Thursday, 24 July 2014
Day 58 - Sydney
Up and out bright and early this morning, 9am for a walking tour of the city. Walked miles and miles already but I'm sure there's things I've missed.
A really interesting tour focusing mainly on the history of The Rocks, lots of cool funny stories behind things. I love the fact that Rum used to be an accepted currency, people were even paid their wages in Rum. Also there are 3 pubs which claim to be the oldest in Sydney, 1 because it's been trading the longest, 1 because it's had its liquor licence the longest and 1 because it's the oldest building, you decide for yourself but I'm going with trading the longest. I didn't know but apparently Harbour Bridge was opened twice, the first was done by a bloke on a horse who rode through the actual opening ceremony and cut the ribbon with a sword (legend), apparently he was protesting that it wasn't being opened by the royal family. They then tired the ribbon back together and cut it again.
Continued walking around after the tour to Mrs Macquaries Point, beautiful views of the Opera House and Bridge together. I then decided to have a slow walk (couldn't walk fast if I tried at the moment) back to the hostel when I passed the Art Gallery of New South Wales and I saw a sign that said free entry, I couldn't pass that up as everything cost so much here. Saw some very nice old artwork including 2 Picassos and some very interesting new artwork, I haven't got a clue what any of it was meant to symbolise, I swear one of them was just the box shelving from Ikea. Very interesting though.
Eventually back to the hostel to book a couple more nights accommodation as I've been told I'd be stupid to leave Sydney before the weekend, so I'll be leaving on Sunday night now. Decided to move for the extra 2 nights though as this hostel is Ok but I'm a bit tired of waking up sweating in the night because they've got the mattresses covered in plastic under the bed sheets and then waking up freezing because I'm covered in sweat. Also there is a rather annoying Italian couple who couldn't give a toss who they wake up when they come in when everyone is very respectful.
Back out this evening as I've been told I need to see Darling Harbour at night. It was Ok, very nicely lit up, but didn't amaze me.
All in all another great day!
Wednesday, 23 July 2014
Day 57 - Sydney
Had a nice long sleep but still up and out for 10.30. Went for a walk to Darling Harbour to the Australian National Maritime Museum. Really enjoyed it especially at they let you go on board some of the boats, including HMAS Advance, an attack class patrol boat, the submarine HMAS Onslow, I can't believe how cramped it is, banged my head at least 5 times and I'm not exactly tall. And then the replica of Captain James Cooks HMB Endeavour, this ship is beautiful, however no toilets, crew had to sit on the side of the boat and wipe using rope! Still very cramped below decks, actually hands and knees for some of it. Amazing!
Then off for a walk around the city, saw the Queen Victoria Building which is now a shopping mall, also a statue of Queen Victoria which apparently was lost and eventually tracked down to Ireland where it was "forgotten" about. St James Church and the Pool of Reflection in Hyde Park and also St. Marys Cathedral where you're not supposed to take photos but managed to sneak a few, shhh.
Then to the Greyhound bus store to make sure everything's Ok with my ticket to travel up the east coast, and I get yet another wrist band.
Out for another long walk tonight, upto the Opera House to see everything lit up, looks amazing and one of the nicest, most chilled out nights I've had, there was a duo playing at the Opera Bar, playing all covers but in a bluesy style, really cool listening to some really good music in such an amazing setting with the bridge on one side and the Opera House the other.
Amazing day!
Tuesday, 22 July 2014
Day 55 - Bangkok to Sydney
Still not feeling the best so checked out at 12pm and just hung around the hotel until going to the airport. Left the airport at 2pm and there and checked in a good 3.5 hours before the flight! Never mind ay.
Not the best flight I've ever had, quite a large gentleman beside me and that's saying something considering my size. TV didn't work for a good hour, thought they were going to have to bump me up to business class at one point but alas they got it working. 9 hour flight, lost 3 hours to time difference and only slept one hour so I think tomorrow is going to be a very hard tired day.
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