Royal Hotel in Paddington
Warning. This post is a bit over the top image wise as my mind is exploding with everything Sydney!
Since The Captain returned home to Italy last week for a visit, I have been networking/interviewing and enjoying the sights of Sydney, often in the company of friends. I feel like I have been shot out of a cannon after spending six relaxing months in the islands. But it is all good. Sydney feels like home.
The night The Captain departed, my friends Aimee and Andy invited me to see Hozier in concert at the Hordern Pavilion. I was quite the concert goer in my New York days, and went to many shows with Aimee and Andy when they lived in NYC. Since they returned to their home in England in 2005, I have only seen Aimee and Andy once. But lucky me, six months ago they moved to Sydney so I expect to see a lot of them.
I felt a bit apprehensive about going to a concert again after a few years at sea. But I relaxed a bit while walking to the Pavilion through charming Paddington. And Hozier was awesome and the crowd was very relaxed, so now I am keen to see more shows while I am in Sydney.
The next day, I set out on my first of many visits to Hyde Park and surrounding areas where I’ve been treated to countless, breathtaking sights. I didn’t get great shots at the Hozier Concert, so I am sharing pictures of my tours instead.
On Saturday, I met up with Helen, Pamela, and Kerry, three sailor friends that were visiting Sydney for a bit of ‘girl time’. We had lunch, enjoyed a bit of the Matsuri festivities, and then headed to the very ornate Chinese Garden of Friendship which are modeled after the classical gardens of Suzhou (where my friend Debbie lives).
One of my favorite aspects of The Garden was the availability of traditional clothing that many patrons donned as they stroll the pathways. And there were many spill over visitors from Matsuri Sydney sporting outfits that added even more color.
After a taste of the traditional, we opted for some science fiction and headed off to the theater to see The Martian (today a dream, tomorrow a reality, The #MarsGeneration is going to make it happen) . It was my first movie since leaving New Zealand in May. A throughly entertaining day indeed.
Next up…Bondi Beach and Sculptures By The Sea
For The Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Ornate
Artistami.Eva November 13, 2015
Beautiful, Lisa.
Lisa Dorenfest November 13, 2015 — Post Author
? I have to admit that I am a bit overstimulated by all of the big city buzz Eva, but in a good way. Sydney has so much beauty on offer that I can’t wait to drink it all in ?
Ladybuggz November 13, 2015
sounds like your having fun!!
Lisa Dorenfest November 13, 2015 — Post Author
?It has been a bit of a whirlwind since arriving in Sydney. So much to see and friends popping up everywhere. Truly a treat.
ledrakenoir November 13, 2015
So fascinating, very well captured… 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest November 13, 2015 — Post Author
? Drake. Sydney is brilliant! ?
ledrakenoir November 13, 2015
Yes no doubt, you captures tells it very well… 🙂
Faraday's Candle November 14, 2015
You really have captured the feel of the place. The Harajuku outfits are hilarious and very much a part of pop culture. The traditional clothing is just spectacular. Beautiful photos as always.
Lisa Dorenfest November 14, 2015 — Post Author
? Thank you. So far, Sydney has been a delight for the eyes. And I’ve got Mars fever after seeing the movie and reading your most recent post ?
Frankie Beane November 14, 2015
Love the Royal Hotel. Times gone by.
The QVB is also sensational (great pics of the stained glass and staircase). I am glad that they preserved the building so well–now we can all enjoy it.
The Xmas decorations are really restrained. No silver trees for them. No Xmas displays here in Halifax–I kinda miss them. Macys always does a great job on their windows at Christmas time.
Glad you are having a good time.
Lisa Dorenfest November 14, 2015 — Post Author
? Thank you. So many wonderful things to see here I am operating a bit on overload, but loving it. I would think there would be tons of ? displays in Halifax. Surprised to hear there are not.
Santa November 14, 2015
So so happy for you!! You’re truly lucky to have done what you wished for so long!
Xoxo
Santa
Lisa Dorenfest November 14, 2015 — Post Author
? Thank you Santa! I am lucky indeed ?
badfish November 15, 2015
I love that hotel….so Aussie, eh?
Lisa Dorenfest November 15, 2015 — Post Author
Defo!
restlessjo November 15, 2015
Thank you for taking me along, Lisa! It looks such an exciting city and this is as close as I will get so I shall make the most 🙂 🙂 Your opening photo looks like New Orleans to my untutored eye… no, never been there either 🙁 but I’m sure Sydney must be an amalgam of all styles. Doesn’t she do ornate beautifully? 🙂 Hugs, darlin’!
Lisa Dorenfest November 15, 2015 — Post Author
Thanks for hanging out with me here Jo! I totally agree that the first photo looks like something from New Orleans…and I have been there many times. Sydney is indeed an amalgam of styles and interestingly, I find so many similarities to those in Chicago and New York as well. I keep on feeling like I am home when I walk around this place and then someone starts speaking and I remember that I am in Australia. Strange but true. Hugs back!
Manja Mexi Movie November 16, 2015
Your images are crystal clear and crisp Sidney commercials. 🙂 Your post-sea view is so fresh and hungry. Really enjoyed this.
Lisa Dorenfest November 17, 2015 — Post Author
Well thank you so much! I am having fun on land again but a bit overwhelmed by all of the beauty in front of me!
Liesbet November 16, 2015
You will NEVER run out of things to do in Sydney, Lisa! Enjoy…. the overwhelmingness and a little bit of peace aboard or in a park during the week! xxx
Lisa Dorenfest November 17, 2015 — Post Author
I have a long and growing list of things to do. Going out sailboat racing today and planning to head to the Botanic Gardens tomorrow. Sydney rocks!
Mary November 16, 2015
Aloha from sleepy Hilo! Thanks for the peek into your urban visit of the city! Australia is on my list. Enjoy.
Lisa Dorenfest November 17, 2015 — Post Author
Oh you would SO love it here Mary. I have only just begun to explore Sydney and of course there is this whole big continent awaiting. Come visit!
PS – Missing the Isle of Big
Cardinal Guzman November 19, 2015
Have they started celebrating Christmas there already? When is Christmas there down under?!?
Lisa Dorenfest November 19, 2015 — Post Author
Tell me about it! They seem to start celebrating here in Australia even earlier than in the US. I didn’t think that was possible.
Gallivanta November 20, 2015
This is a side of Sydney I don’t know at all. It’s beautiful. I obviously spent too much of my time there in the suburbs! Have you captured any photos of the jacaranda trees? Perhaps their flowering is over by now.
Lisa Dorenfest November 21, 2015 — Post Author
The jacarandas were in full bloom when we arrived but sadly, I never captured one in a way that sufficiently displayed its beauty. They are simply gorgeous. My camera could not do them justice!
Gallivanta November 21, 2015
Ah well, at least you have seen them. 🙂
Lignum Draco December 1, 2015
I’ve never thought of Sydney as ornate, but when you put all these photos together, it is. Glad you’re having a good time exploring the city.
Lisa Dorenfest December 1, 2015 — Post Author
? This place is AWESOME. So much to see and do. The list keeps on growing. Hoping to find a contract role while I’m here, but until I do, I get to have so much fun playing ❤️??
Lignum Draco December 1, 2015
PS Visit the main quadrangle at Sydney Uni for a little bit of Hogwarts architecture in Sydney.
Lisa Dorenfest December 1, 2015 — Post Author
? for the tip! Will do.
Paula March 4, 2016
In this case less is definitely not more. I loved your captures and I appreciate your posting them as I will never visit Sydney.
Lisa Dorenfest March 4, 2016 — Post Author
Well thank you Paula! And you never know. There was a time where I thought I’d never visit Sydney…yet her I am ?