Sydney: The Harbor City

Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s a city built around a harbor with water and boats everywhere. How could they go wrong with that concept. Besides, Sydney has then same name as our beautiful granddaughter, it was nice of them to honor her.

The night we arrived we took a short walk to the waterfront and I saw the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge for the first time. It was an amazing moment. Photography does not do these two structures justice, they are simply amazing to see in person. On our first day in Sydney we toured the city and ended up at Bondi Beach. "Bondi” is an Aboriginal word meaning water breaking over rocks. It’s like we suddenly appeared in Southern California! Huge sand beach, massive group of surfers, shops, restaurants and drinking establishments, with yoga, fitness classes, and even a tight rope walker in the adjacent park. In the afternoon we toured the Sydney Opera House inside and out. What a beautiful structure! With it’s five theaters, it is always full of life for Sydney’s citizens. If you have never heard the story of how the Sydney Opera House was designed and built, you should look it up. It’s an amazing story of relentless pursuit.

On the second day we visited the Blue Mountains. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate, and we arrived in pouring rain. It is beautiful, but I have no photos to share. In the afternoon we visited the Featherdale Wildlife Park. The weather opened a window for our visit as we met a number of Australia’s unique creatures! The Koala bears were everyone’s favorite.

On our third day in Sydney we started with a visit to one of the best Opal jewelry manufacturers in the world. Did you know that 90% of the world’s Opals come from Australia? Liz now has one of them. They showed us the world’s largest Opal which they have under glass in a safe because it is valued at over $1,500,000. Afterwards, we took a two hour boat tour of Sydney Harbour. It’s a beautiful living and working harbor that is the lifeblood of Sydney. Unfortunately, the weather again prevented getting good photography.

We love Sydney and would come back again anytime! Today we fly to Cairns. They promise us sunny, hot weather and the Great Barrier Reef!

Miles traveled on this trip to date: 9,432. Number of days on this trip to date: 17