Sydney

We recently returned from 5 days in Sydney.  What a wonderful city and quite a contrast with Melbourne.  One big difference was that we played tourist in Sydney - stayed in Darling Harbor and saw many of the sites one is supposed to see when in Sydney.  Sydney is set up for tourists and was very engaging.  Of course in Melbourne we aren't playing the tourist much but instead are playing at being residents which leads us to experience the day to day rythem of life. 

You cannot compare the harbor in Sydney to anything else I have ever seen.  It goes on for ever and the entire city is built around the various branches, coves and tributaries.  I was surprised by how hilly the city is - it was reminicent of San Francisco in many ways.  When you talk with people in Melbourne about Sidney many bristle a bit at everyone gushing over Sydney and have heard someone say "its just a harbor - they need to get over it."  I have to say that it is a bit more than just a harbor and it would be hard to get over.  Comparing Melbourne & Sydney is like apples and oranges.

At sunset across Darling Harbor

 

 

 

We opted not to do the bridge climb but you can do a walk to the top of the harbor bridge

I was surprised to find out that the entire outside of the opera house is ceramic tiles

playing the didgerdoo

 

 

 

 

Darling Harbor

The Chinese Garden

Bondi Beach

Surfers at Bondi