Gosh I am still craving for Guylian hot chocolate even though it's been 2 months since my Sydney trip! Which reminds me - oh gosh...I have not been on this space for quite a long time! I've been caught up with quite a lot of things since my last post, and had to ensure that I was on top of everything...but now I've got a couple of days off, so I might as well update this space.
Today's post will be on the University of Sydney. It was actually a planned trip - my chemistry tutor (from high school) graduated from here, and I wanted to take pics of the chemistry building for her, with other pics of course. And I was also fascinated by the architecture of the university - it reminded me so much of the University of Melbourne, where I used to study. Speaking of which - I love taking pics of old buildings - they really fascinate me - when I went back to Melbourne two years ago, I really took the time to appreciate the architecture of the sandstone buildings. Likewise - in Sydney - I took the time to study details on the facades, and of course, took as many pics as I could. The rain didn't stop me at all - in fact I'm really happy how the rain helped in complementing my pictures.
We took a bus from the city centre to the university. I had Google Maps on me - but didn't realise that we had overshot! So we got off two stops late - but that was a blessing in disguise because I got to see one of the residential halls (again reminding me of some of the residential halls back in the University of Melbourne), and the Old Teacher's College precinct.
And when I was taking pics of the Old Teacher's College, it started raining and we dashed to the tennis court area for a bit of shelter. Thank goodness the rain didn't last long...
Went past this beautiful-looking building not too far away from the Old Teachers' College (I believe this building is near Manning Road within the campus). If I'm not mistaken this is part of the Old Quadrangle (I've many more pics of the Old Quad coming up soon!). I had a really nice time taking pics of the facade and studying the details. Even the details on the stairs were fascinating to me! Oh yes, and these were taken in light drizzle.
Actually I'm starting to like the rainy weather - it does help a lot in making the pictures prettier :)
We had to seek shelter shortly after, when more rain clouds came in, and the rain suddenly got heavier! The whole university was closed that day as it was Good Friday so we didn't get to go into any of the halls (I wanted to visit MacLaurin's Hall and the Great Hall!). Ah well - that gave me more time to take pics of the Old Quad...and of the main entrance of this building. I HAD to do something whilst waiting for the rain to die down anyway...
Taken specially for my brother - the side facade of the Faculty of Medicine. I sent a pic to him and he was pretty delighted. It's a beautiful building indeed.
The rain died down again...and we decided to brave the last bit of drizzle to get to the Old Quad, which was not too far away. Along the way I took a pic of one of the main 'streets' within the university. Check out how the rain made the road look so pretty! I love this kinda effect - and also love how there're vague reflections of the buildings on the ground! And of course, it's fascinating to see old and new buildings side by side - pretty stark contrast indeed.
First few glimpses of the Old Quad. It does look imposing...to be honest. But I was floored by how beautiful it was, and decided to explore it more, despite the drizzle.
And here we go - the front facade of the Old Quad in its full glory! I decided to just wing it and use the wide-angle lens for this - but when I looked back at the pics, I was really happy with how it turned out. These couple of pics were more of 'point and snap' moments. I continued doing so as I walked up the stairs to get closer to the Old Quad. I think half of the pics in my collection were of the Old Quad.
Of course, there were more 'planned' moments - when I was zooming in to take pics of the details on the facade. The facade was pretty symmetrical too, but nevertheless, the details were beautiful.
Entering the Old Quad via this corridor here...
And this was the first thing I saw when I entered...so I decided to explore the area a little more, making use of the arches for framing purposes like what I usually do (it's something my dad - who is very artistic - suggested to me a couple of years ago and I have been hooked on that composition ever since).
The entrance to one of the halls along the Old Quad. Unfortunately the halls were closed...but I got more time to take pics of the Old Quad itself! So I went one big round - literally...all four corners covered! I did focus more on the walkways though...as well as the exterior...
I remembered this corner in the Old Quad pretty clearly - my chemistry tutor had sent me a picture a few days ago with the tree in full bloom. The tree wasn't in full bloom when I went, but the pictures turned out the way I liked anyway. Oh yeah - the third pic is a replica of the pic my chemistry tutor sent me - except that there were no flowers.
Wandered out to the middle of the Old Quad where the pathways all intersected. The place was pretty much empty apart from a couple of people here and there. So I could take as many pics as I wanted.
Ended up back on the road we first took - so I took a couple more pictures of the buildings around.
Oh yes - and on the same road - I spotted these strategically trimmed trees. Pretty cool huh?
Last part of exploration - the road leading to one of the exits. Along the way I took pics of some of the other buildings, and also found the chemistry building! Here're some pics - looking down the road, and also one quick one while leaving the Old Quad (first pic from here).
Once I took a pic of the chemistry building, I sent it to my chemistry tutor, and she was delighted :)
Zooming in on the medical building now - which was right next to the chemistry building! I spotted some models at one of the windows, so I zoomed in for a closer look. I think those models were used for anatomy classes...
One of the newer buildings just opposite the medical building. I took a couple of pics of it too - just for some contrast. And I thought it looked pretty good in its own ways.
And this was what I saw when I walked down the road, to the one of the side entrances of the campus. I was quite crushed when I realised the School of Psychology wasn't on this campus - but at least I managed to take lots of pics of historical buildings!
We headed to the city for some lunch, and along the way we passed by Capitol Theatre. And guess what, Les Miserables was being performed there!
Ah yes. We passed by the Sydney Town Hall too...
We passed by Martin Place too - another upbeat precinct in the middle of the CBD, and also where the Lindt Chocolate Cafe is situated. I didn't go to the Lindt Cafe because I was happy enough with Guylian, but I definitely did take pics of the old General Post Office (GPO) on Martin Place! The building has now been converted into a posh hotel, but oh wow, it is so grand! Again - the rain didn't hamper me! Oh - it didn't hamper a wedding party either! Or should I say, more than one wedding party! I saw at least 2 couples having their wedding photos taken there!
The GPO was completed in stages from 1866 to 1891, and features a neo-classical facade.
Challis House - framed by one of the GPO arches - with a glimpse of the Cenotaph at the bottom of the pic. The Challis House is an art deco building that was completed in 1907. The land where Challis House stands on was bought by the University of Sydney in 1906, and there is a University of Sydney crest on the Challis House too.
The Cenotaph is a war memorial situated between the old GPO and Challis House (opposite the GPO) - to commemorate forces that fought during the First World War. Part of the Cenotaph can be seen in the 2nd pic from here.
And that's it for today's post! Hopefully the next few weeks won't be as hectic as the past 2 months! I do need a break soon...