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Sydney is a vibrant, dynamic city that opens its arms to welcome you. Hedonism is part of the culture from the beach lifestyle to the nightlife in Kings Cross. As soon as you land, you notice the differences from the laid-back, slower pace of New Zealand to the billboards, noise, and glitz of Sydney. When you stop to think, the reality suddenly hits you that the City of Sydney has more people than the entire country of New Zealand. With that size comes less friendliness and warmth. However, there are more options from which to choose including restaurants, clubs, entertainment, and shopping. Sydney is a world-class city in every way. It still prides itself on hosting the 2000 Olympics. As you travel throughout Sydney and Australia, you pick up on the strong nationalism and a sense of self-pride, far different from New Zealanders who tend to play down nationalistic tendencies.
While in Sydney, we stayed at the downtown Hilton which is in the center of the city's activities. With the strength of the U.S. dollar, the rate was slightly over a $100 a night. The quality of service was superb. You were easy walking distance to many attractions including Darling Harbour.
The harbour views are spectacular. Of course, visiting the beaches such as Bondi is a must. Using the Sydney Explorer or Bondi Express to sightsee is an inexpensive way to explore this beautiful city.
There are literally thousands of restaurants from which to choose. Two outstanding ones are Doyle's (locals recommend its outstanding seafood dishes) and Don Quixote, a fabulous Spanish restaurant in the downtown. Another for Sunday brunch is the circular revolving restaurant atop the AMP Tower, worth the expense not only for the delectable food but also the view.
Of course, Sydney inspired the following poem: |
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The World Famous Sydney Opera House
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The Aussie Playground
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Three Aussies on Holiday
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Oh Sydney
Oh Sydney, such a young city
by world standards
Yet so proud of your heritage
2000 Olympics scream out wherever you go
Woolloomooloo Bay -
Aboriginal names roll off your tongue
As well as the less exotic -
Manly and Darling
Hustle, bustle, crowds
Are but a few of your descriptors
Incessant cell phone talk
no matter where
The intruding rings heard
in restaurants and on streets
Yet another side exists
Expansive blue harbors
filled with sails and ships
Wherever you look
crystal clear skies and voluminous clouds
dominate the skyline
Restaurants of every ilk and kind
Sandy beaches seem to appear around each quay
Monorails, ferries, and buses
hauling their cargo
The Chinese Peace Gardens
providing a quiet respite
The sails of the Opera House
symbolizing your vibrancy
Harbour Bridge linking the masses
Languages of endless variety
heard upon your streets
Hedonism, your cardinal rule
Oh Sydney, I have heard your story
Please tell me more.
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