Rumblings of a marketing man on tour…

That harbour bridge. The water. The sun. The Opera House. The view, even right down to the little green ferries shipping people around the various spots of beauty.

I can’t ever imagine crossing that bridge by any means of transport, and not smiling. Not a wee one, I’m talking ear to ear. Just enjoying those few seconds of lifes troubles fading away, and focusing on nothing more than enjoying the wondrous beauty all around.

A truly spectacular view. Having had this apartment for three weeks, I can honestly say it’s a time I’ll cherish.

Thanks Sydney…

Iain wishes the rest of Sydney could live up to that Harbour dream…

So, quick round up of  some of todays bitties…

• Twice now I’ve seen a massive cruise ship sail up the harbour. If you are in the right spot, it goes under the bridge (looking like it won’t fit), fills all the sea / room between the bridge and the Opera House, then looks as though it’s going to crash into the Opera House. It doesn’t, sails on past…
• Had some lovely food. Although reasonably priced, the $2.55 I was getting to the pound in 2006 was more agreeable than the $1.80 I am getting now…
• There don’t seem to be many fat people here, the outdoorsy way of life helps with that
• North Sydney Olympic pool (2 mins from me by the water) is fresh water. And the people who swim there take their swimming seriously (will leave my armbands at home on Monday)
• The TV here is a mix of British and US. As the non-sporting events rarely pull in more than a million or two viewers, it’s why there is so little home grown TV
• When the sun shines, the harbour area is one of the most beautiful in the world (the hot men wearing little help)
• The way Aussies pronounce ‘Australia; is strail-yaaa (two syllables, very drawn out finish)
• The people are friendly, and will talk to you for hours
• There are loads of Brits here. If we all went home, the creative industry (for one) would most likely fold
• Sir Martin Sorrell just described this place as a backwater. Whilst he may have a point from a business perspective, you can’ t deny the work life balance is (generally) better

So, another sunset with the harbour bridge, opera house and water in my midst. This time from the north shore, looking over the skyscrapers. Just stunning, cannot believe how lucky I am for the few weeks I am here!

Iain is off out for a gentle Saturday evening…

So, off the plane, coffee, office, full working day, champers in the Opera House bar at sunset, dinner in the apartment and bed at 10.30pm.

Besides a random half hour of painful clarity at 3.30am, I slept right through to 7.30am when the alarm went off, and was bright and breezy in the office a shade before 8.30am.

I was cooking until 12pm.

Two flat whites (an Aussie strong latte with none of the foam), and I crashed, burned, and floundered for the rest of the day. Jetlag officially sucks, am so bushed tonight I can’t swan off out an enjoy Sydney. Can barely even remember my name (Fame. should never have remade it).

Still, am not so gutted. Did I mention the view I have from the apartment…..

Luna Park and the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. Corking view from my lounge window...

Iain is looking forward to getting over the lag tomorrow. No later…

Is it the right way up?

Well, it’s almost time.

A sneaky week off first (just seeing some friends, probably nowt blog-worthy), and then I’m off to Sydney. I fly next Saturday night, land Monday morning and head straight into the office.

Jet lag? Pah, sleep is for wimps…

I have an apartment booked, no idea where. But I hear it’s the same area where the Aussie PM lives. Tis meant to be rather lush, and rather close to a famous bridge and house of opera…

A million and one things to do between now and then, but I can’t wait get to a nice temperat Aussie spring. Sydney, Melbourne, The Barossa valley will all be on the list. And after that, who knows…

Iain is counting down the days…