Local traditions and culture in Sydney

One thing which doesn't really happen much in Perth, and which I started to find annoying after a while, is that you have to wait for the bill to be bought to you. Which means a) you have to catch the attention of a waitperson (at some restaurants this seemed to be a difficult task) b) wait for them to bring the bill, c) wait for them to collect the bill and your payment and d) wait for them to bring back the credit card/change etc before being able to leave which is really annoying if you are in a hurry. In most places in Perth you just get up and pay the bill.

Australian currency is in paper and coin. Paper money comes in denominations of : $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills. Coins come in denominations of: 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1 and $2. Money is easy to use and handle. I prefer to cary smaller bills on hand for taxis and for shopping.

Australia runs on 240V, 50hz current. It's important to bring a plug adaptor if you plan on bringing your own electrnics such as a hairdryer. Plug adaptors are not that easy to come by once you are in Sydney so plan ahead.

Most hotels have adaptors avaialble for your use as well as hairdryers. So call ahead or check your hotel website. Why lugg a hair dryer in your suitcase if you don't need it?

One most peculiar thing about Sydney must be the persistent use of the same grey-charcoal suits by practically all men who are intended to do business of any sort. The Rocks, the harbour, the other harbour, it is all about these relatively grey suited men walking and being important. Is this a kind of conspiracy, a key for success or just a remnant of the lingering British influence? Whatever the case, if you are on business in Sydney, you might consider dressing up accordingly and you will be laughing!

It's an institution, you have to go there. Steff was getting her hair done in Paddington so i had plenty of time. I got on the bus and off I went, it was a bit of an anti climax really, I've been to loads of better beaches so i parked myself in the Hogs Breath Cafe opposite the beach and had a good lunch, look out for Hogs Breath Saloons, they are all over Australia and they serve solid food and cold beer at reasonable prices.

Please take care in the Surf. There are a hell of alot of tourists who jump into the surf without being aware of the Rips. If you are not aware you will start to feel your legs get sucked out from under you and 'Whooosh' off you go - out to New Zealand. Seriously though, Rips are no laughing matter. It scares the hell out of you and if you are not a strong swimmer or have a boogie board (shark biscuit) to hold onto it can be potentially fatal. If the beach is patrolled by life guards - stick between the flags or if you are on a 'quiet beach' only swim where the locals are. Its probably a good idea to ask the locals anyway. The Pacific is very different to the Med. I wish they would hand out information regarding this fact on incoming flights to Oz. Not hyping things up - just advice from an Australian who grew up far from the coast - someone who got caught in a Rip.

We found that most of the shops in Sydney's shopping districts didn't open till late. We found most of them shut at 10am. Nor did they stay open till late. We did find it a little strange and a bit frustrating when trying to fit shopping in around sight seeing.

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Aboriginals of Australia are the original inhabitants of Australia. Much before the colonialists came to Australia in late 18th century, aboriginals were already roaming in the wilderness of Australia and there is no written record regarding the aboroginal history.
The lives of aboroginals havent changed much since thousand of years. They still identify themselves strictly as the original inhabitants and have stuck to their values and beliefs.
Although some adapted to the developing lifestyles, most aboriginals were forced to be content with the fringe benefits that the settlers provided them.
We came across these group of aboriginals who were playing a mix of popular and ancient musical instruments. Visitors used to put money in the container kept in front and get photographed with this group of aboriginals.
We too did that.