Sheraton on the Park: a good place for a stroll

This afternoon, for some reason, I'm over resort hotels.

Typically Isolated, and at least a $15 taxi fare away from any authentic city life, I would not chose to stay in one tonight. Often budget-minded guests of these resorts feel like they've got to pack granola bars and peanut butter to survive any meals the company doesn't cover.

This past December at 7:00 a.m. and 70 degrees outside, I wandered onto the streets of Sydney from the Sheraton on the Park. Just down the block, I came across a series of Christmas windows warmly-lit with animatronic musical vignettes.  The recorded tracks blended with the sounds of cars, buses, and morning joggers, emanating rowdy, beer hall sounding carols.
 

I left the Christmas windows and wandered across the street through Hyde Park. I stopped to pick a few sprigs of lavender and smushed them in my palm.

God bless hotels that are integral parts of pedestrian-friendly communities.