To maximize our holidays, we usually opt for the red eye so that even after settling in at the hotel, we’d have a full day ahead of us to explore.
It was our first time on the A380 and I have to say, not only are the seats more spacious and comfortable, the cabin crew were very obviously more well-trained and eloquent. Although subtle, there was definitely a difference from the usual crew I’ve experienced with the Boeing. I liked it. (Good job, SQ!)
For our first leg in the city, we stayed at Marriott on College Street, on the eastern part of the CBD. From our room, we had a lovely view of Hyde Park and the ANZAC War Memorial. The best part – our superbly comfortable bed which we had trouble pulling away from every morning and couldn’t wait to get back to at night…
After a power nap and freshening up, we took a train to Circular Quay and lunched by the harbour at Searock Fish Café, where we had a great view of the Harbour Bridge.
Between mouthfuls of fresh and perfectly battered fish and chips, we absorbed the atmosphere and watched people wander by, which I thought was a great way to kick off the trip. From the frantic rush to leave office on time and get ready for the airport the night before, passing through immigration, making our way to our hotel and checking in, etc. I was sort of running on autopilot. And it was only by taking in the sights that it hit me – WOW. I AM ON HOLIDAY.
Despite the lack of sleep, my fatigue had disappeared. I wasn’t tired any more. I’m on holiday and it had just begun :D
After lunch, we were fueled for our city jaunt. First stop: Sydney Opera House.
We checked out the ticketing office in search of nice concerts or plays we could catch there was nothing much going on during our stay so we gave this item on our to-do list a miss.
Next stop: Customs House. I love the giant City Model showcased under the glass of the ground floor but it was difficult to get a good picture with the reflecting lights.
We took a dimly-lit lift to the rooftop where Café Sydney was located. An incredibly nice wait staff led us to one of the best seats in the house, at the edge of the restaurant, where we got to enjoy the spectacular view of the harbour as we nibbled on our very expensive dessert and sipped our latté. I guess we were paying for the view. LOL.
The sun sets early in winter so by the time we were done with our coffee and dessert, it was getting dark.
We strolled to The Rocks and popped in and out of shops until we were back on College Street and had a quiet dinner at Windows on the Park in the hotel (we shared a ratatouille with escargots, steak and fries).
By the time we were done with dinner, the exhaustion had set back in and we agreed to have an early night. (Remember this because it will be THE question of the trip, “Shall we have an early night, please?“)
We’ll have to rise early the next day for our day tour to Blue Mountains!
Read the rest of my Sydney travelogue:
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Days 9 & 10
