First stop, Sydney

Despite spending three days in Sydney, we only spent one day actually exploring past the rental avenue of Kings Cross, but with a little looking, we easily found our way to the main show. Just a quick walk from our hostel and we were strolling through Sydney's Botanical Gardens--a huge green space full of birds, ponds, and beautiful trees. The Gardens led straight to the Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. It was a Sunday and Sydney was outside--walking, jogging, picnicking, meeting for coffee, ice cream , lunch before the opera. The white waves that form the seashell that is the Opera House gleamed in the afternoon sun, showing off each tile and the craftsmanship that went into erecting the massive structure. Along with the Harbour Bridge, the entire view makes it hard not to list Sydney among the world's most beautiful cities. It is reminiscent of Vancouver, San Francisco and even Seattle and the mellowness of the city also matches the feeling of the Pacific Northwest. By sunset we were on the roof of our hostel, barbecuing with Canadians, Kiwis, and even an old timer from the States. Although we left Sydney quickly for the mountains west of Sydney, we'll be back in January.

To see photos of Sydney, please click me