June 21: So Long Sydney
Departing from Sydney this morning was bittersweet as I left behind the delightful stone and brick paved roads, delicious food, and breathtaking sights and scenery in “The Rocks,” the charming and historic old town located right on the harbor. Still, as I chug south by train on an almost 12-hour ride back to Melbourne, I am also looking forward to eventually reuniting with Adventure Baby and beginning my motorcycle journey around the continent.
Determined to make the most of my situation over the last few days, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my time in Australia’s largest city.
From my hotel right near the base of the Sydney Bridge I was able to stroll along George Street, peer into little shops, cafes, and pubs lining the road, pick up a few books at a well-stocked two-story bookstore teeming with international best sellers as well as local talent, and indulge in dessert and hot tea with steamed milk at tables and chairs under bright yellow umbrellas lining the sidewalk.
I loved being ideally situated within walking distance of the bridge climb and harbor tours as well as to so many wonderful restaurants. Last night’s meal at Pony Dining was especially delightful – a crusty on the outside but tender on the inside juicy rack of lamb on a bed of crispy chickpeas and pomegranates in a charred carrot puree accompanied by grilled slices of pumpkin served with whipped ricotta, pumpkin seeds, and salsa verde.
Although I was fairly full, I couldn’t resist ordering wood roasted macadamia and salted caramel tart topped with caramel crème fraiche ice cream and more crème fraiche. This three course meal at a price of sixty-six US dollars including tip and tax seemed like a real value. If I keep eating like I have for the last few days, I might not end up fitting in my motorcycle pants by the end of the trip!
One of the other highlights of Sydney for me was the nightlife. After sunset from both the summit of the Sydney Bridge as well as the roof-top pool of my hotel, I was able to see the surrounding city, skyline, and opera house beautifully lit up with a dazzling array of green, purple, pink, red, yellow, and white lights.
Strolling on the stone and brick pathways on my way to dinner last night I felt transported to a different place and time as I walked between large trees wrapped in bands of white lights, passed orange flames flickering in the portable heaters next to outdoor dining tables, gazed up at the twinkling lights in the taller city buildings towering above, and felt welcomed by the soft yellow glow emanating from the eateries all around.
As I walked down George Street late last night after dinner, the city was alive with patrons at pubs laughing and cheering, couples and families at little sidewalk cafes eating and talking together, friends lounging against brick walls sharing a drink, and pedestrians strolling back and forth accompanied by music piped out onto the street. What a great vacation within a vacation!
