Sydney - and the others

Darwin is an odd place. Temperatures and humidity make an impenetrable wall, there is no real centre or place to go for a walk, the beach and its waves are artificial, public transport stop at 6:30 pm - where would you want to go anyway?

Adelaide is a nice and relaxing spot to chill out, especially when coming back exhausted from the desert: a wine-tasting ride, the beach at Glenelg at sunset, cappuccino and panettone for breakfast. Besides, all the best restaurants are Italian - and closed between Christmas and New Year, what a fortunate coincidence.

Melbourne is shining and cheerful. Walking over Flinders street, Swanston and Elisabeth streets and Federation square to the Southbank is simply a pleasure. The skyline is beautiful, eating good food is a local pastime, and the king of noodles operates in the neighbouroods and makes giant portions. And - at last - restaurants do not close at 9 pm.

Sydney, however, is the star. Vibrant and laid back, healthy and voluptuous, daughter of captives and queen of culture. Mountains behind, a long bay at its heart and the infinite Ocean in front, with the majestic Opera House as its gate and Fort Denison as its outpost-turned-restaurant.
Take a ferry to Manly and enjoy the view and the breeze, the sea, the parrots and the windy beach. Or drive to Bondi beach, big waves, able surfers and good fun. But also a hike in the Blue Mountains to greet the Three Sisters or a stop at Penrith to greet an Italian-Australian family and enjoy old-style Italian hospitality and all the food that this implies.

So many things, so little time, so much desire to go back there again.