Ah yes. The most exciting city in Australia, if not the world. This was supposed to be a post full of pictures to make you jealous that you are not here with us, but someone who is a dumbass (that would be me) brought the wrong adapter to transfer photos from the camera to the iPad, so they will have to wait until we get back. Never mind. The professional writer will do her best to stun you with her words. ::cough::
We flew down on Sunday and are staying in the Fraser Suites, Kent Street (in case any of you were planning to stalk us.) We are in the very heart of the shopping and fun district and my god, you can shop. And shop. And shop. I defy any of you who love to spend money to run out of interest before you run out of funds. Even if you only go to the Queen Victoria Building, you will be unable to resist spending more money than any sane person can imagine, if you are in a mood to spend anything at all.
The building itself is gorgeous, but since it is the season of sparklies, it’s appropriate that it has not only the prettiest and sparkliest Santa grotto ever (no photos, sorry) but also a three storey Xmas tree decorated by Swarovski crystals. Sigh.
Walking around that wore us out for the day. Sunday we decided to use our new multitravel weekly passes to travel around on the ferries to Manly and Parramatta. Unfortunately my feet had swollen up from the flight and the humid heat, and I very quickly found walking unbearable (I ended up with blisters on the top of my toes!). So not much walking around. Too hot anyway. It was horrible even by Brisbane standards. The forecast for the next day was five degrees more 🙂
Monday we got up bright and early (6am, Doug thought his throat was cut, poor thing) for a two hour train trip to Katoomba, and then another hour and a half by bus to the Jenolan Caves. Which I really need the photos to prove it is the most mindblowing place ever, but it really is almost beyond mere words to describe.
We had decided to go to Katoomba to escape the blistering 35 dgree heat in Sydney, but it was bloody hot and dry in the mountains too (and a total fire ban because hot dry winds and dry eucalypt forest equals the world’s biggest and most dangerous bonfire waiting to be lit). We got back to Katoomba by 5pm, and the weather was a tad cooler. We decided to eat there since Sydney would still be horrible. We found a wonderful pub in an old bank, which served delicious James Squire beers and did ‘share plates’ of ridiculous size and quality. We managed to waddle back to the train but it was a close thing 🙂 (Not saying it listed to one side once we were on, but….)
Taronga Zoo the next day. What can I say? It’s a nice zoo in a fantastic location, but it’s still a zoo and the animals are never going to show natural behaviour. We were delighted by seeing the fishing cat out and about, two sun bears having a strenous argument over a yoghurt pot of goodies, and many aviaries of gorgeous native and exotic birds. Also a leopard seal. Those things are very fucking creepy.
The cable car broke down for some of the day but fortunately was working again by the time we were ready to leave (burdened by an embarassing number of stuffed animals ::cough::). It’s an idea better in concept than execution but the downward journey definitely provides some unbeatable views of Sydney Harbour.
In the evening, we walked down to Darling Harbour (which is only about 500m from the hotel), walked around to see how much had changed since our last visit 22 years ago (answer – everything), checked out the decorations (pretty), the boats outside the Australian Maritime Museum, and waited for the fireworks at 9pm. Spectacular and short (only 5 mins) which is more than enough for me. I wanted Doug to ride the ferry at night to see the Xmas decorations, but there were sadly few. But neither of us has seen Luna Park at night before, and that was nice.
Xmas day we have spent lazing in bed, reading, eating nice cheese and biccies (thank you Maggie Beer), going for a swim, and sleeping. Also fending off enthusiastic housekeepers because our message to reception about staying in and not needing housekeeping today didn’t get through, and our ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign has gone missing. Oh well 🙂
No plans for tomorrow beyond meeting a friend (little_vera) for supper. Friday we have booked a wildlife spotting tour, and Saturday (hot again) we are going back to Katoomba to visit the Scenic World. Beyond that, nothing is planned.
Hope you are all having a stress-free Xmas and lots of good food. Remember, it’s only a day in the calender, not a cure for cancer!