The Sydney Tower Eye
Standing 309 m (1,014 ft) above the CBD, The Sydney Tower Eye offers some splendid views of the bustle below. It is the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere (after Auckland’s Sky Tower, though Sydney Tower Eye’s main observation deck is almost 50 m (164 ft) higher than that of Auckland’s Sky Tower).
In which I head for the National Maritime Museum, then onwards to Chinatown and then to a pub for some beer and rugby.
18 March 2011 - 1538 Sydney, Australia
Things looking up today. Yesterday, I was a bit fed up. Despite a good trip to the zoo, I had surmised that Sydney was too much like home for me and thus had failed to meet up to the awesomeness of Singapore. This morning, my mood dipped further when on a Skype call to my parents, I finally decided I would not be going to Tokyo as a result of the earthquake, tsunami and growing nuclear crisis and as a result of government advice not to go unless absolutely necessary. I’m not sure going for KitKats counts as essential. I was bored and a bit fed up. This afternoon though, things have been slowly getting better. I started the day by crossing the Harbour Bridge on foot. On the other side, I discovered there was nothing there, so I walked back again. Not terribly exciting, but it’s something I can say I’ve done. Then, I stumbled upon an unpretentious and lively sandwich bar filled with office workers getting their sarnies made to order. I got a lovely chicken salad roll. Munching happily, onwards I went to one of the few FREE things to do in Sydney, the National Maritime Museum which was good (as in no more boring than any other museum). I forked out the reasonable price of $10 (about £6) to clamber about in an old Aussie navy sub and friggot (both good). Then I walked into Chinatown and immediately my mood improved. This is no London Chinatown. This is a proper Chinatown where almost everyone is Chinese. It’s great! I’m currently sat in a shopping mall and it really does feel like Singapore again. There’s even a food court just like those in Singapore. Right now, I’m making do with Sydney by pretending it’s somewhere else. Doesn’t say a lot about the place. I really don’t understand why anyone would rave about Sydney. Apart from Chinatown, it’s boring!
1722
Rather early for dinner I know, but I’ve just gorged myself on a huge bowl of Satay soup with noodles, prawns and wontons. Perhaps not as good as what you get in Singapore but still the best thing I’ve eaten in Sydney so far. I’ll be coming back. Chinatown in Sydney gets the Morelli seal of approval.
1920
Exhausting day. At a bar on George Street. Asked the guys in my dorm if they wanted a drink but no one said anything. There was literally no sound in reply. So, I’m stood on my own leaning against a pillar drinking a Peroni. Bit awkward but it tastes good and I kinda need it to spice Sydney up a bit. So that’s Heineken and now Peroni I’ve been forced into trying (and actually liking) on this trip. From cautious drinker to anything goes in a matter of weeks. While I’m here, a quick whinge; why show rugby on the big screen when you’re just gonna play music instead of commentary. Infuriating. Guess I didn’t have to choose this particular bar.
In which I watch TV with a Frenchman, take the ferry to the zoo and eat Kangaroo burgers.
17 March 2011 - 0004 Sydney, Australia
No thunderstorm. Booo! I’m back in the dorm and ready for bed. There’s one other guy in here. A pleasant chap from China. I’ve spent much of the evening in the TV room watching the Comedy Channel again in the company of a French guy who lives in Hong Kong and is now holidaying in Sydney. Ended up watching Top Gear with him. He’d never seen it before. He leaves the hostel after tonight but we’ve made plans to meet up at the weekend to go watch some rugby at the Sydney Football Stadium. It was good to meet and talk to a French person let alone a French person who was into rugby. Awesome stuff.
1134
Woolworths lives in Australia as a supermarket chain. The British Woolworths closed a few years ago but the brand is still strong here. Bought my lunch and some water. It’s the first thing I’ve bought in Australia that’s actually been reasonably good value. Sat on Wharf 2 in Circular Quay waiting for the ferry to Taronga Zoo. Later, I’m going to an Aussie barbecue for a kangaroo burger. Yum!
1343
Taronga Zoo is great! Really nicely laid out and fun to explore. I’m currently sat in the seal auditorium awaiting the start of the display.
1614
Fantastic seal and sea-lion display. Really clever stuff. The seals performed impeccably. Luckily it wasn’t showy, more a display of their abilities. Shortly after that, I went to a bird display was wasn’t quite as good, though still entertaining. Back at the wharf to catch the ferry back to the city. Probably gonna go back to the Apple store to upload some videos.
1853
Just found out there was a British bloke staying in my room last night. Didn’t even realise. He snuck in late and crept out in the morning without a peep.
1904
In the downstairs lounge. There was going to be a rooftop barbecue but they’ve moved it to a little covered terrace on level 1. There must be rain on the way again. I went for it as it’s only $6 for a meal and they’re serving kangaroo burgers which I’ve tried before and really liked. The large and busy kitchen is attached to the lounge. From tomorrow, I’ll be cooking my own meals as it’ll be more cost effective. Real mix of people in here. People of all ages. Not your typical youth hostel.
2247
There’s a new guy in the dorm. Bruce! An older man, born in New Zealand but who’s lived in Australia the past 35 years. He called me a nutcase when I told him I still intend on going to Tokyo. Thing is, I’m not sure I am. There are still earthquakes occurring every day and the nuclear situation is worrying. Everyone I speak to say they wouldn’t go. Friends and family agree. The British foreign office has reduced the severity of their travel warning though. A few days ago, they advised against any non-essential travel to the region. Now they’re just suggesting it might not be a good idea. I’m at a bit of a crossroads. I’ll leave off making a decision for now and just worry about having to sleep in the bunk underneath Bruce tonight.
A Walk Across Sydney Harbour Bridge
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge, here’s a video for you.
In which I go to the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens, go up Sydney Tower and take a ride on the Sydney Monorail.
16 March 2011 - 1123 Sydney, Australia
Currently sat in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens, right on the harbour-side. There are tonnes of species of plants in here and some great wildlife. There are scores of flying foxes in the trees roosting and squabbling amongst themselves. The noise they’re making is great. So loud! I’m on a bench opposite a pond with a rather erratic fountain. I’m enjoying the peace, though I am a little skittish having seen some massive spiders on webs. Urgh!
Some observations on Sydney and Australia at large; Prices here are high. I bought a turkey roll and it nearly came to a fiver (£5) on it’s on. A far cry from Singapore’s culinary delights at rock-bottom prices. Also, I’ve noticed the taxi drivers are very smart here. They’re all wearing a uniform - a smart shirt with epaulets. Very nice. Hot earlier today, but with a breeze rolling in, it’s actually getting a bit nippy now. Autumn is arriving in the southern hemisphere.
Very quickly before I go, I’ve been to the Opera House, up the Sydney Tower and done a lap on the monorail. Passed the time but not particularly exciting. On I go.
1920
Severe thunderstorm warning out for Sydney. Raining heavily right now but no storm as yet. Booo! Sat in the tv lounge at the hostel right now watching the Comedy Channel. All the America tv shows you can think of on the schedule.
2022
Staying in YHA Sydney Harbour. They keep doing building-wide PA announcements advertising a bingo game in the lounge. Makes me think of Hi-Di-Hi.
In which I arrive in Sydney, Australia and head into the city centre by train.
15 March 2011 - 2158 Sydney, Australia
Made it to Sydney, Australia! I’m waiting on platform 1 of Sydney Airport International Station for the train to take me to Circular Quay station in the city centre. Not 100% sure on where my hostel is, but I trust myself enough to just go in, start walking and find it. Just been perusing the vending machine here on the platform. First observation about Australia; they like crisps just as much as the British.
2211
Sydney City Council could probably invest in some new train rolling stock. What a heap! It’s like a fast moving street art gallery. Graffiti all over the seats and walls. A far cry from the immaculate train system in Singapore. Got to realise though that Singapore is an exception. What a shame!
Looking through a newspaper someone has left behind as I ride along, particularly at the tv listings. It’s about 40% British tv, 40% American and the rest is unfamiliar, presumably homegrown.
