For almost a year we have been waiting for this trip. A chance to get back to Sydney, to escape the longest wintry-weather misery of home and defrost and to get to see a show at the Opera House. Not any show, but one of Gudge's favourite bands, Swedish Prog-metallers, Opeth.
Before we got to the airport, we have a little tradition...
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| My usual: Whopper with Cheese |
And at the airport, I have a little tradition (wink and smirk). On a side note, our flight was delayed. We live an hour from the airport so once we're there, we're there. I received a message to let me know of the delay 25 minutes after we were supposed to have boarded. Thanks for that Jetstar. I fly Virgin 90% of the time and I'm going to try to up that to 99%. Our flight home was also delayed, both for plane problems. Nope. Done.
The upside to this, and something I haven't been asked in some time, would I like a small or large wine. I think there's only one answer to that question, and I was very happy with my massive glass of Rose to get me through the delay.
But we arrived eventually (we also had to circle around Sydney in the air for 40 minutes to wait for a storm to pass, I don't blame Jetstar for this.)
We stayed at the Meriton Pitt Street. My third time. I love its central location and walkability. I LOVE staying in an apart-hotel. Sydney accommodation is quite expensive and the Meriton is no different but we worked out the extra money for accommodation can be made up by eating one or two meals a day at home instead of at cafes or restaurants. So we were quite frugal but still ate well and had a wonderful time. I won't bother writing up the toasted sandwiches or cook at home pizzas.
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| View from room 3903 Meriton Pitt Street |
Our first day involved a walk around Surry Hills and a visit to the Museum of Australia to see the Relics Exhibition. Gudge adores lego and we has certainly got me into it too. This was created by 2 of the winners of Lego Masters and depicts a futuristic, post-apocalypic world. Humans have ruined the planet and died out and mini-figs have taken over. It was extraordinary, so well done and very witty.
We stopped in back home for a midday siesta before walking down to Circular Quay for a ferry ride to Manly to take in the perfect weather before some afternoon window shopping.
As you can imagine, we were pretty knackered and opted for an easy, eat in meal.
I picked these up from the Woolies downstairs and reminded me so much of being in Japan, grabbing some bites to eat from the conbini and relaxing back at the room. These were certainly NOT the Japanese prices I fell in love with.
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| Nigiri, Sushi roll, Takoyaki, Matua Savignon Blanc |
Our second full day, we started with more window shopping before grabbing a little brunch of pistachio cheesecake to bring back to have with a cup of tea.
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| Pistachio Cheesecake, English Breakfast Tea |
And a solo afternoon trip to the Botanic Gardens and specifically the Calyx for me. It was everything I hoped it would be.
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| The Calyx |
As tonight was Gudgies special night, he was to choose the dinner destination. We had been on our last trip and it was very good. Of course it's for tourists and has the views to justify that, but the food and service was great so I was happy to go back to Wahlburgers.
It was one of those Tasmania-esque type days where all day it was coolish, but by the afternoon it was very hot in the sun, so we opted to sit in the shade, but still got to take in the surrounds.
It was happy hour and Monday night meal deals so I was happy with all of that. I started with a pornstar martini which was excellent, despite having to google the correct way to drink it (alternate sips between the martini and prosecco)
I couldn't go past a $25 Porterhouse (usually $44) with onion rings and salad with a side of truffle aioli and Gudge ordered a Chicken Burger.
The steak, although it felt like a lower quality steak was cooked really well and was delicious. Good salad, the truffle aioli was excellent and very tasty accompaniment but the onion rings were cold.
His burger was not, in fact a chicken burger. But he was still happy with the burger and the tasty chips.
I decided I needed a little caffeine to get me through the night and I thought some sugar wouldnt hurt either, so we ordered an espresso martini and a serving of their Fried Dough- All American with cinnamon apples, ice cream and cream.
Although still pretty delicious, this was not cinnamon apples but chocolate sauce- The Classic.
We certainly couldn't complain with 2 cocktails, soft drink, coffee, a steak, burger and dessert for not much over $100 but I don't think we'll be back after the incorrect meals brought out on two cases. (I still love Mark Wahlberg though.)
But the night was young and we were off to the show that was the reason we were in Sydney afterall.
A spectacular evening to wait. In a remarkably beautiful city.
And finally to the Opera House, great seats to a spectaular show. A bucket list item ticked off in having been to a show inside the Opera House and Gudge was so happy with the set. The band were outstanding, and had all the professionalism of a band formed 35 years ago.
Off to the airport in the morning and a quick eat before our lunchtime flight (once again delayed).
There's a lot of things we don't have in Tasmania- Ikea, Aldi and 2 weird things that we probably wouldn't miss if we had access to them, Red Rooster (oh gosh we get cravings for Red Rooster) and something I didn't even remember I had missed til I walked past. Roll'd spring rolls. I also ordered a Bahn Mi, which is good because we didn;t get home til close to 4 pm.
And that was our not-so-fancy but 100% enjoyable trip to Sydney. Done and dusted til next time.
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