Sydney: A Book Lover's Paradise
In Metro Manila, people seem forced to spend more time reading traffic signs than actual books. But as the Paranoid Traveler discovers on a recent trip to Australia, the walkable city of Sydney happens to be a paradise for book lovers.
If you love books, I feel your pain. We,
book lovers, here in Manila or perhaps anywhere in the Philippines are not
spoiled with a preponderance of book stores. Whatever few stores we have,
they are predictable. You step into one, you step into others, and they
mostly carry the same titles. You even have to brave the traffic to go from one
store to another! But that's not the case in walkable Sydney. On my recent trip, I discovered
seven book stores that are all within walking distance from one another and they are as
varied as the titles they carry.
Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
ABC
Shop
Queen Victoria Building
The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is the
main place to shop if you have money. If you don’t, it’s the place to take
a selfie with its beautiful architecture. But for a book lover, the place to go
is the ABC Shop although it is just a small store with very limited selection.
It can serve as the appetizer for our book store-hopping in Sydney's Central
Business District.
Abbey’s
Book Shop
131 York Street
If you step out of the QVB on to York Street, Abbey’s Book Shop will be there to greet you with its general and specialty titles. It’s bigger than ABC
but not that big to overwhelm you with its size. Very neat and well-organized.
The second floor houses the science fiction titles.
Dymocks
428 George Street
Dymocks reminds me of Powerbooks when the latter still had its branch in Arnaiz, Makati back in the 20th century. It’s spacious and holds a lot of popular titles.
Dymocks
428 George Street
Dymocks reminds me of Powerbooks when the latter still had its branch in Arnaiz, Makati back in the 20th century. It’s spacious and holds a lot of popular titles.
Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
Kinokuniya
Level 2, The Galeries/500 George Street
Kinokuniya is the biggest book store in our
two-kilometer radius trip but it is not as big as our “Fully Booked” in Manila. I
almost wept at the sight of shelf after shelf of graphic novels that are not
readily available here that I was prepared to pay for extra baggage on my
flight back home. I felt crowded inside though as they seem to be running out
of space and ideas on how to display all their books neatly. It sort of resembles
my own modest library as I, too, am running out of space for all my books.
Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
King’s
Comics
310 Pitt Street
If the graphic novels that I bought at
Kinokuniya were not enough, King’s Comics promised to fill the void being
Sydney’s premier comic book store. Since it is a geek shop, I satisfied
my inner geek with some toy purchases as well.
Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
Elizabeth’s
Book Shop
1/343 Pitt Street
Directly across King’s Comics is
Elizabeth’s Book Shop, a second-hand book store that has been in operation for
40 years. Even though it is a used book store, it is clean enough that one need not
use a hand sanitizer afterwards.
Copyright Photo: The Paranoid Traveler/PFN |
Comic
Kingdom
71 Liverpool Street
The Comic Kingdom is heaven to any
vintage pop culture collector out there. It carries old comic books like Richie
Rich and Sad Sack in good condition for only $2 each! The store ambience is
as old and creaky as their merchandise of fast food toys and movie magazines
from the eighties. But they do sell new superhero titles as well on the second
floor.
I guess the wonderful thing about having
a walkable city like Sydney is that you get to discover shops that are in not
your itinerary but end up in your "must-come-back-again" list. And by again, I
mean, come back again the next day for another round of book sniffing!
Traveler's Notes:
Currently, there are only two airlines operating service out of Sydney to the Philippines.
Traveler's Notes:
Currently, there are only two airlines operating service out of Sydney to the Philippines.
- Philippine Airlines operates four weekly flights to/from Manila
- Qantas operates four weekly flights to/from Manila
Often what can be frustrating and limiting for Filipinos travelling abroad is the steep cost of accommodation in some foreign countries. However, Sydney does have a selection of affordable hotel options including:
Case study always considers deep study and research, and as a scholar, it is always necessary to frame out the case study in a proper format. But do you know how you can frame it? Are you in the search of ways through which you can effectively frame your case study? Well, we got all the answers to your question. Just read our expert-written post carefully.
ReplyDeleteGeography Assignment Help Services: A Boon For Students
How To Improve And Make A Stronger University Assignment?
How To Improve And Make A Stronger University Assignment?
How Do Finance Assignment Help Services Assist Students?
How Do Finance Assignment Help Services Assist Students?
Sydney bookstores in Australia offer a diverse array of literary treasures, from classic novels to contemporary bestsellers. Amidst the bustling cityscape, bookworms can explore cozy independent shops and well-stocked chains. For writers seeking to publish, there are also opportunities to explore ebook writing services USA.
ReplyDeleteSydney, a haven for book enthusiasts, offers a multitude of bookshops and libraries. As the best primary care physician near me would agree, reading is a form of therapy, providing relaxation and mental stimulation. In Sydney, bibliophiles can immerse themselves in literary worlds, making it a true paradise.
ReplyDeleteIn Sydney, book lovers find their haven among charming bookstores and literary cafes. The city's vibrant culture and scenic beauty inspire endless reading adventures. Amidst this paradise, one must Choose Smart Roof for cozy reading spots and tranquil escapes. Sydney beckons, where every page turns into a journey of discovery.
ReplyDeleteDiscovering Sydney as a haven for book enthusiasts is as essential as knowing a dependable Emergency dentist near me for urgent dental needs. The city’s rich literary culture and diverse array of bookshops create a perfect backdrop for readers and writers alike. This blog captures the essence of Sydney’s vibrant book scene and is a must-read for anyone who cherishes the written word. Eagerly looking forward to exploring these literary locales!
ReplyDeleteSydney, with its myriad of quiet corners and bustling streets, offers a sanctuary for those who seek Balance And Harmony For Life through the written word. This city, a treasure trove for bibliophiles, presents an array of havens where one can delve into the literary world.
ReplyDeleteFrom the iconic State Library of New South Wales to the charming independent bookstores that dot the landscape, Sydney is a place where stories come alive. Each nook dedicated to books is a portal to different worlds, allowing readers to transport themselves across time and space.