Sydney

I admit it. I have been slacking on updating the blog.

At the end of July, we went to Sydney before my parents left. It was a blast! It is definitely one of my favorite things we've done in Australia. We stayed at Darling Harbor, only a short walk away from the water's edge. We took the ferry through the harbor to most of our destinations, a lot better than dealing with traffic!

The first day, we went to an area of town called The Rocks. Dad, Danny and I went on a bridge climb to the very top of the Sydney harbor bridge. There were great views up there! It was an exhilarating experience, and at no time was I scared! We were attached to a belt, that was attached to the bridge. It was interesting to see the construction of the bridge up close. After the climb, we had lunch at a pizzeria, and walked around the Rocks district where we were able to get some good pictures with the bridge and opera house.

The second day we toured the opera house, and wandered around the botanic gardens next to the opera house. It was interesting to see the concert hall, and hear about the construction. I was surprised to find in the botanic gardens, a honey locust tree, which we consider a pest at home! There were also tulips, and a large colony of flying foxes, with other interesting plants, and gorgeous views of the harbor. We also visited the Sydney Aquarium, where the coolest thing was walking under the large aquariums, and getting to watch the fish, sharks, turtles, and dugongs (similar to a manatee) eat. Last that day we went to Sydney Tower, a tall tower you go up in to get a good view of the city. We got up there just as the sun went down, pretty to see the sunset!

The third day we went to the Australia Maritime Museum, where we got to tour a retired ship and submarine. The submarine was cramped, I can't imagine living on it! Then we hopped on a bus to visit the Gap, a park that has good views of the opening to Sydney Harbor, and Bondi Beach. It was sweatshirt and jeans weather (our summer is their winter), yet there were still a lot of surfers in the water! Danny was able to rent a wetsuit and surfboard for an hour, and try his hand at surfing Bondi. He was able to stand up a couple of times!

The last day, mom and dad went to the Toronga Zoo, and Danny and I went to the Chinese Friendship gardens, back to the Rocks for some shopping, then to the Art Gallery of New South Wales, where there were lots of paintings and displays. We got to see a picasso and a monet!