Goodbye Perth, Hello Sydney!

Sydney Opera House

Leaving Perth was certainly not an easy task. Between packing, selling my car, flight arrangements, and final goodbyes all the while still trying to enjoy my last week proved to be quite the challenge, but it all ended quite well and I wouldn't have changed it for anything. The week was a bit tearful on my part as I said goodbye to friends made throughout the year. However, I kept a smile on and made the best of the bittersweet time. After a wonderful last week in sunny Perth, I made my way to the east coast to suss out Sydney before I head back to the states.

I was fortunate enough to have my good friend, Caitlin, living in Sydney so I was set for accommodation during my short stay. Unfortunately, due to her work schedule, we were only able to spend a portion of my stay together. Although that did not stop me from venturing out and exploring Sydney on my own!

Harbour Bridge

Sunday I found myself wandering around the city on a 3 hour walking tour. The tour was phenomenal and what was even better was that it was free! :) On our little trek we managed to hit almost every single Sydney icon (that was within walking distance of course!). The journey began at Town Hall which is now primarily used as a concert hall. We continued down George St. - the main street of the city- and explored Pitt Street Mall and then continued on to Hyde Park, the "Rum" Hospital, and the Sydney Tower. We eventually found ourselves at Circular Quay - the main water hub for Sydney. The tour took us through The Rocks (the oldest part of Sydney) and finally to the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. What a sight! Both are absolutely spectacular, but I must say that after walking through Sydney, I still much prefer Perth and Melbourne. Although, I might be a little biased. :) My day finished out with a lovely dinner at a tiny Thai restaurant with Caitlin. It was certainly great to catch up with her after so many months!

Chilling with my new friends :)

Blue Mountains

A tour to the Blue Mountains was on the docket for Monday and they were absolutely breathtaking. The day was perfect for the trip - sunny, blue skies, and 27C! Beautiful! The journey to the Blue Mountains from Sydney takes about 2 hours, but to help break up the time a bit, the tour stopped at Featherdale Animal Park where I got to feed kangaroos and pet a koala. Along the journey, we also stopped to learn how to throw boomerangs! We finally made it to Wentworth Falls after a short stop in Leura for lunch. After exploring for a bit, it was on to the Three Sisters and Kitoomba Falls where we were taken on 2 cable cars and the steepest railway incline in the world - 52 degrees! I made friends with a Welsh couple on the tour and we explored the rainforest around Kitoomba Falls. The tour's last stop before hopping on a ferry was to the Olympic Park at Homebush. Unfortunately this was just a quick stop, but I still managed to find something interesting under the Olympic Flame. All of the medalist from the 2000 Olympics each have name plates below the sculpture and I found my host dad's plate. :) The ferry ride back to Circular Quay gave way to some spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House as well as different views of the city. After a long 10 hour day touring around it was time for a pint and some grub while chatting with Caitlin. We reminisced about Perth and the time we shared there. I even managed to make her laugh so hard she cried. =P

Bondi with Caitlin

For my last full day in Australia, there was no better choice than to hit the beach! Caitlin and I spent the better part of the day soaking up the sun and splashing in the waves. I somehow even managed to get burned! The plane ride won't be quite as enjoyable now. =P After a fun day of sun, surf, and bubble tea, it was time to say goodbye to Caitlin. Certainly not a fun task, but we have great memories! :)

Now I must finish up some last minute packing and head off before my big day of travel begins! Much love!


~A