And the saga continues! I spent last week away from uni and with family that had come to Sydney to visit, just generally enjoying the tourist lifestyle. On Thursday my grandparents met up with us and we took a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo and made a day of it!
The zoo definitely required a solid day of touring, fully stocked with animals from all over the world. We were able to watch a free-flight bird show while we were there, which was really impressive, not to mention the view we had while we watched... at what other zoo do you get such a nice background?
Afterward, we found a nice little Italian place for dinner and recovered from walking all day, then decided we were game to climb up the Sydney Tower and get a view of the city at night. It was a genius idea! It was a nice evening so once we got up there, we could see really far out. Sydney is a huge city, making it an impressive sight at night.
Friday was just as packed-- we decided to venture to the Blue Mountains, so we caught a train at 9:30 a.m. to take us to Katoomba, one of the major tourist hot spots. It was a two-hour train ride, and we got to the platform only to be welcomed by thick fog, not exactly welcomed since we had planned on seeing the spectacular views of the valley from the mountaintop, but we rolled with it.
We set off anyway, deciding to do a hike that followed the ridge, nothing too crazy. It started to rain as we began and the fog persisted, but it was actually really nice. The weather added an element that we would have completely missed, otherwise. The fog made everything a little more interesting.
At one point, the fog subsided for a bit and we were able to see out properly, and the view was breathtaking! We could see all along the valley, far off into the distance. It was only a short while that we could see, but it made the entire hike worth it. I plan to make my way back to the mountains again before I leave and see it all on a clear day, and maybe even go see the caves that are in the area.
The zoo definitely required a solid day of touring, fully stocked with animals from all over the world. We were able to watch a free-flight bird show while we were there, which was really impressive, not to mention the view we had while we watched... at what other zoo do you get such a nice background?
One of the neatest things we saw during the day was this wallaby with her little bundle of joy in tow. This joey is on the older side, and watching him wiggle around and plop out of his mom's pouch definitely made me happy to not be a marsupial.
Afterward, we found a nice little Italian place for dinner and recovered from walking all day, then decided we were game to climb up the Sydney Tower and get a view of the city at night. It was a genius idea! It was a nice evening so once we got up there, we could see really far out. Sydney is a huge city, making it an impressive sight at night.
Above, the Sydney Harbor Bridge just beyond the rooftops.
Below, Darling Harbor complete with a couple ships.
Friday was just as packed-- we decided to venture to the Blue Mountains, so we caught a train at 9:30 a.m. to take us to Katoomba, one of the major tourist hot spots. It was a two-hour train ride, and we got to the platform only to be welcomed by thick fog, not exactly welcomed since we had planned on seeing the spectacular views of the valley from the mountaintop, but we rolled with it.
We set off anyway, deciding to do a hike that followed the ridge, nothing too crazy. It started to rain as we began and the fog persisted, but it was actually really nice. The weather added an element that we would have completely missed, otherwise. The fog made everything a little more interesting.
The scenery up close to us was beautiful- it looked like a garden that had been planted, arranged and cared for, not natural happen-stance. The ferns covering the ground were huge and vibrant, and everything was SO green! God did a wonderful job. It was sad that when we came to lookouts, there was nothing to be seen but white nothingness, but you take what you can get.
At one point, the fog subsided for a bit and we were able to see out properly, and the view was breathtaking! We could see all along the valley, far off into the distance. It was only a short while that we could see, but it made the entire hike worth it. I plan to make my way back to the mountains again before I leave and see it all on a clear day, and maybe even go see the caves that are in the area.
Saturday had to be a day finally devoted to productivity, but we went out to dinner at Pancakes on the Rocks as suggested by my housemates. The place is located on The Rocks beside Circular Quay, and serves delicious pancakes, Aussie style- with ice cream :) I don't think I'll ever look at pancakes the same way again... who knew they could be both breakfast AND dessert!! I had a breakfast crepe and then both buttermilk and chocolate pancakes with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, and it was to DIE for! The perfect way to conclude a perfect week.
Sunday I got up early to catch a train to meet some neighbors of mine who were in town and offered to give me a ride home. On the way we made a pit stop for some Macca's in Goulburn, where I was introduced to The Big Marino... because what small town doesn't have a giant sheep?
And now it's back to reality and all of the work I ignored for the week, that is until my actuall break starts this Friday :)
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