Day 1 - 14 August 2012 (Tue)

By the time we checked-in and settled in, it was close to 2 and we were famished. The hotel staff recommended a nearby restaurant Uliveto Cafe and we had our first meal in Sydney there - a macchiato, a Mexican beef stew for Tobs, and a Chicken Schnitzel for me.

That came up to AUD35. Steep huh. Mains are usually AUD15 and above and drinks are at least AUD4. High costs of living they have there. Plus the AUD is strong now so that was quite a painful first meal (but eventually we got used to it).

• TIP: tap water is potable and free. remember to specify to the waiter that you want tap, otherwise, you may get sparkling water instead (which is of course, chargeable)

Thereafter, we roamed around the Darlinghurst and Surry Hills area on foot, observing the neighbourhood life. The thing I love about not going on guided tours is that we can really take time to do whatever we want - including stopping at a neighbourhood park to watch dog owners walk their dogs, kids play in the playground, and hopeful pigeons coming up to us thinking we will feed them (...)

Stopped at Crown Street Grocer when it became too dark and cold to hang around in the park. Had a hot chocolate and a slice of carrot cake (total AUD8.50). Sat around to discuss our itinerary for the next few days and then 6pm came.

Significance? Well I have done my due diligence to seek out group-buying deals on several Australia websites such as Groupon, Cudo, and Ouffer, just to name a few. Purchased several deals and used them on this trip. Ought to have purchased more, on hindsight, because the savings were quite substantial.

Anyhow, my Cudo voucher was for dinner for 2 pax at Agave Mexican resturant, 410 Crown Street. Paid AUD39 for 2 mains and 2 frozen margaritas. Quite worth it I must say, for the portion size.

Dropped by the Cole Supermarket near the hotel and bought a bunch of eats including milk (the cheapest drink around), and cherries (expensive, but still worth the money cos I love berries).