Friday
4:30 PM
Uh, my aching legs! I believe I over-compensated for sitting on planes all yesterday As I sit here in the Scubar beneath Sydney Central, I’m hoping this cold Victoria Bitter will soothe the pain. And what a day it’s been. Wore me out, it did. I’m just amazed I haven’t had any jet lag.. At least not yet.
[Editor: Scubar is described by Google as a “Raucous basement bar in a backpacker hostel, with DJs and Hawaiian decor, plus themed party nights.”]
Hit the ground running today. As soon as I stepped out of the airport I stepped onto a bus and headed into town. And boy was it cold this morning. The captain reported it to be 7 ℃. Cold. I could see my breath. Anyhow, I made my way to the hostel, a bit early I may add. Too early to check in. so I tossed my bag in a locker and grabbed a quick yet satisfying shower. Brushed my teeth, too. Feeling quite refreshed, I took to the streets.
Sydney Harbor Area
Tree full of Grey Headed Flying Foxes
I made my way down Pitt Street, cut across to Macquarie via Martin, and went into the Botanical Gardens. I could have spent the entire day there. Beautiful. absolutely beautiful. Wow. My main objective was to make my way to the point to snap photos of the Harbor area. But the birds! I had to look at the birds. Oh, and the flying foxes! It was so great every animal I looked at was a lister for me. I had already ID’d my first Australian bird coming from the airport, however.
Wood Duck
On a whole new continent, on the opposite side of the earth, and the first bird I see is a starling! But the Gardens made up for it. Ibis were everywhere, Wood Ducks, Mynahs, Magpie, fairy-wrens; I loved it! I did of course find my way to the photo spot. After a while I made my way around Farmer’s Cove to the Opera House and the Quay. The rest is kind of a blur. A long blur. I went through The Rocks over the bridge, everywhere it seemed. Not that I didn’t enjoy it. I was getting tired and hungry. I took care of the latter with a meat pie. Not too bad. Nor too good. I finally decided to make my way up Pitt to the hostel. I did take time out to listen to some live flamenco in the square. Practically sleepwalking by now, I made my way to the hostel and attempted to check in. That was a blunder, let me tell you. Looking in this bag, dumping out my money belt, trying to get into the wrong room. Lots of fun. And here I sit. The train to Byron Bay leaves at 7AM tomorrow. Thirteen hours. Yipee. Oh, how could I forget?! The voucher I paid for in full through Council Travel is no good! How about that. So I bought another.
Not to sure what to think of the place so far. Certainly haven’t experienced the overtly friendly atmosphere or the deep love for Americans. But then again, this is Sydney. Not the “true” Australian experience, perhaps. We’ll see tomorrow. Hope I can put up with all of those hippie backpackers. Damn, I need to take out these contacts! It’s only been 48 hours straight or so.
Oh, here’s a quick impression: everything is backwards! Steering wheels, where they drive, the bigger coins are worthless…… it’s crazy. I’m going to get killed crossing these streets. Oh, and I’m not looking forward to my return to Sydney – after the world drops in for a visit. Oh, and why are all of the guys here at the hostel 40 years or older? don’t they have better places to be?
I don’t get any of it.
But it’s fun.
KC