Changes

I was fortunate enough to secure another private room at a hostel around the corner at Eva’s Backpackers.  Unfortunately, there is only one night available so I’ll have to find another place to stay for my remaining two days in Sydney. 

This hostel was pretty nice, a little more quaint and a decent mix of young and mature guests.  The kitchen was well appointed with multiple cooking areas and very organized.  There isn’t much of a lounge area, but the rooftop more than made up for the difference.  

There is a few large patio dining sets along with a couple of smaller tables to accommodate a number of people.  The view was spectacular with clear sightlines of the CBD.  The best feature were the two working gas BBQ’s!  Only one thing came to mind when I saw them – Steak!

I made my way over to a butcher shop in Potts Point that I had seen earlier through my travels in the neighbourhood.  I picked up a nice Angus strip cut.  Then I grabbed some fixings at the grocery store; mini white potatoes for roasting, onion, peppers and mushrooms for a sauté and ingredients to make a nice side salad.  I also grabbed a bottle of red.  The meal was delicious!  I witnessed a few leering eyes as I devoured an atypical hostel meal.  The life of Riley.

My room was also much larger than my last sleeping quarters, especially with a Queen bed to sprawl out on.  It was unfortunate that I didn’t take up residence here earlier during my time in Sydney.  The hostel was cleaner and the staff a lot more friendly.  

It had been two straight days of overcast and drizzle, which made for a quiet entry into the week.  However, availability for accommodations remained scarce.  My last option to obtain private quarters was out in the ’burbs (or surrounds as they’re referred to here) that was about a 30min subway ride from the CBD.

Fortunately, Cambridge Lodge could provide the sanctuary I needed.  Oh, the lengths I will go to maintain my privacy and personal space.  I am an island or is it rock? 

The hostel is discretely located in the middle of your typical suburb.  I knew going in that the audience that takes up residence here will not feature late night boisterous behaviour.  Perfect.  Keith is a very nice chap and secured me a fantastic room on the second floor.  I have my own sink, small fridge, pantry and armoire.  There is a TV, telephone and Queen bed to make me all the more comfortable. 

The sun, heat and humidity has returned today so I think I’ll head back over to Manly for some beach time and a cycle before embarking to Brisbane tomorrow.