One of the more perplexing aspects of spending time in Sydney & Melbourne as of late is the non-stop rivalry between the cities. Coming from Boston (and rival NYC), this originally seemed like old news (big city, smaller city, sports teams, etc.). But digging in, this is more than a sports-team rivalry, something brewing in the fabric of each city culture.
At first, it’s subtle commentary from people on both sides. Nonchalant jabs to the groin, “I detest Melbourne”, “I’d never live in Sydney”. While I really don’t mind either way, it’s amazing when you see both cities are brilliant in comparison to let’s say, MOST port cities in the rest of the world.
So while my taste of both places is fresh and not-yet tainted by experiential bias, here is a collection of naïve first impressions.
Have you ducked into the underworld of horse racing and the TAB yet?
Not yet but since you mention it I keep seeing TAB signs everywhere…..will report back.