October 24, 2002 (Sydney Central YHA Room #318)

PLACES:

Second day in Sydney and already I feel the need to be anywhere but here! I have practically seen all the highlights of this city. All the touristy things to do and places to see I have already done during my two previous visit here. So, out of sheer nothing-else-to-do, I walked the length of George Street from Rawson all the way to Circular Quay. Took pictures of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House then continued on to Mrs. MacQuarie's chair, sat there and gazed at the same view she looked at all those years ago, Fort. Denison, Goat Island and a much less developed North Sydney of course. Then I headed for the Australian Art Museum and St. Mary's Cathedral. By the time I got to the Museum, my feet were throbbing and so all I was able to do was get to the Aboriginal Art exhibit and not much else.

Third day in Sydney and I decided to find the Observatory and try my luck at booking a night time tour for star gazing. No luck as it turned out because there was nobody at the reception area when I walked in. The Observatory is an old building, lots of museum pieces on display and the theater was cool and quiet. I was falling asleep...

PEEPS:

Met and shared a dorm-style room with an uber cool chick from Sta. Cruz, CA; her name is Sarah Jane. She is on a world tour destination like what I went through two years ago; only she has money to spend so she is conducting her tour with much more considerable style. She has little black dresses and nice, strappy shoes with heels. She is touring to gather info and research for a book she is writing, "The secret power of the Pink Panties...tales of a single woman traveling solo". I would love to read this book once it's completed. She got the inspiration, neigh the idea about her book from what she learned in Feng Shui. She read in a Feng Shui book that pink attracts men. So she has been wearing pink panties ever since she left the States and so far she's been dating men across the globe...ahhh, to be a blonde and American! I envy her! Hahahhhah oh wait, I am American, and I can bleach my hair as well. On second thought, how many Asian chicks have blonde hair? Streaks and highlights yes, but to go totally blonde? Hmmmm...must check out a salon out here…also get some pink knickers!

Anyway, she is very vivacious. With boobs that can stop traffic and a confident disposition, she is awesome. She married at 21 and divorced the man after she has grown as a woman and the relationship had not. She is also a woman with strong sentiments about keeping her genes to herself. So no rugrats for her, thank you very much! And she is on the hunt for a wealthy, healthy, good looking non-gay guy. She said she is tired of finding men who she constantly needed to take care of, be it financially or emotionally. She demands attention and affection. And in her secret fantasy life which is rapidly taking control of her real life, she wants to be called Mistress Sly, clad in leather and holding a whip. Yes, this lady wants to be a dominatrix, spanking men while they adore her! Hahahaha...

Her choice of career is really a good blend of wit and non-comformity. She is toying with the idea of selling her house in Santa Cruz and then sink the equity she has earned into a new condo purchase in downtown San Diego. Then she wants to be a peddy cab driver so she can ride her bike all day; get paid to be healthy is her goal. She is also trying to finish her degree in International Design...sounds fake, right (?) and I didn't really get what she'll do with her degree after she gets it, but like all Americans who've seen Sydney for the first time, she wants to move out here as well. I cannot blame her because this place is simply excellent!

She just took off for the opera and knowing she'll be too late to grab something to eat, I gave her my banana. May luck bless her and lead her to find a different banana later on tonight! Hahahaha

Another interesting person I finally saw in real life is Glen. Met him online and since we started chatting he has completely changed his life. He has moved from Canberra to Sydney and is now holding three jobs. At first, I thought he is breaking the stereotype of an easy going Aussie. Three jobs! This man is "driven"! He wants success and nothing is going to stand in his way. He won't argue, won't engage in a debate, but he will most definitely hear your opinions. And still keep his own counsel. Fascinating man. He is well-spoken, exuding ease and confidence with himself. Sure he has a questionable sense of direction (Parramatta is NW of Sydney, mate!) but you cannot fault a guy for driving in the wrong direction while gabbing with me on the phone.

Anyway, we had drinks at Scubar. Like the typical YHA pub, it was loud, throbbing with techno music and black lights! After a bottle of beer, I found that I no longer need him to repeat what he just shouted at me. Either my ears got sharper as my face got drunker (forgot to have dinner, you see) or I finally gave up on making intelligible conversation. Thank God, he suggested we head out of there and get some coffee, but at 12:30 AM, only pubs were open. We eventually ended up at a 24 hour MickeyDees, ordering horrendous coffee. The only saving grace was the conversation. Glen is quite persuasive when he wants to be, which is about all the time. He is a teacher by nature and there is nothing else that he would rather do that help people gain more confidence in themselves…teach by example. I think he is missing his calling. My money is on him being the next Robert Powers.

At first glance, he reminded me of Dawson's Pacey Witter. Enigmatic, cute and confident, but as I listened to him more, I got more convinced that he is not a rebellious, long-winded guy with the propensity for psychological dribble. He is sincerely on the path of self-creation. Yes, he is one interesting guy indeed.

EATS:

Roxy's BBQ and Noodle House on the second level of Market City for a very familiar Asian treat of roast duck and assortment of noodles, of course!

Five Star Kebabs on Rawson, two doors down from Sydney Central YHA, simply serves delicious and mildly spiced chicken Souvlaki on a stick.

Bodhi Vegetarian Restaurant, street level of the Central Station serves vegetarian fare. Did not really eat here, but I thought I'd include this info for Keshau, just in case she finds herself in Sydney, hungry for a healthy meal.