Sydney, You Weird Little Gem (and My Drum Kit Almost Didn't Make It)
okay, so sydney. where do i even start? i’m leo, by the way, touring session drummer - mostly weddings and corporate gigs these days, which, let’s be honest, is a far cry from the mosh pits i used to play. but hey, pays the bills, right? i was booked for a thing here, a tech conference, ironically enough, and decided to extend the trip. figured i’d soak up some sun, maybe find a decent coffee shop (essential for a drummer’s sanity).
and wow. just…wow. it’s chaotic, beautiful, and smells faintly of sunscreen and something vaguely salty. i just checked and it’s 21.47 degrees right now, feels like 21.55. pretty consistent, actually. not complaining. the humidity’s a bit of a beast though, 72%. my hair is currently staging a full-blown rebellion.
getting here was…an adventure. let’s just say my drum kit and i had a very close call with customs. apparently, declaring “various percussion instruments” isn’t specific enough. i spent a good three hours explaining the nuances of a snare drum to a very patient (and slightly bewildered) officer.
I’ve been mostly wandering around, trying to absorb the vibe. *Darling Harbour is…a lot. Very touristy, very shiny. But the Royal Botanic Garden? Seriously stunning. I spent a good chunk of an afternoon just sitting there, watching the ferries go by and trying to remember the names of all the trees. (Fail.)
“Apparently, if you want a decent flat white, you gotta go to Surry Hills. Anywhere else is just…sad.” - overheard from a barista with a very serious expression.
Speaking of coffee, I did find a decent spot in Newtown. It’s called ‘The Daily Grind’ - check it out if you’re ever in the area. TripAdvisor link. The coffee was good, the music was even better (lots of vinyl), and the people-watching was top-notch.
I’m staying in a little Airbnb in Paddington. It’s cute, if a bit cramped. My neighbors seem to be mostly retirees and very stylish young people. If you get bored, Melbourne and Brisbane are just a short flight away.
Someone told me that Manly Beach is amazing, but the ferry ride is a nightmare on weekends. Apparently, you’re packed in like sardines. I might brave it later in the week. I also heard that the Rocks area is full of overpriced souvenirs and tourist traps. Drunk advice, probably, but worth noting. Yelp link.
I’ve been trying to find some decent live music. I checked out a pub in Kings Cross last night - pretty lively, but the sound system was atrocious. I’m on the lookout for something a little more…refined. Maybe a jazz club? I’m also checking out local music listings on this board.
Pro-Tips for Sydney (from a sleep-deprived drummer):
*Sunscreen is your friend. Seriously. The sun here is relentless.
*Public transport is decent. But the Opal card is essential. Get one.
*Don’t be afraid to get lost. Some of the best discoveries happen when you’re wandering aimlessly.
*Learn to say “G’day.” It’s just polite.
*Embrace the chaos. Sydney is a bit of a mess, but that’s part of its charm.
I’m off to explore Bondi Beach* tomorrow. Wish me luck (and that my drum kit stays in one piece).
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