Idalis:
After six weeks of camping in the outback and along small coastal towns, we were going to have our first taste of Australia's largest cosmopolitan city: Sydney. We traded in our tents and cans of baked beans for museums and real wine glasses!
Sydney was GREEEEAAAAT! We found it to be a beautiful, vibrant city. We stayed a week, but we could've stayed much longer, exploring different neighborhoods and endless beaches. These are some of the things about Sydney that made it hard to leave:
Sydney Harbour – It's stunning. Both a major port and the city's playground, we loved walking around, taking in the sights and sounds. Chic restaurants (we didn't even look at the menus!), street performers, and oh yeah, the water!
Sydney Opera House – What a photogenic building! Kevin took hundreds of pictures from every angle to prove it! Catching a glimpse of its soaring shell-like structure for the first time is right up there with seeing the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal . . . and just as crowded!
Sydney Harbour Bridge – You can scale the bridge with Bridgeclimb Tours (for a mere $180) or walk across it for free and still get breathtaking views of the harbor. Which one do you think we picked?
City Center – Tall glass buildings mixed with old European charm, a bustling business district, frenetic shopping, and surprisingly clean streets.
Glebe – We LOVED this residential area where our hostel was located. Close enough to the city center (about a 20 minute walk), but far enough to feel like a real neighborhood, it was perfect. Interesting shops and cafes, tons of bookstores, pretty parks, and the cutest (and most expensive!) Victorian townhouses I've ever seen. We just happened to be in town during the Glebe Street Festival on Saturday, and enjoyed listening to live music and perusing the market.
Royal Botanic Gardens – It's hard to believe that this green oasis is so close to the city center. We loved taking a stroll under the large canopied trees and watching the water birds feed.
Museum of Contemporary Art – It's in front of the Circular Quay and has some wonderful, modern exhibits. Best of all, it was free! (Sorry, no pics permitted).
St. Mary's Cathedral – Close to Hyde Park, we stopped in to give thanks for our many blessings and were rewarded with front row seats to a very posh Big Fat Greek wedding!
Beaches – Water is never far away in this town! One day we took the ferry to Manly beach. Kevin surfed, but I took the easy route: nose in a book and toes in the sand! We also did an amazing coastal walk one day from Coogee to the famous Bondi Beach, and watched the waves crash into the cliffs.
Fish Market – Mmmmm . . . we're all about the food! We splurged on our last day and had lunch at the city's most famous market. Fresh melt-in-your-mouth Sydney rock oysters, fish and chips, and two types of squid. Heaven!
We were very sad to leave this vibrant city, but are also looking forward to Sydney's metropolitan rival: Melbourne. These wanna-be City Slickers will continue to soak in Australia's cultural meccas and search for the perfect latte. Wish us luck!
4 comments:
Hello Beloved Travelers...
I check your blog most every morning and today I was rewarded with a new post. And what a wonderful read it was! As you know reading of your adventures in Australia have proven to be some of my favorite posts. And Sydney was no disappointment. It just sounds so lovely. When I read about your hike along the beach I could not help but remember the walks along the sea in Italy. Beautiful! How did my feet survive the miles and miles we covered daily!!! I don't know but I am greatful to have had the opportunity to visit the birthplace of my grandparents! What a beautiful country and people.
We love and miss you...so continue your journey but keep home in your sights. I love you:) Mom
I am so happy to know that you are having a great time in Australia. It is fantastic to know that the people are nice, the country is beautiful and that there is just so much to do and see! I look forward to one day making it there myself. Take care of yourselves until next time. XOXO
Hi guys,
it's so great, you are still on tour!!! Some weeks ago it has been one year we met in Greece.And now you are in Australia! Great!
We are often thinking of you!
Martina & Tobi
Happy Thanksgiving brother and sister. Amail and I love and miss you guys very much. We are looking forward to spending next Thanksgiving with you all together as a family. Sounds like you guys are having a wonderful time in Australia. Stay safe and we'll see you soon.
Post a Comment