All Down Under

G’day Mates and Sheilas

Well we made it here safe and sound, and I guess you’ll notice I have already picked up some of the Aussie lingo.

I must say that I wouldn’t want to be taking that flight on a regular basis that’s for sure! We hit the tarmac in Toronto on Wednesday Feb. 26 just before 7pm and landed here in Sydney just after 9am on Friday Feb. 28. Our plane was also hit by lightening about 10 minutes after we took off from Los Angeles. Needless to say, something like that doesn't leave the back of your mind during the next 14 hours as you fly over the pacific ocean!

There’s a lot to be said about missing an entire day. Our body clocks are slowly but surely coming around to Aussie time and I’m sure by tomorrow we will be up to snuff. This is all good and well, because tomorrow we’ll be venturing out of the city limits for a southern highlands wildlife experience.

It’s Sunday evening as I type this post, and we’ve spent the last couple of days exploring the city, in between catching up on our zzzz’s of course.

Sydney is such a beautiful vibrant city and I have to say that it certainly is the cleanest city I’ve ever been in. There are so many different areas and a lot to keep you busy. It is definitely a diverse mix of people and it really is difficult to differentiate between who actually lives here and who are the tourists; until they open their mouths of course that is. 

 I love the Aussie slang and accent. Sometimes it’s so thick you actually don’t understand what was actually said. Not unlike living in Canada or the U.S.A., but I must say it’s a nice change from the norm.

The weather is warm and wet. Figures we arrive as they are seeing what most hope will be the end to a long drought. It doesn’t really matter to us though because at least it’s not snow!!!

Here are a few photos that we have taken in and around this Stylish city, which is divided into 5 distinct districts with each consisting of many malls, markets, cafes, restaurants, gardens, historic buildings, theatres, galleries and shopping galore.

 

We hopped on one of the many ferries that service all the little islands and districts within Sydney harbour, such as Darling Harbour, the rocks, circle quay, cockatoo island just to mention a few.

 

Sydney harbour by day/entertainment district and marina



 

Same shot by night; these little Row Boats are rented out only at night because of their neon lights.

 

  

North Shore

Strolling along one of the many pathways in the darling harbour district

 

 

Now for those of you that have never seen one of these birds, and for those of you that have written it’s name into a crossword or two over the years, like myself, and had no idea what one actually looked like; this is a white ibis!

 

A closer look…you can actually see its eyes in this shot. Apparently there is a bit of controversy regarding the ibis over here. Seems the debate is whether or not it is a vulnerable species or a pest? I don’t know the answer to that question either.

 

The famous Sydney Opera House

 

 

Of course Wee Shaemus is making his first appearance, and not surprisingly would it be in the style he is accustomed to. He looks quite at home here doesn’t he?

 

Oh, and he made a few friends while there…

 

The ladies were out and about celebrating pending nuptials

 

Ok, that’s it for today; we have a few more for you but my bed is beckoning me, so stay tuned for more Aussie fun to follow.

Cheers, Rick, Sandra and Wee Shaemus