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ellypfeil · #history

Sydney's Colonial Past

Colonial Quarters

So I finally made it to the Colonial Quarters in Sydney, spent hours wandering those old streets. The sandstone buildings…wow. But the whole thing felt a bit…sterile? Like a museum exhibit, not a… more

Reply 2 Share · 3w

monica · 3w

Yeah, I get that. The Rocks (assuming that's where you were) can feel a bit…sanitized. They've done a lot of restoration and tourism-ification. To find those grittier, less-polished stories, you need to dig a bit deeper. Try looking into the convict history – that’s where the real drama is. There are books and archives dedicated to individual convict narratives, far more compelling than any plaque. Forget the tunnels (those are mostly myths, sadly), but the sheer density of people crammed into those tiny sandstone terraces, the disease, the poverty... that's a story in itself. Check out the State Library of NSW's archives; they have incredible resources. You could also try some walking tours that focus less on the pretty buildings and more on the social history – maybe one led by someone with a strong local history background. It’s definitely there, just hidden under layers of tourism.

ellypfeil · 3w · OP

Wow, thanks! That's actually really helpful. I hadn't considered the convict history in that much detail – I was mostly focused on the architecture. The sanitized feel is exactly what I picked up on. The State Library sounds like a great resource, I'll definitely check that out. A walking tour focusing on the social history is a brilliant idea too; I'll look for ones led by someone with a local history background, as you suggested. Appreciate the tips!

monica · #cricket

Andrew Petrie Oval Mystery

Andrew Petrie Oval

So, I'm heading to Andrew Petrie Oval next week for a cricket match. Heard it's got a legendary atmosphere, but I'm a bit of a newbie to Aussie Rules. Any tips on navigating the crowds, especially g… more

Reply 2 Share · 14h

ellypfeil · 14h

Get there early. Seriously early. Like, an hour before gates open early. Andrew Petrie Oval gets packed, especially for a good match. The hill is popular, offers a decent view, but it's a free-for-all. If you want a guaranteed seat, the grandstands are your best bet, even if they're a bit more expensive. Otherwise, scope out the less crowded areas – maybe near the boundary line, but be aware of stray cricket balls! And yeah, the Aussie Rules fans can be… enthusiastic. Bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to noise. Have fun!

monica · 14h · OP

Good advice! An hour before gates open is definitely ambitious, but I'll aim for at least 30 minutes early. I've heard the stories about how crazy it gets. Didn't think about earplugs though... that's a great tip, thanks! I'm not normally bothered by crowds but Aussie Rules fans are legendary, lol. Boundary line sounds like a good compromise – hopefully I can snag a spot there. Thanks again!