Today we took the ferry to the aptly named manly beach across the harbor(bour) from Sydney. The ferry boat fills up even for Monday morning trips, and in 30 short minutes you are in Manly. The boat drops you off on one side of the isthmus and you walk through the shopping district to the beach
As with other beaches, they are unswimmable this time of year due to stingers and sharks. Australia seems to be home to many creatures that can bite, sting, or otherwise incapacitate tourists. They have designed this "scenic walkway' around the area - carved out trails through bushes and rocks. We took the long route around the area through the Fairfax Loop, which winds through an artillery school. At the top of the loop you get an insane view of the entrance to Sydney Harbor. Then you have to walk 4.5K to get back into town.
In town I ended up in a bit of a tussle with a falafel vendor. (Shocker, I know). She asked what I wanted on my falafel and as she asked proceeded to toss everything on. After a few glares and a tense stare down, she agreed to start over and make it right. Beth had a pide, which is like a pizza all rolled up in a thingy.
Aftert that we took the ferry back and strolled over to the famous Sydney Opera House. Richard thinks it's probably the most overrated thing we've seen on our travels. The sides are coated by worn and faded standard white ceramic tiles, that you probably have in your bathroom. They would be better suited building condos on the site. And I would move here and sell them. Beth thinks it's still neat looking and makes for a beautiful harbor view. Especially when coming in on the ferry and getting a view of the Sydney skyline, Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Sydney harobr has been called the "most perfect harbor in the world". Never would have thought to describe a harbor as "perfect" before, but this one really is.
Side note: banks offer 6-8 percent interest on cds here. How can we invest in these? Ideas?
Wandered through the botanical gardens. Not usually our thing, but these gardens had a lake with eels and tons of creepy bats. Not really botanical, but pretty cool. Also tons of expansive parks. Grassy area where people come out here to sit and relax, nap, and picnic. Really nice and peaceful.
Rounded out the day with a night view of the Opera House. Much better in the dark....and a night crossing of the bridge.
The next day Beth wanted to go shopping, and mysteriously I had a lot of work to do, so I stayed in and work, while beth went south towards Darling Harbour. I met up a few hours later to find she had only bought $29 worth of clothes. That's actually a lot for her. The harbor area is really nice. We went over to the casino and caught a little american football. Took our time wandering back through the endless maze of malls. Many of the malls cnnect under the streets, kind of like they do in Singapore.
This morning, Beth did the Sydney Bridge Climb. While Richard preferred to stay on ground level. On the climb, you literally climb to the very top of the arches on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They gear you up in jumpsuits (specially designed to blend into the bridge so as not to mar the view of the bridge), with a belt with a bungy cord attached. This attaches to a cable which goes all along the bridge. So that if you fall, you just dangle instead! (Don't worry Mom, no one actually falls.. it's pretty much impossible) We then proceeded to climb up 134 metres to the very top. Saw amazing panoramic views of the harbour and all around. Got pretty windy up that high. Then climbed back down. Legs felt kind of like jelly afterwards.
Now we're waiting to get on the boat and head to Melbourne. No more $12 fast food lunches! We've really enjoyed Sydney - such a great, clean, beautiful, vibrant city!
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