I have mentioned previously that I had booked our stay in Sydney at an apartment hotel in the Kings Cross district of Sydney. We were later informed by our Sydney friends, Steve and Wendy, that we are staying in the heart of Sydney’s red light district. I now know why our booking rate was charged by the hour!!!!! (A little Dave Leu joke there!)

We arrived in Kings Cross very early this morning due to our train being over 3 hours late. By the time we reached our hotel, it was almost 0100. For us, that is the dead of night. However, for Kings Cross, things are just heating up. The crowds were made up of mostly young, hip looking people, out for a good time.

Late this morning, Mary Margaret and I went out to check the place out a bit and to buy some basics that will supplement our eating out. It was raining and, unfortunately, it looks like it will be raining everyday that we will be in Sydney. However, we are sailors and from our point of view, the rain is a fresh water treat.

We had a great time strolling through the area, people watching, popping in and out of the various shops and small eateries that line the streets. I started writing up our experience but came across a write up that describes Kings Cross much better than I can. Thus, I have just copied it and will pass it along to you below:

“You can't go past the enigmatic Kings Cross for a big night out in Sydney ‘The Cross' - Australia's best known entertainment district - never sleeps, working around the clock to live up to its long heritage as a colourful, energetic and sometimes madcap hub of pubs, clubs, bars, dance venues, theatre, cabaret and adult entertainment, complimented by a smorgasbord of some of Sydney's best known restaurants and cafes.

While it's easy to stay up late at The Cross, it's much harder choosing where to do it. If you plan to visit every cocktail bar in the district, you could be in for a long night indeed. Peppermint Lounge, Soho, The Tasting Room, Lotus, Hugo's and Sapphire Suite will all tempt you with delectable drinks, cool grooves and some of the city's style queens and princes.

There are also Kings Cross institutions like 'The Bourbon', an infamous 24-hour bar and eatery inhabited by Kings Cross locals, shiftworkers enjoying a post-work drink, and the occasional lost famous person on a big night out! For a more casual evening, get to the Woolloomooloo Hotel. It offers a classic pub menu of cold beer, easy-going atmosphere, and good-value pub food. Also in Woolloomooloo is The Old Fiztroy - a friendly local pub where you can enjoy comedy or theatre, a few beers, and a relaxed meal. Or melt into the deep lounges at Water Bar.

For an Arts twist to the night, visit any of the three theatres in Kings Cross. The Darlinghurst Theatre Company provides a theatrically diverse and appealing program. The Old Fitzroy Theatre - affectionately known as the Old Fitz - keeps audiences returning with its great theatre, relaxed atmosphere and the comfortable couch room where you can meet the performers. And there is also the Stables Theatre with performances by the Griffin Theatre Company. Cate Blanchett and Jacqueline McKenzie began their professional careers at Griffin, and the hit films Lantana and The Boys and the film/TV series Heartbreak High began life as plays produced by Griffin. A night out in Kings Cross is only limited by your imagination.”

Tomorrow we will be taking public transportation over to Circular Quay. There are a number of things to see there including the Chinese Gardens, a museum or two and the Aquarium to mention a few.