Traveling to Sydney alias the journey of madness
And finally after a long time thinking about it, I’m ready to leave.
I start by warning you of a very important aspect: if you decide to go to Australia, do not take a plane with Air India Limited.
There is nothing to say about the onboard crew and the very spacious aircraft, with a large screen to distract you a little while on the voyage; But if you do not want to spend three days to get there, then this company is not for you. Yes, my dear ones, because they can not only tell you that the plane travels two hours late but you may hear that the plane continues to accumulate the delay and so you have to look at the airport hotel, take a flight at 4:25 pm In the morning, get to New Dehli who does not surely excel in checking and fast bureaucracy, sleeping another night at the airport without being able to leave (not having an Indian visa!), Resume the plane with another intermediate stop (for me Melbourne) and finally get to the destination practically with more than one day’s delay.
In fact, I seemed to be in a movie like The Terminal or Fantozzi, for the series, is really happening ???
So I cursed myself over and over again for choosing this company, what you would not do to save 300 € !!!
The thrill of seeing from the window the Australian bush and the coast around Sydney is good luck to nerve and fatigue for a while. It is at that precise moment that you begin to realize that the journey yu desired for so long is now begun.
Security Check at Sydney airport
Even before leaving my colleagues, friends, and network I was told how strict controls were at the airport.
I have to make a small premise: when traveling outside Europe, except for rare cases, we need to fill out leaflets regarding the visa and self-declaration of what is being done within the country to which you are going.
Knowing all the restraints and security problems of the Australian continent, I decided in my doubt to declare my herbal medicine as well. Do you know when you did the class tasks and by doing four accounts you realized that it was better to answer and make mistakes rather than respond? Here’s the concept is more or less the same, always better state useless things rather than declare and find out that you should have done it.
Anyway, coming back to us, arriving at Sydney airport I expected to see apocalyptic scenes, cops robbing in luggage or drugs that sniff you, however, nothing at all. Indeed, in the end, apart from checking the passport and visa that personally always gives me some anxiety, I was asked only a question about what kind of product I had and nothing more.
I personally found much more rigid and pressing controls at Lima airport rather than Sydney in Sydney, should I suggest it to Airport Security makers?
Anyhow, what an amazing thing, but fortunately, it is that the luggage had been embarked two days before they arrived at their destination!
First impressions about Sydney
Sydney airport is not far from the city center, but despite this, the train ticket costs $ 15! Here, one of the first impressions on Sydney and Australia is that it is a very expensive destination. For those who like me are used to traveling to Central South America and South East Asia, this aspect will be difficult to digest even after several days.
Big Hostel
Elizabeth Street is the hostel where I will stay for a week. The hostel is called Big Hostel and is easy to reach from the central station, just cross the road and turn left and after 5 minutes walk you have come to your destination.
Apart from some disagreements with the reception on the nights booked, my opinion is absolutely positive.
If you are looking for a place to meet travelers/tourists or Working Holiday People of different ages, this is the place for you. Here you can meet both the job seekers who already work and live in the hostel, either families or backpackers of all ages.
Another important point is the wi-fi connection that can be used in the common area or television where everyone can choose which movie to see.
Breakfast is included in the price, not to be underestimated either because it is the main meal of the day, and because in so many other hostels in Australia it is never included.
The hostel also has a laundry room where you can use washing machines/dryers and irons or you can wash your own clothes and stretch them out.
Returning to the city, Elizabeth Street is one of Sydney’s many main streets and the other is very long.
Some roads continue for miles and can cross the city from one end to the other. The downtown streets are very busy, so I think traffic is the main problem of the city, which a person like me will never get used to. There are a lot of machines that flock to the main arteries, on the contrary, there are few people who ride the city by bike, it’s probably more likely to see people with the mono pack and skateboard than with the bike! Also, when you are waiting for your turn at a traffic light, you will soon notice how much the pedestrian green signal really does not really matter.
If you are a fan of chaos, bargain shops and crowds of people, George Street is definitely the way for you. They then follow Pitt Street, Oxford Street and, in part, Elizabeth Street.
These long streets cut the city from north to south, and from east to west, in short, if the direction of direction is not your strong then try to focus on these main streets and you will not miss it.
For example, if you travel through George Street, Pitt Street, and Elizabeth Street, from the Central Station, you get to the North part of the city near Circular Quay.
City Areas:
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Inner CBD is the financial district, here offices make it a master and consequently, in the evening the streets are empty. Sydney Center;
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Chinatown is certainly Sydney’s most popular neighborhood and the cheapest one, both for housing and for the living. West CBD area;
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North Beaches, one of the most sought-after and most expensive areas. However, consider the distance to the center that can be reached by bus and train from Bondi Junction. North of the city;
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King Cross: City Red Light District, full of local. A neighborhood where you never get bored. North East;
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Surry Hills, is the vintage neighborhood of the city, here you will find shops specializing in clothes and accessories a bit dated, but do not expect great deals at Notting Hill in London, prices are not very cheap. There are many bars and restaurants that stand out very much from those in the center. It is a very desirable area because it is quiet but not far from the center. Imagine old railing houses with boulevards covered with huge trees. Southeast
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Paddington, is the easternmost district of the city, there are design and sought after shops. Apart from this, I think the only attraction is the Saturday market called “Paddington Market” and the typical homes.
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Ultimo and Glebe. University district, very young and demanding. Glebe is definitely my favorite neighborhood. It is not far from the city center but it is left out enough to not be constantly invaded by the chaos. It is a real neighborhood whose centers of interest are concentrated on Glebe Point Road. It is an alternative neighborhood with many new and used bookstores, ethnic restaurants, holistic shops, natural products, etc.
His Alternative / Hippy / Vintage soul explodes during the Glebe Markets every Saturday morning until 3 pm in public school spaces.
A fascinating aspect of the neighborhood is not just the typical terraced houses that could be found in other areas as well but the city view. It almost seems to be in one of those American movies where you see the street, the green and in the distance the skyline of the cities.
The green in the city
For lovers of tranquility as the undersigned, there are so many remedies. The most suitable neighborhoods for walking on non-busy roads are Surry Hills and Paddington (excluding Oxford Street). But we must also point out that the city is full of parks and tree-lined avenues, and that Australians love sports and outdoor activities.
A park that I highly recommend, easily accessible from many streets, such as Elizabeth Street, is Hyde Park. It is the park that every city should have, as well as Sydney’s oldest. It has nothing special apart from a fountain in front of the church like Saint-James. But it’s perfect because it’s just a stone’s throw away from the financial center, but you can relax among trees and meadows, and suddenly the sound of the horns is replaced by the noise of the leaves, the sound of the birds, and perhaps the songs of some street artist.
It is not uncommon, rather, it is quite common to meet a grandmother walking the grandchild, people doing physical activity, the employee of a company who with both jacket and tie lays on the lawn, this is one of the things that make it clear The visitor, the tourist or a temporary resident like me who the Australians’ lifestyle is certainly high and who can just be ready to get out of their schemes to enjoy the outdoors.
Another curious look is to see elegant women wearing their flip-flops and holding their shoes with a heel or a man in a jacket and a tie with flip flops!
Apart from this folklore news, Hyde Park is a major green lung for the city, but not the only one.
Another place I love about the city is the Royal Botanics Garden, which is certainly the attraction I most like about this city. They are located in the proximity of the renowned Opera House, right on the right of the famous city sights. They are very wide and you can decide which part of the city to go back, whether to go out again to the sea and then to the Opera House or go out near Pitt Street.
Imagine a green oasis set in front of the ocean, a collection of plants, flowers, shrubs and European trees but above all tropical or meadows with huge trees where you can repair from the hot sun. Add benches and sea-side ponds or ponds and water lilies, in short, a unique place in the city to regenerate.
Point of interest is Macquarie Point which can be reached by walking along the sea, from this small edge of the coast you will have a beautiful view of the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge.
As you walk through the streets of the city, it seems to be in the UK, the impression of British settlers is everywhere, though the presence of so many Asians seems to be changing a few things.
The first thing that struck me is seeing old English palaces and monuments (the few remaining) close to the huge skyscrapers overlooking the city.
An image of this mix between the old and the modern one can be right next to the Town Hall wherein a skyscrapers area the town hall and St.Andrews church retain their historical footprint. Or next to the Harbor Bridge, where the pier and the skyline of the city are crossed by the high-rise buildings with tall skyscrapers along the pier.
The Opera House and the Harbour Bridge
These two places of interest have long been considered the icons of the city, and as icons, the horde of people present in this area can initially be frustrated.
It’s an area, of course, full of bars and restaurants, and from here you can take ferries to nearby Manly, to the zoo or just to visit the harbor.
I did not have any expectations about this place, but I did not imagine that two miles from the Harbor, and the Circular Quay, could not yet see the harbor, the water. In fact, the Harbor is visible at the moment when you cross some of the arcades above which the railway passes.
Apart from this, I would say that the view of the Opera House from the Harbor Bridge and the Royal Botanics Garden is spectacular. And it is true that when the sun is over, the light shines through the Opera House, making it look like shiny sails.
As for the Harbor Bridge, it is possible to walk it on foot or climb on the highest part of it with harness, but to do so you will have to pay $ 220!
Another beautiful walk that can be done is at The Rocks, the oldest and most historic part of town, here on Saturday morning, you can stroll through the local handicraft stalls.
Bondy & Manly Beaches
Bondi Beach and Manly are undoubtedly the most restored beaches in Sydney. If you ask for advice or impressions on the two beaches you will find that some sympathize with one finding flaws on the other and vice versa. So my advice is to see them both to give you an opinion.
Reaching the renowned beach of Bondi Beach is very easy, just take the 333 or 378 bus from Hyde Park ($ 7 A / R). It can be said that Bondi Beach is the city’s beach. It is not uncommon to meet around the streets, people who are going to the sea or just returned home. It is perhaps this aspect that most affects the visitor and that will make you smile.
It is advisable to get to the beach early in the morning to savor the sea and town atmosphere before getting crowded with Australians and not.
It is unbelievable that this seaside resort that in all respects is part of the city seems to represent another world.
Here everything moves slower, even the stores are different, you will find plenty of surfing or sea-life stores, even a brand of clothes on Bondi Beach and surf. It almost seems to be in California, all around the beach, the waves and the surf. It is not difficult to see groups of surfers defying the waves, or teachers teaching this discipline to young and old.
Swimming in the waters of the Ocean is not easy, in addition to the very cold water temperature, the current is very strong so you should pay attention and remember to swim between the flags placed on the sand that indicate the safest place to swim for Make close encounters with sharks.
To get to Manly Beach you have to take the ferry from Circular Quay. The A / R ticket in the week costs $ 15 but if you go on Sunday just $ 2.50!
This makes this beach less accessible than the other beach, but the ride on the ferry leaving the Harbor giving you an exceptional panorama of the city is definitely one of those things you can not miss.
Watching the city from the sea is making the vastness of the metropolis, perhaps even a bit puzzling if you stop imagining me walking through busy streets and skyscrapers.
The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes, and once you get off you will follow the signs to “the course” and then get to the beach.
Manly’s beach is more open than Bondi’s and is partly surrounded by trees beside the long sea.
In both cases like in other Australian beaches, the parts where it is possible to swim are reported by two yellow and red flags. People should swim “between the flags” but in fact, they almost never do so and often they are called by the lifeguards.
One thing is certain, it is very difficult to swim in these waters because if there is some wind the currents become very strong. I wonder how to make some kids swim in these waters.
Beyond these aspects, what strikes is the wave and surf atmosphere and surfers waiting for a perfect wave and continually challenging the forces of nature.
Public offices and banks
The aspect that will make you appreciate being from across the globe and in an Anglo-Saxon country is certainly the bureaucracy and efficiency of public administration and immigration offices. In Martin Place, for example, there is an office where very kind and qualified staff help immigrants just come to fill out questions like Tax File Number or Medicare.
But even more nice about banks, I’m not a lover of banks for a number of reasons but coming here in Aussie with the Working Holyday visa and wanting to find a job you need to open a bank account.
On the advice of a friend, I chose the Commonwealth, a choice that was found to be cheaper than others as with the simple bill you have to pay $ 4 per month.
Taking aside economic issues, what struck me was getting into a Birkenstock bank and being welcomed by a concierge who asks for your name and what you need and that accompanies you to another person who makes you wait in some sort To sit with you and cookies.
You are even excused for the wait of just 10 minutes! Wonderful!
Phone and the Internet
Forget the unlimited internet phone deals we have in Italy and Europe.
Here, on the other side of the world, mobile network services could not be dear to the network.
Just one example: With 30 $ monthly subscription I have a great margin to call and send SMS but I only have 800mb of the internet!
Roads on billboards come from $ 45 a month for 2 GB of the internet!
In short, if you arrive in OZ and start searching for the best phone deals and network access, you will soon find it easier to open a bank counter to decide which company to choose and with which subscription.
There is, however, a very positive aspect, wi-fi is practically everywhere in the city, the best places are the libraries such as the State Library of NSW which you will probably talk later, but also at the restaurants’ bars and on the streets, you will not have Problems finding the network. The only flaw in Internet usage in public places is the slow connection.
The other slide of the Working Holiday Visa. What the Italians in Aussie will never say
In Italy, there is a very strong advertising campaign towards Working Holiday Visa in Australia. It seems that once you get here to find work is a joke, and maybe up to what year ago it was so but now the difficulties are many.
Finding a job is not at all simple, especially in cities like Sydney, which is very competitive.
Italian immigrants yesterday and today
One of the things I love is listening to stories and while I was a guest of the family I could listen to it as several friends of this family are no longer youngsters and belong to the generation of immigrants studied on my geography books.
Yesterday immigrants left their country aware of what they left and certainly not to ruin it.
They traveled for days on boats without being able to hear or write to anyone, without knowing a word of English, without knowing what he would expect, that he was courageous, courageous to leave their loved ones and their own land who knows when they would review or just be able to write.
Today’s immigrants who are in their 80s and 90s feel much nostalgia on their land, some with their children have tried to rebuild a life but after a lifetime past overseas in such a different world and in such a prosperous country, We realized that it was not feasible.
Yesterday and even younger immigrants recognize them immediately, the first because they have a marked Italian accent, the second (sons) because they speak perfect English but alas as immigrant children feel a “maccheroni” accent.
They feel a lot of nostalgia and the lack of typical Italian aspects, who say they are good enough or pretending to be themselves or have a dramatically unhappy life in Italy.
Life is a constant compromise, but feeling and seeing nostalgia in an elder’s eyes fill the heart. What is most missing is the human warmth of interpersonal relationships and Italian cultural sites.
Most of the today’s young immigrants from whom I obviously take distances leave Italy choosing Australia for pure fashion with the excuse that nothing works in Italy and that everything is a sucker; Unfortunately the phenomenon is rising and sincerely worries me a bit because it denotes rampant ignorance.
Australia is invaded every day by tens of dozens of Italian kids and kids devoid of any education, training and a high level of ignorance.
The current generation arrives in Australia believing that they are superior to the others who have remained in Italy, but above all, even more seriously by inflating their country. There are really few who come up with the sole purpose of making a living or traveling experience. If you want to get an idea, subscribe to one of the Facebook pages dedicated to the Italians in Aussie.