October 30
Sydney
A bit more sleep overnight and a lie in. The forecast showers hadn't appeared so I donned shorts but packed a rain coat. It was warm but cloudy, a good day for shopping and museums. Hope it's better tomorrow so that I can play on the harbour.
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Not far from the hotel is a small cafe that I frequented in 2005, when I stayed almost opposite. The vegetarian Turkish bread contained lots of vegetables so was probably good for me, even though it was bigger than I really needed. The coffee was good and the waitress bubbly and friendly.
Not far up Pitt Street it started to spot with rain. I found a Vodafone shop, where they tried to help me but warned that my NZ dongle was probably locked. They were right so the only option was to buy a new one for over AU$ 50. That price turned out to be cheaper than I was quoted anywhere else but still pricy for my needs and terrible compared to the UK where they almost give them away. We agreed that I should find somewhere with wi fi. The nice lady suggested Macdonalds and I politely declined.
Darling Harbour offered both entertainment and an information centre. No sooner had I walked the short distance there than I found it to be full of people in brightly coloured shirts.
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I then spotted the dragon boats on the harbour so spent a happy time taking photos. I even had to put on my waterproof when it started to rain quite hard.
The area contains lots of fountains, where I decided to try out some clever photography for the next club salon. I won't know if I have been successful until I have examined them properly at home.
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Paddy's Markets is a huge enterprise of traditional markets and modern discount shops. I found the perfume I had been sent to buy - no idea if it was cheap - and then abandoned to the Covent Garden, opposite. The sun was just crossing the yard arm so I ordered a Cascade Pale Ale, which I got free as the barrel ran out about three quarters of the way into the glass. I felt obliged to have another glass of something just to be polite. Unfortunately, the Coopers Pale didn't run out so I had to pay for it. |
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I sat underneath an umbrella watching the crowds in Chinatown. The sky had cleared quite a lot and the sun was doing its stuff.
Once in the market again, I actually found myself a camera bag. Having searched Hong Kong, London and New Zealand on several occasions for one, I was pleasantly surprised to find what I wanted for AU$ 15. The lady was charming and knew just how to make a sale.
I also located the fruit and vegetable section of the market which was full of interesting colours and shapes.
Back in China Town again, I found a Taiwanese cafe, mainly full of oriental faces. Taking this as a recommendation, I ordered a tea and a spicy chicken. The tea was full of bits and very interesting. The Kung Po chicken was fine but not really different to what would have been served in the UK or NZ.
Right: Kung Po chicken |
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Feeling full again, I walked back to the hotel, did a little work and then went in search of a wi fi link. Reception pointed me towards the YWCA, just round the corner, where I found exactly what I required. I completed the work, paid them some money and went outside to play again.
The ANZAC Memorial was closed for maintenance when I last visited. This time it was still being maintained but I was able to find my way inside.
It is a grand structure, built at the height of the recession. The appearance is greatly enhanced by the lake in front, which provides beautiful reflections. The small exhibition inside was interesting enough but not as moving as its peers in New Zealand.
 Above & top right: ANZAC Memorial |
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It now being tea time, I crossed to the tea rooms at the back of Museum Station, for an iced tea. After the lunchtime beers, I needed something non-alcoholic.
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After a long rest and much more watching of the QANTAS fiasco, I found my way the short distance to Liverpool Street which, for some strange reason, has become the Spanish Quarter of Sydney. There are half a dozen Spanish restaurants, a club and a supermarket. I claimed a table at the first restaurant and ordered some food. Drinks had to come from the bar and I left my credit card with them. I hope I see it again! |
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The place was busy - as was the whole area. Perhaps they had all come to watch Flight of the Conchords, which seemed to be playing a marathon session on the TV on the bar.
The pinot grigio was mediocre as was the calamari with potatoes and tomatoes, although there were lots of herbs. The Spanish wine was crisp and good. The belly pork was excellent, crisp skin and melt-in-the-mouth flesh. All in all, it was acceptable rather than brilliant.
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As I was paying my bill, I realised that the restaurant was all part of the pub in which I had enjoyed a few beers on my last visit. The old bar, which was rather fine, had been stripped out. A shame.
Feeling in need of pudding, I eventually found a cafe near to the hotel, which offered a good coffee and a Florentine. A good end to the evening.