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Published: March 14th 2014
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Day 3: The Street Sydney
I commute to work through George St. from my hotel in Darling Harbor neighborhood. It is one of my favorite streets in
Sydney downtown. It has multiple personalities. On the south end, it starts in Chinatown where the Asian immigrant settled in the second half of 19th century. In the north end, it concludes at the historic Rock district where the first Australian settlers came and established residence.Next to Chinatown, George St. crosses Liverpool St. where several ambrosial Tapas restaurants create a little Spain. In the middle, it crosses Druitt St. It is one of the liveliest pedestrian crossings in Sydney with the backdrop of the majestic 19th century Queen Victoria shopping center, St Andrews Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Sydney, and the equally historic sandstone Sydney Town Hall.
It is fun to just stroll around this particular intersection at around 5 o’clock. A sea of people descending from skyscrapers fills the scene. They are all merrily walking to hip ethnic and fusion restaurants and lively eclectic bars to wash the day-stress away. This Audi Cabrio allows the stimuli to enter my eyes, my ears and my nose uncensored. It makes the George St.
experience very vivid. Surrounding me, Romanesque historic and ornate buildings featuring stained glass windows, arched skylights, domes, intricate colonnades, balustrades, cupolas, cast-iron railings and gates are intermingled with the modern contemporary steel and glass office skyscrapers. Many reflections of the historic buildings on the glass towers create a unique blend of the past and the now.
Arriving at the Rock neighborhood, I am greeted by sandstone houses with vibrant flowers adorning the windows and the ornate cast-iron gates. Many historic restaurants and English pubs have been serving the patrons since the earliest history of the settlement. Most of them are almost in their original themes. The Rock also features the panoramic view the Sydney harbor bridge, the north Sydney city skyline, and the postcard famous shell-shape Opera House. When I use or hear a word often, the word starts to have less meaning to me. Then occasionally there comes a life experience that reminds me of the deep meaning of that particular word. Tucked across from the Rock over the harbor and under the Harbor Bridge is the quaint Milsons Point urban village . From Olympic Dr.vantage point, the other perspective of Sydney panoramic view is hypnotizing.
I lose my thoughts looking at the view. This moment reminds me of the deep meaning the simple word: Beauty.After crossing back the Harbor Bridge from the North Sydney, I drive through Prince Albert Road off the Circular Quay’s Macquarie St. This road takes me to the entrance of the Sydney Botanical garden.
Many couples had their wedding vows performed here. It is one of the most pictorial and romantic gardens in the world featuring radiant flowers, lush vegetations, and the view of the Opera house and the Harbor Bridge. Hosting over one million specimens, this garden sits on the side of an undulating piece of land giving superb downtown skyline and harbor views through the greeneries. Many locals have picnics under the large shady trees over weekends and holidays. Others use the energizing walkway to have lunchtime walks, or jogs. This garden is also a perfect refuge from the city buzz. Darlinghurst St.in King Cross is the place to be on Thursday night for anyone to experience a very lively night life. Dance music can be heard from different part of the street. Long lines of people dressed to impress are common scene just around midnight. Aromas of
ethnic foods from hole-in-the-wall and street vendors bait the energetic but hungry party goers . Another great nightlife spot in Sydney is Darling Harbor. This is a place full of Sydney socialites. Tumbalong is the original name for Darling Harbor, an Aboriginal word for 'meeting place'. The florescent view of the night city skyline is sure to get you in the mood for a roistering night out. Strolling by Latin and Jazz clubs, outdoor seafood restaurants, terrace cafes, cocktail lounges, bars, casinos, and entertainment complex is the best way to sample the innumerable avenues.
Andreas@driving-vacation.com
Driving Vacation Complete Story, Pictures, and map, visit:
www.driving-vacation.com/Australia
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