWorld was in our itinery the day after Movie World.

SeaWorld is a more relaxing place as compared to MovieWorld. We started by arriving early at SeaWorld so that we spend about half a day there and continue with other activities.

As we walked into the SeaWorld, we came across this area, Sea Birds Rehabilitation Area. You will be able to see plenty of them there with their welcoming voices.

Next to this rehabilitation area, is the lake whereby you can swim with the dolphins. You will be able to see those friendly dolphins swimming near you to say hi. You can take photos with dolphins there too.

Then we moved to the shark bay. I remembered my friend always tease me by saying if I’m growing fat, he will feed me to the shark… haha… You will be able to see from baby sharks to adult shark. They also provide underwater viewing.

On our way into the underwater viewing, we also saw some huge stingray fish on the shores.

From the underwater viewing at the sharkbay, we were able to see school of fishes and huge sharks swimming around.

There were also some shows happening around SeaWorld. The first show that we managed to catch was the Dolphin’s show. Before the show started, there was a cart being pushed in selling popcorns and candy floss to all the spectators that were watching the show.

Then, the show started off with how human being was being rescued by some friendly dolphins. As this was my first time watching the show, it was very impressive.

We also watched another show which was the WaterSki WipeOut. There’s stunts of water skiing was impressive too.

Before leaving SeaWorld, we went around SeaWorld via the monorail to see if there’s any spot that we had left out. If you do not fancy riding in the monorail, you have another options which is the cable car.

As we walked through the exit of SeaWorld, everyone will definitely dropped by the souvenir shop to have a look as it was meant that way. We definitely had window shopped in the souvenir shop itself before leaving.

Do drop by SeaWorld when you are in Gold Coast ya!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Movie World, Gold Coast

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when someone talk about Gold Coast? The first thing that came to my mind was the Movie World and Sea World. In my opinion, if I didn’t drop by these two places, it will be such a waste. Therefore, Movie World and Sea World are must places to visit while I’m in Gold Coast.

We made it a point that to arrive early at Movie World so that we are able to watch all the street shows that they had in the schedule.

Once we have arrived, we redeemed our tickets and were provided with a list of the street shows schedule and the map of Movie World. Before starting going around, we studied the schedule as we would like to catch most of the show.

Entering the Movie World, I am able to see a character from Batman actually hiding away from Batman. It’s my first time in the Movie World, therefore, I find it very funny. Therefore, once you are in, do look out for all the characters around/ hiding out.

We also spotted Scooby Doo and friends van and Batman going around.

The first show for the day was “Furry Fab Fifth”, which consists of Bugs Bunny, Sylvester, Daffy Duck and Tasmania. Four of them were singing and making fun around with the spectators around them.

The second show was “Gotham City”.

It started with the villains showing their skills to Batman telling him that they are not afraid of them.

After about 5 minutes, Batman appeared. The villains were all ready to fight with Batman.

After fighting for another 5 minutes, Batman managed to help the police to catch the villains’ head. Batman finally won! Everyone cheered and applauded.

While walking around while waiting for the third show of the day, we spotted Catwoman posing around the bench allowing passerby to take photos of herself.

Then the show continued with Scooby Doo and friends.

The most anticipating show is finally here. It is the “Wall Street All Stars Parade”. Why do I say it’s the most anticipating show is because you will be able to see all the characters in Movie World parading. This is also the most spectators as compared to the rest of the show.

Austin Power started the parade with his little motorbike with his welcoming speech.

Then followed by Bugs Bunny escorting Marilyn Monroe in his gold color Warner Bros car.

Next, is Wonder Woman and her friend (which I can’t figure out who is she till today.. haha..)

Daffy Duck come next in his mascot’s car.

Following behind was the cheeky and naughty Sylvester, whom always bullied Tweety, in Warner Bros film rolled car.

Then come The Mystery Machine Van, which was drove by Fred fetching Velma and Daphne at the front seats.

Spooky Island trailer arrived with Scooby Doo and Shaggy.

Suddenly a castle appeared with Shrek around.

Following behind was Catwoman in her tight fitting sexy suits and her whip.

The character that appeared last was Batman.

The final show of the day was Marilyn Monroe singing.

Being in Movie World, you can not only catch all the street shows that are happening around, but also the exciting rides that are available.

We didn’t take any of the exciting rides, as we were there to just chill around and enjoy ourselves.

To whoever that are planning to visit Gold Coast, remember to make it a point to visit Movie World ya...

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Japanese Meals in Auckland

Japanese food is one of my favourite foods. Whenever I get to choose what to have, Japanese food will be the first that come to my mind.

In my opinion, it’s always worth it to have Japanese food when I am in New Zealand and Australia. The prices are comparable to the prices in Malaysia. In addition to that, you can get a better and fresher quality in New Zealand and Australia.

During my visit in Auckland, a few of my meals were Japanese food. The first Japanese meal that I had been was in the Atrium of Elliot, Auckland city for brunch. They have a very wide variety of choices for you to pick. All looks delicious to me and took us awhile to pick our choices. We ended up choosing:-

• Unagi sushi

• Salmon roll sushi

• Tuna roll sushi

• Yasai tempura

• Fried potato

Brunch at Atrium of Elliot

The standards of the foods are comparable to those Japanese restaurant that we had in Malaysia, i.e. Sushi King and Sakae Sushi. Or I could say some is even better than them.

Another Japanese meal that I had been was Tanuki Japanese Sake & Sushi Bar at Auckland. My friend was supposed to bring me to try out Tanuki’s Cave Yakitori Bar. However, we were early and we ended up with Tanuki Japanese Sake & Sushi Bar. Most of their staffs are Japanese as well.

Interior of Tanuki Japanese Sake & Sushi Bar

They have a Sake/ Sushi bar provided as well as a few wooden tables and chairs as part of their interior. Besides, they do have some decorations with Japanese beer cans and barrels.

Decorations of Japanese beer

In there, we started of our dinner with sashimi set and seaweed salad. The sashimis are very fresh as compared to those that I can find in Malaysia.

Sashimi set

Seaweed Salad

Then we continued with salt grilled salmon fillet, Tanuki’s steak and chicken katsu as our sharing main meals. The salt grilled salmon fillet was quite ordinary and don’t look so presentable as compared to the Tanuki’s steak and chicken katsu. However, it is still very fresh.

Salt Grilled Salmon Fillet

Meanwhile, I find Tanuki’s steak was very special as it was cooked with Ponzu sauce (citrus-soy vinaigrette) using scotch fillet. It was very appetizing.

Tanuki's Steak

Besides, the chicken katsu that I had was totally different from the one that I had in Malaysia. The one I had in Malaysia are usually breadcrumbed chicken thigh only. However the one I had at Tanuki was served with Tonkatsu sauce and salad. Hence it’s more appetizing and delicious as compared to the one I tried before.

Chicken Katsu

Lastly we ended our dinner with sesame mochi and red bean macha ice cream as desserts to share among ourselves.

Dessert: Sesame Mochi & Macha Ice Cream with Red Bean

The last Japanese meal I had in Auckland was lunch in Gion, Parnell. Gion does not only sell food, but it also operates a small shop next to it by selling all the Japanese items.

Gion

Gion has this special lunch promotions that are very affordable and attractive to us. The promotions are to choose two of your favourite foods from the list provided to complete our lunch selections. The two foods selections are served with Hikari white miso soup, vegetables salad with Gion special dressing and mayo, side dishes which consists of tobiko wasabi, sweet Japanese omelette, red pickles cucumber, Botan premium steamed rice and seasonal fresh fruits.

Sushi Mixed and Karaage Chicken Bento Set

I had chosen the combination of salmon sashimi and mixed tempura. Meanwhile my friend chosen the combination of sushi mixed and karaage chicken.

Salmon & Mixed Tempura Bento Set

After the bento set, we were very full; however we still need something sweet to end our meals with. Therefore, we had ordered 3 different desserts which are the banana katsu, black sesame ice cream, and mochi.