Sydney - Day by Day

Those who know me well, would understand that I am not usually the most happy-go-lucky type of guy if I am out of bed at 5:00 in the morning. However, this day was different. I was wide awake in a semi-crowded Fiji airport that was no larger than a common waiting room in an American hospital. I was eagerly awaiting my departure to Australia where I would be spending the next 5 months of my life.

(Picture above is of the King's Cross neighborhood just outside of my hostel)

Day 1

After a short 3 hour flight from Fiji on a Boeing 747, I touched ground on the east coast of Australia in Sydney. Being that it was only 11:00 am, I had nearly a full day ahead of me to check out the city but first I had to make it through customs. Now normally I wouldn't be distraught in a situation such as this, as I'm neither a drug-lord or a wanted felon. However, I was bringing in some small shells and pieces of coral as souvenirs from Fiji (for those not accustomed with going through customs, these items are in somewhat of in a gray area in terms of being allowed to take them into another country). My worries vanished though as I was pushed through the gates and into the city. After an hour long shuttle ride from the airport (which happened to be a great first glimpse of the city), I arrived at Eva's Backpackers, my first hostel in Sydney where I would be spending the next 4 days. I was greeted by the friendly Australian host (I presume was Eva) and was assigned my room. I opened my door to find an empty room (my three other unknown roommates were already out for the day). I quickly locked up my things in the room and off I went.

I was very pleased with the first views from the neighborhood where I was staying. It reminded me of the architecture in the Georgetown area of Washington DC, the weather of Los Angeles, and a city atmosphere that I have not yet been to before, until now. There was so much color and greenery throughout and inside the city. If you have ever been to St. Paul, Minnesota in the neighborhoods around St. Thomas, you might have an idea of what landscape I'm trying to describe.

The first thing I purchased was a CityRail unlimited weekly travel pass, undoubtedly the best thing I had purchased in Sydney. This allowed me to scurry around the entire city via train (subway), bus, or ferry (my favorite) wherever I desired and as regularly as I chose. For a little over $45, I knew this was the cheapest way to see the most possible in my week in Sydney. In fact, learning the rail system itself allowed me to sink into the Sydneysider's culture like none other.

Circular Quay Ferry Wharfs

After some guidance from several helpful Aussies, it was a quick rail ride from King's Cross to Circular Quay. Circular Quay, for those who don't know, is where all the action in Sydney begins. The second you step off the train, you see everything. Sydney Harbour is right in your face! Look to your right; you see the Opera House. Look to your left; there is the Sydney Harbour Bridge! Look straight ahead, and you see the Circular Quay Ferry Wharf; 5 large docks with large commuter vessels constantly pulling in to dock while some are departing for other parts of the harbour.

"The Rocks" - Below the Sydney Harbour Bridge

"The Rocks" - Neighborhood

I spent most of my first day on this square mile plot of territory just outside of Circular Quay. I first walked towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge and "The Rocks" neighborhood of Sydney. "The Rocks" is the neighborhood first settled by convicts whom were transported by the British government in the mid 1800's. I was fascinated by many old buildings and stone walkways that still exist and some that are even still in retail operation. From "The Rocks" I scaled a steep stairway to the beginning of the pedestrian walkway on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I took the time to walk across the entire bridge to North Sydney.

Pedestrian Walkway - Sydney Harbour Bridge

North Sydney

It took nearly 30 minutes to walk across the bridge which also contains 8 lanes for vehicular traffic, CityRail lines, and obviously the pedestrian walkway. I had the opportunity at some spectacular views and great photographs overlooking the harbour, the Opera House, and Sydney in general. After building a decent appetite from the bridge hike, I traversed back into "The Rock's" for some food. I took the advice from my Frommer's guide to check out "G'day Cafe" a relatively inexepensive cafe in the heart of "The Rocks". I ordered a cheeseburger and a Coke. When preparing my meal, the cafe owner asked if I would like beetroot on my burger. After recalling reading about beetroot being a customary Aussie burger condiment and not wishing to be immediately banished from the country as a tourist, I said "Why not?". The burger was great, although the sweet taste of the beetroot and it's soggy, reddish-pink effect on my bun was not quite my thing.

"Beetroot" Burger

After my meal, I continued on to the Opera House, which was unbelievable to finally be able to see with my own eyes. I took some pictures and hurried back down to the ferry wharfs to catch the ferry leaving for Manly at dusk (8:00 pm). I secured a spot on an outside bench of the boat and readied my camera for the 30 minute scenic trip to Manly (the longest ferry ride in Sydney). The ferry to Manly at dusk is apparantly a hot ticket, as the ferry was nearly full with camera-grasping tourists such as myself. It was here that I understood why travelers worldwide recognize the brilliant lights of Sydney as one of the most unparalleled cityscapes in the world.

Foremost building of the Opera House - Fancy Restaurant Inside

The "Crows" of Sydney - I saw these things all over!

Day 2 to come soon... Stay tuned.

Thank you for your wonderful comments! I appreciate you taking the time to follow me on my adventure...