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Published: September 23rd 2009
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Going batty
Abundance of fruit bats in Royal Botanical Garden So I elected to book my flight via Continental because I'm all about piling on the MILES! Newark (EWR) - Houston (IAH) - Honolulu - Guam - Cairns. Arrived at Cairns after 11pm, then flew to Sydney at 545am. I paced the Cairns Domestic Terminal for hours, trying to stay warm. Other than a handful of airport staff making the rounds, it was quite boring.
If you're staying in downtown Sydney, it's not critical to hire a car. After taking cabs between Darling Harbour and The Rocks my first two days there, I realized I could walk from one district to the other without tiring. Looking back, my reluctance to learn how to drive on the "other" side of the car and road certainly hindered my ability to explore on my own or find treasures off the beaten path, but this wasn't the case in NSW.
Aug 21 - In town for a family wedding, I was overwhelmed by the sacrifices old and new family and friends were willing to make to ensure we/I had a memorable time. With minimal rest during my first day in town, I explored the Royal Botanical Garden - surprised by the presence of
Captain Cook Cruises
TOUR: "This (politician) (actor) (businessman) (ex-con) lives over in that (color) house with the (material) roof over there" fruit bats (I thought I was back in Austin, TX for a minute) as well as the abundance of runners on the paths (I left my "joggers" and "trainers" - Aussie for sneakers at home). Later, we boarded a Captain Cook Cruise and toured Sydney Harbour. While the operator dazzled us with his knowledge of who owned various homes in Point Piper, Coogee, and near The Gap, I caught up with family and friends I hadn't seen since last year. After enjoying a fine dinner at the Shangri-La, I finally checked in my hotel in Darling Harbour and passed out cold.
Aug 22 - The next morning, I walked to the nearby Market City, where the first floor (Paddy's Markets) is widely known as a tourist haven for cheap souvenirs, made obvious by the sign that it's only open from Thursdays to Sundays. I opted for the IGA on the second floor to pick up groceries. IGA, along with Coles and Woolworths, represent the major supermarket chains in Australia. Go elsewhere and you'll pay more than others! I explored Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay Wharf before ultimately wandering in the Sydney Aquarium - which unknowingly provided me a very
handy, useful preview of what I would later see in the Great Barrier Reef. And, I was introduced to the dugong! What a massive, peculiar creature. Spent most of day celebrating my cousin's wedding in Milson's Point and, later, at WatersEdge in The Rocks.
Aug 23 - Had to choose between a short black (espresso), long black (double espresso over hot water), and flat white (creamy steamed milk over espresso) without understanding what I was actually ordering until I googled them after the fact, but that was FUN! Also, noticed a disturbing trend. Tips are discouraged or not expected, but gratuity lines are optional at the restaurants with the poorest service. I didn't understand... but, no worries, today was an abbreviated Bronte-to-Bondi walk plus stops at The Gap and Manly PLUS a sumptuous dinner in the Hills
Aug 24 - Explored Katoomba in overcast, somewhat rainy conditions. Blue Mountains, Three Sisters, Scenic Railway (the world's steepest with max decline at a 52-degree angle). And, in Australia, you will see references to proclamations of World Heritage sites. Blue Mountains is one of five World Heritage sites I visited during my stay in Oz. After returning to the States, I
looked up 'World Heritage' and realized I haven't visited one of its sites in my own backyard - the Statue of Liberty. But, I digress. I also tasted vegemite for the first time and wished I hadn't... no worries, I gave vegemite another shot later in the trip when combined with cheese, avocado, peanut butter, or honey. BUT, the question is would I have enjoyed those ingredients more if I had not mixed in vegemite? *inside joke*
Aug 25 - Realized nothing is open in Kings Cross or Darlinghurst in the morning, but I figured this was the best time of the day to explore the neighborhoods my cousins told me to avoid. Also, explored Central Station, Hyde Park, the Art Museum, Library, et al. Enjoyed my last evening in Marsfield with relatives and friends before proceeding to El Rancho Hotel, a local watering hole in North Ryde. I found the latter experience quite strange, albeit a lot of fun. The bar reminded me of a mix of a pub and a... playground. Very bright and roomy... and casual. Not sure how else to describe it.
Other things I learned (or observed) while in Sydney:
- An appropriate
response to "Thank You" is "No worries!" (most popular), followed by "Pleasure" or "tip top" or "ta" (which I hadn't heard since Switzerland). "You're welcome" came only from the hotel front desk... probably because they were raised elsewhere!
- "Cheers" is used to say hello, goodbye, or thank you - like aloha and mahalo in Hawaii... unless I'm wrong altogether.
- "Mate" is pronounced more like "might" and is used to address just about anybody.
- Word pronunciation is influenced by the British, but you'll hear Aussies refer to the British as Pommies. Look it up. I'm not an expert. Americans will be reminded of Boston.
- There is a very competitive rivalry between the All Blacks and Wallabies. Unless you're in a hotel lobby, I don't recommend wearing All Blacks merchandise outside, especially at night AND after they defeat the Wallabies.
- 3 food groups: TimTams, Vegemite, and Lemonade.
- Coffee and tea - no refills.
- Some Aussies see most Americans as "loud and obnoxious." If this is applicable to you, please take it into consideration when you visit and (maybe) you'll earn their respect.
- Your preparation of salt
& spicy calamari is so simple and delicious, I ordered it as often as possible.
- Thank you to the Marriott lobby bar for introducing me to Redback wheat beer and my cousins (or cuzzies) for introducing me to Pure Blonde and Hahn's. Note to the Americans. Foster's is NOT Australian for beer.
Cheers!
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