Sydney: SCG and Bondi Beach.

It's 11PM and I'm sat in Starbucks using their free wifi, looking out to Darling Harbour having just watched the free fireworks show! I've been pretty busy the last couple of days, meaning I've seen parts of the city I hadn't seen yet. It has been scorching here, at least 30c everyday. Singapore felt hotter but that was a more humid climate, whereas this is pure heat. I am developing a tan rather nicely though. Shame there was no one to put suncream on my back, however. Ouch.



So yesterday was a great day out at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). This wasn't something I had planned on doing as I didn't realise there was a match on whilst I was in Syndey. I apologise for anyone who hates cricket and finds it tedious as hell...! You may want to skip this part! It was Australia v W.Indies and it was a one day match meaning there would definately be a result on the day. Australia had already won the series so it wasn't a huge match in terms of importance, but still very competitive. After a couple of hours, I thought I would be going home early; with the two guys I went with from the hostel. West Indies who elected to bat having once the toss were 110-8 I believe (This is the part where some people reading might as well be reading chinese), or something close to that... Thankfully Pollard made amends with a great century to reach 220. I won't bore you with a match report but Australia cruised to victory...

It was really cool to see top class players, but mostly to take in the atmosphere of the ground. Cricket is the national game and sport of Australia. They adore it. The atmosphere was brilliant, and all the fans were joining in and having a good laugh. You get loads of freebies on the way in too which I happily took! My favourite being the 'Howzat' sign which doubled up as a clapper! The interesting thing about cricket fans is, above all they want a good match. They want to see a contest. A football team's fans want a mauling. They would be happy to see there team win 5-0 every week. Here, all the fans would clap and cheer no matter who hit a 6 or took a wicket. They want to be entertained first and foremost. Totally different type of atmosphere, but really enjoyable. Of course the Aussie fans still cheered Australia on more... But everyone in the ground gave Pollard a standing obvation when he hit his 100. It was a day I won't forget. To have the chance to watch two top teams in an international match was really, really worth it. Plus, seeing a Security guard get hit on the head from a 6 was rather amusing. Poor guy went home...

So today, I made my way to the very famous Bondi Beach. One of the many beaches in Sydney, this one is popular with visitors and locals as it is quite close to the city centre. After getting off the bus, I looked out into the sea to see a sea of surfers (had to, sorry). The waves were very big again. I found a place of sand along with my friend from the hostel and sunbathed for a while. It was very hot but being by the see, there was a lovely breeze meaning it wasn't too unbearable!  The sea was cold, but the sun was still beating on down on you so it didn't matter! Something the UK lacks! The sea stretches for quite a way before disappearing behind a cliff to another beach. It's probably the cleanest beach I have seen along with the ones in Cornwall. The sand is pure white and there is no rubbish/litter or seaweed etc. It's very much a way of life to come here at the weekends for the locals. They take pride in their beaches and you can tell they look after them...

 

The fireworks tonight were impressive, but after seeing the Singapore laser show and the Dubai Fountain water and fire show, it doesn't compete. I sound like such a snob :/ Oh dear... Australians are also adamant to put a 'O' or 'E' on the end of everything. Palm Beach is Palmie. The cricketer Shane Watson is Watto. I overheard a Dad shout to his son Tommo. They seem to love it! I am yet to see an Australian annoyed, unhappy or angry. It's starting to get on wick (as a brit) that they are always happy. I like being mierable sometimes and so should they... It's my mission before I go :)

 

Lack of photos as Wifi is to expire any second, and it so slow to upload!