Sydney gets its first O2 bar

(Photo from here but image by: Glenda Kwek)

It's been a couple of months now since Sydney opened it's doors to the first Oxygen Bar! It's called Oxygen Bar Oxygen Station. I haven't tried this one myself yet, but I'm sure I would try it out the next time I have a visitor around. Although I am not quite sure how long the bar would last (just like the Ice Bar which was around Sydney a couple of years ago - but closed down). But then again, it is I think only meant to be around until end of July 2012.

The Oxygen Session costs about $1 for every minute which allows you a maximum of 15 minutes. I remember the last asthma episode my little girl had she was given an oxygen mask which really quite helped the quality of oxygen she breathed. I suppose this was pretty much the same effect that one could get at the bar. Obviously in a more relax and happier atmosphere with friends.

If you find yourself with 15 minutes and $15 to spare, I guess a visit to this place would be beneficial (well to most people anyway).

O2 BAR - Sydney

Shop FF08, Level 2
Harbourside Shopping Centre
Darling Harbour NSW 2000

The Rocks Market Rocks

Every saturdays and sundays, the Rocks comes alive from 10AM to 5PM, with all sorts of people buying and selling things, trinkets, souvenirs, and a lot of other things. There are homewares, art, indigenous crafts, food items, and some other novelty items. Whether they are useful, interesting or just pretty to look at is left to one's opinion. Here are a few things that I snapped at while visiting The Rocks Market. Be sure to visit the stalls should you find you find yourself strolling in Sydney.

The Rocks Market is located at the old part of the city of Sydney, a few steps from the water's edge by the famous icons : the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are Irish pubs, Aussie pubs, nice restaurants along the street markets should you need a mug of beer or a pack or yummy ribs. (If you can, visit the Pancakes on the Rocks!)

For the love of Tomatoes

Okay, I love tomatoes. As you may have read my previous post on my cooking delight.

A long time ago, when I was in college I watched a travel show which featured the Spanish event: La Tomatina! The festival is celebrated on the last wednesday of August, in the town of Bunol, in Valencia, Spain. There are numerous festivities which lead to this final celebration of tomatoes, such as : food stalls, street parties, parades, dancing, fireworks, etc.

It is quite a costly celebration, that their city council spends up to about USD15000. However, attracting up to 40,000 tourists and visitors who travel 38 kms from the city of Valencia, this Tomatina festival offers so much more that it has been ongoing since the year 1945. Quite a while now! When I saw this festival on television I thought to myself I should try this and experience this in my lifetime. Well, I guess not this year, sadly.

The celebration begins mid morning, when the lucky person has reached for the ham at the top of the greased pole. Water cannons are fired up onto the street filled with people (dressed in hopefully not white tees), who armed with their eye goggles and gloves. Although tomatoes are squished before being thrown, it is always best to keep safe and cautious of the chaotic-tomato filled hour. The Tomatina ends in about an hour, with the water cannon firing away signalling the end. Time for clean up, and the people head towards the Bunol river to rinse, while the local council clean the streets. Another end to a good time, until next year again when the city comes alive with tomatoes in the air. They say it takes experiencing it to appreciate the event. Otherwise, one just feels tomato rotten about the wasted fruit.

I've gathered a few trivia on tomatoes:

• Botanically, Tomatoes are fruits
• The tomato seeds are source of vitamin C
• A tomato plant can produce up to 15 tomatoes in a season
• French people refer to tomatoes as the "apple of love", while the Germans refer to it as the "apple of paradise"
• There are more than 4000 varieties of tomato, ranging in size, shape and colour

Galos Caves in Chicago

The concept of salt-iodine caves have been around since the year 2000. It's only recently that I have heard about it. The healing capabalities of the caves are still being tested, although it sure is a unique way to go for treatments. Galos caves offers an authentic sea micro climate on American soil.

There are a number of claims about the benefits when one undergoes treatment from the Galos caves. Some if them are: respiratory/rheumatic/ cardiovascular diseases. Apparently air,when seeped through salt stimulates the immune system. Galos caves are suitable for children as well as mature people. Rates per 45 minute session are from USD 15 per adult. Discounts for families or groups are available.

I would definitely be interested in trying a treatment. Who knows I could benefit from this type of treatment.

Galos Caves Open 7 days a week, 900hrs-2100hrs.

6501 West Irving Park Road Chicago Il 60634 USA

Tel. 1 (773) 283 7701, 1 (773) 283 7761 or Email them : info@galoscaves.com

How lovely the French windows are in Mauritius (Creole food better tho!)

During my trip to Mauritius I found how lovely the influence of France on that little Indian Ocean island! All the way from their language (they do speak French and Creole), to their cuisine, to their interesting French towns, the lovely French windows, their wine .. Having been occupied by the French for 100 years (from 1710 to 1810), they sure have adapted to their colonizers. The French must have left such an imprint on the people, that until now a lot of French people visit Ile de Maurice (Island of Mauritius). The photo/s above is one that I took during one of our lunches in the island. We had lovely Creole food at Le Fangourin Restaurant, just next door to the Sugar Museum (L'Adventure du Sucre). I think I should consider this one of the best places to have a meal at. It had great, great views of the mountain. Perfect to try authentic Mauritian cuisine with, enjoying the lovely view. Le Fangourin is approximately 10 kilomtres away from the country's capital city, Port Louis. Should you find yourself visiting the island, this is a MUST TRY!

Check out my other Mauritius Photos here, here, here, and here.