Sydney - New year - The works!

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Blimey Pimey , wow wow wow, fantabuloso and that's it in a nut shell!!!. this is absolutely an iconic city. It probably ranks pretty high on my list of the most “to be seen cities” together with Venice, Shanghi and Rio not that I am name dropping you understand. It is truly lovely and what is more my hotel window overlooks the opera house so I wake up to a harbour view dominated by that love it or hate it architecture.. It is a city to drink up the atmosphere , mingle with the crowds walk along the famous circular keys and have some vino in the sun looking at the bridge and the opera house - and of course we did that several times!!!! It is a sight of which I just cannot get enough

Just a little history for you as I don’t want you all to feel too jealous. The aborigines have inhabited this area known as Warrane for at least 50,000 years In 1770 the east coast of Australia was first charted by captain James cook who claimed it for the king on that date and named it New South Wales. It wasn't’t until the brits lost the American colonies and needed somewhere else to dispatch the convicts that the First Fleet lead by captain Arthur Phillip and commissioned by Baron Sydney landed in Botany bay in 1788. They sailed a little further north to Port Jackson to find fresh water and renamed that port ,Sydney Harbour in honour of the baron - and the rest is History!

So we have been here for 4 nights - not enough, I have taken a harbour cruise have seen the bridge from all angles ,sailed to the most well known landmarks seen hundreds of expensive boats and houses owned by the rich and famous and soaked up the sun sipping the odd glass or two of wine. I sped round the city on the mono rail which was hot and crowded and not all that wonderful!

We took a tour to the Blue Mountains about an hours ride from the city, We had a very bubbly driver/guide called Jen who was great. Not sure the mountains lived up to her enthusiasm They are so called because the eucalyptus trees that cover a great deal of the area give it a bluish tinge. Most of the mountains which reach a height of just 1000 metres above sea level are made of sandstone giving steep cliffs and striations that are being gently eroded. The three sisters a rock formation which the aborigines believe have a different aetiology and are steeped in cultural mythology, are typical of what can be seen. We were scared and excited by the steepest rail incline and the short journey on a cable car that rises up and over the cliffs and leaves your tummy in the air. I think I am acclimatising to all these thrills and spills!

The build up to New year in Sydney is something to be believed, it takes 15 months of planning so they are well into 2011's event! The whole city and beyond is involved they close the freeway , restrict the shipping in the harbour , close off a huge proportion of the cities roads. to cater for the expected 1.5 million people , In the southern hemisphere anyone who can makes it to Sydney for the biggest event in this part of the world. It was amazing , I wanted to have drinks and canapes in the bar on the 34th floor of my hotel which has a panoramic view of the harbour both the bridge , the centre of activity and the opera house , but they wanted 600 dollars per seat ( about £400) and 1200 dollars for a meal - so just a little over the top!!. In the end Jules Sue and Hannah came across the bay from their hotel and we mingled with the thousands of people on the streets and found a spot , not the best as these all had gone 24 hours previously , but good enough to feel involved. We watched the pre fireworks for families at 9.00pm, saw the tall ships all light up and come into the harbour and ooed and aahed as the show began. I had ordered food to be delivered to my room and we bought wine to take back and we watched all the activity from my window. We couldn't see the bridge but had the TV on and had a magnificent view of the opera house and across the harbour so saw all that was going up in that area. later we walked against the crowds back to the harbour for Jules , Sue and Hannah to get the ferry back across the bay- So Happy New year to you all - by now you will have caught up! It was a memorable experience and one that I shall treasure always.


Today I took the Manly ferry to visit my bruv on the other side of the harbour , I think I was travelling with half of Sydney . The trouble with visiting at this time of year is that half the world has the same idea ..Still we had a good day , walking along the bay and up over the cliffs, had a late lunch and people watched across the shore. It was goodbye time , I seem to have been said lots of goodbyes recently and it is painful. Thanks guys, it has been so good being with you, look after yourselves and Hannah keep safe in your work and travels

Tomorrow Saturday we go our separate ways me to the delights of New Zealand and Jules and the family to continue their journey down the coast to Melbourne and onwards to Tasmania.

My final thoughts on Oz , a country that has seduced me as expectations were not great, it has the laid back lifestyle that attracts the young hearted and the weather to match , though the last two weeks have been warm, cloudy with tropical downpours . Some parts, particularly the west coast which I loved, are wild, rugged and remote so that those of us who live in crowded places can only dream of seeing. Australia does have some drawbacks , it has a controlling streak , there are lots of signs telling you what you cant do rather than letting people take some responsibility for themselves and others. But I hope I can return if to do nothing more than sit and stare at Sydney bridge at sunset. Just the best

So January for me will be full of new experiences and towards the end of the month i meet up with Al and Lucy for our American journey!



have a good beginning of the year and i do hope it is not too cold for you all -take care
love
caro
xxxx

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Photos

views from the air
curtesy of hannah

Comments

[patricia]

Seduction city .....
Not only was I seduced by that beautifuly city and all of eastern australia like you - I took it so far as to try and emigrate - that was back in 1981-84 - but sadly they had used up their quota of advertising Brits and not having relatives out there I missed out - but quite in agreement with the love of the country - it has thebest of europe mingled with the best of americaand lots of the good things nowmissing from the UK - so enjoy!! I still have good friends over there and maybe one day we'll travel back together ..... wouldn't that be a lark - xxP HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL IN BENIRRAMA AND FORNA.

[Anji]

Flashpackers' dream
Well my dear you're certainly packing it in, and in style too, it seems. I think maybe Mango should link up with other "boutique" tour companies in other countries and do a sort of pass-the-parcel with flashpacker holidaymakers like you, who want a bit of style but to connect with reality at the same time. Disappointed to hear that neither Phnom Penh not Angkor Wat made it onto your list of top cities though!!! I guess the Japanese Friendship bridge doesn't quite compare. Doh. Anyway, delighted to hear that you are now positively blase about such things as cable cars, mountains and travelling alone. I seem to remember you were a bit nervous about making it from Hong Kong to KL on your own just a couple of months ago! How quickly things change Whoever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks???!!! (Oh dear, I'm in trouble now!) All power to you, girl, have a fabulous rest of time down under. I think you'll be inspiring a few of us.....Much love, Anji xxx

[Ricardo W_R]

Happy New Year
Happy New Year Caro - looks like you had a fabulous time. Keep up the tales of your adventures - good luck in NZ. Love me and 'er