Pack minutes before leaving? Naturally. Research once on plane? Sure. But even procrastinating travelers like us usually have at least lodging figured out prior to departure. For our trip Down Under though, more details were left unattended to than our norm : accommodations, itinerary, and most importantly, a last minute weather check... Wishful thinking led us to believe sunshine and heat was all that was in store for us in Australia, but a parting heat wave left Sydney with bouts of chilly, wet weather. Pouring rain lasted well over a week.
Late booking put us in a hotel overlooking Darling Harbour, a neighborhood similar to New York City's Seaport, but bigger and cleaner. Sydney is like a Hybrid of New York, Rio and Hong Kong ( although just for a few days, it also reminded us of London ). It's urban, diverse, coastal, and suited with pretty beaches within reach, what's not to like?
Lots of restaurants can be found in Darling Harbour, but for our first meal in Australia, we headed straight for Sydney Fish Market. Despite being a huge tourist attraction, great seafood deals can be found here.
Lobsters were decent, but relatively expensive and not as sweet as their distant Maine cousins. Best bargains here were Salmon and Tuna Sashimi, Oysters, Prawns, and local fish, all very fresh and cheaper than NY. Walk through the market's many shops and stalls, order your fresh catch and pick a cooking method, then enjoy it in a cafeteria style setting with wine purchased from a shop inside.
Freshly shucked Sydney Rock Oysters, tasted like crisp, open ocean.
Local Mud Crabs for sale.
Local Mud Crabs for sale.
Shiny, pretty fish.
If we only had some sun...
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