Eastern Australia and Ayers Rock
Nov 24th, 2012, 12:50 AM
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Eastern Australia and Ayers Rock
This was my 28 day itinerary I flew almost everywhere with a Virgin Australia Airpass which can only be purchased outside the country.
Sydney
Ayers Rock
Brisbane
Melbourne
Mornington Peninsula
Cairns
This is the first part of my trip
Greetings from Sydney. Oct 22, 2012
Though the actual travel time was quite lengthy 30 hours give or take it didn’t seem too bad. I slept part of the time thanks to pharmaceuticals, courtesy of my friend Lena. The layover in L.A. went very quickly thanks to some Australian co-travelers. I encountered my first and am sure more to follow Aussie expressions. One of the men said “I am going to get pissed” I of course assumed it meant to get annoyed, he meant to get drunk.
Sydney greeted me at its worst I think. Icy winds which were almost gales that eventually turned into torrential rains. Fortunately my very lightweight Uniqlo down jacket protected me well. It turned out that my phone refused to go on Wi-Fi so I ended up buying a Sim card. But before that I needed to change money. Banks here don’t exchange money unless you have an account and I ended up having to go to a money exchange that totally took advantage. $460 US became $420 AU very quickly. Next on the agenda was a transport card. The man at the corner deli informed me that my best bet would be single senior cards $2.50 each. He also informed me that as of that moment I was an Australian senior, no complaints on my part. This card permits me to travel as much as I can in one day on busses, ferries and CityRail.
No to waste any more time I took the bus to Circular Quay and saw the famous opera house as well as the harbor bridge. I walked around for awhile until the rain became too much. Ducked into the Museum of Contemporary Art and had a sandwich. Jetlag was setting in and I needed sleep. I thought I remembered where to get the bus to go back to Potts Point, but I didn’t. It was raining cats and dogs and I was directed to a kiosk where the bus information was. He knew exactly which bus and sent me to Bridge 3.
There is no Bridge 3 but there is a Bridge Street. I did eventually get back to Sydney Central Backpackers which is my home away from home for a week. Before I tucked in I had managed to buy a delicious Australian goat camembert and a bottle of N.Z. Semillon/Saugnon Blanc which I sampled.
It seems that every area in Sydney is called a suburb except the central part. In the case of Potts Point there is a very clear demarcation to Kings Cross which is very seedy to put it mildly. Yet they are next to each other, they even share the same subway station, one exit genteel, the other less so. The hostel where I am staying is quite nice and very busy. I have a single room on the ground floor which is most adequate. The bed is extremely comfortable and I have so far not had any problems sleeping. It is definitively a lively place with socializing going on into the wee hours. I bless my ear plugs.
Thursday morning October 25
Am on a train to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, made it by the skin of my teeth since I slept late this morning.
There is something a little peculiar here in Sydney, nothing is clearly marked, neither the train stations nor the zoo. Will get to the Zoo later,this is not quite true it’s very clearly marked if you know where to look. The Central Station has no large bulletin boards saying which platform the trains are on. Fortunately there are a lot of employees to ask. Once you get to the correct train there is a lot of information. The transport system though is quite remarkable, my $2.50 daily ticket ,is today taking me round trip on a two hour journey 61 miles from the center into the Blue mountains. Yesterday it took me on a round trip ferry ride to the Zoo several busses and trains. I know I am not supposed to use this ticket but my grey hair lets me pass as an elderly Australian.
The weather has greatly improved, the sun is shining and the winds have abated over the days. It has been a whirlwind of impressions. Tuesday morning I was picked up By Dianne and Murray who so graciously offered to take me sightseeing. They are a couple who befriended my friend Sue, and subsequently me all through the Travelzine a Yahoo group of intrepid travelers.
They drove me up the Eastern coast to Palm Beach, a magnificent drive along the coast. We stopped a couple of times and saw some amazing native ferns and flowers. We ended up at a small place by the water. It was a combination grocery store, restaurant and take –out. We opted for the fish burgers with chips and a bottle of wine as take out. With that we were given wine glasses, a bottle of water and water glasses. The view was lovely overlooking the boats that people used to get to and fro the island. Basically the same food was served as in the restaurant at 2/3 the price. The burgers were delicious served with aioli, salad and capers.
After they had left me off back at the hostel I felt that I should continue enjoying the lovely weather and the extraordinary diversity of fauna I went to the Botanical gardens They are very large gardens next to the Sydney opera, Though almost everything was labeled it didn’t strike me as a botanical garden as much as a lovely very large park with flowers different statues and a fountain surrounded by water.
I got very excited when I recognized a native fern that Murray had pointed out earlier in the day. It is a very distinctive looking Norfolk Fern. There were also some interesting looking birds, which I found out are called Sacred Ibis.
Sydney
Ayers Rock
Brisbane
Melbourne
Mornington Peninsula
Cairns
This is the first part of my trip
Greetings from Sydney. Oct 22, 2012
Though the actual travel time was quite lengthy 30 hours give or take it didn’t seem too bad. I slept part of the time thanks to pharmaceuticals, courtesy of my friend Lena. The layover in L.A. went very quickly thanks to some Australian co-travelers. I encountered my first and am sure more to follow Aussie expressions. One of the men said “I am going to get pissed” I of course assumed it meant to get annoyed, he meant to get drunk.
Sydney greeted me at its worst I think. Icy winds which were almost gales that eventually turned into torrential rains. Fortunately my very lightweight Uniqlo down jacket protected me well. It turned out that my phone refused to go on Wi-Fi so I ended up buying a Sim card. But before that I needed to change money. Banks here don’t exchange money unless you have an account and I ended up having to go to a money exchange that totally took advantage. $460 US became $420 AU very quickly. Next on the agenda was a transport card. The man at the corner deli informed me that my best bet would be single senior cards $2.50 each. He also informed me that as of that moment I was an Australian senior, no complaints on my part. This card permits me to travel as much as I can in one day on busses, ferries and CityRail.
No to waste any more time I took the bus to Circular Quay and saw the famous opera house as well as the harbor bridge. I walked around for awhile until the rain became too much. Ducked into the Museum of Contemporary Art and had a sandwich. Jetlag was setting in and I needed sleep. I thought I remembered where to get the bus to go back to Potts Point, but I didn’t. It was raining cats and dogs and I was directed to a kiosk where the bus information was. He knew exactly which bus and sent me to Bridge 3.
There is no Bridge 3 but there is a Bridge Street. I did eventually get back to Sydney Central Backpackers which is my home away from home for a week. Before I tucked in I had managed to buy a delicious Australian goat camembert and a bottle of N.Z. Semillon/Saugnon Blanc which I sampled.
It seems that every area in Sydney is called a suburb except the central part. In the case of Potts Point there is a very clear demarcation to Kings Cross which is very seedy to put it mildly. Yet they are next to each other, they even share the same subway station, one exit genteel, the other less so. The hostel where I am staying is quite nice and very busy. I have a single room on the ground floor which is most adequate. The bed is extremely comfortable and I have so far not had any problems sleeping. It is definitively a lively place with socializing going on into the wee hours. I bless my ear plugs.
Thursday morning October 25
Am on a train to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, made it by the skin of my teeth since I slept late this morning.
There is something a little peculiar here in Sydney, nothing is clearly marked, neither the train stations nor the zoo. Will get to the Zoo later,this is not quite true it’s very clearly marked if you know where to look. The Central Station has no large bulletin boards saying which platform the trains are on. Fortunately there are a lot of employees to ask. Once you get to the correct train there is a lot of information. The transport system though is quite remarkable, my $2.50 daily ticket ,is today taking me round trip on a two hour journey 61 miles from the center into the Blue mountains. Yesterday it took me on a round trip ferry ride to the Zoo several busses and trains. I know I am not supposed to use this ticket but my grey hair lets me pass as an elderly Australian.
The weather has greatly improved, the sun is shining and the winds have abated over the days. It has been a whirlwind of impressions. Tuesday morning I was picked up By Dianne and Murray who so graciously offered to take me sightseeing. They are a couple who befriended my friend Sue, and subsequently me all through the Travelzine a Yahoo group of intrepid travelers.
They drove me up the Eastern coast to Palm Beach, a magnificent drive along the coast. We stopped a couple of times and saw some amazing native ferns and flowers. We ended up at a small place by the water. It was a combination grocery store, restaurant and take –out. We opted for the fish burgers with chips and a bottle of wine as take out. With that we were given wine glasses, a bottle of water and water glasses. The view was lovely overlooking the boats that people used to get to and fro the island. Basically the same food was served as in the restaurant at 2/3 the price. The burgers were delicious served with aioli, salad and capers.
After they had left me off back at the hostel I felt that I should continue enjoying the lovely weather and the extraordinary diversity of fauna I went to the Botanical gardens They are very large gardens next to the Sydney opera, Though almost everything was labeled it didn’t strike me as a botanical garden as much as a lovely very large park with flowers different statues and a fountain surrounded by water.
I got very excited when I recognized a native fern that Murray had pointed out earlier in the day. It is a very distinctive looking Norfolk Fern. There were also some interesting looking birds, which I found out are called Sacred Ibis.
Nov 28th, 2012, 11:24 AM
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Hello NYWoman!!! I'm so glad I decided to take a peek at the Australia forums to see if you had started a report. Wonderful start!!
Next time I go 'down under' I'm going to get myself one of those senior passes!!! You really got your money's worth, it seems.
The Blue Mtns are really lovely. Glad you got to make that trip. A drive up (and/or) down the coast from Sydney is well worth the time, so it was nice that you got to do that!
The flora and fauna of Australia are amazing! So different from what I see in Illinois.
(greetings from Lausanne, Switzerland, by the way)
Carol
Next time I go 'down under' I'm going to get myself one of those senior passes!!! You really got your money's worth, it seems.
The Blue Mtns are really lovely. Glad you got to make that trip. A drive up (and/or) down the coast from Sydney is well worth the time, so it was nice that you got to do that!
The flora and fauna of Australia are amazing! So different from what I see in Illinois.
(greetings from Lausanne, Switzerland, by the way)
Carol
Nov 29th, 2012, 09:14 AM
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Again it shows how my Australian is not. The tree is a Norfolk Fir or Pine.
It was not Palm Beach where we ate it was a small harbour with commuter rowboats. I will try to find out the name of it.
It was not Palm Beach where we ate it was a small harbour with commuter rowboats. I will try to find out the name of it.
Nov 29th, 2012, 10:39 AM
#7
Norfolk Island Pine.
Could the restaurant have been at Church Point? Sounds like it - with the tinnies being used to get to Scotland Island.
Just a heads up for anyone planning to use the Australian Seniors discount travel tickets - if you can't produce the appropriate card to ticket inspectors, there will be a hefty fine. And sellers are supposed to sight the cards at time of sale.
Could the restaurant have been at Church Point? Sounds like it - with the tinnies being used to get to Scotland Island.
Just a heads up for anyone planning to use the Australian Seniors discount travel tickets - if you can't produce the appropriate card to ticket inspectors, there will be a hefty fine. And sellers are supposed to sight the cards at time of sale.
Nov 30th, 2012, 01:58 AM
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That's it Church Point. Am trying to finish my blog which is at www.nywoman.blogspot.com with pictures.
Sydney continued
Have found out why all the different parts of Sydney are called suburbs except CBD. That is because they were all separate townships at one point. Not that it makes it much clearer but now I know.
Wednesday October 24
Spent a delightful and most frustrating day at Taronga zoo , nothing is clearly marked, the map makes no sense but I did get to see Koalas, Kangaroos, a two headed reptile, Platypus and many other animals. The platypus is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Together with the four species of echidna, it is one of the five extant species of monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth. Had a delightful lunch of a Reuben Sandwich at one of the cafes made with what seemed homemade bread. Am really amazed at how good the food is at public attractions. This was true throughout my visit.
I did take the bus up from the ferry landing and the cable car down. Make sure that you sit with your back to the zoo so that you get the full view of the harbor it is breathtaking. There was a regatta going on as we descended it was fantastic to see the white sails mirrored in the opera house, or is it the other way around.
There was still plenty of time before my dinner date so decided to go to Bondi Beach. This is one of the main surfing beaches in Sydney and looks like it would be a nice place to live in. There was an outdoor art show along the beach which I saw part of before I went to “Iceberg” which is a swimming club, restaurant and bar. As a foreigner all I had to do was show my driver’s license and I was admitted to the bar. Had a nice glass of wine for $6.50 while watching the swimmers in the pool, the pool, which is common all over Australia is an enclosed part of the ocean. Since there seem to be surf everywhere this is a calm piece of water for swimmers.
Then it was time to meet my internet friends for dinner at China Doll on Woolloomooloo wharf. There are many aboriginal names but not as many vowels perhaps. We had a really delightful evening and it was nice being able to put faces to the names.
The next morning took me to the Blue Mountains, am really trying to pack in as many “should do’s” as I can. When I got off the train in Katoomba went straight to the Hop-on-hop-off bus counter ad bought a ticket. Should really have read the guide book more carefully or even the pages I had printed out. I could as easily have done this by public transportation.
The bus takes you to various starting points then you have to hike. I opted for the moderately easy walk, it was anything but. What was supposed to take 30 minutes took me 90 minutes because I somehow managed to get onto another pathway. Though the views were quite spectacular I have to recognize that I am not a hiker, and it is not something that I really enjoy. Got back around 6 pm and bought some steamed Chinese dumplings 8 for $10. Sydney is not cheap.
Friday had a reservation for lunch at Marques one of Sydney’s top restaurants. Dianne joined me and as we perused the prix fixe menu we decided to splurge and go for the 5 course as opposed to the 3 course menu. As a rule I don’t enjoy tasting menus but this was spectacular and most of the wine pairings were well matched. This was a good choice on our part. I will post the menu with pictures on my blog once I get a good internet connection.
That night I had bought a Living Social deal for a Harbor Cruise on a tall sailing ship,which included wine and hors d’oeuvres and like so many other things it seemed like a good idea at the time.I didn’t take into consideration that it would be dark and impossible to see anything. Did meet some locals, and ended up having a great time, otherwise I have found that people are not particularly friendly. Very polite and courteous but quite diffident, I have stood on many a street corner with a map and not one person has stopped and asked if they could help me. So different from how I imagined Australians, but have also been told that once I get out into the country my experiences will meet my expectations.
Today was a magic day, my friend Lidia from L.A, another internet friend who I have been corresponding with, and I met up to go to the Fish Market, which is the second largest after Tokyo. I had read that there was going to be a mussel cooking demonstration, apart from that I like fish markets.
This one is like no other I have ever seen. All the fish mongers sell ready to eat food, it is almost like a food court that also sells fish. The varieties of fish is mind boggling, many that I have never heard of. For sale at least 6 kinds of oysters on the half shell, sushi, and sashimi, steamed crabs, lobsters, sea food salads and fish and chips and so much more. I ordered a dozen Pacific oysters and Abalone sashimi Lidia had oysters with Salmon Caviar and also Pacific oysters. We were both overwhelmed by the abundance of food and how different this was to a regular fish market.
We ended our day at the Chinese Garden which was not exactly a highlight but we made up for it by going to Paddy’s Market where we got a Chinese massage and picked up some inexpensive clothing..
Met Lidia for breakfast, at my now favorite restaurant , Café DOV at the corner of Victoria and Orwell Streets. We had decided to go to Manly Beach, and arrived at Circular Quay a few minutes before the ferry was due to leave. Once again the ferry ride was lovely, the Sydney Harbor is rightfully something that Sidneysiders can be proud of. Manly Beach was quite different from Bondi, it appeared more upscale with a lot of boutiques and a supermarket by the wharf. We did some window shopping and I actually bought a night gown before having Fish and Chips at a restaurant that was recommended. It was very tasty, but not extraordinary.
Unfortunately Lidia had to leave in order to get back in time for her trip to the Blue Mountains. I ambled along a street fair and then went into the supermarket where I was surprised to see how reasonable things were. I had been warned that because the earth is fairly shallow, that fruits and vegetables are not particularly good or tasty. After having walked up and down the aisles, and resisting temptation to purchase unusual condiments, managed to end up in front of the fish counter. There were some wild caught shrimp that looked very good. Bought just over a pound (500 gr) a head of garlic, whole grain rolls, one lemon, some sliced Ham and sliced Jarlsberg as well as a bag of washed and mixed salad, all for less than $15. Cooked my dinner at the hostel and in the process discovered how the Australians can afford to live in Australia. The wages are so much higher. Don’t know about taxes yet, will keep you posted.
This young girl who unwittingly gave me this revelation, works for an olive oil importer and hands out samples at various markets. She make $26 an hour which seems to be the going rate for temporary workers. I had a nice dinner with enough leftovers for the following day’s lunch on the plane to Ayers Rock or the politically correct name Urulu.
The shuttle bus picked me up at 7.30 at the cost of $12.50 and dropped me off right at Virgin Australia’s terminal. I don’t know if these shuttle buses run all over Sydney or only in the Potts Point, Kings Cross area because there are so many hostels there. It certainly seemed a bargain to me since the train to the airport is the same price, and then you have to get to the train. Found out that they do go all over the city.
It seemed that I had so much time in Sydney, yet there were many things I neglected which I may or may not be chastised for. I did see a lot and did most of the things I wanted to do, I could probable have used another couple of days to fit in the rest but it was time to move on.
Sydney continued
Have found out why all the different parts of Sydney are called suburbs except CBD. That is because they were all separate townships at one point. Not that it makes it much clearer but now I know.
Wednesday October 24
Spent a delightful and most frustrating day at Taronga zoo , nothing is clearly marked, the map makes no sense but I did get to see Koalas, Kangaroos, a two headed reptile, Platypus and many other animals. The platypus is a semiaquatic mammal endemic to eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Together with the four species of echidna, it is one of the five extant species of monotremes, the only mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth. Had a delightful lunch of a Reuben Sandwich at one of the cafes made with what seemed homemade bread. Am really amazed at how good the food is at public attractions. This was true throughout my visit.
I did take the bus up from the ferry landing and the cable car down. Make sure that you sit with your back to the zoo so that you get the full view of the harbor it is breathtaking. There was a regatta going on as we descended it was fantastic to see the white sails mirrored in the opera house, or is it the other way around.
There was still plenty of time before my dinner date so decided to go to Bondi Beach. This is one of the main surfing beaches in Sydney and looks like it would be a nice place to live in. There was an outdoor art show along the beach which I saw part of before I went to “Iceberg” which is a swimming club, restaurant and bar. As a foreigner all I had to do was show my driver’s license and I was admitted to the bar. Had a nice glass of wine for $6.50 while watching the swimmers in the pool, the pool, which is common all over Australia is an enclosed part of the ocean. Since there seem to be surf everywhere this is a calm piece of water for swimmers.
Then it was time to meet my internet friends for dinner at China Doll on Woolloomooloo wharf. There are many aboriginal names but not as many vowels perhaps. We had a really delightful evening and it was nice being able to put faces to the names.
The next morning took me to the Blue Mountains, am really trying to pack in as many “should do’s” as I can. When I got off the train in Katoomba went straight to the Hop-on-hop-off bus counter ad bought a ticket. Should really have read the guide book more carefully or even the pages I had printed out. I could as easily have done this by public transportation.
The bus takes you to various starting points then you have to hike. I opted for the moderately easy walk, it was anything but. What was supposed to take 30 minutes took me 90 minutes because I somehow managed to get onto another pathway. Though the views were quite spectacular I have to recognize that I am not a hiker, and it is not something that I really enjoy. Got back around 6 pm and bought some steamed Chinese dumplings 8 for $10. Sydney is not cheap.
Friday had a reservation for lunch at Marques one of Sydney’s top restaurants. Dianne joined me and as we perused the prix fixe menu we decided to splurge and go for the 5 course as opposed to the 3 course menu. As a rule I don’t enjoy tasting menus but this was spectacular and most of the wine pairings were well matched. This was a good choice on our part. I will post the menu with pictures on my blog once I get a good internet connection.
That night I had bought a Living Social deal for a Harbor Cruise on a tall sailing ship,which included wine and hors d’oeuvres and like so many other things it seemed like a good idea at the time.I didn’t take into consideration that it would be dark and impossible to see anything. Did meet some locals, and ended up having a great time, otherwise I have found that people are not particularly friendly. Very polite and courteous but quite diffident, I have stood on many a street corner with a map and not one person has stopped and asked if they could help me. So different from how I imagined Australians, but have also been told that once I get out into the country my experiences will meet my expectations.
Today was a magic day, my friend Lidia from L.A, another internet friend who I have been corresponding with, and I met up to go to the Fish Market, which is the second largest after Tokyo. I had read that there was going to be a mussel cooking demonstration, apart from that I like fish markets.
This one is like no other I have ever seen. All the fish mongers sell ready to eat food, it is almost like a food court that also sells fish. The varieties of fish is mind boggling, many that I have never heard of. For sale at least 6 kinds of oysters on the half shell, sushi, and sashimi, steamed crabs, lobsters, sea food salads and fish and chips and so much more. I ordered a dozen Pacific oysters and Abalone sashimi Lidia had oysters with Salmon Caviar and also Pacific oysters. We were both overwhelmed by the abundance of food and how different this was to a regular fish market.
We ended our day at the Chinese Garden which was not exactly a highlight but we made up for it by going to Paddy’s Market where we got a Chinese massage and picked up some inexpensive clothing..
Met Lidia for breakfast, at my now favorite restaurant , Café DOV at the corner of Victoria and Orwell Streets. We had decided to go to Manly Beach, and arrived at Circular Quay a few minutes before the ferry was due to leave. Once again the ferry ride was lovely, the Sydney Harbor is rightfully something that Sidneysiders can be proud of. Manly Beach was quite different from Bondi, it appeared more upscale with a lot of boutiques and a supermarket by the wharf. We did some window shopping and I actually bought a night gown before having Fish and Chips at a restaurant that was recommended. It was very tasty, but not extraordinary.
Unfortunately Lidia had to leave in order to get back in time for her trip to the Blue Mountains. I ambled along a street fair and then went into the supermarket where I was surprised to see how reasonable things were. I had been warned that because the earth is fairly shallow, that fruits and vegetables are not particularly good or tasty. After having walked up and down the aisles, and resisting temptation to purchase unusual condiments, managed to end up in front of the fish counter. There were some wild caught shrimp that looked very good. Bought just over a pound (500 gr) a head of garlic, whole grain rolls, one lemon, some sliced Ham and sliced Jarlsberg as well as a bag of washed and mixed salad, all for less than $15. Cooked my dinner at the hostel and in the process discovered how the Australians can afford to live in Australia. The wages are so much higher. Don’t know about taxes yet, will keep you posted.
This young girl who unwittingly gave me this revelation, works for an olive oil importer and hands out samples at various markets. She make $26 an hour which seems to be the going rate for temporary workers. I had a nice dinner with enough leftovers for the following day’s lunch on the plane to Ayers Rock or the politically correct name Urulu.
The shuttle bus picked me up at 7.30 at the cost of $12.50 and dropped me off right at Virgin Australia’s terminal. I don’t know if these shuttle buses run all over Sydney or only in the Potts Point, Kings Cross area because there are so many hostels there. It certainly seemed a bargain to me since the train to the airport is the same price, and then you have to get to the train. Found out that they do go all over the city.
It seemed that I had so much time in Sydney, yet there were many things I neglected which I may or may not be chastised for. I did see a lot and did most of the things I wanted to do, I could probable have used another couple of days to fit in the rest but it was time to move on.
Nov 30th, 2012, 02:35 AM
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What I forgot to mention about Sydney which is most impressive are the public seating areas. One building which housed the blood bank had Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs in the lobby. Outside in the square were folding beach chairs that encouraged people to sit down and speak to strangers. Also the Terrace houses which were so lovely and reminiscent of New Orleans with the wrought iron work.
Nov 30th, 2012, 09:56 AM
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Oh, Nywoman, I wish I was back in Sydney right now. (big big sigh) Your report is great and reminds me of all the places we didn't get to in October, like going to the fish market and being able to spend more than an hour wandering around Manly! Looking forward to reading about Uluru and your impressions. A very interesting place.
Nov 30th, 2012, 11:48 AM
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Back in 1988, on my first (of 8) trip to Australia, I did (or should I say TRIED to do) the Uluru climb. At that time it was not politically INcorrect to do it. I did not, however, get very far. A Swiss fellow, who was in my tour group on that day, made it to the top, as did my still-great-friend-that-I-visit-everytime-I'm-in-Sydney, Graham.
I'm so glad you did the trip to Manly on the ferry. There is a jetcat (or used to be anyway) and I took it once, with a friend; but the ferry is really the best way to see that gorgeous harbor as it begins to appear, once you come 'round the heads. The fish 'n' chips there are not worth writing home about, but it is the experience that I always enjoy.
Your report is great. Please keep it coming!
Carol
I'm so glad you did the trip to Manly on the ferry. There is a jetcat (or used to be anyway) and I took it once, with a friend; but the ferry is really the best way to see that gorgeous harbor as it begins to appear, once you come 'round the heads. The fish 'n' chips there are not worth writing home about, but it is the experience that I always enjoy.
Your report is great. Please keep it coming!
Carol
Nov 30th, 2012, 12:53 PM
#13
Carol, there is now a privately owned company - Manly Fast Ferries, that run catamarans between Manly & various spots around the Harbour, including a direct run across the Heads to Watsons Bay.
NY - I'm amused/ perplexed about someone telling you we didn't have good produce because of shallow soil.
The First Fleeters had problems trying to grow English vegetables in what is now the Royal Botanic Garden, but we have managed to find a few other patches in which to grow just about every variety of fruit, vegetable & herb imaginable since (lol)! The advantage of having a 7m2 km garden is that we have the climate to grow tropical and cold climate varieties. Glad you were pleasantly surprised .
Enjoying your TR. Always interesting to see ourselves through others' eyes.
Clearly, we weren't on the same street corner together, I'm forever accosting hapless tourists who stop to unfold their maps!
Had you asked anyone though, they would have certainly tried help you. Same as in NY.
You're so right about Kings Cross/Potts Point. My cousin lives just around the corner from Dov in Macleay street and north of there is a lovely residential & restaurant area.
There are some glorious terraces in Victoria & other streets aren't there!
Btw, the girl doing promo work for the olive oil company @ $26/ hour was most likely being paid a casual rate as this is significantly higher than many lower rung jobs.
She would have been paid for a short number hours probably without holiday, superannuation or sick leave benefits. I'm surprised she told you - I wouldnt discuss my income with anyone & very shortly tell anyone who asked to mind their own business!
Generally though, it seems our wages are higher than the US and certainly higher than many Asian countries. That's why we (1) don't have people relying on tips to live - we pay a decent wage in the first place (2) have so much manufacturing, particularly in the rag trade done offshore where wages are so low (3) Local firms have such a hard time competing with imported and often inferior products.
The airport shuttles have mixed reputations here. I've used two different companies, but had problems with the airport pick-up with both, so won't use them again. The train/ ferry/ taxi works well for me if I'm not in a hurry as my cab fare is around $120. Otherwise I drive & park at the airport.
NY - I'm amused/ perplexed about someone telling you we didn't have good produce because of shallow soil.
The First Fleeters had problems trying to grow English vegetables in what is now the Royal Botanic Garden, but we have managed to find a few other patches in which to grow just about every variety of fruit, vegetable & herb imaginable since (lol)! The advantage of having a 7m2 km garden is that we have the climate to grow tropical and cold climate varieties. Glad you were pleasantly surprised .
Enjoying your TR. Always interesting to see ourselves through others' eyes.
Clearly, we weren't on the same street corner together, I'm forever accosting hapless tourists who stop to unfold their maps!
Had you asked anyone though, they would have certainly tried help you. Same as in NY.
You're so right about Kings Cross/Potts Point. My cousin lives just around the corner from Dov in Macleay street and north of there is a lovely residential & restaurant area.
There are some glorious terraces in Victoria & other streets aren't there!
Btw, the girl doing promo work for the olive oil company @ $26/ hour was most likely being paid a casual rate as this is significantly higher than many lower rung jobs.
She would have been paid for a short number hours probably without holiday, superannuation or sick leave benefits. I'm surprised she told you - I wouldnt discuss my income with anyone & very shortly tell anyone who asked to mind their own business!
Generally though, it seems our wages are higher than the US and certainly higher than many Asian countries. That's why we (1) don't have people relying on tips to live - we pay a decent wage in the first place (2) have so much manufacturing, particularly in the rag trade done offshore where wages are so low (3) Local firms have such a hard time competing with imported and often inferior products.
The airport shuttles have mixed reputations here. I've used two different companies, but had problems with the airport pick-up with both, so won't use them again. The train/ ferry/ taxi works well for me if I'm not in a hurry as my cab fare is around $120. Otherwise I drive & park at the airport.
Nov 30th, 2012, 01:02 PM
#14
I meant to say, the reason we can afford to live here, although it's expensive for us too, is that we, like you , buy our food at supermarkets, green grocers, butchers & delis and cook it at home and don't go to the Tourist Trap restaurants right in the heart of the tourist districts.
Always makes me want to ask whether those grizzling about our costs eat at the same Tourist Trap places in their own major cities.
It's so good to see someone getting out & experiencing some of the local places & foods.
Of course, that's also an advantage of having local friends & contacts isn't it? Different experience altogether .
Always makes me want to ask whether those grizzling about our costs eat at the same Tourist Trap places in their own major cities.
It's so good to see someone getting out & experiencing some of the local places & foods.
Of course, that's also an advantage of having local friends & contacts isn't it? Different experience altogether .
Dec 1st, 2012, 10:38 AM
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Leaving Sydney and going to Uluru and Katja Tjuta also known as Ayers Rock and the Olgas. It was almost sad to leave my home away from home, but I knew new adventures were awaiting me. What I didn’t know was how quickly, When I got to the airport I informed security that I have an artificial knee and that the alarms would go off. This got greeted by let’s give this woman the third degree. My innocent folding plastic shoehorn that I acquired on some airline was handed from hand to hand, the blunt scissors were ¼ inch to long, but they were going to let it pass, and so it went until I was finally cleared.
Once I got on the Virgin Australia aircraft it just continued in the same vein. Fortunately I had brought my own lunch, because once the flight attendants had finished handing out lunch to regular fare passengers they decided to retire to the galley and hang out. It had me questioning the wisdom of purchasing an Australia pass, not because I was flying at discounted prices and had to buy my food but I was also not able to get a cup of coffee even though the drink cart was next to me. Fortunately subsequent flights totally allayed any concerns I may have had.
As the plane approached Uluru airport you could clearly see the rock in the middle of the desert. The excitement on the plane was palpable. There is this large monolith with nothing but shrubs around it. An impressive sight indeed, and one begins to understand how the aboriginals has made this into one of the holy sites in the area which has now become a National Park and a World Heritage Site.
The bus taking me to, Yulara Resort ,which has many different hotels, was waiting and very soon I arrived at Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge which is the backpacker part . My room was a mixed sex 4 bedded room but it wasn’t quite ready. I knew that I had to share bathroom but didn’t expect the whole place to be long cabins and the showers and bathrooms a distance away. As it turned out it was fine. There was also a communal kitchen with its own dining area, laundry facilities, a bar, restaurant, and a casual take out place as well as a swimming pool.
At night you could order a cook your own Barbecue meal with a salad buffet ,there is a selection of different meats including Kangaroo and Crocodile skewers that you cooked on very hot griddles. The food prices were very reasonable which could not be said for the excursions.
For my first night I had booked a dinner under the stars. This included a sunset view of Uluru, buffet dinner, an astronomer explaining the stars as well as unlimited wine, beer and sodas. All for the bargain price of $ 177. Since there was a full moon the stars were not really visible, but the sunset was gorgeous. I had a great time sitting at a table with a couple from Canada and another from Manhattan.
The next morning I took what I thought was a sunrise guided tour to Kata Tjuta. . But it. It was a bus that took you there and would pick you up in 3 hours for the cost of $80 plus the park pass of $25. It was a bus that took you there and would pick you up in 3 hours for the cost of $80 plus the park pass of $25. I most likely would not have been able to follow a guide but a few explanations would have been nice. There might have been a possibility to ask a few questions, but this avid photographer totally monopolized the driver by discussing all of his worldwide bird watching expeditions. The sunrise was very lovely with the rocks taking on many different hues. As awe inspiring as Uluru is, I found I preferred Kata Tjuta or the Olgas as it is also called. There were several rocks and the stone is different from Uluru which is only one rock. One could walk around but I only managed to get to the first outlook, then I called it quits. The walking was just too difficult for me to manage.
By the time we returned to the hotel it was very hot and I decided to go and lay by the pool which was a nice break, but after a while that got too hot as well so I returned to my room.
The first night I had shared the room with an English girl and it was just the two of us, because it was late in the day we assumed that we were going to be alone the second night as well.
When I got to my room the door is open and this very tall man is standing in the doorway. First thought, we are being robbed, my laptop was being charged and sitting out. As it turned out he was one of our new roommates, who were to share our room for the night. a Norwegian who was traveling with his Portugese friend. Two aging,sweet, gentle hippies who were on their way to a week long outdoor music festival held outside of Cairns. How lucky was I, they had rented a car and invited me to join them for the sunset at Ayers Rock, since I already had my park pass I accepted with pleasure. I lso got to see the sunrise and it was not at all like the pictures. The red is not as vivid and I couldn’t see any inner glow, which is how it had been described as happening when the sun rays hit the rock. I am glad that I have been here but it is time to move on to Brisbane.
Once I got on the Virgin Australia aircraft it just continued in the same vein. Fortunately I had brought my own lunch, because once the flight attendants had finished handing out lunch to regular fare passengers they decided to retire to the galley and hang out. It had me questioning the wisdom of purchasing an Australia pass, not because I was flying at discounted prices and had to buy my food but I was also not able to get a cup of coffee even though the drink cart was next to me. Fortunately subsequent flights totally allayed any concerns I may have had.
As the plane approached Uluru airport you could clearly see the rock in the middle of the desert. The excitement on the plane was palpable. There is this large monolith with nothing but shrubs around it. An impressive sight indeed, and one begins to understand how the aboriginals has made this into one of the holy sites in the area which has now become a National Park and a World Heritage Site.
The bus taking me to, Yulara Resort ,which has many different hotels, was waiting and very soon I arrived at Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge which is the backpacker part . My room was a mixed sex 4 bedded room but it wasn’t quite ready. I knew that I had to share bathroom but didn’t expect the whole place to be long cabins and the showers and bathrooms a distance away. As it turned out it was fine. There was also a communal kitchen with its own dining area, laundry facilities, a bar, restaurant, and a casual take out place as well as a swimming pool.
At night you could order a cook your own Barbecue meal with a salad buffet ,there is a selection of different meats including Kangaroo and Crocodile skewers that you cooked on very hot griddles. The food prices were very reasonable which could not be said for the excursions.
For my first night I had booked a dinner under the stars. This included a sunset view of Uluru, buffet dinner, an astronomer explaining the stars as well as unlimited wine, beer and sodas. All for the bargain price of $ 177. Since there was a full moon the stars were not really visible, but the sunset was gorgeous. I had a great time sitting at a table with a couple from Canada and another from Manhattan.
The next morning I took what I thought was a sunrise guided tour to Kata Tjuta. . But it. It was a bus that took you there and would pick you up in 3 hours for the cost of $80 plus the park pass of $25. It was a bus that took you there and would pick you up in 3 hours for the cost of $80 plus the park pass of $25. I most likely would not have been able to follow a guide but a few explanations would have been nice. There might have been a possibility to ask a few questions, but this avid photographer totally monopolized the driver by discussing all of his worldwide bird watching expeditions. The sunrise was very lovely with the rocks taking on many different hues. As awe inspiring as Uluru is, I found I preferred Kata Tjuta or the Olgas as it is also called. There were several rocks and the stone is different from Uluru which is only one rock. One could walk around but I only managed to get to the first outlook, then I called it quits. The walking was just too difficult for me to manage.
By the time we returned to the hotel it was very hot and I decided to go and lay by the pool which was a nice break, but after a while that got too hot as well so I returned to my room.
The first night I had shared the room with an English girl and it was just the two of us, because it was late in the day we assumed that we were going to be alone the second night as well.
When I got to my room the door is open and this very tall man is standing in the doorway. First thought, we are being robbed, my laptop was being charged and sitting out. As it turned out he was one of our new roommates, who were to share our room for the night. a Norwegian who was traveling with his Portugese friend. Two aging,sweet, gentle hippies who were on their way to a week long outdoor music festival held outside of Cairns. How lucky was I, they had rented a car and invited me to join them for the sunset at Ayers Rock, since I already had my park pass I accepted with pleasure. I lso got to see the sunrise and it was not at all like the pictures. The red is not as vivid and I couldn’t see any inner glow, which is how it had been described as happening when the sun rays hit the rock. I am glad that I have been here but it is time to move on to Brisbane.
Dec 1st, 2012, 11:40 AM
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Alan,
Have dutifully changed the name to Australian White Ibis on my blog. Since I had never seen this bird before it was the name told to me. Now I kn ow that Sacred Ibis is African.
Have dutifully changed the name to Australian White Ibis on my blog. Since I had never seen this bird before it was the name told to me. Now I kn ow that Sacred Ibis is African.
Dec 2nd, 2012, 05:09 AM
#18
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Brisbane
It is always difficult to take time to write, especially when you are with other people you want to be with and not on the computer. Having just spent 3 wonderful days in Brisbane, with my ex-neighbor Caren and her wonderful husband Paul and their two children. Caren and I got to know each other 20+ years ago in NYC, I always promised I would visit and now I have kept my promise.
Despite the fairly late hour of arrival I was met at the airport and taken to their lovely home in Brisbane. I forgot to mention they also have a Cavapoo,a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, named Peppa. She and I became instant friends and for the rest of my stay I had a bed companion.
The first day we started out to explore Brisbane, our starting point was an outlook that elicited many wows from me, then on to the Regatta Hotel. A hotel is a bar that was at one point a hotel, there may or not be rooms to rent upstairs. There are hotels everywhere in Australia and most of them go back a long time. This was a very cute place with wrought iron works. Being in Oz a beer was in order which was delicious. Next door there was a huge liquor store with more beer varieties than I could imagine and a tremendous selection of wines.
We then proceeded to South End which has beautiful walkways edged with bougainvilleas and a lot of restaurants. We ended up at a Vietnamese place where I had Pho, trying to cure my persistent cold. It was totally amazing to see how a large swimming area called “lagoon” had been created by the river with sand surrounding it.
There was also a freestanding bike repair stand with tools for use by anyone. All in all I feel as if this country really cares about its people. It seems there are public bike rentals in every city. Wonderful open spaces for enjoyment. Lots of public art everywhere, even public barbecues in the middle of the city.
The next couple of days were spent traveling around, first the Gold Coast, where it was so windy that I had problems standing upright, hence few surfers. The Gold Coast is a ticky tacky town but we did take the dream ride in the “Duck Boat” The less said the better, but for those who don’t know, it is a car that becomes a boat. Much loved by children since their parents buy the Quacker which they blow continuously.
The boat ride took us past incredible mansions, one even had a helicopter in front of it. Another was built almost completly by bullet proof glass!!!!
Dinner much to my happiness was eaten at home every night. How could I be here and not have a barbie (BBQ) Following day we went in the opposite direction to the Sunshine Coast.We started at Eumundi Market there were more than 1000 stalls selling everything you can imagine. It was great, just like a street fair but much higher quality.
Then we proceeded to some really cute little towns and had lunch in one of them. The landscape is breathtaking and quite varied. It was a beautiful day for this kind of outing. We ended up at a guest house where Caren and her daughter were staying later in the month. The view from the back porch was fantastic. It also didn't hurt that there was a resident chicken who had just laid an egg on the sofa.
Since we were having dinner at home we stocked up at a most exquisite grocery store, James Street Market. Each and every item was like a jewel with prices to match. We also stopped at Coles, a super market chain, to pick up Tasmanian mussels which I was going to transform into a Paella. Fortunately the T.V.news went on before we had a chance to eat anything or even start preparing. These particular mussels we were warned were very toxic having been exposed to an algae and had been recalled. How fortunate that we watched the news that night, and at that moment, wouldn’t relish the thought of cutting my trip short.
According to Caren it never rains in Brisbane. It is always sunny or sunnier. Anyway for your information it rained the morning I left which I was very sad to do. Am glad the weather matched my mood. It was so nice to be with friends, have a sweet bed partner, and in general a fabulous time. Their hospitality was exceptional and I am looking forward to reciprocating in January.
It is always difficult to take time to write, especially when you are with other people you want to be with and not on the computer. Having just spent 3 wonderful days in Brisbane, with my ex-neighbor Caren and her wonderful husband Paul and their two children. Caren and I got to know each other 20+ years ago in NYC, I always promised I would visit and now I have kept my promise.
Despite the fairly late hour of arrival I was met at the airport and taken to their lovely home in Brisbane. I forgot to mention they also have a Cavapoo,a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, named Peppa. She and I became instant friends and for the rest of my stay I had a bed companion.
The first day we started out to explore Brisbane, our starting point was an outlook that elicited many wows from me, then on to the Regatta Hotel. A hotel is a bar that was at one point a hotel, there may or not be rooms to rent upstairs. There are hotels everywhere in Australia and most of them go back a long time. This was a very cute place with wrought iron works. Being in Oz a beer was in order which was delicious. Next door there was a huge liquor store with more beer varieties than I could imagine and a tremendous selection of wines.
We then proceeded to South End which has beautiful walkways edged with bougainvilleas and a lot of restaurants. We ended up at a Vietnamese place where I had Pho, trying to cure my persistent cold. It was totally amazing to see how a large swimming area called “lagoon” had been created by the river with sand surrounding it.
There was also a freestanding bike repair stand with tools for use by anyone. All in all I feel as if this country really cares about its people. It seems there are public bike rentals in every city. Wonderful open spaces for enjoyment. Lots of public art everywhere, even public barbecues in the middle of the city.
The next couple of days were spent traveling around, first the Gold Coast, where it was so windy that I had problems standing upright, hence few surfers. The Gold Coast is a ticky tacky town but we did take the dream ride in the “Duck Boat” The less said the better, but for those who don’t know, it is a car that becomes a boat. Much loved by children since their parents buy the Quacker which they blow continuously.
The boat ride took us past incredible mansions, one even had a helicopter in front of it. Another was built almost completly by bullet proof glass!!!!
Dinner much to my happiness was eaten at home every night. How could I be here and not have a barbie (BBQ) Following day we went in the opposite direction to the Sunshine Coast.We started at Eumundi Market there were more than 1000 stalls selling everything you can imagine. It was great, just like a street fair but much higher quality.
Then we proceeded to some really cute little towns and had lunch in one of them. The landscape is breathtaking and quite varied. It was a beautiful day for this kind of outing. We ended up at a guest house where Caren and her daughter were staying later in the month. The view from the back porch was fantastic. It also didn't hurt that there was a resident chicken who had just laid an egg on the sofa.
Since we were having dinner at home we stocked up at a most exquisite grocery store, James Street Market. Each and every item was like a jewel with prices to match. We also stopped at Coles, a super market chain, to pick up Tasmanian mussels which I was going to transform into a Paella. Fortunately the T.V.news went on before we had a chance to eat anything or even start preparing. These particular mussels we were warned were very toxic having been exposed to an algae and had been recalled. How fortunate that we watched the news that night, and at that moment, wouldn’t relish the thought of cutting my trip short.
According to Caren it never rains in Brisbane. It is always sunny or sunnier. Anyway for your information it rained the morning I left which I was very sad to do. Am glad the weather matched my mood. It was so nice to be with friends, have a sweet bed partner, and in general a fabulous time. Their hospitality was exceptional and I am looking forward to reciprocating in January.
Dec 2nd, 2012, 01:24 PM
#19
" Queensland - beautiful one day, perfect the next!"
Your friend is a great Ambassador for our northern capital, carrying this popular advertising slogan to " never rains ".
Did she show you where the 2011 floods went ?
Think you may have meant " Southbank".
South End is near Rockhampton, about 450kms of Brisbane.
The Regatta ("The RE" to locals ) is a famous old watering hole, great spot.
Your friend is a great Ambassador for our northern capital, carrying this popular advertising slogan to " never rains ".
Did she show you where the 2011 floods went ?
Think you may have meant " Southbank".
South End is near Rockhampton, about 450kms of Brisbane.
The Regatta ("The RE" to locals ) is a famous old watering hole, great spot.
