It's The Same Old Song

The flight on Virgin Blue was fine, featuring lovely and beautiful staff to keep your eyes busy.  As per usual I tend to fall asleep once seated.  I vow all carriers pump something in the air to knock you out or maybe my sleep was induced by the bottle of Elderton I polished off last night.  I was seated towards the aft of the 737, but Virgin enables loading via the tarmac through the rear airplane doors; quite efficient.  Unfortunately, I cannot register for their loyalty program as I’m not a resident.  Hmmpf.

Upon picking up my luggage I noticed my Camelbak water bottle was gone from one of the open side pouch slots of the backpack.  I always crave those unplanned expenses.  I purchased a ticket for a shuttle to deliver me to the Cambridge Hotel, a Quality Choice Hotel property.  Thanks again Mardi!

As we made our way into the city, I could envision this was the cosmopolitan epicenter for New South Wales, likely all of Oz too.  The CBD is packed with high density condominiums, corporate towers and various other high rise buildings. I felt like I was approaching a familiar place, albeit hotter and prettier.

Most Australians will reluctantly admit that Sydney is a beautiful city, a Vancouver equivalent for us Canadian folks as Chris had noted to me (less the mountains).  There is also a skin deep superficial way about Sydneysiders whom also sport an attitude according to many, including the chap who checked me in. This was only further affirmation to the resemblance to Toronto.  I was already beginning to curb my mental itinerary for my time in Sydney.  

The hotel has a relatively contemporary appeal to it given its refurbishment in 2007.  I have a nice corner room facing Southwest with a Queen bed, sitting area, work desk, armoire and bathroom with shower shall.  The internet connection is a pricey proposition, so I am tethering thru my iPhone.  I also have a small fridge in the room to tend to food stuffs and liquor.  

I ventured out to get acclimated to my new surroundings.  I am staying in Surry Hills, just outside the CBD abutting against Darlinghurst.  As I headed over to the closest main street (Oxford) I soon realized I was in the middle of the Village.  All those years living in and around Church Street has paid dividends.  

Given that Mardi Gras was a mere two days away, this was perfect!  Of note, Mardi Gras does not share the same profile as the events taking place down in N’awlins (New Orleans for you less savvy folk), rather it is Australia’s and one of the world’s largest LGBT (Pride) celebrations.  The parade route is a mere 50m away from my hotel.  Once again, my timing and location providence continues to be spot on.  Further appreciations to Mardi!

Oooh Mark, how you would be in your element here!  The area is abuzz and vibrant as Church & Wellesley was in its hay day.  Danger!  Save your ducats for 2012.  Think of it as a last hurrah before the Armageddon.

Hyde Park

Anzac War Memorial

After scanning the area that is vibrant with bars, clubs and many erotic retail shops I headed North towards the CBD.  I was drawn towards some green space, which I soon discovered was Hyde Park. The highlight of the area was the carved out tree canopy path cutting through the middle of the area.  

  

St. Mary's Cathedral

Around the Park exists several notable Sydney landmarks including St. Mary’s Cathedral, Anzac War 

Memorial, Government Buildings, Art Gallery, Museum, State Library and the Royal Botanical Gardens.  The park lands extended alongside Woolloomooloo Bay, which I decided to explore further once I finalized a bike hire for the next day.

This post has been brought to you courtesy of Danny’s La Bussola Italian Restaurant delivery service (Penne avec salsicce, basil and roasted red capsicum [why are they not called peppers here?],  Caprese  salad and garlic bread accompanied by a bottle of 2005 Turkey Flat Grenache from my trip to the Barossa Valley. Hmmm, I thought I had purchased the Shiraz, but the Grenache was a brilliant drink, albeit slightly overpowered by the spicy pasta entrée.