Christmas in Sydney

Mon 25 Dec 2006 33 °C

The build up to Christmas has been almost non-existent. No lights in the streets, no tinsel in the pubs, no christmas tunes anywhere...

Christmas eve, most people finished work early. On my walk home from work the heavens opened and it didn't stop raining all day. We had thunder and lightening storms all afternoon. I took cover in the nearest pub and sat outside in the covered bit on the street. From the shelter of my table it was quite amusing to watch the tram go past like a boat, people rolling their trousers up to cross the road, then the biggest rat I've ever seen, I mean like the size of a small rabbit ran passed my feet - it must have been flooded out of the sewer. I got talking to people in the pub, most of whom had done the same as me and taken cover hoping it would pass. Becky came to meet me after she finished work and we ended staying there all night with a group of kiwis on the next table. Turned in to a really good night inspite of the crap weather.

Christmas day started with a bbq on the roof terrace at 12noon. I tried kangaroo, it was ok but don't think I'll be rushing out for more. A few glasses of champers and me & Becky decided to get a cab to Bondi beach. It takes about 15 minutes by car and as we were paying the cabbie Slade's 'it's christmas' came on the radio. The taxi driver turned it up for us and we sang our hearts out on the back seat...then it felt like christmas! Off to the beach only to find alcohol was prohibited, after a bag search we went for a quick paddle in the sea and off to the pub on the promenade. It was a great atmosphere in Bondi, people in santa hats, santa made an appearance on his jet ski and then walked up the beach giving out sweets. Kirsty and Simon came up later to meet us too and we all spent a hot afternoon in the sun.

I enjoyed boxing day. I caught the bus to Watsons Bay, the posh, expensive suburb of Sydney and I can see why...it's beautiful. The Bay gave superb views of the start of the annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race with the city skyline as the back drop. It was a nice relaxing day in the sun. Layed on the grass, ate fish and chips...

All in all a great bank holiday but not very christmassy. The ozzies just can't do christmas, we do it best. I think New Years will be their big one!

Christmas day - bbq on the roof terrace