224 days later
Over seven months after I sailed from Newcastle my journey concluded in Sydney. Although entirely unplanned, this proved to be probably my favourite of all the many cities I've visited and a fine conclusion to the trip. Although not an architectural gem the city nevertheless has its bridge and opera house landmarks of course and a surprising number of historical buildings for this part of the world. Yet what really makes Sydney stand out is the buzz, the atmosphere, and its fine waterside location. There's a lot going for this city and although more brash than the likes of Melbourne it's impossible to ignore the energy on the streets.
The final days of my trip were productively if relaxingly spent as start of the wind down before heading home. Taking in the view from the bridge and ferry, searching out some interesting Christmas presents in the Rocks weekend market, a day trip to the Blue Mountains and generally browsing the streets, which is a pleasure. I'd even a trial flight booked at a local flying school although unfortunately the bad weather put pay to that.
Don't get me wrong, Sydney is a busy, bustling city, but it has a stunning location and a good many open areas that make it a joy to spend time in. It's a capital city in all but politics, although keeping the politicians at arm's length in Canberra may well have been a master stroke. I suppose it's vaguely akin to us having parliament in Milton Keynes. No, perhaps that's doing the place a disservice. I have read less than stellar things about Canberra but the MK comparison might be going too far.
I enjoyed a few days in Sydney, but all things must come to an end and it was time for me to take me flight home. It was my first time on a Boeing 747 although in the future I think I'd rather opt for a more modern alternative such as the A340, which if the A330 is anything to go by has a superior on demand in-flight entertainment system. The 747 is a bit long in the tooth. The movies start at set times and you either catch the start or you don't. The safety announcement video was certainly on video - a scratchy video tape and there were ash trays by the toilet doors indicating this aircraft had been around a while. I can't remember exactly when smoking was banned on planes but it was a good while ago. This said the flight, all 22 hours of it, seemed to pass swiftly enough, although setting off in the evening of the 6th and arriving early morning on the 7th meant that for almost the entire duration of the flight it was dark outside. A 20-hour night, you normally don't get that unless you visit the artic circle at midwinter.
It was odd to be back on British soil with all its familiarities. The rather dingy Heathrow Airport, on the tube to Euston, and rush hour crowds to match. The 9:46 Virgin Trains service to Carlisle. It was all very much the same as I remember.
The fat lady has sung, but we're not done quite yet. Once I've kicked the jetlag we'll have a look over the Big Trip that was.
The final days of my trip were productively if relaxingly spent as start of the wind down before heading home. Taking in the view from the bridge and ferry, searching out some interesting Christmas presents in the Rocks weekend market, a day trip to the Blue Mountains and generally browsing the streets, which is a pleasure. I'd even a trial flight booked at a local flying school although unfortunately the bad weather put pay to that.
Don't get me wrong, Sydney is a busy, bustling city, but it has a stunning location and a good many open areas that make it a joy to spend time in. It's a capital city in all but politics, although keeping the politicians at arm's length in Canberra may well have been a master stroke. I suppose it's vaguely akin to us having parliament in Milton Keynes. No, perhaps that's doing the place a disservice. I have read less than stellar things about Canberra but the MK comparison might be going too far.
I enjoyed a few days in Sydney, but all things must come to an end and it was time for me to take me flight home. It was my first time on a Boeing 747 although in the future I think I'd rather opt for a more modern alternative such as the A340, which if the A330 is anything to go by has a superior on demand in-flight entertainment system. The 747 is a bit long in the tooth. The movies start at set times and you either catch the start or you don't. The safety announcement video was certainly on video - a scratchy video tape and there were ash trays by the toilet doors indicating this aircraft had been around a while. I can't remember exactly when smoking was banned on planes but it was a good while ago. This said the flight, all 22 hours of it, seemed to pass swiftly enough, although setting off in the evening of the 6th and arriving early morning on the 7th meant that for almost the entire duration of the flight it was dark outside. A 20-hour night, you normally don't get that unless you visit the artic circle at midwinter.
It was odd to be back on British soil with all its familiarities. The rather dingy Heathrow Airport, on the tube to Euston, and rush hour crowds to match. The 9:46 Virgin Trains service to Carlisle. It was all very much the same as I remember.
The fat lady has sung, but we're not done quite yet. Once I've kicked the jetlag we'll have a look over the Big Trip that was.
posted by Daniel at 3:57 pm
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