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I went out to Aus on a one-way ticket, after searching around the flight market I was offered a bargin ticket for a snip at 199 pounds. Of course, I booked it instantly. It was a charter flight, companies run these low cost alternatives to Aus and if you know where to look, you'll get the bargin everyone else will be envious of (Check out my flight Centre) I landed after the long flight from England which included 2 stops at Bahrain and Singapore in the early eveing at Sydney International Airport.

Its was the 29th April 1997. Outside it was warm and humid but as it was towards the end of summer, the daylight was fading. So, I had to find a hostel, lucky for me, the first night, I stayed in luxury, a 4* hotel with the young lady who I was sat next to on the flight, I guess she felt sorry for me, or possibly my old English charm! So 1st night was sorted, did the earth move, well we'll not go into that!

So having left my 4* hotel, I had to come back down to earth with a bump and find a hostell, a minefield if ever there was one, but armed with my lonley planet book, (these books are the bible if you travel) I located one which sounded ok in Kings Cross called the JOLLY SWAGMAN, they did free pickups as well so I couldnt go wrong, or could I ? (Ever been to Kings cross?)

So, I gets all checked in, the hostel itself wasn't anything to write home about but it was in the heart of Kings Cross which I suppose was ok. Having not read up a great deal about Kings Cross It was to say the least, an eye opener. For those of you who dont know Kings Cross in Sydney,it is the sex part of town, there are strip clubs, peep shows, hookers, junkies, tourists and backpackers all mingled in togther giving it a unique atmosphere that has to experienced.

Despite its drugs problem and the large pressence of Prostitutes, it didnt feel like a threatening place, obvioulsly you have to be careful and you do hear the odd horror story, but myslef, I had no problems and I frequently walked around alone at night and lived to tell the tale.

So, when you get to Sydney, what do you want to see? Of course its the famous Opera house and the surrounding area. When you get there, after having flown from the other side of the earth and you see this for the first time, you tend to pinch yourself and have one of those " I cant beleive I'm here moments!" It is amazing, unique and well worth seeing. At night during the warmer months, there are always people sat all around, looking across the bay, having moments to themsleves, where else on earth could one wish to be.....

Sydney, is of couse known for its beauitful beaches. Without doubt, I'm sure the most famous is of course BONDI Beach . Its one of those places that you just gotta go, its not the best beach by a long shot, but its famous and anyone who is anyone has been seen floating around in Bondi.

I was fortunate enough to live and work in Bondi for a short time so had the pleasures of nipping down the beach for a few rays of ultra violet.
The probem I found with Bondi beach is it is so commercial nowadays.

Its poser paradise for sure and here is a gathering place for the most pretentious people of all who just want to come and be looked at.

If thats you, fine, if not a walk around cliff tops brings a more relaxed and secluded atmosphere and equally good sand and surf, without the crowds

Home & Away in Summer Bay

Last modified on Tuesday, February 09, 1999