Sydney March 17, 2014
Well, when we came out from the immigration after the long, long wait, grabbed our bags that were already waiting at the carousel, we looked for the driver of our prearranged, prepaid shuttle from T--ncars.com. But, we couldn't find anyone holding a sign with my name. With the help of the gentleman at the help desk, we called T--ncars. The answer was that the driver left, because he waited for an hour and that was long enough and they will not send another van over. When asked about a refund of the $110 they took from me, he said, "Email us and we will see what we can do." Yes, Mr. Pr----n, I am sure you will give me my money back. I am not saying that they should wait forever for us, but they were the ones who changed my requested time of 9:00 (extra time for immigration and custom) to the plane arrival time, telling me that they will monitor the status of the plane arrival. He kept telling me that our plane arrived on time, and that they had waited long enough. What a liar!
As we were trying to figure out what to do next, Dave, the gentleman at the desk found another driver from T--ncars and told me to talk to him. Well, this guy said he was there to pick up another group BUT he can call his friend to come and pick us up for the same amount ($110). I said "No, Thank you." There is no way that I will let them double charge me. Then Dave showed us where to get a maxi, a taxi van, from across the street. It was so easy, and only cost us $84 for all 6 of us and our bags, (according to the metre which showed $74, plus the $10 charge for whatever bridge/highway fees that he already told us about.) Lesson learned, there is no need to prebook shuttles, just take the maxi, it's easy, cheaper, and a lot less hassle. Our driver was very nice and courteous, and he drove carefully. We arrived at our hotel safely without any problems. We got a card from him, and would use him for our drive back to the airport.
As of today, after emailing them, I have not heard a word from T--ncars.com.
After arriving Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney at CBD, we were not able to check into our rooms because we were early and the rooms were not ready. We left our luggage at the hotel and went out for lunch.
Sydney Tower Buffet
We have considered having lunch at the Sydney Tower Buffet while on this trip but couldn't decide because of the mixed reviews. We thought we will decide when the time comes. After the T--ncars incident, I felt like I needed something to pick me up from the frustration that I just went through. A nice sit-down lunch would be ideal!
Yes, it is a little expensive for a buffet lunch, but considering the entrance fee to the tower observation deck, which is $26.00 walk up price, and $18.20 online, we figured the $55 meal didn't sound too bad. And, this would be a perfect time for me to relax and enjoy a good meal with a view. I have to say that it was one of the best decisions made on this trip.
Having a delicious lunch at the tower overlooking the whole city was unbeatable! Not only did it give us an overview of the city, it also filled us with anticipation and excitement about the days ahead. We will always remember this first meal in Sydney!
We did not have reservations, so we were just trying out our luck. Walked two blocks from the hotel to the Westfield Sydney, up to level 4, to the check-in counter. Fortunately, they were able to accommodate us when we walked up at 11:45. Paid for our meals and we went up to the restaurant in their special elevator.
We even got a table by the window, what a treat!
OK, the Opera House is not that visible.
Food was really OK. The dark brown chunk was kangaroo meat.
variety of desserts
food from different cultures
stuffed fish
crocodile sausages (right)
Pyrmont Bridge and National Maritime Museum on the other side of Darling Harbour
Pyrmont Bridge is a pedestrian bridge
Harbour Bridge
A better picture of Pyrmont Bridge and the Maritime Museum, Star Casino behind the grassy area.
Royal Botanic Garden
FIL, BIL, SIL who joined us from Taiwan.
Queen Victoria Building (green dome)
Hyde Park Barracks (building in the middle surrounded by brown sand)
Hyde Park and St. Mary's Cathedral
Slowly recovered from my frustration.
On our way out, even before our 90 minutes was up.
What beautiful views!
Designated elevators
Westfield Sydney Mall
Still inside Westfield
The Strand Arcade across the street.
Walking on Pitt Street back to the hotel.
Having a meal at the Sydney Tower Buffet was a real treat. We would have liked to be up there for dinner, but it cost even more in the evening. I assume that it would be amazing to see the city with all the lights on. I do recommend going up there on the first day so you could see the whole city which gives you a sense of where things are. To me, it was $55 well spent! Worth every penny!
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