Olde Sydney Town

Well, I'm on holiday for two weeks right now. Left work on Friday afternoon with a spring in my step therefore and plenty of relaxation in mind. Very busy few days before I left making sure everything was sorted in my absence but got there in the end so happy days indeed.

Day 1 of the holiday was then spent heading to Sydney for a lightening trip to catch up with a few of the boys down there. Being one night only, a small backpack was the extent of my luggage as I caught the airtrain from Eagle Junction.

Arrival at the airport wasn't met with much joy though, as it ended up taking 45mins just to get through check-in and security. The whole 30mins prior to your flight thing must surely be a thing of the past. Flying on standby through staff travel, there were a few moments where I wasn't sure if I'd make it on though. Alas, received my boarding pass as boarding commenced and it was off to Olde Sydney Town for me.

Sydney was hotter than expected and a new pickup system at the airport forces you to wait under the sun. Pickupers also have to get a ticket before proceeding to the pickup point so typical Sydney Airport and its need to implement the most inefficient way of doing things as possible.

Meeting up with the boys, it was then a trip down to Coogee for a swim. Bought back plenty of memories of my time living in Sydney as the place hasn't changed too much. Foreshore park filled with backpackers drinking and BBQing, a game of cricket going on on the Village Green further back, and hardly a speck of sand to be seen as it seems all of Sydney has come down for a swim. Can only imagine what Bondi must have looked like.

A dip and a throw of the ball was thoroughly enjoyed. Although our 35-36 year old skills weren't quite what they used to be. Plenty of mistimed classic catches but the water below made the impact quite enjoyable. Like being a kid again.

From there, we headed up for a few beers at the Coogee Palace. Looking very run-down compared to my times there nearly ten years ago but a top spot still looking over the beach from the northern end. Made even better by the "Guess the song and get a free Corona" special on at the time. As a result, we spent longer there than we expected but I must say those Coronas went down very well as songs such as "Highway to Hell" and "Little Lion Man" were far too easy to guess for this crew.

Back to the digs and quick showers and co, before hotfooting to the Clovelly Hotel to begin our night out. Already pretty packed with afternoon drinkers, we settled in to take in some Super 15 rugby and catchup again over memories of nights past. The place was certainly jumping shortly after as the band started up and we headed outside to escape the noise and attempt to maintain our conversations. We must be getting old.

Its funny though, this little corner of the world in Sydney. The eastern beaches really are there own little enclave as it appears the only reason people leave is to go to work during the week. The rest of the time, everything is at their fingertips. From the beach, to pubs/nightclubs. And a lot in between. Cafes, restaurants, cinemas, schools. Even a university and a race course.

Anyway, approaching 11pm, the decision was made to head back down into the Coogee to the infamous Coogee Bay Hotel. The busiest pub in Australia when you consider its ATMs hand out more money than any other in the country.

Been a long time since I'd been to 'The Bay' so quite an experience going back. Again, not a lot has changed. A beer garden that stretches forever. Nearly every nationality represented amongst the patrons. Including those who are still there after an afternoon swim at the beach. And plenty of security roaming around keeping them all in check.

Ahh, the memories. Actually, the memories aren't great from then on. Not sure why. Must have had a drink or two (or a bit more).

Yes, a top night was had with no idea as to when we actually got home. Surely a good sign. Or bad one depending on your point of view. Awesome to catch up with the Sydney boys and tell all the old stories and recall all the good times we've shared. If only we could do it all the more often.

Alas, it was a lightening trip down so a mid-morning flight back to Brisbane meant a quick exit to the airport and bon voyage to Olde Sydney Town. It wanted to hold on to me for a bit longer though as I spent 4 hours waiting for my delayed flight following a system crash for the airline. Oh well, you got to take the good with the bad when you're getting free flights.

So that was my adventure to Sydney over the weekend. Not compelling reading I know but keen to do a bit more journal-type posts rather than sounding like a feature journalist most of the time. Not everything has to be serious and informative.

Here's to my holidays anyway. And until the next time,

EDM.