Thursday, January 22, 2009

Arrving in Sydney - Australia

Leaving Hong Kong we arrived in Sydney, Austrlia to be met by 35 degree heat. The arrival hall at the airport was very busy, but a immigration officer called us out of the line, asked us a few questions and stamped our passports meaning we were through in quick time.

We jumped on a local train that took us into the heart of the City and dropped off our bags at the apartment we were staying in.


Our first stop was the bustling Darling harbour with its many visitor attractions.
As you arrived, the first thing that  struck us was the expansive waterfront, its shimmering waters reflecting the Sydney skyline, dotted with modern buildings and lush green spaces. The atmosphere was both lively and laid-back, perfect for an afternoon stroll or a full day of exploration.

The broad promenade along the water was filled with people—tourists snapping photos, families enjoying the day out, and locals unwinding after work. The buzz of activity was palpable, but it never felt rushed. The sounds of the harbour were a soothing backdrop: the soft hum of ferry engines as they pulled into the docks, the occasional seagull calling out, and the distant chatter of people enjoying the restaurants and cafés that lined the waterfront.



We took a ferry over to Watsons Bay passing the famous opera house and Sydney harbour bridge. The ferry from Darling Harbour to Watson's Bay was an iconic Sydney experience, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse of the city's blend of urban life and natural beauty. As we made your way to the wharf at Darling Harbour, the air felt alive with activity, tourists and locals alike bustling along the waterfront


 From Watsons bay we took the short bus ride to the famous Bondi beach. The bus stop at Watson's Bay is close to Robertson Park, with its expansive green lawns and views of the water. If you arrive early, you may see a ferry pulling into the small wharf.

As the bus winds through the narrow roads of Vaucluse, you pass grand, stately homes tucked away behind hedges, each offering a peek of luxury living. The bus stop is just a short walk from the iconic crescent-shaped beach, and when you disembark, you’d immediately feel the vibrant atmosphere that Bondi is known for. Surfers with boards tucked under their arms stroll barefoot across the street, while tourists and locals lounge in the nearby grassy areas, soaking up the sun.

The sprawling sands of Bondi stretch out before you, framed by towering cliffs on either side, with the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean stretching beyond.




A visit to the Sydney fish market is a must for lovers of seafood, with a vast selection of fresh fish and cafe's selling ready prepared dishes of the daily catch.
Its a sensory-rich experience, filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of one of the world’s most bustling seafood hubs.

The market was a feast for the eyes. Piles of oysters, with their rough, jagged shells, lay next to trays of squid, octopus, and crabs, their legs and claws artfully arranged to entice buyers. Each stall was manned by vendors calling out prices or chatting with customers in their thick Aussie accents, offering tips on how best to cook their fresh catches. The air was filled with the low hum of conversation, the sound of ice being scooped, and the occasional splash of water as fishmongers rinsed down their counters
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Memories of Sydney








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