thewalk/ARTS&STYLE
EAT SHOP PLAY
INTERNATIONAL
Each year our beloved University sends more than 600 Penn students on semester and yearlong adventures overseas. And while the Penn Abroad website promises to provide answers to your questions about “what programs are recommended for academic credit, how to apply for admission, how to finance the cost, and what Penn expects of you as a participant,” The WALK thought you might also be curious about what to do with your free time – where to eat, where to shop, and where to play on foreign soil. Whether you’re going to Sydney, Buenos Aires, Rome, or Paris, we have you covered.
PLAY: Head down to Darling Harbour during EAT: If you like seafood, A Fish Called Coogee is a must. Located on the sunny, bustling main
road of Coogee Beach in the Eastern suburbs of Sydney, this busy little dive sports the freshest fish you can find, along with authentic, Asian-inspired sauces that give the fish a unique flavor after it is cooked right in front of you! The bok choy is also to die for! Looking for an equally delicious but less affordable dinner? Check out Aria in Circular Quay. With a gorgeous view of the entire city and a spot directly in front of the extraordinary Sydney Opera House, this exquisite venue will satisfy your eyes and palate. The lamb rack is stellar, as is the pasta, but don’t forget dessert! If Aria’s fancy desserts do not suit you and you are looking for something more casual, check out Smooch frozen yogurt in Bondi Beach. Trendy and tasty, this is a great spot to chill with friends on a gorgeous day before hitting up the beach to ogle at the hot surfers (or maybe do some surfing yourself.) Then you can stuff your face after a night of partying at Pancakes on the Rocks, which features breakfast all-day (and late into the night.)
SHOP: Sydney has some of the most unique clothes and funky
Sydney is filled with delicious restaurants, unique shops, and fun sites for every day of the week.
accessories out there. Glebe Market in Glebe brims with distinctive handmade jewelry, some of which you can even design yourself, crazy vintage selections, and pretty tops. Paddington markets have a similar feel, but if you leave the market area and explore the neighboring streets, you’ll find “heaps” (as Aussies say) of highend boutiques introducing Australia’s prominent and emerging designers. You can find pieces by Sydney’s most influential designers on an even larger scale at David Jones, the Saks Fifth Avnue of Sydney.The mall at Bondi Junction includes similar Australian designers like Sass & Bide and Zimmerman but also contains the chic but less expensive Forever 21’s of Sydney, like SportsGirl. Finally, for some cute boutiques and funky jewelry as well as mainstream stores, roam the quaint streets of Surrey Hills.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA BY CHRISTINA STEWART
08 THE WALK / SUMMER 2011
the day to visit the famous aquarium, complete with sharks of all sizes, and see a 3D IMAX movie in the biggest IMAX screen in the world. Then at night head to Cargo Bar, which features two busy floors and an outdoor patio full of twenty and thirty-somethings. Another day, head to Circular Quay to stroll atop Sydney Tower Skywalk and peer down through the glass from one of the highest buildings in Sydney! Then hit up The Argyle for a happy hour full of gigantic neon heat lamps and fresh fruity drinks, followed by The Ivy. But make sure to dress your best or The Ivy won’t allow you to enjoy their elegant martinis, swimming pool, and polished, professional crowd! Unlike these bars, which are packed most nights of the week, some Sydney nightspots are better on certain days. Sunday nights, dress your classiest for Hugo’s in King’s Cross, which offers discounts on pizzas and specialty cocktails. The next night, be sure to wear something that you don’t mind getting beer on for the Scubar, the student/backpacker’s joint. Get there early to see the hermit crab races and dance on into the night to the best music of today. Tuesday, get ready to belt your heart out to 80s and 90s songs played by the stellar band at Scruffy Murphy’s, which attracts American students and the occasional America-loving Australian. Wednesday, go see the artsy band and play some poker at the Beach Road Hotel in Bondi Beach or get your guido on at the Eastern in Bondi Junction. Thursdays, The Regent Hotel (“The Rege”) in Randwick is a must for students. Show off your beautiful voice at karaoke after some beer and cider with your crew. For the weekend, pregame at The Clock Hotel or The White Horse in Surrey Hills, and head to World Bar for an artsy crowd and drinks served from teapots!