Justin and I were good little troopers our first day in Sydney. Despite sleeping in somewhat uncomfortable coach seats while practically sitting up on a 14 and a half hour flight, we made it all day without a nap and saw some incredible sites! Justin and I were unlucky in a way because we were not seated together. The up side was the he was only one row in front of me, so I was able to interact with him a little bit. Upon our descent into Sydney, an Australian fellow seated on my right pointed out the window and informed me that we were flying in over Bondi which happens to be near where the first colony was in Sydney.
After landing, we took a train from the airport into the main hotel and attraction area and, using our trusty Fodor’s guidebook, were able to secure accommodations at a reasonably priced hotel with spacious rooms. We showered, changed, and head out immediately. We spotted the Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge and got some amazing photographs. It rained off and on throughout the day, but we lucked out, because for the most part the sun shone through the clouds. We climed a pylon and saw all around Sydney from the same height as the top of the bridge. There is also a bridge climb you can do, but it is over $100 USD per person so we won’t be doing that. :) We ate lunch at a delightful cafe with a beautiful outdoor patio that seemed like it could’ve been plucked straight out of Austin, TX. Justin and I were intrepid explorers indeed and walked through the contemporary art museum. Hmmm… modern art.
Our evening concluded with a stroll around the Opera House and wandering some lovely little alley ways. There was an awesome art installation in one alley that was comprised of lit-up Tetris pieces. More photos to follow! Today we’re off to the Taronga Zoo and maybe to some beaches, though it’s way too cold (in my opinion) to swim. :D