Below is an extract from an email I recently sent to an American colleague who is coming to Sydney next week. He's hasn't been out of the States for a very long time (edit).
Because of my background in emergency assistance and crisis management, I really thought I was doing the right thing. (ie duty of care and all that corporate policy stuff).
Because of my background in emergency assistance and crisis management, I really thought I was doing the right thing. (ie duty of care and all that corporate policy stuff).
It turns out I scared the hell out of him, to the point his wife asked him to cancel his tickets.
*gulp*
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Dear XXX,
Great choice! That hotel is right bang in the middle of the city; its small and quite nice, with the major drawcard for it is the world famous Eu De Vie Cocktail Bar downstairs which continues to win awards as best cocktail bar in the world (or maybe just Australia). It also happens to be Johns favourite cocktail bar, so I can imagine he will be hosting a few welcome drinks, thank you drinks, mid week drinks. My favourite is the Espresso martini, but also partial to the teapot cocktails. And they have food. We will partake in all.
www.eaudevie.com.au
I’ll book each of the rooms under your names.
NOT TO SCARE YOU:
I do need to tell you a bit about the area – my background in crisis management and emergency assistance has given me great insight into risk assessment and how to avoid a disaster. Darlinghurst is very close to Kings Cross, our red light district and is a place you need to be on your guard. The crime rate in this area is comparatively higher than other places in Sydney, but this is due to the numerous bars and pubs. Avoid wandering out alone late at night and if you do decide to go out and drink, chose smaller wine bars/cafes and restaurants rather than the rowdy clubs and pubs. Also, avoid walking through lanes and alley ways at any time of day. If you decide to go for a jog/run, choose early mornings rather than evenings – you can run down to Botanical Gardens and back from 6am and this would take about an hour and would be a nice way to see the sunrise and the gorgeous Sydney Harbour. Alternatively, hold off on exercising until you return home.
In saying this, we socialise quite a bit and as I’ve said, Eu De vie is a favourite place. I don’t have any hesitation in recommending you stay there as long as you’re prepared to see some colour. And feather boas! And fishnet tights with 6inch high heels. On men.
The emergency number in Australia for Police and Ambulances is “000”. Put this in your phone before you arrive.
FOOD:
Australia is quite fortunate in our cuisine being on the doorstep of Asia. We’re also a very multicultural society so there is everything here from Japanese, Spanish, Africa, Lebanese, Chinese, Malaysian, Italian, Seafood etc etc etc. Our meal servings are smaller than in the US but there is plenty of it. Darlinghurst has some nice little cafes (with real coffee) and restaurants close by and it’s a short walk into Chinatown, the harbour or the city.
Most restaurants will cater to all diets including gluten free, vegetarian, no seafood etc.
TRANSPORT:
Also, it’s quite easy to get a taxi from the airport once you walk out the door, but if you feel more comfortable I can arrange a car for you. Just let me know. Taxi to the city is approx. AUD$40. Private car to city is approx. AUD$70.
There are plenty of taxi’s in Sydney, in fact we have more taxi drivers than residents! You can hail one down from the street at all hours of the day. They work in 12 hour shifts, with change over at 3pm and 3am (these are the only times it will be difficult to catch a taxi).
Buses run from 5am to 1am, as do trains. There is a train station at Kings Cross which is a short walk from your hotel, you should be able to catch a train of a morning, but I wouldn’t recommend that you catch a train after 5pm.
There are a lot of buses, and most are pre-paid travel. (you cant buy a ticket on the bus - don't ask, bain of many a public transport travellers life) If you buy a weekly ticket for AUD$41 this will get you unlimited rides on buses, trains and ferries. They can be bought from newstands or small convenience stores.
MONEY:
The Australian dollar is quite strong right now with the exchange rate sitting at USD1 = AUD0.97.
Ask if your bank has an international card that you can transfer money onto, this means when you use it in Aus the exchange rate is nil. Alternatively, bring US dollars/travellers cheques which can be exchanged at various agencies in the city – some places don’t charge a commission but I would steer clear of those ones because often it means they are somewhat dodgy. There are quite a few ATM’s in Sydney, your US bank may even have one (you should be able to check online).
Most places will accept Mastercard and Visa, American Express and Diners Club are less accepted. Most ATM’s will accept Meastro and Cirrus from any bank but may charge a fee (AUD2 to use plus an international conversion fee).
BUDGET:
When giving a daily budget advice, I normally recommend AUD$120 per day per person:
Breakfast/coffee - $20
Lunch - $20
Dinner - $40
Transport - $40
This is a very generous budget. Tipping is not expected in Australia, so no need to budget for this. We do sometimes leave a tip at restaurants, but that’s about it – it’s not expected.
ATTIRE:
I would love to say that Sydney in August is warm and tropical, but I cant. It’s still quite chilly, so be sure to bring warm jackets, jeans etc. Maybe even a scarf. But not a beanie. (you will be mistaken for a Bogan - I will explain in person what this is, I might even be able to point some out). The temperature will be from 48°F to 63°F. Cold but not snowing.
For the workshop, business casual is fine; so pants and a shirt (polo shirt is acceptable), and jacket. Maybe for day one introductions wear a tie (not with polo shirt, this would be very uncool). For going out in the evenings, Sydney is a very casual place, you will get by on casual pants and a shirt. (with jacket because its cold). Even if you’re planning a fancy restaurant, jeans are acceptable.
AFTER WORK:
The Australian business culture is quite different to the US, you’ll notice that people will start packing up to leave the office at 445pm and out the door at 5pm. Some people may stay later, but the norm is to leave the office by 5pm.
So, as far as sight-seeing goes after dark: Opera House and Harbour Bridge are a must see and can be viewed at any time of day. Other suggestions are:
- A Ferry trip to Manly
- Dinner and pub crawl at the Rocks (we have this planned for you on Sunday night of your arrival)
- Dinner at BBQ King in Chinatown (best duck this side of Asia)
- Jog around Botanical Gardens (morning, not night)
- Museum of Contemporary Art (we sponsor this)
- Opera House / Harbour Bridge
It’s a shame you’re not staying a little longer, I would have suggested the Bondi to Bronte Beach/cliff walk or a day trip to the Blue Mountains. Maybe next time ;)
If there is anything that you particularly want to see or do outside of the workshop, please let me know so I can arrange it for you.
MEDICAL AND EMERGENCIES - 000
Australia is a centre of medical excellence and the healthcare system is of a high standard. Should you have an event requiring emergency assistance, call an ambulance who will take you to the closest hospital. In Darlinghurst there is a hospital on your street, St Vincent’s and there is also another close by, Sydney Hospital. For an emergency, the doctors will treat you and ask you details on your insurance later / so keep a copy of your travel insurance papers handy.
Anything emergency – call me. This is my specialty, and I will arrange whatever is required. My mobile is +61 xxx xxx xxx
See you soon!
Lisa
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