Bring it on, Sydney!
When I visited the Melbourne Visitor’s Centre at Federation Square, eagerly looking for some general information about Sydney, the first thing the man at the counter said to me was, “I hate Sydney!”
When I e-mailed an acquaintance in Sydney, eagerly expecting for some inside information about the city, I was told that “…the location sucks… and Sydney’s public transportation sucks too…”
Yes, I know you guys are tired of Sydney, but can you just spare some encouraging words and positive notes for an eager, inquisitive, curious, fresh, naïve little man like me?
Come on, if I could survive in Jakarta, the twelfth-largest city in the world with a population of more than 8 million, why can’t I do so in Sydney, the largest city in Australia with a population of (relatively only) 4.4 million?
Yes, Sydney might NOT be home to the world’s largest tram network system like Melbourne, but I suppose, it can’t be as frightening as the maddening traffic system in Bangkok with its puzzling roads and crazy tut-tut drivers (can it?).
Look, Sydney might be Australia’s most expensive city and the 66th most expensive in the world, but it still ranks among the top 10 World’s Most Liveable Cities (though Melbourne still wins, being one of the top 3).
Wait a minute, if Melbourne is classified as a Beta World City and a City of Literature, Sydney can as well be proud of herself to be recognised as an Alpha World City and as an international centre for commerce, arts, fashion, culture, entertainment, education and tourism.
Hold on, I’m not done yet. Sydney is also home to many prominent parks and harbour charms which make the city as one of the most beautiful in the world. This final factor is enough for me to take all the risks and be oblivious of the possible dangers and imminent warnings from concerned people about the city’s notoriety.
My point is, why can’t people appreciate the sounds, smells and sights they experience no matter how terrible, traumatising or disgusting they can be?
Yes, Hilmi Hamzah is a foolhardy man who always looks forward to trouble, who refuses to believe in whatever people say about things until he sees them through his own eyes, who usually finds the opposite truths and proves that everyone is wrong (especially the dodgy movie reviewers in magazines).
Yes, poor Hilmi Hamzah. He’s never been to Sydney and he’s going there alone for the first time. He has no idea what kind of hell he is going to deal with out there. But he’s ready to get lost into Sydney Experience and be captivated by whatever possibilities it might bring to him.
If it is good enough, he’ll take it with great pleasure and write it at great length in his next blog’s entry.
But if it is too bad, like what’s been cordially warned by others, he’ll accept it with a broad cheeky smile, though these people will soon be very pleased to point their index fingers on Hilmi Hamzah’s face and say with a villainous smile, “I told you so, Mr Foolman!”
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Bravo Hilmi! Welcome to Sydney, warts and all. Hey, my Mama’s still waiting for your call. She can take you places that don’t suck. teeheehee…
hey look forward to seeing you soon
Dear Hilmi,
I just read your blog about Australia and need your advice for below question.
Need to check with you about food allowance to Sydney. Meanings what kind of food we can bring to Australia from Malaysia?
What is your suggestion about bringing infant to Sydney for Holiday?
Your advice & feedback is highly appreciated.
Thanks & Regards
Bahrin
Dear Bahrin,
There are strict restrictions on food in Australia. The following website can give you helpful tips.
http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/import
One thing for sure (based on my experience), never bring meat floss unless it is commercially canned.
With regard to bringing infant, I can’t help you much on that. I’ve been to Sydney only once and there are a lot more for me to learn about Australia.
Anyway, have a good stay in the kangaroo land