Sunday, March 15, 2009

Sydney - Downtown

We returned to the historical neighborhood known as The Rocks, this time with Myra along. We stumbled across a seemingly endless parade of white uniforms. The navy is in port, the biggest contingent since the Vietnam War we are told. Our first stop was the Saturday market. We escaped with only a few small purchases (one can seldom escape unscathed at such places in the company of women). Our plan to take a walking tour of The Rocks was thwarted when we were informed that the tour was already booked out. This struck as odd since, as Myra pointed out, it’s not as if they have a limited number of seats on a walking tour. Undeterred, we made up our own walking tour through the old stone streets and alleys. Next we proceeded to Darling Harbor, which was the site of a Thailand Festival. Deborah and Myra took the opportunity to have Thai foot massages while I killed time listening to the opening ceremonies and mind numbingly boring speeches by various Thai and Australian government officials. This was followed by less boring music and dancing but we nevertheless proceeded to the nearby Chinese Garden, which Deborah and I had visited previously but loved and so were happy to return. Afterward we wound our way through the streets of Chinatown, stopping for spicy squid and beer. What could be better?
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Navy boys parade in The Rocks

Saturday Market


The Rocks


Puppet Maker shop in The Rocks



Deborah and Myra being pampered at the hands of cheap Asian labor.




Thailand Festival



Thai dancers