Sydney Pt 2 - The Beaches
Trip Start
Jul 27, 2004
1
11
42
Trip End
Dec 21, 2004
Sydney,
Australia
Monday, August 23, 2004
The journey gave us lots of opportunity to see the suburbs (& ride over the bridge) & the many Sydney beaches. We had no idea idea where to get off but Palm Beach was the bus terminus so we got off when the driver kicked us off. What to say about Palm Beach
Home and Away, everyday
. We were looking forward to a beautiful beach, a promenade of shops, cafes & bistros. You get the beach. And that's it. A beach. No shops. No cafes. No bistros. A beach. And lots of surfers (they must bring their own snap). Also the surf club was no where to be seen. Paul sat on the beach with his binocs scanning the place, no joy.It might have been a good idea to ask someone, there was no way Paul was going to embarrass himself & ask where they film Home & Away & Kerry was too ashamed to admit her excitement at being there & ask someone. So we wandered around, walking from one end of the bay to the other until there in the far distance a familiar shape. A building by the beach. Could it be? Could this be the place our epic adventure was meant to peak? By Kerry's ecstatic clapping & jumping around Paul deduced that yes, this must be the Surf Club, club secretary one Alf Stewart (according to the sign). It was shut. No camera men. No crew. No actors. How disappointing.
On the journey there we'd discussed the possibility of being begged by the casting director to appear in an episode. Brits abroad. Kerry the blonde, nubile nymphet seducing Alf & nicking all his money, Paul the hunky, tall, dark, handsome life guard on secondment from the Metrodome to show these Ozzies how saving lives is done the Barnsley way
nice beach though
. Instead we balanced the camera on a fence post & took a few snaps, see evidence above. Well would you ask someone to take your photo in front of the Summer Bay Surf Club? Actually a few minutes after taking ours an Irish couple did just that - shame on you!So little to do in Palm Beach that we ended up having lunch in the golf club - thought we saw the ex-lodger of the naked police man who lives across the road but weren't too sure so we didn't bother him.
Bondi Beach totaly different experience. Again got the bus (we are sooo adventurous) & were both wowed by the place. 100's of surfers, loads of shops, cafes, bistors & pubs (would stay a few nights if did this again). Beach was pure sand. Both a bit wary of getting our kit off as the Ozzies live up to their reputation of being being bronzed & athletic but we braved the shame & only made a few kids cry.
Had fantastic lunch of prawns & chips on the promenade. Bought them from a brilliant chippy which was split into two parts, a fish monger part where you chose your fish, head, eyes the lot(!), or prawns, or squid, or octopus, or mussels or, weell you get the idea & then could have them cook it for you & then the 'normal' chippy bit
nuff said
. Bondi was amazing & you're still within the city. My lasting impression though will be when we got off the bus and there sat cross legged on the pavement was a naked lady! Absolutely starkers! Kerry dragged me away so didn't get that good a look.Saturday night we'd decided was party night. Started off at a bar called Orbit, 47th floor of the Australia Building (corner of Bond & George street). This place was soooo cool 60's decor, swanky music & a revolving floor! A floor that revolved, that went round and round so you got amazing views of the city without having to move. Initially Paul a bit perturbed as to how the lifts lined up with this floor as it revolved. The burk finally worked out that lifts bit was solid & the floor was lifted on rollers. Duh! Anway brill views & gorgeous cocktails.
Walked down to Darling Harbour & Cockle Wharf to finsh the evening off. Great area with loads of bars & clubs. Also lots of yachts, many having private parties, not fair we didn't get invited, told Kerry to take her top off to get someones attention but she refused. Tonight also made Kerry's year. Walking into one bar she was stopped & asked for ID! ID? However they quickly realised she was over 18 as she was with her elderly uncle (ie Paul) & they let her in no problem.
Took the ferry to Manly Harbour Sunday, just like Great Yarmouth, a bit tacky, a bit cheesy & v. enjoyable.
That's all for now folks, take care.
CU in Brisbane.
PS You might have guessed from all the beaches that the weather is much better, it is. Gorgeous sunshine & temps in the 20's. Since the sun came out we've been getting weird looks from the locals everywhere we go. Took a while to figure out while Paul is walking around in T shirt, sandles & shorts the locals are still in their winter wear, jeans, jumpers & coats. As I keep telling Kerry it might be winter here but it's summer at home.
