After two days in Bondi, I left the my wonderful hostesses and hopped on a train into the city. (Another reason to live in Bondi, you're not in the city but you're only a quick train ride away from it.) Luckily I was able to check into my hostel early so after putting my stuff down I examined a map and made out my plan. My hostel happened to be st the end of a street that pretty much led to everything so I figured I would start walking down that and see where I ended up. I could have taken a bus or a taxi but walking meant I saved money, got in some exercise, and saw not only the tourist hot spots but everything else in between. Everything that makes Sydney, Sydney. I would recommend this to anyone Exploring a new city but what I would also recommend is to wear good shoes, and not carry a 15 pound bag. For the last three days I have struggled to make it back to my hostel because I am so worn out. My Rainbow flip flops were not made for long walking excursions, or maybe they were but that was three years ago. My lower back was screaming at me and cursing my wonderful, but heavy camera. So with my Kindle, wallet, camera, and various papers in my bag my weary feet carried me through the city.
When I first arrived it was hard to believe I was in Sydney. Being in the center of it doesn't feel particularly special. It was kind of like being in Melbourne. So I wasn't as excited as I probably should have been, until I saw the Sydney Opera House. When I started walking I knew that Circular Quay (pronounced "key") would be my destination and that I wanted to see this iconic place. It's not that I didn't know what it looked like, everyone knows what it looks like, but its one of those things that you have to do so you can say, "I've been there." As I made my way through The Rocks, a historical neighborhood of Sydney, I spotted the opera house through some trees in the distance. My pace quickened and I immediately began searching for a better view, a more open space. Once I did I just couldn't believe I was actually standing there. That's when Sydney became real to me. Standing there looking at the Sydney Opera House completely amazed by this stunning building sitting on the edge of the water.
I had been going back and forth about whether or not to buy a ferry pass, deciding if it was worth the money. Seeing the opera house made the decision for me. I just had to get a better look at this place. From the water the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House sit perfectly together. I kept taking pictures, pretty much the same one, over and over again. It's features the Sydney skyline with two of its most beloved treasures.
Once I finally comprehended that I was in Sydney Australia the day seemed a lot shorter. I felt like I hadn't given myself enough time to take everything in. I was singing Wicked's "One Short Day" in my head. In my quick day and a half in Sydney I experienced Pitt Street Mall, the Queen Victoria Building, Hyde Park, the Domain, the Botanical Gardens, Darling Harbor and Market City. I also got to check out the area surrounding the university and eat my first taste of Japanese food. Although I know I left a lot of things unseen, I felt pretty good about my brief tour of Sydney.
You should visit Sydney if you:
1. Love to shop. I was completely blown away by the number of malls and stores I came across. The malls actually connect above streets to form a gigantic shopping center. And it's not American Eagle. We are talking Chanel, Hermes, David Jones, Prada, Versace, and a slew of boutiques. The price tags make it a window shopping experience, but still fun.
2. Love to eat. Have I mentioned Australia has great food? Well this applies to Sydney as well.
3. Love to exercise. I was surprised that I saw just as many people running or working out in the parks in Sydney as I did in Bondi. Also walking around the city provides your days worth of steps.
There's so much more, especially if you hop on a ferry and visit surrounding areas. All in all Sydney gets two thumbs up from this girl!
Next up: Brisbane and my Easter weekend with Hillsong!
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