Sydney

Its been a long time coming. Alana and I have always shared the dream to see Australia. Sydney was my first choice. Alana has been to Brisbane on work related trips on several occasions.



Europe may have emptied there prison's and sent them here but its my guess many of their great minds went along for the ride.




This thought always scared me. Left driving is not the issue. Looking the wrong way when crossing the street is. Luckily I'm not alone on that one.




Daveys dream car, job and co-pilot.



Nathan counters with his first choice.




First stop, Olympic Park for my 400M free Gold Metal want-to-be's



A complex that has it all. This skate park also has huge half pipes for the pro's.



I was told to check off weapons next time I attempt to bring my archery equipment through customs. Talk about being the black sheep. the standard range wear is all white, I couldn't have been more wrong.



Nathan leads the way as we take our bikes on the mogul course.



I attempted to relight the flame for you.



No stay in Sydney is complete without a meatpie with mushy peas from Harry's. Quite a reputation and history.

We couldn't have made it more convienent, as we are staying across the street in the famous Wooloomooloo area.





Breakfast brain food for Nathan and I.



A walk through the business section, to the Market






The market is a great place to pick up your Syndey souviners and forgotten warm clothes. We worked up an appetite searching for deals.



Well we certainly lucked out! Our first Sunday in Sydney was also the main street party celebration for the yearly Italian festival. I was surprised at the incredible turnout. I understand that the Italians are the third largest ethnic group in Australia. Great place to end the day complete with quality entertainment, and a homemade authentic meal which I can persnonally vouch for to be as good as it gets.



Another day, a very special adventure. Nathan has been waiting months to visit the famous Taronga Sydney Zoo.




I cannot even begin to convey the wonder of this magnificant zoo. I will perhaps dedicate a separate post to display some unique and fun pictures.




The Zoo is now only a ferry cruise and a cable car ride away. Nathan waits anxiously for the experience.

We are ready to spend the next eight hours wandering around the world. Nathan leads the way.



Last but not least the Kangaroo's



Time to take this tired little Roo home to bed.

UP AND AT IT!! Bondi Beach, Sydney's most famous strip. Backpacker accomodations on every corner.




These kids sure make it look easy. Davey points out that they are closer to my age than his.



This picture does not do this public pool justice. The waves actually crash over the break wall to make the outside lane an ocean swim.



The water was a little cool for these old bones but for some reason I just couldn't resist.







The end to yet another perfect day.



Darling Harbour is a one stop spend the day, without breaking your wallet experience, plenty to do and see.



I guess it only makes sense that a city this big should boast the worlds largest IMAX (eight stories high) I am a sucker for 3D.



..and a world class museum which we toured for the better part of a day.





DAD! It is morning and I am awake, right! This feels very much like an extension of last nights dinosaur dream.



Deep into the city on route to tour the most recognizable complex in all of Australia, the Sydney Opera House.



The harbour view alone is worth the 30 minute walk from our hotel. We actually moved out of the Waldorff apt. in Wooloomooloo Bay to be downtown for the remainder of our holiday. It was a tough choice to give up the apartment for a hotel room but it worked out for the best. A change of scenery, which worked well with our marathon day hikes. We actually have become comfortable to venture out without a map.



The Sydney Harbour Bridge built in 1932. It is the worlds largest single arch single span bridge. It was then referred to as Sydney's iron lung (during the depression) as it kept many working.




We returned that night after the best pizza in years to the Opera House for the premere showing of Edward Scissorhands. It truly was enchanting. My attention was torn between the show and Nathan enjoying the show.






Nathan and I hit the streets in search of the newly released Olympus e 420 SLR camera.



I have been awaiting the release of the new Olympus which is now the smallest and lightest SLR on the world market. We found it in this gorgeous downtown mall. Its been some time since I have used anything other than a point and shoot digicam.



Enlarging this picture (click on it) helps appreciate the new technology. So far so good!






Trading souviners



Alana chooses a reputable gem cutter and a trusting face to purchase an Australian opal before packing for home.