Shanewilson's travel blogs:
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Is it culture shock?
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It is very interesting re-entering your own country after a while away, as any other long-term traveller will agree with. I'm not sure if it's culture re-entry shock but I'm definitely spinning out at the moment!
Small things like:
Being surrounded by English. It's fantastic! Being unable to do the simplest things like order a coke or buy a train ticket was the most difficult aspect of my trip RTW.
Forgetting that cars now drive on the left! Most of my countries visited this year have been the other way round. I had to look twice when I saw drivers sitting on the right!
The abundance of food! Healthy and not so healthy. The options here in Sydney are staggering and I'm also loving that!
The Aussie accent is VERY distinct and unique. I must admit that our accent is nowhere as nice on the ear as that of the Brazillian...
The modernisation and wealth of Sydney. It's been 3.5 years since I last visited and I have noticed a huge amount of modern development, young people driving luxury cars, new apartment towers (i.e. World Tower) and the general appearance of people. I have, however, noticed 2 guys sleeping on the streets here...
In reading the newspaper yesterday with a cuppa on Oxford St, I was kind of disappointed to hear that Australia is beginning to emerge as a two tier society... the rich and poor... may this is a world trend? The middle class, unfortunately, is disappearing.
Sydney does not rate anywhere as my favourite Aussie city... probably 4th behind Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane but it still is a fun and beautiful city to visit. It is a hard call, but I still think that Rio rates as the most beautiful city on the planet, despite its massive social and economic problems. Making the change from Brazil back to Australia is really weird.
After checking in yesterday morning to room 103 (I have to change 3 times during the next 9 days) I had a much needed shower and subway. I returned and slept for the next 8 hours, waking at 8.30pm... great timing because I wanted to hit the nightlife tonight, being Saturday. I spent my night on Oxford St, changing between bars and trying to get the insight into where to go. I do actually know someone here... Peter, a local, who I met 6 years ago in 2000. It continues to bemuse me that I keep bumping into people from my past. I have met people throughout my trip, from Sydney, but haven't really prioritised getting in touch with them at this stage... but you never know when I might bump into them!
Oxford St was BUSY last night. I have really noticed a huge modernisation of bars etc. on Oxford St, and it will probably take me a while to reorient myself of where to go. Peter hates Sydney and would love to get out. I was kind of surprised as to the aggression, hostility and rudeness of the odd person now and again both in and out of the bars, but most people were out for a good time and apologised if they bumped into you. Big city mentality with Sydney definitely being our most attitude-riden and unfriendliest city.
Anyway, I explored The Rocks today and can never get enough of the Darling Harbour Area with the Bridge and Opera House. I spent the morning wondering the streets and walking through several markets... if only this was a shopping visit! The souvenirs in The Rocks are the best I've seen.
The hostel is ok but big and impersonal. I'm really looking forward to ditching hostels for good now... I'm over them... no more budget trips for me (been there and done that... don't need to do it again). It has all the facilities and being use to dorms, I slept well. I'm in a dorm of 6. I didn't get home till 3am last night, but only managed to sleep for 4 hours. It's taking time to readjust the body clock.
I'm starting to think that maybe 9 nights will be too long here... because I'm now itching to get back to Melbourne (my favourite Aussie city) and Perth. But we'll see... given the ease of accessing flights to Melbourne, I can bascially leave whenever I want. I will take each day as it comes.
Thank god I'm not going back to work for another 6 weeks... I desperately need the time to relax, reflect on what has been a terrific journey, and readjust myself here in Australia... a holiday within a holiday!
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