This one is a long time in coming.
I thought I'd add a report on the probably the most famous city in Australia largely because its so far been a glaring omission. Actually what has prompted me to write this one up is just having spent a week up on North Sydney for work.
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Transport - Usually good, although on Wednesday the entire metropolitan rail network was shut down due an accident involving a motorcycle and a van on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. God help you if Dick Chenney is in town...
It was the 75th anniversary of the Harbour Bridge this weekend.
Travel Times - Typically any Sydney sider who does not work in the suburb in which they live can expect to commute for up to 1 1/2 to 2 hours covering any distance from 20 Kms to 100+ Kms. This time in transit is regardless of the mode (bus, ferry, train, car). It is actually about the same amount of time to drive to Sydney from Canberra as it is to fly.
Cost of Living - Sydney has as a rule, has highest cost of living of any city in Australia. In recent times Perth has crept up to challenge this title - which frankly boggles the mind as to what you could possible be blowing your money on in Perth?!? it largely boils down to the revenue raising tactics of the State Govt of NSW. There are plenty of taxes that a Sydney Sider will pay twice (or three times if the local council is involved).
Housing - There are two types of houses in Sydney, the one you own and the one you wish you owned. Everyone in this city wants to be on the up and up. Get the right kind of house, get to the right kind of suburb, enjoy all the trappings that come with that kind of postcode. Whatever that may be. As a rule of thumb people settle in one ghetto of Sydney and never move out or at least never from long. Whether its the Eastern Suburbs (but only as far South as Bronte), the Inner West (Glebe to Leichhardt) the West (Parramatta and beyond) as examples.
As a result its best to think of Sydney as a series of small townships.
Entertainment - There are 2 things to do in Sydney on the weekend, go pubbing or go clubbing. And you can be assured that regular conversation is impossible in either situation.
Beaches - Wonderful! Sydney has the best beaches of any Capital City in Australia. Unfortunately in order to get out to them, you rely on public transport as there is never any parking and your car is liable to be broken into while your there.
Sport - Sydney will leap on the bandwagon of ANY local team,
as long as it is doing well. The Sydney Swans are a prime example, ticket sales go through the roof if they are on a winning streak and drop like a stone if they are on a losing one.
Celebrations - Sydney is a party city and will show off at the drop of a hat. That said the events are always spectacular (largely due the harbour) and well attended. Its no surprise to me that the Sydney Olympics went off as well as they did.
People - As a rule the people of Sydney are friendly and always have the time for a chat. But this, as a rule, can be applied to most Australians. Its in their character to have a good old yarn with a complete stranger it is certainly one of the first things I noticed about them.
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Sydney, in my opinion, is a city thats at its best when visited. Its a great holiday destination, its bright, shinny and you can view 2 of the worlds most recognisble landmarks from any spot on the harbour.
I can't live there myself. The crowds piss me off, I hate driving through the city - it takes forever to get anywhere. No one reads books - everyone reads magazines...
Like I said, for me at least, a great place to visit.
Hey gang!! Its scary movie time again!!!
