Sydney is Super

The truth is that we did not want to come to Sydney. We tried to cancel this last leg to spend more time is SE Asia but could not pull it off. So, we came prepared for a very expensive not very good time.

Boy were we wrong! (about the 'not very good time' part...we were right about the 'very expensive' part) We L-O-V-E Sydney! Perhaps we like it because we have been out of the 'western' world for so long, but I think we like it because it is beautiful and easy to navigate. Either way, it ties our favorite cities list (with Bangkok).

Yesterday we meandered through Darling Harbor. The bay is clean and clear, pedestrian traffic only, and lined with open air cafes, fountains, parks and gardens. We went to the Sydney Aquarium which was huge and amazing with some of the most active sea life we have ever seen! (Note for Greg: they have a huge Lego model of Moby Dick). We saw platypus, manatee (or what the Aussies call dugongs), sharks, all of the fish we have been snorkeling with, and a crazy active octopus.

Today we went to see the Sydney Opera House, the Harbor Bridge, Circular Quay, the Rocks (the 'old' town) and Pitt Street (Sydney's 5th Avenue equivalent). These attractions are all close together so we were able to wander somewhat aimlessly and still find our way to each. There was a strong autumn breeze blowing off the water at the opera house and at one point Addi lifted up her shirt, stood in the wind, and shouted "I just love this!". Ah, we have unleashed a free spirit. Gulp. We took a short cruise of the harbor, watched some good street performers and stopped at a few waterside restaurants for snacks and drinks. The weather was perfect and we came home (to cook our money saver ramen dinner) feeling happy and relaxed.

Tomorrow we head to Manly Beach for our final day on this adventure.

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