Hi everyone
So the sky is jet blue and the sun is shining...we're off to Bondi beach for a swim and then to grab a burger for lunch....it can only be beautiful Australia! Not to sound too gushing, but I am really loving this place. Its the combination of the gorgeous cities, the friendly people and I think the joys of the Western world once more! This is first-world living at its best, with the lifestyle and climate to match.
So we arrived in Sydney last week Tuesday morning, and were blissfully met at the airport by my good friend Hugo. Made a nice change from battling trains and taxi's as we have done for the last while! Its been so nice to stay in a home and just enjoy the little comforts of tv on a couch and cereal in the morning. We've really explored Sydney and have been quite brave in using the buses as well as driving ourselves around - sometimes sans GPS! We've taken the time to relax, and had some glorious days on the beach, both in Manly and at Nielsen Park. The water is really clean and refreshing, you can totally see why there is such a big 'picnic on the beach' culture here. Although Andrea did have a nasty incident with a vicious red on one of our picnics - so I guess it hasn't all been plain sailing!:)
Sydney is really a first-world city. Beautiful on a geographic level and really well organised.We've also had time to catch up with friends, which after months of Andrea and I looking at each other every night for dinner, has been most welcome! The food has also been fab. The sushi is of phenomenal quality, and we got to sample some great combinations at Tokomomo on a night out with mates. And the first time I sunk my teeth into a proper 100% beef burger, I nearly cried. There is just only so much noodles and stir-fry you can take! Also, the Aussie wine is great and plentiful, been so nice to try some different stuff and there are loads of very chic wine bars all over the city.
In terms of sightseeing, we've seen the classics (harbour bridge, opera house, botanic gardens, darling harbour etc) and also just soaked up some of the different suburbs in the city. The Rocks is an old part of Sydney, which has loads of character and a great place to people watch. The Queen Mary is currently docked in the harbour! Loved the NSW art gallery and the Sydney Museum really helped us understand the early days of the country, and the history of friction between the early settlers and the indigenous people. Having done all of that, I think that really, Sydney is about enjoying the beaches and the lifestyle - not really its cultural sights. You can't help but smile when you drive over the bridge and the harbour is full of sailing boats on a sunny day - it just does seem a little too perfect!
Then the last 4 days, we've been in Melbourne, which is a 1,5 hr flight from Sydney. I guess Sydney is like the JHB of Aus, much more flash and 'try hard'. Melbourne is kind of like the CT/PE blend. Just more authentically cool and comfortable in its own skin. Its not as beautiful as Sydney but it has plenty heart. We spent our time walking the city flat, and getting out to the outer suburbs. Again, perfect weather made it easy to just be out and about all the time. There was also a major buzz, as its the F1 Aussie gran prix this coming weekend (bring it home Mark, as they say!)
The city centre is well known for its acceptance of graffiti street art and its cool little cafe's in tiny alleys. We spent many hours just people-watching and experiencing what it's like to be part of the scene there. One of the evenings we went to a tapas bar/restuarant for dinner - unbelievable food. If you're ever in Melbourbe, go to Bar Lourindha! Another highlight for us was the Immigration Museum. Melbourne is home to very large immigrant communities, including plenty of Greeks! Our last night's meal of slow-cooked lamb and Spetses-style sword fish was testament to the strong Greek heritage and not-to-mention the Greek brilliant cuisine that is there! The museum was a fascinating insight into the process and history of migrants to Australia, as well as how the social and cultural landscape has been shaped by these different groups. We also saw a William Kentridge exhibition at Federation Square, which was brilliant. Felt quite proud to be South African! It was also great to see friends in Melbourne who have immigrated there, and understand from them what life is like - you can totally understand why South Africans come here and why in some respects, its a good fit.
So now we're back in Sydney, and will spend the weekend here. On Monday evening, we fly to New Zealand, for 3 weeks of campervan touring (Lord help me!), wine tasting and beautiful scenery. Australia has been a soothing salve of western comforts and home-cooked meals (thanks Hugs and Sandy), and to have all that while exploring two amazing Aussie citites, has been phenomenal. As I said to Andrea, if it wasn't on the opposite end of the world to all the people I love, I would seriously live here! Am sure its not really, but at face value, for the last 2 weeks, it's been paradise! So glad we came.
Will blog soon from some where in the NZ countryside.
xxxx
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