Memories of Miss Memory

Why is it that a country that boasts the highest amount of technology bought per capita has very few internet cafe’s offering wireless? Why is it that even the funkiest Sydney cafe owner glazes over when you ask about wireless internet access? Happily though, things are changing and i am asking every one of you dear blog readers to demand wireless at your fave cafe and make our city a truly switched on place to live.

So to carry on the cause, and to further kirsten’s melbourne list of free wireless cafe’s, excluding of course, the Gloria Jeans cafe’s whom we ban because they are owned by Hillsong “evil clown and rabid ignoramus” church (not really a church, just a tax exemption) and they also charge you in some areas….bREATH…i have compiled a list of free wireless cafe’s in Sydney. Please feel free to add, update or heckle.

THE ROCKS

The Rocks Hotspot - for 30 minute blocks you can surf the web and check your mail while chilling out in Sydney’s heritage quarter. For more info go here or for technical difficulties call (02)90176399

Brew Cafe - 121 Harrington St - The Rocks
(Atomic Wireless is free if you buy a coffee)
no longer available.

MANLY
Chocolate by the Bald Man, in Manly wharf,
(The signal was low but useable. And the chocolate and Manly are a big plus)

Atlantis Internet Cafe, Shop 20, 74-78 The Corso, Manly NSW 2095

CBD
“Wagamama”, 38 Bridge Street, Sydney Phone: 02 9252 8696
(Ask waiter/waitress for username/password, valid for 4 hrs with purchase)

CHIPPENDALE
“Thurles Castle Cafe”, 196-200 Cleveland Street, Chippendale NSW 2008 Phone: 02 9319 0954
(A PUBNET project)

“Sydney Kings Bar/Sky Bar”, Cnr George St & Redfern St, Redfern, NSW 2016 Phone: 02 9690 0610 www.sydneykingsbar.com.au
(A PUBNET project)

UPDATE: Its a real shame that publicnet has disappeared off the radar. In fact the situation hasn’t really got much better in Sydney at all since I wrote this post. However there is hope on the horizon. The NSW Govt announced that by 2008 the CBD would have free wireless available see SMH article. But Sydney cafe owners are still reluctant to join the wireless revolution. I have been making a point of asking in all cafe’s i frequent about there reasons for not offering wireless to their customers. Their reluctance comes mostly from ignorance, with statements like “it would change the mood of my cafe”, “people would stay too long and not buy anything” and “it costs too much”. Its really just a lack of imagination that stops cafe owners from opting in. In fact unless I am wrong, not one cafe in the whole of Newtown offers wireless to their customers. Its really quite embarassing, for anyone who has been to Europe or America, even Melbourne, we are really behind the eight-ball.

NEWTOWN

Azzara - 6 King St, Newtown 2042
The site of the old Green Iguana cafe is now Cafe Azzara, offering free WIRELESS internet to their customers.
Nice people, good coffee! Finally we are seeing some wireless action in Newtown

CITY
Cupcake Cafe - 2-4 College St. - (02) 9360 1684 - Sydney

Outside The Ivy Cafe, The Glasshouse - Pitt St - Sydney

Radisson Hotel & Suites Sydney - 72 Liverpool St, Sydney,

SURRY HILLS
Cafe Mint, 579 Crown St - Surry Hills

PARRAMATTA

Mars Hill Cafe - 331 Church St Parramatta

BLUE MOUNTAINS
Aloft Guesthouse, 308 Katoomba Street Katoomba
Jamison House & Rooster Restaurant, 48 Merriwa Street Katoomba
Melba House, 98 Waratah Street, Katoomba
Shelton-Lea Bed & Breakfast, 159 Lurline Street, Katoomba
KubbaRoonga Spa Cottages, 2 St. Elmo Avenue Blackheath
Windradyne Bed & Breakfast, 6 Cliff Drive Katoomba
The Chalet, 48 Portland Road Medlow Bath
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TRAVELLING ABROAD

International airports

Free Wi-Fi in Airports

Many Airport authorities are adding Free Wi-Fi high speed internet access as an amenity for travelers. Some offer access in the entire airport while others may limit access to specified terminal or waiting areas. In addition, many airline club lounges may have their own free access available.

took an extended break in Stanwell Park. Here are a few pics i took

…..three words…. The Supper Club. I mentioned this to a Melbournian today and they said that was such a Sydney thing to say. However its true. I can’t think of anything quite like the Supper Club in Sydney. And if there was such a thing it certainly wouldn’t be as colourful and inclusive as this establishment. I even wore thongs in there and nothing was said. Truly a place to be cherished.

K and I were in there on Saturday night after Honky Tonks. We ordered a glass of smashing barossa shiraz (i can’t remember the name - it was late) but we never ended up with it because another customer bought us both a glass of Rose. We ordered cheese and drank our chilled cheery wine and marvelled at the texture and flavours of the cheeses. Its a shame to go to the Supper Club after imbibing rude cocktails at a club. The palette is well and truly numbed and the finer points are lost. Anyway one glass was enough because I was completely sloshed after that. We rolled home at 3am zizizizizzzzzzzzzz…….