Thursday 2 July 2015

city bingo 4: sales staff wearing their coats indoors (1)


Can't decide if this city bingo item is a bit too easy for Sydney-siders, albeit only at this time of year, since it expresses a phenomenon so ubiquitous that locals probably don't even notice it as odd.

Although we have had some sunny days, there is definitely a noticeable chill in the air and the nights demand hot water bottles and thick blankets. I may have gone on before about the lack of heating in this city during winter (I write this huddled up to a small convector heater in my office which is doing a losing job against the cold coming through the windows). The most noticeable side effect is the range of usually elegant outer garments that people who work in shops and cafes start wearing.

Here, at the Infinity Bakery in Victoria Street (one of my favourite breakfast takeaway spots), I am now served by people in coats. 

real australians say welcome


A project to be celebrated at a time when asylum seekers - and migrants in general - are being treated appallingly; and when current global shifts are dislocating millions of people. 

secret walks


Took an amazing all day walk last weekend that started with a ferry ride to Taronga Zoo and then along the coastal path that takes itself through a bit of the Sydney Harbour National Park, wrapping around the (Middle) headland and ending up at Balmoral beach (where you can catch the bus back to the Zoo ferry stop). The weather was perfect, like a warm English summer's day, and the walking was pleasant - following the path in and out of a series of beautiful little coves.

These all overlook the south shores of central Sydney - so very much part of the city - but surprisingly quiet, and with bays mainly all to myself. With Banished and the Secret River both currently being shown on TV here, the coastal bush landscape (although much domesticated) still echoes of its small but distinctive differences from the previous worlds of British and Irish-born settlers and convicts.


dive-bombers


The one problem being the Noisy Miners - who even have their own Birds Behaving Badly webpage. There is a gang of four to five birds who are very loud, and can aggressively attack the cat if she ventures out onto the balcony, squawking wildly and flying directly at her. Even if she is sitting inside at the window.... 

the view, the view


Finding it tough not to continually take photos from K's living room as the view across Elizabeth Bay is not only what is best about Sydney but also changes all the time in the most magical way. Easy to spend considerable time just staring out the window.

cat duty


Staying in Elizabeth Bay, looking after K's cat, making for a lovely interlude. Feeling a bit guilty about leaving my own cats back in London, but enjoying - obviously - another cat's affections.