Amoi on Pedals: Sydney (25-30 March 2017) : Day 1

Dabbing with a backdrop of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge

St Mary's Cathedral

View of the city from Cook and Phillip Parl

Beautiful path along Cook and Phillip Park

Art at Cook and Phillip Park

Peanut at Macquaries Point, with HMAS Canberra LO2

Hoping to provoke the ire of Mrs Macquarie?

Royal Botanical Gardens

Royal Botanical Gardens with Government House in the background

Royal Botanical Gardens, with Carmen, in red across the river

Taking the last flights out of Singapore is a real challenge especially when your flight is delayed to 3.15 am, an hour an a half off course! Past 1 am, all duty free shopping grinds to a stop and with fewer people, the temperature drops as well. Hoping to find a place to snuggle, you will be disappointed to find the "free to use snooze lounge" is full since hours ago! Even strategic floor spaces with wall sockets are hard to come by!

Arriving in Sydney 8 hours later, we went through immigration smoothly. However, we were delayed waiting for VT's luggage. Strange that both bags were checked in at the same time but one took a lot longer than the other to come out from the hole.

When we reached Larmont Hotel at Kings Cross Rd, it was already close to 3.30 pm. Located at the fringe of the famed red light district, we were disappointed we did not see any vice throughout our stay. Recently refurbished, the rooms were modern and comfy. Coles was just around the corner and food outlets, a short walk away!

Assembling our Bromptons which came in our Lojel suitcases, we eagerly rode out.

Fueled only by a Cadbury chocolate bar consumed as our plane was descending, we were only hungry for what Sydney could offer.

Besides, having paid AUD 60 for a taxi from the airport, we were not keen to hop into yet another one, even if given the same luxurious van with wheelchair facility! We were in Sydney to ride and that's what we were planning to do!

Leaving our hotel, we hit William St, then turned right to Boomerang Pl and were quickly distracted when we saw Cook & Philip Park. We were charmed by the native bird and St Mary's cathedral. Exploring the park further, we bumped into an Asian lady who was walking her dogs. She was very curious with our small little bikes, asking lengthy questions.

Taking our leave, we took a peak at Yurong Highway before making our way to Mrs Macquaries Point. A mere 3 km distance from our hotel, we were drowned by the sights for hours!!!

Our chosen route initially led us to the front of the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Part of The Domain, the gallery overlooks a vast park with matured trees. Approaching Mrs Macquaries Point, we were greeted by the yachts moored at Fingers Wharf.

Our eyes soon caught sight of HMAS Adelaide LO1 and HMAS Canberra LO2 docked at Garden Island, a part of the Royal Australian Navy on Port Jackson. The two helicopter landing class docks were berthed, idle on its homeport. Contrary to these 2 ships, on the other side of Sydney Harbour, The Royal Carribean was preparing to weigh anchor blasting its horn which could be heard from our side.

Carmen was showing during our visit and parts of Mrs Macquaries Point were cordoned off to facilitate the pop up opera house, all equipped with an outdoor stage and tiered seatings. Taking advantage of a harbourside view, it was a bit confusing for visitors like us as otherwise, we could have followed the path all the way to Sydney Opera House. That said, it did not deter us from queuing up for the best vantage point of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge!

Before leaving, we paid our respects to the Ghosts of Mrs Macquarie on her favourite sandstone chair. Carved from a rock by convicts in 1810, it was said to serve the Governess of New South Wales well whenever she wanted a panoramic lookout of the ships sailing into the Harbour.

Bent on finding a closer view of Sydney Opera House, we went via Royal Botanic Gardens. Approaching the gates, 2 couples with their respective best men and bridesmaids were posing for their wedding photos. Inside, we had to wheel our bicycles past a water fountain and a quaint cafe that was hosting a party. Trying to enjoy the sights, we soon had to hurry as it began to drizzle. We were practically whizzing past the plants and wild birds without much thoughts all the while keeping a close eye for the rumbling choo choo train!!!

Towards one end of the Gardens, we came upon the Government House, then emerged out to a lane leading to Sydney Opera House. Throughout all this, the drizzle continued to come and go.

Spurred by hunger pangs, we decided not to dine by the Opera House no matter how romantic dining by the harbour can be! We'd rather not risk getting our food wet!! Instead we left via Macquarie St, took cover under the Cahill Expressway, snapped a photo of King Edward Vll's bronzed statue and were charmed by the architectural designs of Sydney's Conservatorium.

Just a little ahead was Rose Garden and Pavilion, yet another lush greenery smack in the city. We wished we had time to sit in the rose gardens for tea but it was getting dark and we had to salute Matthew Flinders for his circumnavigation work of what was to be called Australia today! He stood frozen in time amongst the heritage buildings in Sydney, namely the state library, Parliament House, and museum.

Approaching the end of the street, Archibald Fountain caught our eye. As a first time visitor, the center piece statue with streams of water spurting out appeared like a Siamese Buddha with many hands! Located in Hyde Park, we circumvented its perimeters passing Hyde Park Barracks Museum and once again St Mary's Cathedral, although this time we were coming from the front side.

The old quarters, behind William St

Coming back to Cook & Philip Park again, we hit William St once more. Beyond that, it was a continuous climb all the way back to our hotel.

That night, we found our way to Plateia, a Greek Restaurant located a mere 2 minutes walk from Larmont. It was our second meal of the day, after a nasi lemak and lasagna at 39,000 feet above ground! The Lamb Souvlaki was our favourite and this joint turns out to be our favourite hang out place for many nights to come!

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Larmont Hotel