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Published: December 10th 2006
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Up, packed and set off back to the City - hurrah we are going to be warm again! Stopped off at the internet cafe just in case Pauls Sunnies had been left in there, but they were nowhere to be seen - so probably were on the train. Will check out with the lost property in Sydney Central when we get back - but are not holding out much hope of being reunited with them. Spent the journey back just doing some planning for the next stage of the journey on the South Island NZ - real exciting to be off to somewhere new again. Train journey passed quickly and we got the metro back to Kings Cross.
Checked into the Hostel and this time we have a room a little bit away from the central courtyard so it should hopefully be a little bit easier to get some quality sleep. The Lady at reception was really friendly and managed to sort us out. We did some washing and caught up with some chores, stopping off at the local supermarket. Whilst we were in there fire alarm went off - probably one of the workmen who were in the building.
Had to abandon our food and went for a walk down the road whilst the firemen sorted it all out.
The hostel is on Victoria St, it's a bohemian place with lots of hostels, cafes, and hairdressers, really quiet and calm. The road we wandered along was parallel to Victoria St - but was the real red light district - lots of bars, girlie shows and hookers - even at midday - a bit reminiscient of Singapore. Backpackers really do stay in the interesting areas! Finally got re-united with our shopping and wandered back to the hostel.
Decided to take the ferry to Manly beach which is a great way to see Sydney Harbour - was a real rich mans playground with lots of expensive looking boats out playing in the afternoon wind. We sat on the beach at Manly for a few hours watching the people play in the surf - on the way back to the ferry we passed a volleyball competition. The womens game was crowded with onlookers, whilst the blokes match had hardly any spectators - mmmm....
Kitchen back at the hostel was madness and we had to work hard to get some
Sunlight dappling the waves.
Paul continues on the David Bailey theme! pots and pans and utensils to eat with - we think its because its Saturday night and the place is really full. Went out to the local Irish bar again for a beer, where the same fella was playing - was ok, but not as good as last week. With a few beers inside us we headed back to the room for a good nights sleep.
Decided to spend the last day in Aus surfing and people watching down on Bondi Beach (well you have to don't ya?). Really needed to warm up after the time in the Blue Mountains! After a couple of Metro stops and short bus ride we were dropped off right at the beach (Sydney is really cool in this respect!). It was really easy and only cost about $4 each - maybe London should get a beach like this! The beach was fairly full, but there was plenty of room and you did not feel invaded by anyone else. Paul managed about 1/2 hours of sitting about before deciding he definitely needed a surf board and headed off for a few hours more practice whilst Beck caught some rays. It did not feel too hot on the beach, if the sun went in then it felt like a jumper was needed, but the sun was very strong and when Beck got off the beach, the bits that are not normally out were really red - even with that 30+ Sun Block - the sun here really kicks ass!
Got a bit confused with the ticket home and we managed to get a bit stung by a local news agent - and had to buy a second ticket on the metro - one of the problems with being a tourist! Was good to see all the people just wandering home with surfboards under their arms looking all sunburnt and happy.
Finally got back to the hostel after a bit of faff with the transport - luckily the kitchen was a bit quieter and we managed to make our food without the problems of yesterday - was sausages, mushrooms, onions, peppers, pesto and pasta - very good. Wandered around the corner to use the internet - unlimited for $2 - and managed to catch up a bit. Tried to get into the Irish Bar for a beer again but we had thongs on (flip-flops for UK readers!) and they did not like this. Strange dress code and we have been in before wearing them - but hey ho. Managed to find a Jazz bar with a less extreme dress code and had a VB before retiring for the night - early start tomorrow with the transfer out to NZ.
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