And so , because 3 weeks galavanting around USA is not enough let’s have a weekend in Sydney first. As you do. The big bird to Dallas only flies from Sydney anyhoo so it is a necessity your honour. Booked into Hilton in George Street and asked for a high floor. 42 will do nicely. Basic room but everything u need including roll down blinds. Great location for discovering the city and some iconic erections. It was the month of Love in Sydney and also Chinese New Year or something so the place was full of lovers and Chinese. Just as well they lifted the one child restriction eh . We wanted to see all of the 12 “lanterns” littered around the city and were able to do this easily by foot over the two days. First up though was a walk to Darling Harbour for a walk and a bite . Such a lovely day we thought would be devilish and see if any cruises available at short notice and of course there were as it was that sort of trip so far. So off we headed with Gilligan for a 2.5 hr cruise – government cutbacks already! It’s a stunning harbour as we all know but does appear to be a free for all and why there are not daily accidents amazes me . Seems to be no rhyme or reason for rules of the sea except maybe big boat beats little boat for right of way. And there were some massive liners at dock. After our cruise it was back for a special dinner to celebrate my birthday and Valentines Day. We had booked into the Glass Brasserie on site which sounds a little low key but has a famous chef Luke Mangan so we gave it a whirl for the degustation and matching wine. Simply superb and trust me we have had a few degustations over time.
So after a rather rugged nights sleep the day dawned dark and miserable. Ah no, we left the blinds down again. Ok, another glorious day and those lanterns were coming down tomorrow so let’s head off . Walked to Circular Quay to see the great unwashed disembark at regular intervals and then around to Opera House etc. Then headed in opposite direction for Chinatown to complete our Lantern odyssey before back to room for a bed a lie down. Then it was time to check out the Lunar Markets over at Pyrmont Park which were nothing special to be honest but were located opposite Star Casino so instead we went to Skydeck bar and paid $10 for a Corona but the view was worth it trust me. A final dinner at Darling Harbour on way back concluded a rather wonderful 36 hrs.
It’s now 5 am Monday morning and CLP has just headed off to airport for red eye back to Brisvegas as she still has to work. Yeah tried to keep a straight face too but couldn’t manage it :). Just so the devoted fans don’t feel too sad for moi I was able to upgrade flight to Dallas to Business class using some FF points. Well, a lot of FF points but when you are #internationalbarfly they do accumulate over time ! So a lazy few hours to fill in this morning around hotel before head out to airport with feedbag and funnel in place . And then the real fun starts
It’s been a wonderful start to the holiday but will be glad when get to some cooler climates . One hopes for some snow maybe the following week but first up have to avoid pissing off the open carry brigade in Texas with my usual charm and sensitivity . I am representing Autralia after all
Have the cap to prove it!
flashman181 