Here and There in Sydney

Sydney and Melbourne are both among our favorite cities. We visited Melbourne last year, and this year we had the chance to stop in Sydney for a few days, and to take in the Vivid Sydney light shows.

We checked in at the Hilton Sydney, on George Street just across the street in the next block from the Town Hall train station. This Hilton is never quite as good as we expect, yet we return and do enjoy it, including the view of Town Hall from our 38th floor window.

We make do quite nicely for dinner in the Executive Lounge with hot appetizers that included some tasty shrimp.

Australian Hiltons are adding a $10 up charge to Duamonds who opt for a full breakfast, and we contented ourselves with a decent lounge breakfast that included a spectacular morning view of a portion of the city.

We then took a train to Bondi Junction on the invitation of a fellow Oz Fest participant, Patricia. She kindly picked us up at the station and drove us to the famous Bondi Beach, where we once took a beginner’s surfing lesson. We strolled along the beach and talked travel.

Patricia insisted on treating us to lunch at a cute little café at the far end of the beach before driving us back to the train.

It made for an enjoyable outing.