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Australia: First Day in Sydney

3/29/2018

 
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As soon as I stepped out the door of my flat in the morning, I realized I made a monumental wardrobe error. It was hot, humid, and sunny. Almost everyone was wearing shorts and flip flops. Thinking the weather would be cool (late March is autumn in Australia), I packed warm clothes for hiking—jeans and turtlenecks and only one short sleeved top. I never wear sundresses or shorts; if you’ve seen my skinny white legs you know why. Clearly the first task of the day was a quick shopping trip to find summer tops.

My flat was just off MacLeay Street, which is a trendy shopping area. I saw a dressy white t-shirt in a store window and popped in to look at it. The price tag was AU$119 (Australian dollars), which was $91.50 US dollars and way out of my budget. Just down the street I found a discount store and purchased a nice tank top for AU$10. My wallet and I were much happier with that choice, and I had a more comfortable top to wear on that hot day.

After changing into my new, comfy top, I explored the area near my flat, looking for things that were typically Australian. 
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I spotted an Australian White Ibis in Fitzroy Gardens. It took me a while to figure out he was standing on just one leg.
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Also in Fitzroy Gardens was a sign pointing to many destinations. Sydney is a hub for backpackers who are headed to some of those destinations. 
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Sydney's multitude of backpacker hostels have “street art” inspired signs.
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As I continued to ramble, I saw a sign for Kings Cross Bakery’s homemade pies. I thought of American fruit pies and suddenly had an intense craving for a slice of apple pie, or cherry, or maybe lemon meringue. But Australian shops offer meat pies and beef and vegetable pasties. 
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Although disappointed that I couldn't order a slice of apple pie, I was a good sport and tried a pasty. It was the real deal. My dad grew up eating pasties, so I learned to make them with potatoes and rutabagas. Oh, the pasty and a lemon bar cost AU$12.50. It was expensive to eat in Sydney!
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I saw pay telephones around Sydney. Lots of them. Even in Australia there are people who don’t have cell phones. I found that surprising because in the U.S. lots of young kids have cell phones.
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Random thought: The Australian accent is fun to listen to but sometimes difficult to understand. I asked for directions to an internet cafe and was told to go to Steinwall. What? Steinwall. What? Steinwall. Like a “stein” in a “wall.” Okay, I finally got it! Stonewall! The Australian accent is definitely unique to Australia!
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    Paula McDermid

    I love Australian Shepherd dogs and travel! Join me as I explore Europe, meet Aussies and their owners, and discover exciting places you'd love to visit.

    I moved to Europe from the U.S. in May 2017 and haven't looked back! My dream is to share with you the exquisite beauty of castles, cathedrals, and communities in the Old World. 

    I hope to inspire you to chase your own dreams. Come and explore with me!


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