Amidst Harbour tours and exploring all that is Sydney, I found myself in an ethnic neighborhood that is a staple in any bustling city: China town. The pattern of Asian migration to large cities, creating small pockets of culturally connected individuals as well as economic ventures is nothing new, but in Sydney’s china town is more than a cheeky tourist stop. It is an intrinsic part of Australian culture. I am realizing more and more each day, that Sydney is a collection of many different cultures . With the population being 17% Asian, the presence of Asian-Australians and their hybrid culture is a huge part of Sydney’s identity.

The streets were lined with Chinese architecture and floating lanterns. The hum of an oriental melody flooded the streets and an older woman began signing along. The sound of her fragile voice blended seamlessly with the music, as it if were a familiar tune memorized by her vocal chords. Quaint Bonsai trees lined my path and food vendors clamored outside attempting to convince passerbys their noodles were the best in town.

Pastries for Sale

I’ve never been to China, but it was easy to imagine it being like this. As the path arrived to my destination, quaintness and culture aside, I mentally prepared myself to conquer the shoppers, the mecca of all souvenirs, and the reason for my journey, the flea market. Hoardes of bargainers buzzed through the stands. There were T-shirts, key chains and kangaroo gear galore.  On the outside this was your typical flea market but nestled deep within lay some of the most interesting trinkets I’ve ever laid lens on. From hand painted aboriginal art to a rubber chicken man thong. Adult sized animal onesies anyone?

 

 

Shopping at the China Town flea market taught me two important lessons:

1) If  your heart so desires it, it can be found.

2)  I cannot haggle to save my life and will forever buy over priced items.

Once relics were purchased for each of my loved ones, I headed across the street to the Chinese Friendship Gardens, which were given to Australia by China in 2000.

The gardens were absolutely breathtaking and discounted for students! What more could I ask for? Asian flora filled the landscape and was accompanied by tranquil waterfalls. Leisurely readers hid away in private nooks and couples enjoyed their lover’s company.

Small children dressed in traditional Chinese robes wandered by. Curious, I asked them why they were so done up and they replied they were playing royal dress up. I nearly tripped while I sprinted in the direction they pointed towards. Royal dress up?! I finally get to dress up as the princess I’ve always known I was!

Sam the seamstress was quite a character. He even invited me to spend the day dressing up visitors and learning more about the role of garments in Asian culture. I’m going back to Chinatown in a few days to interview him and I couldn’t be more excited. Stay tuned for that story! Everyone has been so kind and the stories keep coming to me. I truly couldn’t of anything better than getting paid to do what I’m doing right now.

Where’s Ebony now you ask?

At an internet café typing this blog post because Wifi is hard to come by here. But tonight I’ll be at Omalley’s Pub in King’s Cross. It’s karaoke night, aka my headlining night. Should I show these Aussies my Yankee talent in the styling of Celine or Whitney?

And with that, take it easy Mates! Until Tomorrow.