Written intially on : 24th July 2011 London Singapore to Sydney
The journey over was excellent. I did upgrade to Premium Economy and it was so worth it. Even though I was given more space, why do I need to use the loo heaps on any long flight? I do drink water constantly but my whole metabolism must speed up - I just can't stop, involving me to step gingerly over the occupant of the seat beside me, hoping not to wake them up! Yes, it was a night flight and yes, I couldn't step surreptitously over someone without them waking. I even acrobatically hopped over..yet they still woke! After sleeping for a few hours, up I had to get up for a re-acquaintance with the cabin loo which I grew fondly of. Still I couldn't fault Quantas on my epic journey - they are first rate.
Once landed in Sydney at 5.10am it wasn't worth catching a taxi to the hotel as I knew the room wouldn't be available. It was a clear, sunny and bright morning with a slight nip in the air and after copious cups of tea/coffee at the airport I decided to try my luck and jump into a taxi. Upon arriving at the hotel at 7.30am, thinking I could at least check in and leave my bags....little did I know the hotel didn't 'OPEN' until 9.30am on a Sunday... this was the only inconvenience suffered out of my entire two weeks so absolutely no complaints as when you're in a fabulous place you can conquer anything, even jet lag. Luckily for me, La Buvette in Challis Ave was open! My stomach suddenly told me it was time to eat. The heaters were on, people already sat outside and having breakfast. What a perfect start to the day. I do love my FOOD. The waiting staff were friendly and eagerley served me with a Spanish burrito with (more) coffee and a freshly squeezed juice of apple, pear and lime. 2 hours to sit and eat... and that I certainly did until I went pop! I could eat no more and the time now was 9am. The food in this restaurant was amazing this burrito consisted of avocado, tomatoes, crispy bacon, boiled egg, spinach with some mayo and salsa to give it the bite it deserved. (Camera locked away in luggage - so no pics.) Whilst chomping away at the mega brekkie, Sydney residents were out running, walking, walking dogs (or dogs making their owner's run) all keeping fit - young kids out with dads on bikes, going to the paper shop - dressed in sports' gear and wearing trainers. A group of very fit septuagenarians jogged passed - what admiration for them. At this time of the morning too. They all looked very active in their athletic kits until I caught sight of their leader wearing only red speedos. The Speedo Man loved himself. Interesting to observe as he waited for the group to catch up - he was the dominant one, as if a lion was waiting for its pride to follow and he thought it too, only that his red speedos by now had started to disappear up his crack, to be blunt! My thought was: Thank goodness I've eaten! A pretty sight in Sydney at 9am? You form your own opinion here.
With half an hour to go before the hotel opening, I picked myself up off the chair and hauled my suitcase and my heavy stomach and took off for a walk (mainly to get warmed up again as the air temp was fresh.) I soon got stitch! But mustered on just to try and aid the digestion of that fabulous breakfast. Walking through Kings Cross area - reminded me of home (London's Kings Cross) - saw some desirable shops... some of which to be desired by certain people. But the area was clean and not with an air of 'sordidty' (that's a Gillism!) at all. Finally I arrived at the hotel door and I was so relieved to find it open. Well I was hoping the room was free but alas, I had to return at 2pm but hey I had renewed energy from eating, I was on holiday, I was on cloud nine. So I cheerily registered in, picked up the key and walked into Sydney centre and straight to the famous Opera House, opened in 1973. I booked myself in for a tour of the Opera House (anything to keep me going).
The sun was out and the warmth from the winter sun was starting to bring a fantastic feeling of happiness over me. How lucky am I to be here, in this stupendous city. The striking skyscrapers with greenery from the Botanical Gardens, cockatoos flying around wild and squawking playfully! I felt in awe of this place and I knew I was in the right place for that moment.
