Sydney's sites
Trip Start
Feb 16, 2008
1
3
33
Trip End
Jul 22, 2008
Where I stayed
Sydney,
Australia
Thursday, February 21, 2008
After getting situated, I wanted to walk around and see some stuff and wear myself out so that I'd be able to sleep well. I headed for the City Center, Hyde Park, and then the Opera House. I come to really love walking places, because you can see so much that way. I decided if I saw something that interested me, even if it was off the route a little, I'd check it out. I made my way down to Hyde Park which is this wonderful green space near the down town or city center. As I walked, I kept noticing all of the different sounds, smells, the trees, the birds (which sometimes sound like children crying or ar startling until you realize it's just a bird). I've also come to really appreciate the plants, green space, and gardens, mainly because of the influence of my friend Beth. She and I were living in London together after college and we saw SO many gardens (Beth is a landscape architect). So many times something has reminded me of my time there! So, yes, the trees here are big and twisting and just amazing
Bird in Sandringham Garden, Hyde Park
. I love it! I wandered into a big Cathedral (named for a Saint and I can't remember which one). I went inside, said some prayers, and walked out. I wandered down this hill (it was around lunchtime), and saw some fields where co-ed touch rugby was going on. I watched for awhile and then asked a few of the players what was going on. It was a league they play at lunch. Kind of an Aussie CAN League of sorts. They had real refs, uniforms, and water stands. Very serious. I kind of wanted to play...Something that made me laugh...Before noon, on three different occasions, I saw THREE people running for the bus. One caught the bus, the other two did not. That's been me so many times.
Made my way to the end of Hyde Park and found the Royal Botanical Garden and wandered through there. It's free, it's big, and it's beautiful. There is a rose garden and a little pavilion where some suits were having lunch. People were walking through the park with their shoes off, napping under the shade of a tree. I plopped down in the sun and just sat people watching for a little while. I meandered down to the water and then the path winds arounds to the Opera House -- stunning from far away, especially in the sunlight -- not so pretty up close.
I then walked towards Circular Quay and I stopped to watch a street performer who was juggling fire and cracking somewhat sarcastic jokes
HUGE tree with co-ed rugby in background
. To make a long story short, he was asking people from the crowd for participation and I went for it. A few of us had to lie down on the sidewalk (because I was the only woman, I got to lie down on a towel on the sidewalk) while he rode a bicycle no-handed in a circle around us (four) juggling (very dull) knives. I kept thinking to myself, if I get stabbed by this juggling fool, my dad is going to be SO MAD at me!! (Hi DAD! I love you!). Then the guy did this trick where he pedaled the bike which sat on top of this 15 foot pole, supported by 6 guys, while juggling a fire, a knife, and while eating an apple. I had to throw him the apple. It was great fun! I wandered around a little bit more, walked back to the hostel, and made friends, with Emma from France. Emma took me around the corner to the grocery store and then we hung out in the room and watched "Desperate Housewives" with Anne and Simone from Denmark. All very nice! I was asleep by 10pm!
I have so much more to write about yesterday and today , but it's getting late! I'm getting up early tomorrow for a day trip to the Blue Mountains...I'm having a really wonderful time. I'm SO HAPPY I did this!
Comments
hi!
thanks for the description - look forward to seeing more of this great adventure through your eyes :) we love and miss you and it's great being able to picture you sitting in the sun and wandering around some beautiful sights. thanks for sharing.
Bill at Work
Now that you are in the land down under where women glow and men plunder, have you heard have you heard the thunder? If so, you better run, you better take cover. Also, if you get hungry, look for a chance to buy bread from a man from Brussels who is 6'4' and full of muscles, as he will likely give you a vegamite sandwich.
Have fun! Send Choochie a postcard with her name on it when you get the chance!
Anne in Australia!
I'm can't wait to see your pictures!! Love you!