AU2010 - Sze Yup Kwan Ti Temple

The Sze Yup Kwan Ti Temple, also known as Sze Yup Chinese Temple or the Joss House was originally opened in 1898 by immigrants from the Sze Yup area in the province of Guangdong, China.

 

 

Hidden away from the main street in Glebe, this temple is dedicated to 3rd-century folk hero Kwan Ti, a warrior and patriot in the era of the Three Kingdoms (220 – 265 AD), famous for his loyalty, physical prowess and masculinity.

 

 

In Australia, it is said that immigrant Chinese worshipped him as a wise judge, a guide and a protector.

 

 

And apparently, there are only four temples of this type in Australia, and Sze Yup temple is the most renowned.

 

 

Typical to most traditional Chinese temples, the building complex is separated into several smaller temples. The central temple is where Kwan Ti, whose embroidered image in green robes, flanked by two guards, takes centre place on the altar.

 

 

To the left, a smaller temple is dedicated to Deceased Friends (the Mortuary Chapel) and on the right, is a temple dedicated to the God of Wealth.

 

 

Having celebrated its 100th birthday 12 years ago, it is also said that the 112-year-old temple has been providing for spiritual and welfare needs of the Chinese community, offering a source of companionship, mutual assistance and accommodation for travellers, new migrants, the aged and the sick.

 

 

Since most people has a very vague recollection about the existence of a temple in Sydney, we were just glad to be able to find and finally visit Sze Yup.

AU2010 - Naggy’s Cafe and Espresso Bar

When reading reviews online, most patrons would reckon that Naggy’s is the best cafe in Glebe. So, I guess it’s a place not to be missed when in Glebe.

 

 

I was surprised that the shop does not have a proper signboard. All we saw was a small banner saying that they are now open for dinner and a few A4-sized newspaper cuttings.

 

 

As we walked into the cafe, we were greeted by its highly contrasted old English and Victorian kind of interior, which on one side, is pure white, and on the other, total red. I particularly liked the designs of the street lamps hanging on the white side.

 

 

Anyway, after going through the menu, …

 

 

… we decided to order the French Toast with Citrus Butter and Berry Compote from their All Day Breakfast menu …

 

 

… and the Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagne with Crisp Salad from their Specials menu.

 

 

Overall, I thought the service was great and the food was nice, although I reckon that the French toast might taste better if served with pineapple and vakalolo sauce. I can’t really comment on whether it’s the best cafe in Glebe (since I have not tried each and every cafe there), but I am sure that I will be back to Naggy’s again.