Clarice got up early and went for a run while I slept in. This is pretty much a standard occurrence for us on Saturdays, but I used the “jet lag” excuse to stay in bed rather than follow her exhaustedly around town. I may eventually buy a bike to ride with her on her runs…but I digress.
Once we got cleaned up and had breakfast, we took the bus down to Manly and from there the ferry across to Circular Quay in downtown Sydney. Clarice had taken this same ferry on her first tip last spring and she said it would be a good way to first experience the city. She was right. Anyone planning on a visit – this will be the first thing we take you to do.
As the ferry rounds the point, and the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge first come into view, it takes your breath away. I’ve decided that the Opera House, for me, goes into the same category as Tower Bridge in London. Every time you look at it, as it was a beautiful day in the low 70’s, you want to take another picture. I had first thought I would not bring my camera, only Clarice’s little point and shoot. At the last minute I changed my mind and packed it into my Cleveland Browns backpack. Boy was I happy I did. As you can see from the slideshow, the architecture and views of Sydney were just awe inspiring. While I am technically on vacation for the next week or so, it is hard to imagine that I will be living in this beautiful place for the next year. In future posts I’ll enter some pics of the Narrabeen area and it is just as beautiful.
We spent the entire afternoon walking around and taking pictures. The Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are in almost every one, but there is so much to see and do down in that area, called The Rocks because of the rocky outcroppings there where one of the first settlements was established. Most of the actually rocky outcroppings are gone, but the quaintness of the area remains. Lots of little shops and restaurants along with a big outdoor market that is open every weekend. We strolled the shops, bought a few things, ate lunch at a little Italian joint (natch) and generally had a wonderful time. We stayed until sunset, getting some spectacular photos of the Opera House as the sunset reflected off and the colors because very intense. I can’t wait to get back.
It was full dark by the time we boarded the ferry back to Manly (about 5:30 – it is the beginning of winter here). We shrugged off the cooler temperatures (with thanks to a sweatshirt I bought) and stayed out on the deck just watching the beautiful evening. Very romantic.
That was Saturday. Shorter posts, but I’m sure you can tell the pictures will do much of the talking. Until next time…
Jon
3 comments:
How many things does Jon own that he bought simply because it was "chilly" and wasn't properly prepared?
I could probably live of that $$ for a month...
Those pictures are beautiful. Glad that you all are finally together and settling in.
Really enjoying your journalling. Those pics sure are breathtaking.
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