Day 14: MARDI GRAS!!

Saturday! My one goal? MARDI GRAS!!! The Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was happening all month and there were a ton of (kind of expensive) events going on throughout February that all culminate in the Mardi Gras Parade. The Parade is free and seeing as I'll probably only be in Australia once I thought I just HAD to attend. The day started with some much needed sleeping in time, making some phone calls and actually making myself some food. As soon as I got ready I was off to wander Sydney once again. I wanted to go to Paddy's Markets (a huge indoor flea market) in Chinatown to grab some nail polish (nail salons are far too expensive to go to them here) and a few other nic-nacs. I walked down to the market going through Darling Harbor and the various shops and restaurants they have there. On my way I passed the Sydney Entertainment Center building, and though I have no idea what actually goes on in there I was impressed by the building itself. I also passed the Chinese Gardens on my way and tried to stop and have a look, but they have an entrance fee so I figured I could go without. When I finally got to the Markets I tried to tackle them by going row by row and comparing prices so I didn't get scammed into buying stuff at the most expensive place. I ended up getting some sunglasses, nail polish, and a purse. I was so proud of myself with buying the purse. Now, normally I am a terrible negotiator. Like, when I went to hawaii my bartering with the shop owners there went a little like this: me "How much is this?" them: "30 dollars" me: "How about 20?" them: "30 dollars" me: "uhmm, okayyy." haha. So, yeah, I give in too easy. BUT, I've been watching Pawn Stars lately thanks to Omar's recommendation and seeing them negotiate so many times their skills have rubbed off on me i guess. The purse was 35 to start and I talked it down to 20! After finishing my shopping there I walked over to Harmony park to chill for a while and read. After sitting there for about 20 minutes it started to rain, so I figured sitting on a park bench might not be the best decision seeing as what I was reading is electronic. So I walked the rest of the way to Oxford street where the parade was supposed to be, and BAM crazy people running around everywhere! People were dressed in costumes, in boas and beads, or not really dressed at all. Everyone was running around fairly drunk and having a great time. Also, apparently walking with open bottles in public is legal cause everyone had booze with them. After walking around for a while to take in all the sights and sounds I settled into where I was going to watch the parade. I started standing there at about 5:30pm and was in the second row. I was standing behind a lesbian couple and a dude with a bright orange mohawk. Soon I was joined by a 26-yr old woman from india and 3 friends from Perth. The three from perth, Sebastian, Linda, and Piper were extremely friendly and we talked for a little while. Sebastian was seriously gorgeous and gay and lovely. He was a hoot (he actually made me really really really really really miss Anthony). They all were sharing around their alcohol and Sebastian and Linda schemed to get Piper (straight) to make out with the random indian girl and lemme tell you, it really really reallyyyyy worked. The hours waiting (the parade started at 7:45) were spend laughing at their antics and viewing all the crazy costumes. Sebastian gave me a Happy Mardi Gras peck and then the Parade was ONNNNN. Okay, now I've never been to New Orleans Mardi Gras and I haven't been to WiHo on Halloween so I don't have a lot to compare it to but the parade was CRAZY TOWN. I have never seen so many topless women, thonged men, or leathered up people in my whole life. Sooo many boobs and butts hanging out it was ridic. There were some hella legit drag queens and a couple actually came over to where we were to kiss Sebastian. LOL. There were a lot of super hot looking gay men and I have never before wanted to be a gay man so badly in my life. haha. During the parade it kept raining on and off, but I guess the bonus of being smooshed like sardines was that I only ever got wet on my head and shoulders so as soon as it stopped I dried quickly. There were a few funny guys standing behind me on egg crates that kept shouting "Hold IT" and "Picture here, Picture here!" At about 9 (3/4 of the way through) my legs and feet were killin' me. I hadn't really sat down since 2pm and I had been standing in one place since 5:30 and my body wasn't too happy. But, I had almost made it through so I stood my ground and enjoyed the rest of the parade. It eventually ended at about 10pm and I bid the Perth peeps farewell as they headed to the Mardi Gras after party. I trekked back to my apartment running into a few fun characters on my way back and stopping by the Scary Canary for old times sake. By the time I got home at about midnight I was soo readdy to just lay and not move for a while. My roomie, Yalin and I chatted about this years vs last years Mardi Gras, and apparently this one was a huge improvement. She also had just made a NY lemon cheesecake from scratch so she offered some to me and it was delicious. Proof that she must be a ballin' pastry chef :D The rest of the night was watching scrubs with Yalin and Willy and resting my feet.

I stayed away from some of the more explicit photos, haha, but you'll get the right idea ;)

Mardi Gras 2011: SUCCESS