Sydney seems as a city created on an architects' day off. Considered at best, bohemian and decadent, at worst, dangerous and depraved, the suburbs immediately east of the CBD - Woolloomooloo, Potts Point and Darlinghurst - have recently been transformed into some of the most happening enclaves of Sydney. They are areas where backpackers rub shoulders with junkies, transvestite prostitutes, sailors, writers and young professionals wanting an apartment.
South of the mammoth Coca-Cola sign over traffic clogged William St. is Darlinghurst, the hippest of the suburbs. Speared by the Horizon apartment building looming over a low-rise warren of Victorian terraces, 'Darlo' is home to movie auteur Baz Luhrmann, actor Hugo Weaving, Tropfest, the biggest short movie festival in the world, and many a struggling artist, several of whom studied at the art college based in the handsome sandstone former jail on Burton St. It also has more than its fair share of latte - serving cafes, prime locations to practise urban trend spotting.
Woke up this morning with massive hangover and an urge to eat. The fact that I had brought the weather with me (sunshine baby) instilled the eagerness in Luke n I too soak in the rays. Rise n Shine apparently - no, not here. All the sunny spots were already taken, all the cafes were bursting with people n their all important pets. After circumnavigating Potts Point, Darlo.....We gave up. Followed a pretty gurl to a cafe for a compromise - decided we could do better....One phone call, jump into a cab and voila - we are in Surrey Hills. In a quiet end of the city - the wickedest, zennist cafe....With our kind of patrons (read drunk n hungover) and also the most disgruntled Korean car owner ever. Sydney's rag trade is clustered around Forveaux Street - Rupert Murdoch's newspapers The Australian and The Daily Telegraph are produced here - and the area seems to have a strong reputation for interior - design and furniture stores.
The huddled Victorian terraces have attracted a spill over of house hunters from Paddington where prices have already escalated. Surry Hills is going the same way, while retaining a grittier, less prettified edge.
The day included a trip to Bondi Junction in chase of illusive jumpers.....the dream continues. Stayed indoors the rest of the day.....Fragile body performed fine for its last day as a 23 year old. Tomorrow I shall be 24 - six years in Aussie....Will this be the year? Will I find happiness? Will I start dreaming n chasing the right things? Will I start caring for the people in my life n atlast learn the true meaning of the word - Gratitude?
Last year has been tumultuous to say the least. Things went oscillating at the extreme ends of the pendulum of life....Weakened resolve, shattered aspirations, cynical n cruel - I dust myself n try again. First u don't succeed!
