Blogs from CBD, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Oceania - page 4

The return We negotiated a taxi fare to the train station that has the direct line to the airport. 2 taxis were at the end of our alley, first man said Y200- then the lady quoted Y100-. They were bonfide taxis, but the metre did not show. That’s OK as for $20- we saved dragging our cases up and down stairs, through the subway, onto 2 lines and generally getting hot and sweaty. Our plane was leaving around 3pm so we had lunch at the weirdest Irish pub ever at Beijing airport. The Lucky Shamrock decked out in purple and red lanterns, food was Ok though. Our China Southern plane was a huge one to Guangzhou, 3 seats, then 4, then 3 across, with an upstairs section. The service was quite good; entertainment screens ... read more

This is the 4th time I've written this pigging entry, phone mucking about.. Sydney had been fun. I've surprised myself with how quickly I've got to know the city. I've only looked at a map once and that was just to find out which road greyhound was on. Otherwise I've just bimbled about! Got talking to one of the guys from my room last night, Mark. He said he didn't talk to me initially as he thought I was Italian and didn't speak any English!! Must be my Italian colouring.. He invited me out to the foam party at scary canary, but due to the foot being unable to get wet, let alone foamy, I politely declined. Also it was 11pm and I was still sulking in my pj's.. He asked me what had bought me ... read more

Well getting the second flight went much more smoothly. There was also nobody sat near me. Attempted a lay down sleep with four seats, five pillows and three blankets! Only downsides were that there were two screaming young children near me and a couple who did insist on kissing loudly and generally giving it massive amounts of pda. I had to drink yet more vodka to cope. Two night flights in less than a 24 hour period is a bit odd though, don't know which way is up at the moment (although in Australia, so I'm obviously upside down anyway...). Yet again, Cathay Pacific were the tits. Lovely staff, good food and super strong drinks (no miniatures, just a very generous glugging method). Plus they had usb ports, so could charge my phone ready for landing. ... read more

Day 1: Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House After a long night flight, we arrived in Sydney, Australia (though it was 1 pm in the afternoon). After we got through customs, we took a taxi to Hyde Park Inn which is conveniently located across the street from Museum Cityrail station. Our room fit all four of us and also had a kitchen which was good because we ate breakfast in our room every day. (This helped us save money because food in Australia was expensive!) The hotel overlooked Hyde Park. After we got unpacked, we went to Museum Station, the station looked like the New York or London subway. It was older and had a nice high ceiling. The trains were commuter trains and had two levels plus they had conductor that blew a whistle. I ... read more