AU with Kitty #2
May. 15th, 2006 05:01 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lurkittyLooking out the window of my room in Sydney, I am greeted by sights that are not so foreign as I had imagined. First, I should explain that I am not really in Sydney proper, but in West Ryde. Only an Australian would recognize the distinction, however, in much the same respect as only an Oregonian would really recognize Hillsboro as separate from Portland. It is an important distinction, however, when navigating homeward on the train.
As large cities go, Sydney strikes me as similar in many respects to Vancouver, BC, save for the lack of mountains. Lush greenery abounds, and the city sprawls like a fat man on a barstool. What is most striking is the constant presence of wildlife. From tiny skinks to flocks of birds, all you have to do is choose a direction and you will see a living creature when out of doors. Even in the city proper, I was hard pressed to find a time when I could not see an animal.
Sydney is similar to Vancouver in other respects as well. Since Hong Kong reverted to Chinese rule at the turn of the century, Asians have dominated the population, becoming the largest ethnic group. The city is extremely ethnically diverse. Then there is the harbour. Both great cities possess lovely harbours. Gazing out over the sparkling water in the cool autumn air and watching the sailboats and ferries go by, it could have been the same city.
I realize I was quite wrong in my preconceived notion of Australia as a hot, dry, desert-like environment. The weather is cool and the grey clouds above presage rain.
That, in itself, says home.
As large cities go, Sydney strikes me as similar in many respects to Vancouver, BC, save for the lack of mountains. Lush greenery abounds, and the city sprawls like a fat man on a barstool. What is most striking is the constant presence of wildlife. From tiny skinks to flocks of birds, all you have to do is choose a direction and you will see a living creature when out of doors. Even in the city proper, I was hard pressed to find a time when I could not see an animal.
Sydney is similar to Vancouver in other respects as well. Since Hong Kong reverted to Chinese rule at the turn of the century, Asians have dominated the population, becoming the largest ethnic group. The city is extremely ethnically diverse. Then there is the harbour. Both great cities possess lovely harbours. Gazing out over the sparkling water in the cool autumn air and watching the sailboats and ferries go by, it could have been the same city.
I realize I was quite wrong in my preconceived notion of Australia as a hot, dry, desert-like environment. The weather is cool and the grey clouds above presage rain.
That, in itself, says home.
