Monorail and Paddy's Markets

Today was the day for a ride on the monorail. We went on the monorail the very first day we were in Sydney, but the boys do not remember it so it was time for another ride. We boarded the train at the World Centre stop which is only a few blocks from our apartment.   

Our destination?  Paddy's Markets 

I think this was the first train ride we have been on where Tucker actually understood that he was ON a train.  The whole ride he stared out the windows in amazement and said, "woo-woo" (that is a train sound if you are wondering). Every time the doors opened he said, "Door, mama!"  At one point, he turned to me and said, "Toe-toe, Zie-zie no choo-choo." That translates as "Tofie and Manzie are not on the train."  So sweet!  Coop loved the ride as well, but was frustrated by the advertisements on the window that made it hard to see clearly.  He also loved watching the doors open and close and he turned to Tuck at one point and said, "See Tuck, the doors are automatic."

There was a group of women in our train car who noticed Coop and asked how old he was.  I told them 4 and 1/2 and one of them said, "We all have four year olds at home. We met when the kids were born in a mum and baby class."  My heart immediately skipped a beat and I thought of my "mum group" back home.  Oh, how I  miss you Kate, Corey, Amy and Miranda! 

Here are a few pictures from the monorail ride:

Here comes the train!

Paddy's Markets

There are actually 2 Paddy's Markets. We went to the one in the Haymarket area of Sydney. The market is located right next to Chinatown and a short walk to the Tumbalong Playground (the great park with the water) and Darling Harbour. 

This market is filled with stall after stall of people selling pretty much anything you want--Australia memorabilia, jewelry, clothing, toys, sunnies (Aussie for sunglasses), wigs (huh?), bags and even lingerie!  There is a farmers market in the back where they sell fruits, veggies, fish and spices. I have never seen so many different kinds of mushrooms in one place!  

And, of course you can also buy kangaroo scrotum bottle openers, kangaroo claws on sticks

 and kangaroo furs. 

Just what we all need, right?

You can also take the tram from Sydney's Central Train Station to Paddy's Markets.  

Maybe next time.

 The boys liked watching this street performer. Well, I thought they were both watching him, but it turned out Tucker was asleep behind his sunnies---

Imagine that!