Fai Tira blog Friday 15th October

 Farewell trip to Sydney

Although I know that Dee had a great time and enjoyed herself immensely on the trip from Port Douglas. I think that the oppressive heat on the approaches to, and last days in Darwin, had just about made her ready for the trip to Sydney and her eventual departure for the U.K.

I was accompanying her and found it hard to suppress my feelings of excitement, not just at the prospect of a trip to this exciting city, but also the chance to taste life away from the confines of the boat, all its discomforts and all its restrictions!

The flight from Darwin took about 4 ½ hours, leaving around 1am and landing at 6 ish. The hike to the hotel reflected our lack of local knowledge and misjudgement over the length of George St. where the hotel was located in the heart of China Town. However, it did have the effect of providing an early feel of the sense of atmosphere that was always present and would have been impossible to subdue.

The hotel reflected the budget price we’d paid: clean, small room, basic accommodation, but surprisingly quiet considering the location.

With only 2 days for exploration we were soon taking advantage of the city’s public transport system, travelling on one of the vast number of buses heading in the direction of Circular Quay, the area of the ferry terminals and views across the harbour.

In no time we were standing on the quayside staring out across the bay. It was magnificent, with the dominating structures of the Bridge and Opera house taking centre stage, but with a superb supporting cast from the towering Sydney skyline hovering majestically in the wings, just demanding not to be ignored.

The whole place simply vibrated with activity. Cafes and bars heaved. The huge screen located in the square in front of one of the big hotels flashed the latest events from the Commonwealth games, which of course the Aussies were dominating. The green, curiously double bowed ferries, were constantly on the move as they plied their trade to a rigid and tightly imposed schedule that hardly allowed time for a breath. And all the time buses and taxis drew up, disgorging passengers who just kept adding to the intensity and atmosphere of a scene that was good to be part of, such a contrast to what we’d left behind only hours ago. So much to see, so much to do and so little time available!

Obviously the main interest revolved around the Bridge and Opera House. But there were museums, galleries, parks, locations and ferry rides not to mention eating and drinking.

So without any clear plan we ambled towards the Bridge in the direction of the Rocks, an old - now converted - port storage area, and stumbled right into the Sydney Gallery Of Modern Art, housed in a retro style building much like the Hoover one in Perivale, London (no garish Tesco signs on display here though, thank God).

The walk through the Rocks location and under the Bridge was delightful and took in a trip to the Bridge visitor centre, art gallery and street cafe, before heading in the direction of the Opera House, past the mass of quayside restaurants. The noticeable drop in temperature we’d experienced since our arrival was suddenly emphasised as we emerged from the shelter of the buildings and onto the exposed Opera site, sat on a land promontory on the edge of the bay.

The exciting sight immediately capturing our gaze was magnificent. The tile clad curves and peaks, fed by masses of stairs, flowing majestically together in amazingly complex patterns confirming what,  at the time, was the revolutionary nature of the designs and structures incorporated by the talented architect.

A return visit was a must, and before we’d left, tickets were booked for a performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue for the following evening.

It had been a long day and even longer night. And although our senses were still reeling, tiredness overcame. Returning to the hotel we crashed, emerged for a great veggie Cantonese meal then crashed again, this time for the night.

Our one proper full day in the city, was our first and last. However, the streets were well and truly aired by the time we reached them.

It’s difficult to find an area in this city that isn’t influenced by water. So mere days after walking off a boat we’d just travelled 1500 miles on from Port Douglas, we decided to board another and cross the harbour to Manly (must be mad).

Although for me the place was disappointing with its surfing shops, fast food cafes and beaches, the highlight, making it all worthwhile, was its fantastic little municipal art gallery, with beautifully presented works by renowned indigenous contemporary and historic artists and all for free... Thanks.

Back at the quay, the walk back to the hotel took us through the Darling Harbour area and into the street market at China Town.

The evening performance at the Opera House started at 8pm, we just made it and the entertainment took place over 2 hours in front of a packed and knowledgeable audience in a brilliant atmosphere, finishing off with a staggering improvised encore...... Sensational!

We left the city, by train, early the following day and travelled to the suburbs, spending 2 days with Dee’s niece Lisa, her husband Dennis and delightful young daughter Chelsea. It was a great time just relaxing around their vast garden and visiting the Blue Mountains. The hospitality was brilliant (thanks, you lot) and gave us time to gather ourselves before the inevitable emotional departure and my flight back across the Aussie wilderness to Darwin and the boat.

A difficult end to a great 6 weeks