20/9 - I am currently in Vietnam, with a very nice, young lady. I will be heading back to the UK on 4/11, with Dung, the lady, in tow and then possibly back here in January. Who knows???? Certainly not me.
Thanks for reading this and I'll try to get it finished soon. I lost the bug, but have it back.
Saturday, 20 September 2008
And on to NZ
12/6 - Up with the lark and in enough time for some coco pops, then off ot the airport. It's closer than I thiought, so I went straight to the gate in case I nodded off somewhere, this wandering around Sydney is getting me knackered, plus the hostels are cheap, but when there's a room full of lads, sleep is not as sound as it should be with all the comings and goings, or perhaps I am approaching middle-age. I crashed on the flight, but managed to wake up for food. Perhaps slept would have been a better choice of word than crashed for a flight.
The country around Auckland is very beautiful from the plane, very rugged. The fields are not flat, everyone has a small hillock. It was good to come out of the airport and not get hassled for a taxi, moto or rickshaw. I had a scan around and headed for the mini-bus. 30NZ dollars, seems a bit steep to me, but I'm still not used to the developed country prices. I was dropped at the hostel door, which made me smile, as it is perched ontop of a small, but outrageously steep slope. I need some exercise and it looks like I will get it. Into the hostel and they only had double shared rooms left for $33 a night. I was just about to say OK, when the lady said "I'll give it you for $22", the room that is. This is definitely not Asia. The rooms are getting smaller as I roam the hostels, but still very adequate.
Did a little bit of organising and I'm out to checkout Auckland. Bloody hell, it's hilly. I like Auckland, but I couldn't live here with these hills. Mind you I'd get fit or drop. The people h ere are much friendlier than Sydney and more real. It's more rough and ready, there doesn't seem to be anything fake here. I was sat on a bench, surprisingly, people watching adn a woman came up to the pedestrian crossing with her hands full, so she kneed the button, another whacked it with a water bottle. It's easy to see why the All Blacks play rough. The hostel is in Chinatown, or at least Far East town. There's loads of sushi places, Korean and Chinese restaurants and the people on the streets are mostly of Chinese origin. It's not too warm, definitely jumper and fleece weather, but I soon warm up with my unconventional gait, on the hills.
I checked out the ferry quays, but there's not a lot to see. It's the rush hour and they are busy. It's faster by ferry than road. Auckland and Sydney are similar, in that they are both big natural harbours and this commuting by ferries seems a cool way to commute. Time for a beer me thinks. It's cool, but I found a busy bar, where you can sit outside and there's live music, a lad on the guitar, so my first people watching beer in NZ has a nice feel to it. My kind of town, as somebody once sung. Only the one beer, then stopped for a kebab and rice on the way back. I'm not a sushi man. There are loads of fast food placessss, but not too appealing. It seems you have to eat posh or fast and not much in between, but I've only had a quick look. I headed back to the hostel and turning the corner, I thought I'd need a rope to get up the hill, but I wiggled on up. It did my heart good to see others struggling too.
There's a lad moved in with me, when I got back to the room. He's Argentinian and speaks good English. He's looking for work as an architect. He told me Argentina and NZ have some kind of treaty to make it easy to get work in each others country. How that came about I don't know.
He seems a canny lad and offered to let me use his laptop for email accesss.
Cuppa and an early night. I'll be meeting Mick, an old work colleague tomorrow, so that will probably entail a few beers.
The country around Auckland is very beautiful from the plane, very rugged. The fields are not flat, everyone has a small hillock. It was good to come out of the airport and not get hassled for a taxi, moto or rickshaw. I had a scan around and headed for the mini-bus. 30NZ dollars, seems a bit steep to me, but I'm still not used to the developed country prices. I was dropped at the hostel door, which made me smile, as it is perched ontop of a small, but outrageously steep slope. I need some exercise and it looks like I will get it. Into the hostel and they only had double shared rooms left for $33 a night. I was just about to say OK, when the lady said "I'll give it you for $22", the room that is. This is definitely not Asia. The rooms are getting smaller as I roam the hostels, but still very adequate.
Did a little bit of organising and I'm out to checkout Auckland. Bloody hell, it's hilly. I like Auckland, but I couldn't live here with these hills. Mind you I'd get fit or drop. The people h ere are much friendlier than Sydney and more real. It's more rough and ready, there doesn't seem to be anything fake here. I was sat on a bench, surprisingly, people watching adn a woman came up to the pedestrian crossing with her hands full, so she kneed the button, another whacked it with a water bottle. It's easy to see why the All Blacks play rough. The hostel is in Chinatown, or at least Far East town. There's loads of sushi places, Korean and Chinese restaurants and the people on the streets are mostly of Chinese origin. It's not too warm, definitely jumper and fleece weather, but I soon warm up with my unconventional gait, on the hills.
I checked out the ferry quays, but there's not a lot to see. It's the rush hour and they are busy. It's faster by ferry than road. Auckland and Sydney are similar, in that they are both big natural harbours and this commuting by ferries seems a cool way to commute. Time for a beer me thinks. It's cool, but I found a busy bar, where you can sit outside and there's live music, a lad on the guitar, so my first people watching beer in NZ has a nice feel to it. My kind of town, as somebody once sung. Only the one beer, then stopped for a kebab and rice on the way back. I'm not a sushi man. There are loads of fast food placessss, but not too appealing. It seems you have to eat posh or fast and not much in between, but I've only had a quick look. I headed back to the hostel and turning the corner, I thought I'd need a rope to get up the hill, but I wiggled on up. It did my heart good to see others struggling too.
There's a lad moved in with me, when I got back to the room. He's Argentinian and speaks good English. He's looking for work as an architect. He told me Argentina and NZ have some kind of treaty to make it easy to get work in each others country. How that came about I don't know.
He seems a canny lad and offered to let me use his laptop for email accesss.
Cuppa and an early night. I'll be meeting Mick, an old work colleague tomorrow, so that will probably entail a few beers.
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Back to Sydney.
11/6 - Up, some coco pops, I'm a big kid at heart and loaded up to hit the road to Sydney, which was a mistake, as the ferry takes you there, but I didn't get wet. I caught the bus to the ferry after walking here, I didn't need to prove twice I can knacker myself out. It is not that far, but it is raining again, so I took the bus. It is rush hour and the ferry is well packed out, but I got a seat to check out the view, at the wrong end, I went to the same end as I did coming, but the ferries have to bows, so don't turn around. DOH! This is a good way to commute, I could handle this, it is very relaxing. Bikes are allowed onboard too, but I doubt I could handle the hills of Sydney, it is a very hilly city.
Off the ferry and onto the train to Central again. The public transport in Sydney is better than Manly. The first 2 hostels I tried are choca. "No room for you here Mary." they said, so I guess they were full. The 3rd one didn't mind my wiggly walk and gave me a room, they told me the wrong number though, so they didn't like it that much. After the 3rd key change they twigged the number on my card was wrong. $33 for a bunk in a 4 man room. I never get one of these mixed room, but then with my recognition of lady boys, perhaps it is a good thing.
Dumped my gear and headed for the Vietnamese consulate to pick up my visa. The bloke here is a top bloke, really helpful. I changed the dates and was expecting a revisit. He said is 15 minutes OK. Headed back to town for a beer and some nosh. Went to a Vietnamese place, as I'd already been to the consulate. It was a damn site better than Pizza Hut and even more so than my cooking. Headed back for a brew whilst sitting on the balcony. Sounds posher than it was, but it was good and relaxing. Hit the sack for an early start in the morning to New Zealand.
Off the ferry and onto the train to Central again. The public transport in Sydney is better than Manly. The first 2 hostels I tried are choca. "No room for you here Mary." they said, so I guess they were full. The 3rd one didn't mind my wiggly walk and gave me a room, they told me the wrong number though, so they didn't like it that much. After the 3rd key change they twigged the number on my card was wrong. $33 for a bunk in a 4 man room. I never get one of these mixed room, but then with my recognition of lady boys, perhaps it is a good thing.
Dumped my gear and headed for the Vietnamese consulate to pick up my visa. The bloke here is a top bloke, really helpful. I changed the dates and was expecting a revisit. He said is 15 minutes OK. Headed back to town for a beer and some nosh. Went to a Vietnamese place, as I'd already been to the consulate. It was a damn site better than Pizza Hut and even more so than my cooking. Headed back for a brew whilst sitting on the balcony. Sounds posher than it was, but it was good and relaxing. Hit the sack for an early start in the morning to New Zealand.
Man in Manly.
9/6 - I've bought myself some cereal, milk and bread to try and block the hole that has developed in my natty pink purse. The money is either dropping out or dissolving inside it. Did a bit on the internet, then went for a wander down the beach to watch the surfers. They are keen. I haven't checked out the water, but I'm cold out of it. Edged my way along the beach prom, bench by bench and had fish and chips on the prom, how cool is that. Just like being on holiday. I wandered back the other way and sat to watch a bit of beach volleyball (Yes there were some women playing), but that is not why I stopped. I wish there had been 3 understanding people wit me, I'd love to have a game. I fielded one of the loose balls and nearly took a lads head off when I served it back to the court, so perhaps it is just as well there are not 3 understanding people. It looks good fun though. There was a surfing competition on or a show. I'm not sure which. It was very clever though, good to watch. There were tandem surfers, where a couple do lifts and movements on the board, bloody show offs. It was good to see.
The Aussies have a days holiday for the Queen's birthday. How does that work? They don't want her, but get a holiday and we don't get one. Sounds like a good rouse to me. The rain chased me off the beach, so I went shopping. I decided I'd cook my tea tonight. I haven't cooked for 5 months and I should have kept it that way. It was crap. I read a bit to hope some of the tosh I served myself digested then hit the sack after a lazy wandering day in Manly.
10/6 - I slept in until 9.30, the first time for a long time. I woke up in the night feeling shite, I definitely should not have cooked. I'm good now though. I did a bit of dhobi and had breakfast, then hit the local shopping Mall. Big mistake. Zero haircut and my photos put on a DVD, 25 quid. I nearly fainted. Get me out of here. I did some wingeing to myself. I have stopped asking how much everytime I buy something. I thought that was the Asian way. I thought wrong. I will ask in future before I buy. I did a bit more shopping. I have had to give in to the onset of hypothermia and buy a jumper. It's a tadge cold and the digs are even colder. It was in a sale and not too bad, so I didn't need the smelling salts again.
I decided to hit the prom for the sunset. There are only a few surfers out now, but they turn up for the last few minutes light, they must carry their surfboards in the car, like I carried my golf clubs, always. There is only 1 volleyball game on the go. It's nice down here though. I like Manly. The Aussies get their moneys worth when they build a prom. The foot traffic is non-stop, all ages, sizes and speeds, me bringing up the rear. Tonights top users are Mams with buggies. They chog along in groups giving it 20 to the dozen chatting. The surfing bug is definitely like the golf bug, they are still turning up at last light. Time for a beer I reckon. A pint of Guiness, 3 quid, just like back home. Headed for the digs after the beer and found the real Manly, lots of pubs and surf shops, it's not a bad little place. I could live here. Yet another place in the world that is Gil friendly, so if your name is Gil, hit the road for Manly.
Not having learned my lesson last night, I cooked tea again tonight. It was a better effort than last night. I did a bit of surfing looking for cheap flights. Dan, the English bloke staying here tipped me off to Tiger airways and that Air Asia fly out of the smaller airports in Australia. These 2 don't come up with the search engines. I think Dan has given up on the Papua New Guinea trip.
A bit of box watching and bed again. It's a hard life.
The Aussies have a days holiday for the Queen's birthday. How does that work? They don't want her, but get a holiday and we don't get one. Sounds like a good rouse to me. The rain chased me off the beach, so I went shopping. I decided I'd cook my tea tonight. I haven't cooked for 5 months and I should have kept it that way. It was crap. I read a bit to hope some of the tosh I served myself digested then hit the sack after a lazy wandering day in Manly.
10/6 - I slept in until 9.30, the first time for a long time. I woke up in the night feeling shite, I definitely should not have cooked. I'm good now though. I did a bit of dhobi and had breakfast, then hit the local shopping Mall. Big mistake. Zero haircut and my photos put on a DVD, 25 quid. I nearly fainted. Get me out of here. I did some wingeing to myself. I have stopped asking how much everytime I buy something. I thought that was the Asian way. I thought wrong. I will ask in future before I buy. I did a bit more shopping. I have had to give in to the onset of hypothermia and buy a jumper. It's a tadge cold and the digs are even colder. It was in a sale and not too bad, so I didn't need the smelling salts again.
I decided to hit the prom for the sunset. There are only a few surfers out now, but they turn up for the last few minutes light, they must carry their surfboards in the car, like I carried my golf clubs, always. There is only 1 volleyball game on the go. It's nice down here though. I like Manly. The Aussies get their moneys worth when they build a prom. The foot traffic is non-stop, all ages, sizes and speeds, me bringing up the rear. Tonights top users are Mams with buggies. They chog along in groups giving it 20 to the dozen chatting. The surfing bug is definitely like the golf bug, they are still turning up at last light. Time for a beer I reckon. A pint of Guiness, 3 quid, just like back home. Headed for the digs after the beer and found the real Manly, lots of pubs and surf shops, it's not a bad little place. I could live here. Yet another place in the world that is Gil friendly, so if your name is Gil, hit the road for Manly.
Not having learned my lesson last night, I cooked tea again tonight. It was a better effort than last night. I did a bit of surfing looking for cheap flights. Dan, the English bloke staying here tipped me off to Tiger airways and that Air Asia fly out of the smaller airports in Australia. These 2 don't come up with the search engines. I think Dan has given up on the Papua New Guinea trip.
A bit of box watching and bed again. It's a hard life.
Saturday, 5 July 2008
Lazy day in Sydney.
7/6 - I struggled out of bed this morning. I'm not used to these soft matresses. Had some breakfast at the hostel and decided to do some dhobi, even thought the sun is shining. Some of my clothes got ironed for the first time in months. It made me realise how badly stained my whites are. They look like I've been paint balling in them. I'd better get my hand in my pocket and get some fresh, non-white ones. I'm loath to ditch my "Red and White Stripes" T=shirt, but it is a mess. I might buy some stain remover at the next wash and see if I can revive it.
Out and about, heading in the opposite direction to yesterday. I had a plan until I remembered the Blues/Jazz festival., so change of plan to no specific plan. THe first part of the plan came off, I found Victoria park and sat in the sun to write up the blog, butthe sun is going down now, so I'm off to find the train station and perhaps a beer before the Blues fest. I pulled over after a quick visit aroud a market that looks to be a one off thing. Lots of home made stuff and hippie gear. I never bought any, I'll stick with my paint balling gear. Next pull over was a bar for a beer, then into town by train for the music. How about that for a plan working??? They were dismantling a set when I got to the fest, so I nipped off for some food, then came back. It was closed up, it must have beeen an afternoon affair. How about that for a plan working??? I guess that's it for today. I went back to pack and chill and this plan did work. When I left the hostel this morning, I had the 6 man room to myself. When I got back tonight all the beds were taken, but nobody in them. During the night there were 8 of us. Don't ask me!!! 2 lads tunred up at 5 a.m., went back out for a while, came back, picked up their bags and left. THey never slept in their beds. Perhaps they did someone else's. When they left a lad on the floor got up and climbed on to one of the beds. It made me smile to remember such times, when I was a jack the lad. Jack the lad in the best possible taste of course. "Good young Gil, he's the quiet one." They used to say. IT'S TRUE, ask Eddie. Anyway the day has moved on.
8/6 - I got up early, but the young lads never budged. THe old fella with the ear plugs and blanket over his head wasn't too happy. Loaded up my gear and off to the train, to the ferry, to Manly. The Sydney transport seems really good. Today it's misty and raining, so there's a cloud hovering over the top of the Sydney bridge. The ferry to Manly was not as exciting as I thought it would be, but it was raining. Sydney is hell of a harbour though. It makes Liverpool lok like a Dinky toy. Off the ferry and decided to test the legs and walk to a guesthouse, about 2 thirds of the way there I was thinking again, but I don't know why, it was easy and I wasn't dripping in sweat, like in Asia, only good old cold rain. I've got a room this time for 20 quid. It wont make the AA guide and probably only just the Alcoholic's Anonymous guide, but it is cosy. I took a stroll to the beach and the srufers are like ants on the water, all in wetsuits, it is cold. I'll come back here tomorrow. I'm off to see Manly rugby league team play the top of the table Sydney Roostersf. Catching the bus is hard work. I think you have to lie in the road to make them stop. None of this cram them in, move up, let these people in. It's follow the Nanny state rules on numbers and no more. The 3rd bus stopped. At the ground, it was easy to get a ticket. I was a bit surprised with it being the top of the table clash and only 13 quid, cheaper than the UK, by a long way and for a top match.. The ground is nowhere near gull AND there's only 24 minutes left on the clock when I get in, luckily it was for the U-20's game. I did initially flap a bit. The ground layout is good, 2 sides are stands and 2 hills, where you can park your bum until the match starts, then it is stand or miss it. I was surprised how small the crowd is, 18,000 +. The UK crowds are better by far. Iwas also surprised how crap the top of the table were, but they had 4 players away at the State of Origin games.. I was very surprised at the beer consumed. You couldn't see the ground for cans after the match. It was agood atmosphere, but the game was a bit one sided, 42-0. I mowzied on down the road looking for a bus stop and found a pub instead, those are the breaks folks. They had the match on the screens. From the cheering you'd think all the people hadn't been to the match and it was being shown live. They get into their port. It's all good fun though. Rooster and Eagles fans were mixed in the ground, no segragation necessary. I had a beer and then went to catch the bus. I'd have more chance of catching a great white down this road. It's abysmal. If I ever move to Aus, I'm going to live in Not In Service because most of the buses run there and they are all empty. Eventually my lottery ticket came up and I got a bus. There was a lot of well oiled banter going on. I keptout of it for a change. Off the bus and into a pizza restaurant over the road from the digs. I read a poster saying that anyone serving someone who is drunk is liable to prosecution. WHAT'S THAT ALL ABOUT GRANDAD????
That is serious Nanny State stuff. I am gobsmacked, almost speechless, which is a very big lie.
This is prime Grumpy old man stuff, but I decided to chill and ordered a carafe of wine to laugh into, then thought better of laughing in case they took it off me because I was drunk. "I don't believe it" as that well known grumpy old man said.
The wine was good and I was half cut, at least. I haven't had that much to drink for a while now.
I enjoyed the pizza too, but then with a carafe of wine, there is not much I wouldn't enjoy.
Sometimes I get to feeling sorry for myself. I know I should know better and sometimes I need a reminder of how lucky I am. A lad came in while I was eating, he was mid 20's and had a walking stick. It took hime a good w hile to walk across the restaurant, he didn't look well, but he just put his head down and made his way in his own way. It was a timely reminder for me. I hope I don't forget it too soon. The wine polished off, I headed for the guesthouse. I wasn't sure which of the 2 was the right one, so I took the one that wasn't moving so much. There's a Brit lad who has been staying here 4 months. He's working here at the moment, but has real wonder lust. He was planning a trip to Papua New Guinea, but is having second thoughts after finding it is one of the worst crime spots in the world in the town of Port Moresby. It says on the web not to go out after dark and to stay in your room during the day . That doesn't leave a lot of scope.
I left him to it and hit the sack. A pleasant day in Manly done.
Out and about, heading in the opposite direction to yesterday. I had a plan until I remembered the Blues/Jazz festival., so change of plan to no specific plan. THe first part of the plan came off, I found Victoria park and sat in the sun to write up the blog, butthe sun is going down now, so I'm off to find the train station and perhaps a beer before the Blues fest. I pulled over after a quick visit aroud a market that looks to be a one off thing. Lots of home made stuff and hippie gear. I never bought any, I'll stick with my paint balling gear. Next pull over was a bar for a beer, then into town by train for the music. How about that for a plan working??? They were dismantling a set when I got to the fest, so I nipped off for some food, then came back. It was closed up, it must have beeen an afternoon affair. How about that for a plan working??? I guess that's it for today. I went back to pack and chill and this plan did work. When I left the hostel this morning, I had the 6 man room to myself. When I got back tonight all the beds were taken, but nobody in them. During the night there were 8 of us. Don't ask me!!! 2 lads tunred up at 5 a.m., went back out for a while, came back, picked up their bags and left. THey never slept in their beds. Perhaps they did someone else's. When they left a lad on the floor got up and climbed on to one of the beds. It made me smile to remember such times, when I was a jack the lad. Jack the lad in the best possible taste of course. "Good young Gil, he's the quiet one." They used to say. IT'S TRUE, ask Eddie. Anyway the day has moved on.
8/6 - I got up early, but the young lads never budged. THe old fella with the ear plugs and blanket over his head wasn't too happy. Loaded up my gear and off to the train, to the ferry, to Manly. The Sydney transport seems really good. Today it's misty and raining, so there's a cloud hovering over the top of the Sydney bridge. The ferry to Manly was not as exciting as I thought it would be, but it was raining. Sydney is hell of a harbour though. It makes Liverpool lok like a Dinky toy. Off the ferry and decided to test the legs and walk to a guesthouse, about 2 thirds of the way there I was thinking again, but I don't know why, it was easy and I wasn't dripping in sweat, like in Asia, only good old cold rain. I've got a room this time for 20 quid. It wont make the AA guide and probably only just the Alcoholic's Anonymous guide, but it is cosy. I took a stroll to the beach and the srufers are like ants on the water, all in wetsuits, it is cold. I'll come back here tomorrow. I'm off to see Manly rugby league team play the top of the table Sydney Roostersf. Catching the bus is hard work. I think you have to lie in the road to make them stop. None of this cram them in, move up, let these people in. It's follow the Nanny state rules on numbers and no more. The 3rd bus stopped. At the ground, it was easy to get a ticket. I was a bit surprised with it being the top of the table clash and only 13 quid, cheaper than the UK, by a long way and for a top match.. The ground is nowhere near gull AND there's only 24 minutes left on the clock when I get in, luckily it was for the U-20's game. I did initially flap a bit. The ground layout is good, 2 sides are stands and 2 hills, where you can park your bum until the match starts, then it is stand or miss it. I was surprised how small the crowd is, 18,000 +. The UK crowds are better by far. Iwas also surprised how crap the top of the table were, but they had 4 players away at the State of Origin games.. I was very surprised at the beer consumed. You couldn't see the ground for cans after the match. It was agood atmosphere, but the game was a bit one sided, 42-0. I mowzied on down the road looking for a bus stop and found a pub instead, those are the breaks folks. They had the match on the screens. From the cheering you'd think all the people hadn't been to the match and it was being shown live. They get into their port. It's all good fun though. Rooster and Eagles fans were mixed in the ground, no segragation necessary. I had a beer and then went to catch the bus. I'd have more chance of catching a great white down this road. It's abysmal. If I ever move to Aus, I'm going to live in Not In Service because most of the buses run there and they are all empty. Eventually my lottery ticket came up and I got a bus. There was a lot of well oiled banter going on. I keptout of it for a change. Off the bus and into a pizza restaurant over the road from the digs. I read a poster saying that anyone serving someone who is drunk is liable to prosecution. WHAT'S THAT ALL ABOUT GRANDAD????
That is serious Nanny State stuff. I am gobsmacked, almost speechless, which is a very big lie.
This is prime Grumpy old man stuff, but I decided to chill and ordered a carafe of wine to laugh into, then thought better of laughing in case they took it off me because I was drunk. "I don't believe it" as that well known grumpy old man said.
The wine was good and I was half cut, at least. I haven't had that much to drink for a while now.
I enjoyed the pizza too, but then with a carafe of wine, there is not much I wouldn't enjoy.
Sometimes I get to feeling sorry for myself. I know I should know better and sometimes I need a reminder of how lucky I am. A lad came in while I was eating, he was mid 20's and had a walking stick. It took hime a good w hile to walk across the restaurant, he didn't look well, but he just put his head down and made his way in his own way. It was a timely reminder for me. I hope I don't forget it too soon. The wine polished off, I headed for the guesthouse. I wasn't sure which of the 2 was the right one, so I took the one that wasn't moving so much. There's a Brit lad who has been staying here 4 months. He's working here at the moment, but has real wonder lust. He was planning a trip to Papua New Guinea, but is having second thoughts after finding it is one of the worst crime spots in the world in the town of Port Moresby. It says on the web not to go out after dark and to stay in your room during the day . That doesn't leave a lot of scope.
I left him to it and hit the sack. A pleasant day in Manly done.
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
On the streets again, I'm a right old slapper.
6/6 - Up sharp, breakfast and walking the streets touting for gigalo business. Surprisingly, no joy!! The big cities are not friendly places. There's no Hello's and big smiles, well, there was one. She laughed at my touting. I miandered in the direction of I know not where and found Paddy Market, a tourist tatt place in an old building. Strangely enough full of tourists and one gigalo. Bought nowt and kept miandering, passed the Powerhouse museum, it was shut, so I continued over a bridge and down to Darling Harbour. This is a real yuppy place with big big yachts and bistros with big, big glasses, so I'm right at home. Now watch me gigalo. There's a Blues/Jazz festival starting tomorrow, so I"ll stay another night and check it out. I was going to head over to Manly and get a ticket for the rugby on SUnday, but I'll chance my arm and go on Sunday. The lad at reception said I should be OK to pick up a ticket at the gate. As I walked along Darling Harbour the bistros transformed into museums and aquarium and I-Max with lots of school kids buzzing around and making me smile. Darling harbour is partly what I expected, but mstly not. I expected an old place, it's still a good place to stroll. I headed for the Botanical gardens next, I hope. I did a bit of shopping along the way, as I passed Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Cartier etc. Window shopping that is. I did a bit of artful dodging as I passed the Law courts in fear ofmy sisters wrath, not the judges strolling by in their wigs, what's that all about Grandad. Then I did a bit of plonking on a bench at the top of Hyde park. It's nice around here, very Victorian like. Lots of old buildings, so long as I don't look over my shoulder to the law courts. I think I'd get asked to leave a city if I stayed over a week for fear of wearing out the cities benches. I have lost count of how many benches I've shined today. This is a nice part of town, a good people watching spot too.
I bought some tangerine/clementines/satsuma/orange things and headed for the gardens, passing a barracks museum, several registeries and a couple of libraries on my side of the road, all very olde worlde and skyscrapers on the other side of the road, very contrasting. The old knee is giving some grief, it must be the damp and cold. I popped a couple of paracetamols, well, I hope they were, I'm floating through the botanical gardens now. This is a lovely place to stroll lots of open grass, big old fig trees that look perfect for a bit of tree hugging, if you haven't treid it you should, lots of cockatoos toos, lots of all sorts, but still no gigalo business. There is a small rose garden, that I smelled before I saw, it is one of my favourite smells, roses. I got my first glance of the Harbour bridge, since arriving and then the top of the Opera house. I spotted a nice bench, near the Government building, still in the gardensssss, so I couldn't resist it and nodded off for a few seconds, the sun went down quick. Only jesting. I think I am more tired than I realised, mind you I have been up hill and down dale bench hopping for about 4 hours, not to mention window shopping. You can tell it's lunch time, the jolly joggers are everywhere. This is a prime spot for it. I rolled on down to the harbour, passing several joggers, I might add, going in the opposite direction. I found an irreststible bench overlooking the harbour, so watched the joggers rush hour while I ate an orange thing. And so to the Opera House. It is a magnificent building. It's a bit weird close up, sort of not very posh tiles, but still magnificent and the steps up to it are great, shallow and long. I don't need the bannister and ALMOST look normal going up them. THat is something I've noticed, I don't get the constant stares at my gait, as in S.E. Asia. People look, but not so many and not so obviously. It's a n ice change.
Strolled around the Opera House, then sat on the lovely steps for some nuts and an orange thingy to show my step appreciation. Onward but not too far, at last I've found what I've been looking for a few hours now, a toilet. I've been dying for a wazz. Now I can have a brew and a very nice sausage roll. The last time I hada asausage roll was with Paige. This cafe is below the Opera house and looks out onto the Harbour Bridge. I sat and scrutinised the walkers going up to the top. I think I may be able to do that, I'll have a think. On again, around the Circular Quay. This is my favourite part of Sydney, that I've seen. There's the bridge, the OPera House and ferries coming and going. I checked out the Manly ferry for when I leave on Sunday. Every 30 minutes, $6, can't be bad. Out onto the streets from the Quay. I've given up touting, so headed for the hill to the Rocks. I like this part of town. Lots of pubs and old harbour buildings. I was close to the Harbour Bridge now, so perched on a bench and watched the walkers. It is steeper than I thought, but I reckon it's a go. Not this time though, next time I'm in Sydney. The knees throbbing now, it needs some sunshine, or perhaps a Guiness and low ad behold there's a pub with some seats outside. The beer in Sydney is sold in schooners, less than a pint and just about right. I got a table of looks here, as I did my John Wayne roll up the hill. The pub is opposite an old ware house type of building and when I sat I noticed the tennant is Saachi and Saachi. I thought they were bosh not refurbished warehouse material. What do I know?
I enjoyed the Guiness, the knee is much better now, so I rolled down the hill to catch the train back to Central, without stopping at any passing benches, the arse of my jeans is getting a bit threadbare. A quick e-fix back at the hostel and then a power nap. I'm nearly caught up on the kip now. I was going to stroll into town for some snap, but when I walked outside I noticed the cafe attached to the hostel is doing what looks like decent nosh. I must have made a bad choice, but it filled the hole. The brew was smashing. Decided to give the booze a miss and did some research on swimming with the whale sharks at Ningaloo reef. It's very expensive, but there may be mantas there too. I think this has to be done, although it is coming to the end of the whale shark season and I am off to NZ for the rugby first. A brew and a natter with one of the lads in the dorm, Kevin, he is a bit weird, but nice enough. He probably thinks the same about me.
BED.
I bought some tangerine/clementines/satsuma/orange things and headed for the gardens, passing a barracks museum, several registeries and a couple of libraries on my side of the road, all very olde worlde and skyscrapers on the other side of the road, very contrasting. The old knee is giving some grief, it must be the damp and cold. I popped a couple of paracetamols, well, I hope they were, I'm floating through the botanical gardens now. This is a lovely place to stroll lots of open grass, big old fig trees that look perfect for a bit of tree hugging, if you haven't treid it you should, lots of cockatoos toos, lots of all sorts, but still no gigalo business. There is a small rose garden, that I smelled before I saw, it is one of my favourite smells, roses. I got my first glance of the Harbour bridge, since arriving and then the top of the Opera house. I spotted a nice bench, near the Government building, still in the gardensssss, so I couldn't resist it and nodded off for a few seconds, the sun went down quick. Only jesting. I think I am more tired than I realised, mind you I have been up hill and down dale bench hopping for about 4 hours, not to mention window shopping. You can tell it's lunch time, the jolly joggers are everywhere. This is a prime spot for it. I rolled on down to the harbour, passing several joggers, I might add, going in the opposite direction. I found an irreststible bench overlooking the harbour, so watched the joggers rush hour while I ate an orange thing. And so to the Opera House. It is a magnificent building. It's a bit weird close up, sort of not very posh tiles, but still magnificent and the steps up to it are great, shallow and long. I don't need the bannister and ALMOST look normal going up them. THat is something I've noticed, I don't get the constant stares at my gait, as in S.E. Asia. People look, but not so many and not so obviously. It's a n ice change.
Strolled around the Opera House, then sat on the lovely steps for some nuts and an orange thingy to show my step appreciation. Onward but not too far, at last I've found what I've been looking for a few hours now, a toilet. I've been dying for a wazz. Now I can have a brew and a very nice sausage roll. The last time I hada asausage roll was with Paige. This cafe is below the Opera house and looks out onto the Harbour Bridge. I sat and scrutinised the walkers going up to the top. I think I may be able to do that, I'll have a think. On again, around the Circular Quay. This is my favourite part of Sydney, that I've seen. There's the bridge, the OPera House and ferries coming and going. I checked out the Manly ferry for when I leave on Sunday. Every 30 minutes, $6, can't be bad. Out onto the streets from the Quay. I've given up touting, so headed for the hill to the Rocks. I like this part of town. Lots of pubs and old harbour buildings. I was close to the Harbour Bridge now, so perched on a bench and watched the walkers. It is steeper than I thought, but I reckon it's a go. Not this time though, next time I'm in Sydney. The knees throbbing now, it needs some sunshine, or perhaps a Guiness and low ad behold there's a pub with some seats outside. The beer in Sydney is sold in schooners, less than a pint and just about right. I got a table of looks here, as I did my John Wayne roll up the hill. The pub is opposite an old ware house type of building and when I sat I noticed the tennant is Saachi and Saachi. I thought they were bosh not refurbished warehouse material. What do I know?
I enjoyed the Guiness, the knee is much better now, so I rolled down the hill to catch the train back to Central, without stopping at any passing benches, the arse of my jeans is getting a bit threadbare. A quick e-fix back at the hostel and then a power nap. I'm nearly caught up on the kip now. I was going to stroll into town for some snap, but when I walked outside I noticed the cafe attached to the hostel is doing what looks like decent nosh. I must have made a bad choice, but it filled the hole. The brew was smashing. Decided to give the booze a miss and did some research on swimming with the whale sharks at Ningaloo reef. It's very expensive, but there may be mantas there too. I think this has to be done, although it is coming to the end of the whale shark season and I am off to NZ for the rugby first. A brew and a natter with one of the lads in the dorm, Kevin, he is a bit weird, but nice enough. He probably thinks the same about me.
BED.
And so to Aus.
5/6 - Got myself a SIM at the airport. It is a smashing airport, simple, easy and all very neat. Everything is obvious. Immigration took a while, but my electronic visa came good and it meant my bag was there and waiting, dizzy on the carousel. I hit the ATM and it told me to sod off. The Grumpy old man told me to keep my head, it is only the computerised bank showing no common sense again and blocking my card. It makes me angry to think they can't be arsed to think for themselves and check before letting the computer do what it wants. Never mind, my credit card came good. I'll sort Barclays out later. Time for the train to town. Into Sydney, out of Central Station and into a cafe. Registered my SIM and phoned our Bec in Canberra. She sounds in good fettle, but she did have a quick bitch about subject not to be told, in case Liam's Mam find her way to my blog. Had a brew and phoned a couple of hostel, to make sure I wasn't hiking around the streets for nothing. Loaded up and walked over the road from the station and there's a hostel. This will do, sack walking, next to the station, 17 quid a night for a dorm bed, it'll do. It was a bit of a REALITY check, back to the burn money world of 2 quid cups of tea. I have been Asia brainwashed. This is going to be expensive. Dumped my gear, loved the hot shower and hit the streets before I had chance to lie down and crash. It's like being back home, cold and wet. I'm going to have to buy a jumper. People wise, Sydney is a lot like London, 50 % non English speaking and mostly foreign looking with local accents. It's probably more th an 50%, but I'm, in Chinatown. I didn't know that until I passed the first 50 Chinese restaurants and 10,000 Chinese looking people, that was in about 400 yds of the hostel. The hostel, Central Hostel, has everything, is clean, but a bit pricey, just for a dorm bed. I could get a good hotel room for that over the past 4 months. STOP WHINGING YOU TIGHT GIT. You are starting to sound like Dickie. I decided to sort out my Vietnamese visa, I'm going back. Why? Work it out yourself. I hopped onto a train and bingo I'm at the consulate. Being by Central Station is a bonus. I went for broke and asked for a 6 month visa. THe lady said "No way." The bloke said " No problem Gil, how's the family? Keano's doing a good job, isn't he?" Ha Ha to the lady, Mackem power rules. He never really said that, I just got a bit carried away, but he is a really helpful bloke. The lady did say that. Headed back to Central and as I am supposed to be gaining weight went to Pizza Hut. I have been looking forward to a good pizza, so why did I go to Pizza Hut. DOH!!
It was 10 quid all you can eat, but it was shi@#$@#@ said that Grumpy bloke again, so I went for a beer to commiserate. My eyes were starting to droop, so I resisted a second beer and headed for bed, via the internet, if you know what I mean. It's been a long but full old day. Sydney is so far so good, but bloody cold.
It was 10 quid all you can eat, but it was shi@#$@#@ said that Grumpy bloke again, so I went for a beer to commiserate. My eyes were starting to droop, so I resisted a second beer and headed for bed, via the internet, if you know what I mean. It's been a long but full old day. Sydney is so far so good, but bloody cold.
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