Remi on the Road: Sydney before the month's over

Ok ! I'm back in Brissie and back in the books as a book-worm-should ! Just a heads up though ...I had a blast visiting Sydney and Canberra over the weekend (Sept 9-13).

Here is why...

A note to Mom and Dad: I flew at 9 pm on the 9th so luck was on my side, which is something I have been noticing more and more on my journeys. This is very much an ease on the mind.

I arrived in Sydney about 10:30pm (by the time I took the train into Central station it was much later) however my adrenalin rush was gradually increasing as I got closer to the city.....no, not from running to catch the train (as a member of the running-photography club), it was sheer excitement to see THE ultimate piece of monument (which was in my hear since way back when) and which could also (possibly) mark the end of my journey in Australia. The Sydney Opera House. At night. On the water. Another breath-taking view to add to my list of 'I-would-love-to-see...'.

For some there are postage stamps, but for me it's collecting memories/experiences from my travels has become highly addictive. Based on my action-packed school semester of endless hours spent writing assessments, I was worried about having to miss out on the adventures Sydney has to offer. However, with some last minute planning and having a welcoming friend living near my destination, allowed me to cross off both Sydney and Canberra on my "I-would-love-to-see" list.

Sydney Opera House was a highlight of this journey. To me, it seems so exotic, charged with national pride. Amongst the architectural wonders, it is one of the 'celebrities' which I was eager to see in person. It would have been amazing to attend one of the performances however, that will happen at a time when my bank account can support such activity. This time around it was strictly window-shopping: 'You can try it on, but better not. Only for the eyes'.

While roaming the streets of Sydney (at 2 am, high on adrenalin, all thanks to the vibe of this amazing city), we tried to adjust to the rules of the road. I don't know what would have happened to us if it wasn't for these very handy and discretely written signs, you see. I just don't know how we could have survived each time we carelessly decided to step off the side walk and head across to the other side of the road. But just like any savvy backpacker would, we followed the instructions and looked both ways, even if the sign suggested to look only the one direction ...

In the city, we stayed in a backpackers near Central station. It was an apartment style so we lucked out with an amazing view from our room. Sleeping near a wall of windows, I got to watch the traffic pass by at night. Seeing the busy streets, I forgot what it was like to live in a metropolitan city. In Brisbane there are moments where traffic resembles an urban jungle, however at night the city is asleep. No buses, no city cat, no trains, and only a few cars seen on the roads. Weekday or weekend, walking home at 3am, I was surprised to learn that little actually goes on at night in the land of BrisVegas ! However, Sydney is a whole different ball-game you see. (Not sure why I turn to sport-analogies now and then, just bare with me if you aren't familiar with the lingo)

Inside the hostel, on the elevator door was this picture, just BRILLIANT, and made us laugh ever time we hopped in. I pretty much pictured kangaroos beating up on tourist from the very first time I got to Oz. Since then, I had the chance to sit and mingle (even taste a few) of these humble creatures. I don't know what the big deal is. These animals look harmless but then again, each time I am near one, this picture describes exactly what goes through my head...

From the kangaroos, to the kiwis ...wait what NO, try All Blacks ! Are you kidding me, am I in a dream all of a sudden. Ok fine, one of my life-goals states: to SEE an AB game on home turf, but meeting them in person COULD technically qualify as 'seeing them' ...why not ?!

So there you have it, in a city considered 'posh' in the southern hemisphere becomes THE place where I get to mix and mingle with the boys from the All Blacks. Richie and the gang signed my now eBay-worthy hat without me being able to tell them how awesome I thought they were. (I got a little too excited to actually talk to them ...) However, I'm sure the silence from me did not damper their day. Over 200 people, squeezed into an Adidas store (like sardines) and everyone just as excited as I was, waiting to tell the boys how big of a fan they were. A few clicks for picture, that's all the time we had. The team was playing Saturday night (that same weekend) in Sydney, which they happily but very closely won 23-22 I believe.

Ok ... so moving on (or at least trying to)! It was hard for me to get back into sight-seeing mode once visiting with the boys ! It was a surreal and unexpected event, made me feel like I was on cloud 9 the rest of the day. However, we decided to check out a few areas and monuments around the city followed by a small adventure up to Manley and Bondi Beach (if I only have a few days in a place that's near a beach... guess where you can find me ...?!) Well, let me tell you, both are very nice places to go and visit. But first, before I tell you about the rest of our trip I need to confess on thing just now: I have a thing for parliament buildings and libraries. Not sure when this fetish developed but I have noticed that when I visit a country, city, or pretty much any place, I need to have access to one or both of these architectures. I was trying to blame this one my childhood and where I grew up. Hungary's parliament building has been one of the many architectural attractions where my heart skips a beat every time I see it: on TV, online, in person, all the time.

Sydney parliament house and libraries are much more attractive inside as it carries antique pictures and furniture but overall, I enjoyed the visit.

Now the BEACHES !!!!

Manly Beach

The ferry ride was just breath taking .... sunny and warm. However, our way into the harbor these were the clouds waiting for us. I must admit it was a little scary as the winds were picking up and we could see pouring rain in the distance. But as usual, this shower ended once we touched land (a quickie).

Day 2 - Bondi Beach

I don't even need to say much here, the pictures can do the talking. But if I had to say one thing: utterly-amazing !!!

Nat and I pooped as usual after our amazing trek through Sydney and its beaches !!! Now we are waiting on some greasy fries and burgers to get us through to our next destination: to the nation's capital we go .... Canberra, ACT.