convict hulks and the demon duck of doom

I have relocated to another place just up the road from my previous hostel, in the area of potts point in sydney, and the difference could not be greater. just around the corner from the neon lights, pumping music and shady clubs, the streets are replaced with small cafe´s, adorable ´bohemian´ houses with exquisite balconies, intriguing deli´s, and most importantly, a blissful quietness. After following crowds, singing with masses and sleeping amongst hundred of thousands, the low key atmosphere is welcome and most appreciated!

My new abode has also come with a great sense of relief, and i will happily give up my free breakfast and live in a room with more people, for the homelike atmosphere, bright and airy rooms, and friendly inhabitants, not to mention the luxury of a decent nights rest! I´ve already booked my last 10+ nights in this place, and it will be my base for getting to grips with more of sydney.

Went up the pylon lookout next to sydney bridge which gave some fantastic views of the skyline, and blue clear skies to see it all the better with. I’ve never been to new york, or places i’d imagine having such an impressive horizon, so was very admiring of it!

The slightly ghastly bright red, yellow and orange backpacks of wyd pilgrims which used to blind you along the street by their sheer number are now only dotted around in occasional flashes of colour. I have been surprised at the number still around sydney, but from the people we have bumped into, most will be departing during this week. The merchandise tent is still up though, and people flock in each day to get their extra discounts.

Had a few very cultural days as the weather has turned wet and a bit nippy. thank goodness I am not one of these people suffering from seasonal affected disorder or I would be thoroughly depressed. Allan, Emma and I wandered around the botanic gardens jumping in and out of shelters as the rain permitted. I got stupidly excited at the cockatoos in the park, and felt like a child in a zoo. the variety of birds iv seen wandering around on the streets has been something very new to me, and I’v been watching them all with fascination!

visited the Australian museum the other day, and we spent 3-4 hours in there without even realising it. some really interesting exhibits, and we were all full of praise on leaving it. I was easily amused, and left still giggling at a prehistoric bird nicknamed the “demon duck of doom”. Yesterday was the maritime museum, and Emma and I fell for a very deceptive advert for an exhibition on “convict hulks” at the barracks museum (when i show you a photo of the advert you WILL realise why!) and felt very silly and thoroughly dissapointed to discover that the museum contained no ‘hulks’ at all. ( I have no knowledge of ships at all, maybe something i should brush up on..for those similarly perplexed as i was, a ‘hulk’ was another name for a convict ship..) That would definitely count as a ‘Rebecca moment’!

Also saw dark knight and will plug it ahead of time for you guys as its coming out over there soon i think – it is amazing! seriously disturbing though so you may have to find someone to hold your hand : )

With love and hugs,

Rx