Archive for June, 2010

Welcome to Sydney!

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
WelcometoSydney

Welcome to Sydney!

Visitors arriving by air to Sydney will land at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport, Australia’s largest, busiest and most significant commercial airport. In terms of physical size, Sydney is a sprawling metropolis, meaning that depending on your holiday itinerary, you could be heading a number of different directions once you exit the airport. For those heading to the CBD, the airport is located an easy 8km away, and how to get there is just one of things visitors should consider when arriving in Sydney. Like any other international portal, Kingsford Smith Airport offers visitors a range of accommodation, transport and activity booking services. Those who have not organised their stay in Sydney should take advantage of these services prior to leaving the airport. To ease the arrival experience, take these things into consideration before you touch down Down Under:

  • What time of day will you be arriving? When planning your arrival in Sydney, consider what time of day you will be landing. Due to the distance between Australia and many other overseas destinations, and in light of different time zones, you may be arriving at the same time you left! Sydney’s roads are notoriously bad, so knowing what time of day you are arriving will allow you to decide whether you need to organise transport, or if a cab or public transport will be easy to catch. If you’re arriving on a Friday night, for example, it’s likely that traffic will be terrible, and having a prearranged transfer organised may save you a long and expensive cab fare.
  • Accommodation. Many visitors will have pre-arranged their accommodation when arriving in Sydney, but for those who have not, there are a number of areas and accommodation types to choose from once you land. Accommodation and hotel boards and booking services are available at the airport, but it’s a good idea to have a vague idea of the area, price and type of hotel you will be looking to stay in. If you’re looking for cheap accommodation, Surry Hills and other inner city suburbs are a good place to start.

  • How you will get to your accommodation. Once you’ve organised your accommodation, plan how you will get you (and your luggage) there from the airport. There are a number of transport options to choose from. Train – There are rail stations located at both the International and Domestic Terminals, and the Airport Link service offers the newly arrived a fast and convenient way to reach the centre of Sydney. Trains run approximately every 10 minutes and the journey into the city takes only 13 minutes. Once in the city, passengers can transfer to other suburban railway lines. NB: With many escalators, stairs and long railway platforms, travellers using the train should consider whether they will physically be able to carry their luggage. 

    Taxi – There are a number of taxis which will transfer visitors to their destination or accommodation at any arrival time. For those arriving at night or who have pre-arranged their accommodation, it’s a good idea to check if yours is a hotel with airport shuttle, like the Cambridge Hotel’s airport shuttle service – an easier, no-fuss option that will save you the cab fare and the stress of figuring out where to go.

    Hire Car – Sydney Airport has an extensive range of hire cars available for eligible drivers. Hire car company information booths are easily visible on arrival.

Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport is easily navigable with a range of services to accommodate the arriving traveller. Once you’ve successfully arrived and found your way, you’ll be free to enjoy all the attractions, natural beauty and sublime weather that Sydney has to offer!

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Week 17 – Keep Positive People Around You

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Weigh-in: 124 kg

Weight loss to date: 30 kg

Support Steven’s efforts – MAKE A DONATION

Positive people

Don't go it alone! - surround yourself with supportive people

Dear All,

Yes it has been 2 week since my last blog and I must say, it has been eventful since ATE.

I had a quick weekend back in my home town, great to catch up with some of the family. It was fantastic to see family and their reaction to the weight loss, very uplifting. We are all in the mist of getting very excited about our upcoming family reunion which takes place next weekend, with family descending on Sydney from near and far.

I mentioned above that I was uplifted by the reaction from family that I have not seen (due to distance) in some months and it was great timing as it has been an up and down few weeks. I did reach 125 KGs 2 or so weeks ago, I then (unexplainably) gained and went up to 128 KGs. We have been through reasons on previous occasions why this happens and I must say that the retention of fluid plays a major role in what the scales say.

During this period, I was continually supported with words of encouragement from friends and also in particular Anton. I now know firsthand, the power of having positive people around you. The other interesting discovery that I realised is that like with my past efforts to lose weight, I had flat moments – however I never thought of giving up. I attribute this wholly to the exercise program that Anton has created for me. The exercise is hard and I am pushed, however at the end of each session I am overwhelmed with a sense of achievement. Now, this coming from the original couch potato is quite a revelation. Don’t think that I have become an exercise junky (because I haven’t), I am sure you can all hear me moaning in Darwin when I have to get out of bed in the early hours of the morning to meet Anton in the park. When the alarm sounds and I pull the doona up (Sydney is Antarctica at the moment, especially in the early morning) and try to snuggle in for the long haul, I suddenly remember how I feel when I don’t train: lethargic, bloated and unmotivated. This springs me into action (well that’s a bit of an exaggeration ;) ). You do have to push yourself to do the exercise – however each week it does get a little easier.

I can only say that the key is, if you can’t get a trainer, grab a friend, grab a few friends – this makes it more bearable that doing it alone.

This brings me to my next revelation (there has been a few of them lately) 0 a very good friend of mine who is also on this journey to lose weight and is training with Anton, texted me the other day and said “City to Surf – are you up for it?” To my complete surprise, I texted back and said “You bet I am” – so come on all and join us!!!!

I am not sure whether I have told you this, however when I started this weight loss and get fit journey I was at 158 KGS after 2 weeks of dieting I was down to 156 KGs and I was struggling – this is when I knew I needed help as I was in the right mind set to do this for the last time. That’s when I met with Anton and started a new lifestyle. As I said, I started with Anton at 156 kgs and then started on the fund raising for Dragons Abreast at 154 KGs.

You may ask after around 4 months (I started at the end of March) what is your weight today, I am happy to say that I am, as of last Saturdays weigh in —- 124 KGs :D

34 KG loss – that’s at this stage of the program, averaging just over 2 KGs per week.

I do have a goal of being 120 KGs for the family reunion next Saturday on the 3rd. I have this week’s weigh in on Saturday the 26th and then the next on the 3rd.

I feel like I have done well this week, however as I have learned, scales have a mind of their own.

That’s it for this week

Until next week.

Be good and remember to surround yourself with positive people,

Steven.

–

About Dragons Abreast

Track donations that has been raised for Dragons Abreast or MAKE A DONATION.

You can learn more about DRAGONS ABREAST on their website:

http://www.dragonsabreast.com.au/

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Sydney Taronga Zoo – A Roar and Snore!

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Taronga Zoo

Sydney’s zoo – Taronga Zoo – is situated on Bradley’s Head and enjoys one of the most spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and the city. This prime location forms an unrivalled backdrop for the enclosures and pens of all the animals that call Taronga Zoo home. Taronga Zoo’s giraffes are particularly infamous for their unrivalled harbour view and their outstanding positioning for all Sydney events – most notably the fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.  Taronga Zoo repeatedly makes the list of the world’s top zoos, not only for the incredible diversity of animal species it houses, but for the education, conservation, veterinary and research operations it undertakes. It has to be conceded that the location and view doesn’t hurt either! Further, the cable cars that sail above the zoo offer views of the entire zoo and the breathtaking scenery of Sydney and Sydney Harbour.

A visit to Taronga Zoo is included in many visitors to Sydney’s ‘To-do’ list, particularly those travelling with small children. But did you know that you can do more than just visit the zoo? Visitors can now spend the night at the zoo, at its amazing location and amongst all the animals.

Visitors who decide to take the Taronga Zoo ‘Roar & Snore’ overnight stay will camp amongst the animals in luxury, purpose built tent accommodation and enjoy up-close and personal animal encounters that only overnight campers get to enjoy. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset from the stunning situation of the tents which overlook Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.  You’ll get to go behind the scenes of the zoo and experience all it has to offer before the crowds arrive. Dinner, breakfast and behind the scene tours are all included in the price.

Interesting facts about Taronga Zoo

  • Taronga Zoo was officially opened on October 7th, 1916.
  • The original site of the Zoo was in Moore Park, and when the location changed to Bradley’s Head, many animals – including the elephants – crossed the harbour on board a flat top barge.
  • Taronga Zoo is managed by the Zoological Parks Board of New South Wales, the same board that manages Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
  • Divided into eight zoo-geographic regions, Taronga Zoo is home to over 2,600 animals on 21 hectares, making it one of the largest of its kind.

Heading to Sydney? Don’t forget to check out the latest Accommodation Deals at Cambridge Hotel.

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Making the most of winter in Sydney

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

Stay warm this winter in Sydney

With beautiful beaches, spectacular waterways, and beautiful summer temperatures, Sydneysiders sometimes don’t know what to do when the cold weather hits. But winter in Sydney is not cause for hibernation! There are a range of indoor activities and attractions that can be overlooked in the warmer months and winter is the perfect time to experience some of Sydney’s indoor delights. Here are a few to choose from and keep you entertained while Sydney weathers the cold.

  • Art galleries and museums. Sydney boasts some of Australia’s best art galleries and museums, which are often home to visiting international exhibitions or shows. The Art Gallery of NSW, for example, is surrounded by beautiful parkland and houses the works of some of Australia’s finest artists. Other popular and first-rate museums include the science and technology Powerhouse Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Use the winter months to get your cultural fix!
  • Classes. Always wanted to take a class and expand your skill or knowledge base? While the beach is out of bounds, use your weekends or free time to take that art, cooking or language class that you’ve always dreamed of taking.
  • Walks, bushwalking and other outdoor activities. It might get cooler but winter in Sydney doesn’t mean freezing temperatures and endless rainy days. More often than not, the sun is still shining and it’s as easy as ever to experience most of the outdoor splendour that Sydney has to offer. The ocean is still warm, and it can be more pleasant to do Sydney walks, bushwalks and cycle trips when the temperature is cooler and you don’t have the hot summer sun beating down on your back.
  • Shopping and exploring the inner city. Sydney and the inner city suburbs are a labyrinth of streets and alleyways speckled with hidden boutiques and cosy eateries and bars. When winter hits, don your coat and head out to explore all that suburbs such as Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Paddington have to offer. They ooze charm and style, and winter is the perfect time to treat yourself to a designer, vintage or bargain purchase.

With its natural beauty, alluring attractions and fun and friendly atmosphere, no matter what time tourists visit Sydney they will have a memorable holiday experience. Sydneysiders can also make the most of the winter months to explore their own city and the indoor attractions they may ignore in the summer months.

Winter is the perfect time to head to Sydney – check out the Quality Hotel Cambridge for great accommodation deals!

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Week 15 – Scales are a Guide

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Anton’s Tip of the Week:

Hello me again,

This week’s tip is wearing the appropriate foot wear when exercising.

It is important to have good shoes when you’re exercising. That doesn’t mean you have to get the most expensive pair and ladies, all running shoes look bad, so dont expect to find a pair that’s going to go with the rest of your work out gear. Just make sure you have the right shoe for you.
That means, if you need a supportive shoe, you get a supportive shoe. If you need a shoe that’s cushioned, then you get a shoe that’s cushioned. If you’re unsure get some advice from the people at the shop. They want to sell you shoes, so tell them what activities you’re doing and ask them to look at your feet and get them to prescribe the right shoe for you.

If you don t have the correct shoe or you have a pair that’s too old, you could cause yourself unnecessary pain. Also if you suffer from shin splints, it could be caused by the shoes your wearing.

Until next time, take care.
Anton
To contact Anton email : fit_ant@hotmail.com

Do scales lie?

Weigh in: 128 kg

Weight loss to date: 26 kg

Support Steven’s efforts – MAKE A DONATION

Hi All,

It has been a hectic 2 weeks on both the work and personal fronts. I attended A.T.E last week which is the largest tourism trade show in the southern hemisphere. It was a great success and I must say, on a personal note, great for the ego. The compliments that I received on the weight loss were very uplifting from industry colleagues that I have not seen in 12 months, since last A.T.E. Additionally the hotel gave out Dragons Abreast “Keyrings of Hope” to over 6o international buyers along with many Dragons Tale books to the media. The partnership between the hotel and Dragons Abreast has received tremendous feedback and articles have run in travel media about this.

A big thank you to the Northern Territory delegates that came up and congratulated us on the Initiative and partnership we have with Dragons Abreast (whilst Dragons Abreast is a national charity, it was established in NT) Thanks to Michelle from Dragons Abreast for letting N.T. delegates aware of what we are doing.

Now, on to the past 2 weeks – it’s been a roller coaster ride to say the least. First, I am going to say that my measurements are very impressive, to date I have lost 6 and half inches of my stomach (yes, I know still a lot more to go) and I have lost 5 inches of my chest, as well as inches off my legs and neck. I have now developed muscles on my biceps and chest – whilst small, they’re still muscles.

I have also learnt how important muscle is in helping to burn fat. I have gone down in shirt size from a 58 to a 46 and in pants size from a 60 to a 46. I tried on my suit and belt that I was wearing when I first started and it looked like one of those infomercials with me standing there and having so much room to spare.

The scales however continue to be my nemesis. I’ve had 2 weigh-ins since my last blog and I am embarrassed to say that I have hit a plateau and have put on weight. I am currently at 128 KGs as of last Saturday’s weig- in.

Please know that I do know how this happens and please if you are on a weight loss program, DON’T ALWAYS RELY ON THE SCALES. On my check up yesterday, the doctor, along with Anton, have told me again and again there are other factors to a little gain – muscle weighs more than fat and also I retained fluid. If I weigh myself after a workout, I can weigh up to 2 kilos less than if I had not done a work out. Scales are a guide!!!

Goals are worth setting and striving for. At first, I was disappointed and I had to re assess my goals, I was aiming to be 120 kilos for an upcoming family reunion on the 2nd July. Now with Anton’s guidance I have adjusted this goal to 124 kgs.

As you are aware my job entails a lot of entertaining and the A.T.E. is probably the pinnacle of this, cocktail parties are, in my opinion the worst type of function, as it is hard to keep track of what you have eaten and how many times the wait staff have filled your glass. I had 3 of these events and I must advise, if possible try to avoid them. After one such function, I spent 2.5 hours in the hotel gym the next day. Dinners are a lot easier as you can control your intake of food and drink.

While I have had a up and down two weeks, I do honestly believe while I may not have lost weight, however I find it very hard to understand the 2 kilo gain – yes I did have work nights where there were indulgences. I did keep up my exercise program, and as usual Anton put it all into perspective, my body is continuing to change and adapt every week. Last week, my routine was interrupted with 4 nights of “abnormal habits”, well, abnormal at least for the past 4 months. As a result, my body was, well for lack of a better word “in shock”.
I guess I have to be more diligent at these functions. They will not go away as it is part of my job however I again stress that if they can be avoided when you are on a weight loss program – do so. Also, let me say, that even thought I followed each day with exercise, I now notice that those nights of cocktail parties left me feeling lethargic and bloated – which is different from how I used to feel before I began this journey.

This is not, by any stretch of the imagination, say that I will never drink or eat unhealthy food again, just not at the moment.

This Saturday’s weigh-in will be very interesting to see what the scales say.

Until then,

Steven

–

About Dragons Abreast

Track donations that has been raised for Dragons Abreast or MAKE A DONATION.

The positive and the negative from me: the negative –  oh well the scales are up, but the positive is the boost of confidence from the compliments you received. Keep it up! – Denise, Dragons Abreast

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