VIVID 2013

The VIVID Festival is my favourite time of year in Sydney.  It's also Eloise's but for different reasons.  I love the CBD all lit up and am inspired by the creativity in the displays.    Eloise loves staying at a hotel; she is living up to her namesake!  Just sub The Plaza for The Sheraton on the Park!  So like last year, we made it an adventure of sorts.

We checked into our choice hotel, The Sheraton on the Park, jumped on the beds and had a snack while overlooking Hyde Park (Yes, 18th floor!).

The Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed
(That's George!  He's from pre-school and tagged along)

As the sun set, we bundled up even though it was unseasonably warm, and set-off for Darling Harbour.  VIVID has grown since the first time we visited 3 years ago; it now includes Darling Harbour and Walsh Bay.

Our first stop was Aquatique.  The best way to describe it, for the Disney-heads, is it's like the World of Colour, on a smaller scale.  Officially, it was inspired by the Fountains of Versailles (I would like to go on record that it's my rotten luck to be at Versailles and the fountains were drained!)  The show changes hourly: Rock and Roll, Dance Around the World (the one we saw), Nature and Masks of the World.

Dance Around the World

After a quick dinner where Barry O'Farrell (NSW Premier) walked passed me and I was too busy pointing and laughing at the One Direction tees being sold with Surf Lifesavers gear.  We walked to Circular Quay.

Night Blossoms

At Customs House, the projections were interactive.  You just choose a tune from a playlist, decide the graphic theme for the building and start dancing.  As you dance and move, you'll be interacting with the building via the latest projection and mapping technology.  

Move Your Building at Customs House

It was all too much for Eden how promptly fell asleep as Eloise enjoyed "Play" at The Sydney Opera House.

Pinball

The Rocks was the hive of activity.  There were food trucks (Norcal food trucks are still way better), pop-up stores and bars (Hello Johnny Cupcakes from Boston!), and amazing projections on heritage buildings.

MCA: Collaboration #3

Audi's Speed of Light

My favourite from the VIVID Light Walk:
Planet Under Construction

The next morning, we had the best breakfast  buffet in Sydney at Feast (inside the hotel).  Then went for a swim in the rooftop indoor pool* before heading home. 
*Too busy splashing for photos.  Too bad because the view is amazing!

Ham & cheese omelette, Chef!

Can't wait for next year!