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The Sights of Sydney – Queen Victoria Building and Darling Harbour

Queen Victoria Building

After catching a bit of sport at the soccer match, I spent the following day around the Darling Harbor area of Sydney.

The first stop was the Queen Victoria Building which I ran into almost as soon as I got off the train.

Normally a shopping mall wouldn't be a must-see for me, however, the exterior design drew me in and I found the interior to be even cooler with its mosaic floors.

I grabbed a cup of cappuccino and watched well-dressed women with designer bags walk past ridiculously expensive stores.

Interior of Queen Victoria Building

After the mall, I headed to the harbor. The overcast skies soon rained down on me.

I decided to skip the tourist activities requiring money – the aquarium, the world's largest IMAX theater, etc.

Darling Harbour

There were orange flags throughout the downtown area as Australia Day was quickly approaching.

It's a national holiday to celebrate the founding of Australia by Europeans and seems to be akin to America's July 4th.

Basically, it's an excuse to have a BBQ, beer, and a 3-day weekend.

Monorail and skyline

I finished my afternoon's stroll with a walk through Chinatown.

Paddy's Markets were closed, and I wouldn't make it back to them. It's an Irish-themed street market with lots of cheap goods.

After 24 hours in Sydney, I started to feel like I could be in the United States. It felt comfortable.

The transit system was extensive, yet the information was well communicated.

I was impressed by the LCD screens in the train stops which seemed light years ahead of the LED displays we just recently got in Washington, DC.

King's Cross in Sydney

In the evening, I went out with some people from my hostel to Scubar. 

Our hostel had an entertainment guide whose job it was to take backpackers out to a different bar each night with the promise of a free drink. 

I think it's a way to welcome all the foreigners who come to Sydney and Australia with the intention to stick around and work. 

Scubar was a basement bar frequented by backpackers, and it was a mess of drunken people. 

Somehow I managed to enjoy it for a few beers before heading back to home base – King's Cross.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

Raisa Bratu

Friday 29th of October 2010

I know this is really boring and you are skipping to the next comment, but I just wanted to throw you a big thanks - you cleared up some things for me!

Dave

Saturday 2nd of February 2008

It is someone else. I know what you mean - and the English influence is all over the world!

Kango Suz

Friday 1st of February 2008

Is that you or someone else in a backpack in your King's Cross picture?

When I stayed in London, I stayed at the King's Cross Backpacker's. I always love to follow as names jump continents and oceans as a result of colonization. Wild.

Kango Suz

Sunday 3rd of February 2008

So I suppose now one could say "The sun never sets on the wild remnants of the British Empire known as city nexuses by the name of 'King's Cross'" :wink:

Karl from Dewey

Friday 1st of February 2008

Dave this is awesome! I use my lunch break at work to catch up on your travels. Makes me feel like I am some place other than work. :grin: Keep up the good work!

Dave

Saturday 2nd of February 2008

Thanks Karl - good to hear from you! Bali is fantastic and I can't wait to catch you all up on it. :)

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