Who said Oz would be nice even in winter?!? The weather has been pants pretty much since I arrived, raining and raining and raining and non-stop raining a bit more. But that's given me plenty of time to do a bit of shopping for some more wintery clothes and realise how rubbish the shops are in Sydney. Actually they're not that bad but way too expensive for what they are. Everything seems massively pricey compared to what it used to be though. I've turned into the world's biggest tight ar*e and keep saying to myself 'how much?". Apparently parking costs here are now the highest in the world. Bizarre!
But enough of my wingeing, it hasn't all been about frittering my money away and bad weather. I loved my harbour bridge climb, thanks bro' and co for that one. I wasn't nervous at all, must be used to doing crazy things by now and it didn't seem that high once you get up there because you are climbing up such a massive structure. It feels very sturdy. The rain held off long enough for us to get all the way to the top and back again for it started, a relief as we hadn't been given waterproofs. Getting kitted up is quite hilarious as apart from the less-than-attractive suit you have to wear, everything is strapped on so you don't lose it halfway up - hat, sunglasses, gloves, whatever extras you need.
Our climb leader was a really nice guy too (and pretty cute). He made me join him up at the front as I was on my own - what a hardship. A nice couple from Melbourne were behind me in the long line of us making our way up all that metal so we kept each other entertained.
Afterwards I headed off to Darling Harbour to check out the jazz festival that started. James Morrison was on the line up but not the one I had in mind (he's actually a famous Aussie jazz musician). Despite the cold, everyone was sitting outside enjoying the tunes and indulging in their chosen tipple. I managed to get some stunning photos of the harbour as the sun set, quite proud of myself. The light made the blues and pinks so vivid.
Later I met Dave for a quick drink, an old friend from Sevenoaks. He's very kindly lent me a local mobile while I'm here so I've been struggling to get the hang of a Nokia again. Blimey, texting is hard work! It was great to see him though and catch up on old times. He left to meet some friends for dinner and I headed off to get some chips and sit on the monorail for a bit. Then decided to go and see Hangover 2 at the cinema before collapsing into bed after a long day. My diet has left a lot to be desired since I've been here, undoing all the virtue of Shanghai.
Finally it was time to indulge in a bit of a lie-in. Bliss! Then it was time for more shopping in town, battling the queues to get into Zara which has just opened out here at vastly inflated prices. After a lot of wandering around I headed on over to Manly on the ferry to meet up for dinner with Dave and check out his local bars and restaurants. Really liked the area and found a nice bar called Hemingways to hang out in until Dave got there. Shame it was pis*ing down with rain again.
In an attempt to improve my eating habits we went to a delicious fish restaurant and had some trout and a BYOB (I'd forgotten that Oz loves this). Far too much wine later and I was heading home on the rather turbulent ferry due to the weather but it was a good night. Didn't feel quite so special the next day when I packed up and traipsed across town to a different, more central hostel right by the harbour. Really glad I moved though as it's much nicer with a better vibe.
Met Sophie yesterday for lunch, an Aussie from my diving course, nursing my hangover. She showed me some of the shops I'd been missing out on and we hung out for a while. It was great to catch up, just a shame Dee had headed up to Cairns for a diving weekend, so didn't get to see her.
Spent the evening walking round the harbour with Carolyn, who's staying in the hostel, and eating pizza and the largest slice of chocolate meringue I've ever seen. Seems strange just writing about shopping and eating after all the excitement and craziness of China!
Speaking of China, there's so much I feel I haven't said, so here's the final word. If I've inspired you at all to think of visiting, make sure you go sooner rather than later. The country is changing at such an alarming rate, construction is going on everywhere you look, and the old is being torn down to make way for the new. I don't blame the Chinese for wanting to improve where people live but it does smack a little of trying to wipe out the past and unfortunately, probably erode a lot of their culture at the same time.
Enough said. Maybe.
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